VIE Magazine

VIE Magazine Founded in 2008 and published by The Idea Boutique (est. 1994), VIE is a national lifestyle magazine with a focus on telling Stories with Heart & Soul.

VIE's creators strive to celebrate good news through art, architecture, design, philanthropy, and more.

As the warmth of summer gives way to the golden haze of early autumn, ease into the transition with effortless elegance....
08/23/2025

As the warmth of summer gives way to the golden haze of early autumn, ease into the transition with effortless elegance. Silky Sleek’s head wraps and matching loungewear capture the spirit of the season—light enough for breezy evenings, yet refined enough to elevate any ensemble. Whether layered poolside or worn for a sunset dinner by the sea, these essential pieces blend comfort, style, and timeless charm.⁠
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Learn more at Silky-Sleek.com.⁠
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Photo courtesy of Silky Sleek

An Architectural Masterpiece⁠The Echelon of a Life, Defined⁠⁠Late last autumn, a high-profile visitor was seen quietly d...
08/22/2025

An Architectural Masterpiece⁠
The Echelon of a Life, Defined⁠
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Late last autumn, a high-profile visitor was seen quietly dining in a refined, coastal tavern tucked along Florida’s Emerald Coast—a place where the lighting is soft, the cocktails are crafted, and discretion is clearly part of the charm. Mere days later, one of his billionaire contemporaries made an appearance at the very same bar. And yet, not a single patron batted an eyelash. There were no frenzied attempts at selfies, no whispered requests for autographs, no audible gasps or awestruck stares. Instead, they were left undisturbed, granted the rarest of luxuries: privacy. In an age where celebrity sightings often devolve into social media spectacle, such restraint speaks volumes—not only about the clientele, but about the establishment itself. One can’t help but wonder: where exactly is this modern-day sanctuary of elegance and understatement?⁠
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This is Alys Beach.⁠
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Set along a dazzling stretch of sugar-white sand and cerulean surf, Alys Beach recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary as one of the most striking examples of master-planned living in the New Urbanism tradition. But this is no ordinary tale of upscale development. Instead, it’s a living expression of what happens when vision, restraint, and artistry converge.⁠
With its iconic white masonry architecture, granite-lined cobblestone streets, and harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, Alys Beach feels less like a beach town and more like a dream choreographed into reality. A reverent ode to Bermudian and Mediterranean influences, every corner of this 158-acre gem is a study in design integrity. It’s no wonder that its original creators—the Stephens family of Birmingham, Alabama—remained steadfastly committed to the vision, never once sacrificing quality for expedience.⁠
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By Lisa Marie Burwell⁠
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To discover more about becoming part of Alys Beach, please call the Alys Beach Sales Center at (850) 213-5500 and visit AlysBeach.com to learn more.

“A place for the design-minded and joy-seekers—where every object has a story and every corner invites you to stay just ...
08/22/2025

“A place for the design-minded and joy-seekers—where every object has a story and every corner invites you to stay just a little longer.”⁠
—Lily Barfield⁠
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Houston welcomes a stunning new edition to its hospitality scene with the debut of The Marlene, a luxury boutique hotel located in the historic Montrose neighborhood. The inn is a passion project of Lily Barfield, an antiques dealer and the founder of Lily’s Vintage Finds. The Marlene is housed in a neoclassical mansion, where every corner tells a story. Barfield hand-selected each antique and artwork during her travels to France, adding to the space’s soulful, elegant character. Each of The Marlene’s nine individually designed guest rooms is an ode to the influential women in Barfield’s life, beginning with the hotel’s namesake, her beloved grandmother. The property also features an intimate cocktail lounge, Bar Madonna, which is open to both guests and the public. The space, set against a backdrop of soft blues and vintage charm, is led by Tom Hardy, formerly of Hotel Saint Augustine and the Bludorn Group. Hardy brings a delicately crafted beverage program to match the sophisticated spirit of Bar Madonna. Between the heirloom furnishings and art-lined walls, The Marlene captures the soul of old-world charm and the graceful art of living slowly.⁠
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To see more from The Marlene, visit TheMarlene.com and follow and on Instagram.

