Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Heres how to design the perfect wine room…

Wherever you choose to store your wine, the key is to keep the space at 55 degrees Fahrenheit and about 70 percent humidity.

From traditional wooden to contemporary stainless steel racks, there are countless display styles to choose from.

You dont want your wine room to look empty, but youll also need space to make additions as you wait for each bottle to reach its peak.

A tasting area inside or near your wine room is a thoughtful feature that comes in handy when entertaining.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are five tips for storing your wine collection.

Proper Temperature

The ideal temperature to store a bottle is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Having a controlled environment for your wine maintains its longevity.

Keep It Sideways

When stored sideways, the wine is in contact with the cork, which will keep it from drying out.

Darkness Is Ideal

Make sure your collection is away from any UV rays that can harm it.

No Vibrations

Vibrations can disturb the sediment in a bottle and cause chemical reactions that change the flavor of the wine.

Monitor Humidity

Keep the humidity between 50 and 70 percent. Humidity above that level can cause mold, while going below can dry the cork.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then your home should certainly have a well-designed space to eat in each morning. A stylish breakfast nook is the perfect spot to ease into the daily routine with a hearty meal, but it can also be great for casual dining throughout the rest of the day, from a quick lunch with friends to a laid-back family dinner. Here are a few tips for designing the ideal breakfast nook in your home.

Connected to the Kitchen
The breakfast nook should feel as if its practically part of the cooking space. Rather than having to go back and forth between the kitchen and a separate dining area, everything is simplified and integrated so you can easily prepare your meal and sit down to enjoy. If youre cooking breakfast for the kids, this connectivity makes it easy for the family to catch up in the morning before everyone rushes out the door for their busy days.

Built-In Seating
Although its not essential, breakfast nooks are often designed with built-in seating that contributes to the informal ambience. Its really more about style than functionality, but theres just something casual and inviting about an L-shaped bench with cushions that wraps around the table.

Maximize Natural Light
Nothing energizes us at the start of the day like the morning light, which is why you should try to put your breakfast nook near plenty of windows if possible. This allows you to soak up the sunshine and feel connected to nature each morning. If you have an outdoor terrace or patio near the kitchen, you may even want to consider designing a separate outdoor breakfast area to enjoy during the warmer months.

Keep it Cozy
Unlike a grand dining room, the breakfast nook should feel cozy and intimate. Its important to keep a sense of scale in mind when designing one in your home to ensure the space feels suitable for relaxed dining. Furnishing it with comfortable seating and an uplifting color scheme will create the perfect vibe for when the family sits down together.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.