Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Here are five ideas to help keep your kids busy while spending time around the house.

Prepare the Playroom

Puzzles and board games can be a great way for kids to stay mentally active.

Utilize the Library

If you have a library or reading area in your home, its the perfect space for kids to spend an hour of daily reading time.

Cook Together

With everyone doing their part to prepare a delicious home-cooked meal, little ones will be sure to feel a sense of accomplishment.

Designate Outdoor Time

Dont overlook the importance of outdoor time when it comes to keeping your kids entertained.

Enjoy the Media Room

After a long day of keeping them busy around the house, theres no reason to feel bad about letting the kids enjoy some entertainment of their own.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

There are certain home features that have to be sacrificed when living in a city, like a private swimming pool or spacious backyard. You may be surprised to learn that an outdoor shower doesnt have to be one of them. While the thought alone probably conjures up images of a vacation home outside the confines of the metropolis, it is within the realm of possibility to design an outdoor shower in the city. If bathing in fresh air is a luxury you cant live without, heres everything you need to know.

Year-Round Feature
Outdoor showers are understandably associated with the warmer months, yet they are equally enjoyable, if not more, when the temperatures cool down. From winter sunrises to a quick rinse in the thick of summer, a private sanctuary where you can connect with nature under cascading water can undoubtedly be considered a year-round feature.

Bring in an Ensemble
Keep in mind that designing an outdoor shower in the city can require working with an ensemble of professionals depending on where you plan to put it. If you have a backyard, then youll have a relatively easier time installing one than if its going on your balcony or rooftop terrace. The latter can require hiring a plumber, architect, engineer and even a landscape designer to bring the perfect oasis to life.

Privacy Matters
Privacy, of course, is a top consideration when designing an outdoor shower in the city. Thats why working with an architect or landscape designer is well worth the cost in order to have creative solutions that combine form and function. Even if your rooftop terrace is safe from any prying eyes, drones have completely changed privacy in urban areas. A pergola with thick vegetation, for example, can provide you with cover from above without compromising the outdoor experience.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Interior design certainly gets a lot of attention when it comes to creating luxurious living spaces. Equally important, however, is landscape design. From breathtaking gardens to verdant outdoor living areas, the grounds of your property are an opportunity to make it stand out. If youre on the fence about upgrading your homes landscape design, here are a few reasons why it can be a smart choice.

Curb Appeal
First, and perhaps most importantly, if you plan on listing your home in the near future, working with a professional landscape designer is a practically guaranteed way to increase your homes curb appeal. Luxury homebuyers take note of well-kept lawns, gardens and plantings, and are certainly more drawn to a home with thoughtfully designed grounds than one that looks uncared for.

Better Views
Its also worth mentioning that the benefits of landscape design can be felt just as much inside the home as outside. Whether youre using lush plantings to create privacy or designing formal gardens, you can easily improve the views throughout your home. Even when youre inside, it can be relaxing to feel connected to nature and a professional landscape architect will be able to incorporate verdant trees, shrubs and flowers into your views.

Improved Outdoor Living
Your homes landscape design should meet your lifestyle. That might mean creating a special outdoor area where you can entertain guests with a backdrop of abundant greenery or perhaps growing a garden that you enjoy spending time in. If your kids are always playing in the backyard, you can incorporate a swing set or playground into an idyllic design.

Increase Property Value
If nothing else, investing in landscape design is usually money well spent. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, landscape improvements can return 100-200 percent of their cost when a house is sold. That alone is a pretty good reason to beautify the backyard before putting your home on the market.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are the most popular lifestyle properties among luxury homeowners.

City Living

Vibrant cultures, new restaurants and afternoons at museums are right around the corner.

Alpine Abode

Hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter, there are endless outdoor activities in the mountains.

Country Club & Resort

Enjoy a full package of lavish amenities, from fine dining to golf courses.

Waterfront Getaways

Enjoy dazzling views from sunrise to sunset, and a wide variety of activities right in your backyard.

Vineyard Properties

A vineyard property is the perfect way to connect to your land (and perhaps enjoy some wine while youre at it!)

Equestrian Estates

A sprawling estate complete with equestrian facilities could be a dream come true.

Published with permission from RISMedia.