This issue’s collection brings together pieces that strike a balance between design and everyday ease. Clean lines, rich...
08/20/2025

This issue’s collection brings together pieces that strike a balance between design and everyday ease. Clean lines, rich textures, and thoughtful details shape a selection that feels lived-in but still refined. From sculptural furniture to striking jewelry and clothes made to move with you, each item is chosen for the way it adds quiet confidence to any space or wardrobe. ⁠
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Click here to shop now, and enjoy!
www.viemagazine.com/article/cest-la-vie-well-collected

A Serene Island Getaway⁠Renovating a Luxe Retreat⁠⁠A special renovation project from In Site Designs comes to life as an...
08/20/2025

A Serene Island Getaway⁠
Renovating a Luxe Retreat⁠
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A special renovation project from In Site Designs comes to life as an idyllic private island retreat. This beautifully remodeled home off the South Carolina coast showcases a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living through thoughtfully layered elements.⁠
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In Site Designs was founded in 2005 while Katie Skoloff was completing her final design degree in New York City. She was excited to build a business of her own while living her dream of designing luxury interiors. Her confidence, successful client projects, and plentiful happy recommendations bolstered her growing business. Katie began to bring in additional designers to assist her in serving her growing list of patrons. Since then, there have been a few office relocations and new faces added, but the foundation of designing narrative spaces for people passionate about their interiors, in need of professional ex*****on, has remained the same. In Site Designs is proud to be an all-female company, showcasing the exceptional talent and creativity of women in the field of interior design, including Chisana Hice-Smith, the lead designer and stylist on this project.⁠
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Completed in October 2023, this reimagined residence is located on a private, gated island near Beaufort, South Carolina. Originally built in 2000, this home was one of the island’s earliest constructions and remained untouched until the renovation began in May 2022. Nestled on five acres of a private sea island and nature preserve, the 7,600-square-foot property features a two-bedroom main house and a two-bedroom guest house, both meticulously stripped down to the original structure and reworked to fit the homeowners’ preferences, transforming it into a sophisticated coastal retreat perfect for entertaining their large family. The project evolved to embrace the home’s strong architectural features, guiding the design process toward a more casual aesthetic that highlights the integration of the exterior and interior elements.⁠

🔗 Read the full story: www.viemagazine.com/article/in-site-designs-island-retreat
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Story courtesy of In Site Designs⁠
Photography by Carter Tippins Photography⁠
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Visit InSiteDesigns.com and follow on Instagram to see more projects.

08/19/2025

On this episode of VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul podcast, host Lisa Marie Burwell, VIE’s CEO/editor-in-chief, spoke with Churchill Oaks developer/visionary, Roy Sembera.

Lisa and Roy discuss the origin story of Churchill Oaks, a beautiful gated community that Roy and his wife Wendy envisioned in 2010, which embodies quiet luxury and true Southern elegance on the Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Currently, Phase 1 sits on 42 acres. Phase 2, nearing its launch, will cover 15 acres, and Phase 3 will bring 15 additional acres of an elevated lifestyle. The community boasts numerous amenities, including miles of trails and boardwalks, two spring-fed lakes, a playground, and a private marina and clubhouse, with pickleball courts and more to come in Phase 2. The Semberas' home, in particular, combines personal design and high-quality craftsmanship. Although not many developers live in the community they built, it was always the intention for Roy and his family. During the interview, Roy and Lisa speak of the many parties, benefits, and gatherings the Semberas have planned and hosted, with Fourth of July being the most recent. Their goal was to create a true family-oriented community for the homeowners that values connection and integrity, and they are doing just that!

Check out the Churchill Oaks community here: churchilloakslife.com

Introducing Aspri Villa, one of the largest Compound Houses in Alys Beach, offering the largest pool and courtyard area ...
08/19/2025

Introducing Aspri Villa, one of the largest Compound Houses in Alys Beach, offering the largest pool and courtyard area in all of Alys Beach and the feel of a private boutique hotel. Centrally located on North Charles Street overlooking Papilio Park, this house defines the streetscape with a third-floor tower room that provides horizon views over the townscape. This stunning Tom Christ design boasts six bedrooms and seven and a half bathrooms, providing ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The expansive first floor features a master suite, multiple living rooms overlooking the covered loggia and courtyard beyond, a pool house with two guest suite bedrooms, a professionally outfitted kitchen with Calacatta gold marble and beamed ceilings, and much more. The dramatic, spiraled staircase leads to the private primary suite. A rooftop terrace offers an outdoor dining area, fireplace, and hot tub. This is a rare opportunity to own this one-of-a-kind property in Alys Beach.⁠
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Visit AlysBeach.com/real-estate to learn more, see more properties, or inquire about purchase.⁠
Photos courtesy of Alys Beach Real Estate

While best known for its indulgent cuts of aged beef and opulent steakhouse swagger, Dirty French Steakhouse, Major Food...
08/18/2025

While best known for its indulgent cuts of aged beef and opulent steakhouse swagger, Dirty French Steakhouse, Major Food Group’s glamorous, high-energy steakhouse, also delivers some of the most exciting seafood dishes in Miami. Standout dishes include the Smoked Salmon and Dressed Avocado, featuring house-cured Scottish salmon, sliced avocado, and mustard crème fraîche, and the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, which offer a unique take on a classic, paired with dijon remoulade and a salad of red watercress, celery leaves, and chervil. ⁠
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For a show-stopping experience, guests can indulge in the Dover Sole Meunière, finished with brown butter, sesame seeds, and expertly prepared tableside, as well as the Seafood Tower, served with Shrimp Cocktail, Clams, Oysters, Spicy Tuna Sashimi, and Lobster. These offerings underscore Dirty French Steakhouse’s talent for reimagining the familiar with elevated technique and unmistakable flair—making it a destination for both steak aficionados and seafood lovers alike.⁠
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Read more: www.viemagazine.com/article/must-try-miami-restaurants-with-european-flair

