From sparse, industrial materials, to interior spaces dominated by clean lines and decorated with carefully considered splashes of color, sometimes less really is more. Architectural Digest junkie or not, these five cutting edge spaces are sure to impress.

1. Villa Kishti, Anguilla

There’s no doubt that architect Frank Hamilton was focused on the water when constructing Villa Kishti. Picture windows show the azure hues of the Caribbean Sea and sky, while the effortlessly elegant furniture invites you to sit back and take in Mother Nature’s show. Cutting edge design fuses seamlessly with tropical living in this home; each immaculate bedroom boasts uninterrupted sunset views from its glass-railing terrace. While you’re enjoying a glass of wine on the chic white couch (careful not to spill it!), we guarantee you’ll appreciate the minimalist vibe that allows the beauty beyond the windows to take center stage.

2. Sunset Heights, Los Angeles

When you imagine one of those too-cool-to-be-true pads from a movie set in LA, a home like Sunset Heights immediately comes to mind. It’s perched atop a promontory right in theHollywood Hills, so you’re treated to uninterrupted views of LA’s sparkling skyline while sharing the same area code as showbiz’s power-players. Features like a heated lap pool and spa, screening room, and sound system fit for a music mogul round out all the must-haves in this state-of-the-art home built for those who live life in the fast lane.

3. Modern Masterpiece, Vail

Step inside this Vail mansion and you’ll see influences from all across the United States. Compelling photography saysMidtown Manhattan gallery, while cozy floor rugs say Midwest country, and up-to-the-minute architectural features recall a refurbished loft in LA. But, the chalet’s vaulted ceilings and massive windows which reveal a mind-blowing view of Colorado’s Gore Range are the stars here. If you’re a skier who loves magazine-worthy creature comforts, you’ve found your match at this home in Vail.

4. San Marco Modern, Miami

It’s all about the windows at San Marco Modern. Glass walls allow light to pour in throughout the entire home, illuminating the contemporary white furnishings, reminiscent of one of Miami’s hot new art galleries. Color is minial, but the splashes you see fit the room perfectly: retro orange lighting brightens the dining table, and the garden’s green hues seem to glow. The walls are largely empty, but the bay views and glimmering Miami skyline beyond the windows provide all the artwork you need.

5. Heinz Julen Loft, Zermatt

Welcome to chic Alpine living, redefined. Named after the architect himself, Heinz Julen Loftis a state-of-the-art home takes the traditional concept of a chalet and mixes in a few principles of modern design for a space unlike any other. Chandeliers with exposed wires hang from the cement ceiling, while industrial materials are used for furniture such as the grand illuminated dining table (that can be raised to make room for a dancefloor). But the typical chalet-style that we love to revel in after a day on the mountains remain – think cowhide rugs and a pile of chopped wood to throw on the fire. Consider this the best of both worlds.