Our ideas of distinguished living are shaped by so many different factors today: geography, culture, taste, lifestyle. But true luxury knows no boundaries. It defies categorization. It has a language of its own. It also has the power to cross oceans, continents and language barriers. The concept of “borderless luxury” is boldly explored in this issue of Homes & Estates, distributed as a special supplement to The Wall Street Journal in the 10 most affluent ZIP codes in the United States and Coldwell Banker offices worldwide.

Whether it’s the super sleek London cover property set along the prized Albert Embankment of the River Thames, the exclusive interview with Francophile designer and antiques lover, Timothy Corrigan, or the in-depth piece on art staging — a rapidly growing trend in ultra luxury real estate circles, this exclusive edition of Homes & Estates is a reminder that luxury is not black and white; it is meant to be seen, felt and experienced in full color.