Iron & Grape⁠Chef Todd Misener Brings Food, Wine, and Heart to Historic DeFuniak Springs⁠⁠⁠In the heart of Historic Down...
08/18/2025

Iron & Grape⁠
Chef Todd Misener Brings Food, Wine, and Heart to Historic DeFuniak Springs⁠
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In the heart of Historic Downtown DeFuniak Springs, Iron & Grape is redefining small-town dining with a mix of old-school charm and modern culinary expertise. The new Italian restaurant, opened by Chef Todd Misener and his wife, Kelli, under their Big Love Restaurant Group, is quickly becoming a cornerstone of Authentic Walton’s growing food scene.⁠
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For the Miseners, moving north of the Choctawhatchee Bay felt like a natural next step. Once their youngest child graduated from high school, they found a new rhythm in the slower pace of DeFuniak Springs—with space to try new hobbies, plant fruit trees, and dream up their future farm. When the opportunity came for them to open a new restaurant, the couple jumped in wholeheartedly.⁠
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“I really wanted to do what I’ve always done—chef-driven and scratch cooking—and bringing that freshness to DeFuniak was a great opportunity,” Misener says. “Walton County over the years ... the tourism and the growth of the people that have moved here have really allowed the culinary world to expand.”⁠
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Misener’s culinary footprint across the Southeast is well-established, with successful restaurants in Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida. As a former managing partner and chef with the Word of Mouth restaurant group, he helped shape South Walton area staples, including Stinky’s Fish Camp, Red Fish Taco, and Stinky’s Bait Shack—all of which are now under new ownership as of January.⁠
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The opening of Iron & Grape in March was highly anticipated by both locals and visitors thanks to Misener’s presence in South Walton. Demand even allowed the restaurant to expand its hours to include lunch.⁠
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⁠⁠⁠🔗 Read the rest of this article: www.viemagazine.com/article/iron-grape-defuniak-springs-florida
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Story and photography courtesy of Walton County Tourism⁠
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Learn more about Iron & Grape and Authentic Walton’s growing culinary scene at AuthenticWalton.com.

Tucked in the serene heights of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, Guarda Golf Hôtel & Résidences is an alpine sanctuary where ...
08/17/2025

Tucked in the serene heights of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, Guarda Golf Hôtel & Résidences is an alpine sanctuary where luxury meets landscape. With sweeping mountain views, world-class golf, and interiors that blend Swiss charm with contemporary warmth, this haven offers the rare kind of escape that nourishes the senses. Whether it’s a morning overlooking snow-dusted peaks or a fireside evening beneath a sky full of stars, each moment at the resort is a quiet celebration—a reminder that sometimes, the journey is the destination.⁠
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Learn more at GuardaGolf.com and by following on Instagram.⁠
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Photo courtesy of Guarda Golf Hôtel & Résidences

Meet the Creatives ✨️ Chisana Hice-Smith, Lead Residential Designer, In Site Designs⁠⁠Each month, we ask our contributor...
08/16/2025

Meet the Creatives ✨️ Chisana Hice-Smith, Lead Residential Designer, In Site Designs⁠
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Each month, we ask our contributors a question to learn more about them.⁠
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In this issue, we asked the Creatives: If you could add one over-the-top feature to your dream home, what would it be?⁠
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Hear what Chisana had to say below!⁠
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"As an avid gardener and plant enthusiast, my dream home’s standout feature would be a spacious solarium—a bright, glass-enclosed sanctuary where nature and comfort meet. Wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows, maybe even a glass ceiling, the space would be bathed in sunlight year-round. This area would serve as a peaceful retreat for reading, yoga, or simply enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of coffee. Filled with lush plants, cozy seating, and perhaps even an indoor fountain, the solarium would bring the outdoors in, no matter the season."

08/15/2025

Petition to get on our television screens!!! The time is now 📺

Check out the rest of the interview over on our YouTube channel.

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Stories with Heart & Soul

Founded in 2008 and published by The Idea Boutique (est. 1994), VIE celebrates its ten-year anniversary in 2018! VIE is a national luxury lifestyle magazine that focuses on fashion, architecture, design, travel, culture, philanthropy, and good people doing great things! Our Stories with Heart & Soul moniker is part of the core values of the magazine, which strives to showcase each story with rich photography and exceptional writing.