Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Urban life comes with plenty of advantages, but if theres one challenge that can be difficult to overcome, its staying connected to nature. For many of us, being surrounded by plants and trees or hearing the sounds of birds and cascading water is an easy way to relax and find tranquility, especially when the grind of the city starts to bog you down. If your urban environment leaves you yearning to reconnect with Mother Earth, here are a few ways to experience nature in the city.

Create Your Own Oasis
Whether its a small backyard or a spacious terrace, make the most of your outdoor living area and try to surround yourself with plants. There are numerous benefits to doing so, from the appealing aesthetic to air purification and extra privacy. If you dont have a green thumb, its okay to work with a professional landscape designer to create an enchanting little hideaway right outside your home and, of course, you can always fill your indoor space with plants when it gets cold outside.

Rooftop Gardens
Rooftop gardens are becoming increasingly popular in the city, from hotels with verdant lounges and restaurants to public buildings with well-tended green spaces on top. Roof-to-table restaurants are a another relatively new concept and although they might not have seating on the roof, you can still treat yourself to fresh, organic vegetables that are grown right upstairs.

Parks & Trails
Local parks, nature trails and botanical gardens are all easy ways to get a quick dose of nature when you dont have time to get out of the city. Taking just a few minutes to appreciate all the sights, sounds and smells can leave you feeling more mindful and at peace in your environment.

Indoor Herb Garden
If your home is a bit limited in terms of outdoor space, all it takes is a sunny spot inside to grow your own herb garden. You can garnish your meals (and cocktails) with the fresh flavors of homegrown rosemary, mint, cilantro and much more while getting to experience the wonders of nature.

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When youre moving into a new residence or staging your current home before selling it, finding the right design inspiration can help save you a lot of time and anguish. While there are plenty of good resources to consider, Instagram is perhaps one of the most useful platforms for exploring the latest design trends. Below are a few of my favorite accounts to follow for every style of interiors.

Traditional: @theglampad
Run by an interior design blogger, this account is regularly updated with traditional and elegant living spaces that everyone can enjoy. For those who want to capture a classic aesthetic, youll find an abundance of looks to recreate in your home.

Mid-Century Modern: @dc_hillier
If you have a love for all things mid-century modern, then head over to DC Hilliers Instagram account because this Montreal-based designer shares your passion. He captures the textures, shapes and angles of this style in a way that will leave you feeling nostalgia for the heyday of the mid-century modern movement.

Transitional: @stephensillsassociates
Settling on one specific style can be a challenge for some of us, which is why you might want to blend the best of classic and contemporary with transitional style. Renowned designer Stephen Sills is a master of such and his firms Instagram account has the pictures to prove it.

Modern Farmhouse: @farmhouse_homes
The modern farmhouse style has quickly become a favorite among design enthusiasts and this account will guide you in just the right direction when its time to bring the look into your home.

Minimalist: @interiordesign_addict
When it comes to interior design, sometimes less is more, and this is the account for those who live by that mantra. The stark and striking spaces that youll find here will be enough to have you doing a deep clean throughout your home and stripping it down to the bare essentials.

Contemporary: @sheltonmindel
Architecture and design firm SheltonMindel is celebrated for their breathtaking portfolio of contemporary spaces that span the globe. Their Instagram account showcases some of the firms most exciting work and is a must-see for anyone who wants this style for their home.

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Here are four of todays most exciting wellness features that are finding their way into high-end homes.

Cryotherapy Chamber
This treatment, which entails exposing yourself to temperatures as low as -250 F for a few minutes can relieve muscle and joint pain, rejuvenate skin and boost energy levels.

Himalayan Salt Room
Breathing salty air is said to help improve the immune system and relieve symptoms of certain respiratory conditions, like asthma and allergies.

Sensory Deprivation Chamber
While floating in total darkness for a few minutes many people experience a state similar to deep meditation that delivers relaxation and clarity.

Infrared Sauna
Using infrared lights, the body is directly heated, but the air is not, which some find to be a more pleasant experience.

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The bathroom is a place that should promote a sense of harmony. From your morning ritual to bedtime routine, it plays a crucial role in our everyday lives. For many people, decorating with plants is a surefire way to create a relaxing space, yet the moisture and humidity in a bathroom make it a unique environment. Because of this, you can get away with growing tropical varieties that likely wouldnt survive elsewhere in the home. Following are a few such plants that thrive under these conditions.

Orchids
Native to the tropics, a steamy bathroom can be the perfect spot to grow this breathtaking plant as long as it gets enough natural light. Generally speaking, humidity and an abundance of indirect sunlight are key in order for orchids to bloom, however, there are literally thousands of different species that require varying conditions. Phalaenopsis orchids are especially well-suited to the bathroom and are considered one of the easier varieties to grow.

Spider Plant
While the spider plant can likely do well anywhere in the home, itll be particularly happy in a setting with warm and moist air. After all, theyre native to tropical regions of Africa. Spider plants are renowned for being low-maintenance, but the biggest draw is likely their well-documented air-purifying abilities. In NASAs famous Clean Air Study, they were one of the most effective at removing toxins and airborne pollutants from their environment.

Bromeliads
For a vibrant display of flowers, youll be hard-pressed to find a more stunning specimen than bromeliads. From bright pinks and yellows to deep purple, theyre prized for their unique foliage. Bromeliads tend to do best with humidity levels ranging from 40-60%, making them an ideal addition to the bathroom. The exact amount of sunlight will vary depending on which type you choose.

Philodendron
With its dark and glossy leaves, a philodendron will instantly give your bathroom the feel of a tropical rainforest. There are numerous species that lend an exotic aesthetic, but the split-leaf philodendron, in particular, can thrive in your bathroom while adding a striking visual display to greet you each morning.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.