Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

When you live in the city, space is one of the ultimate luxuries. Even high-end homeowners might sometimes feel like they could use a little extra square footage around the house. Living elsewhere, you probably have the liberty to expand your residences footprint, but in an urban setting you have to get more creative. If youre looking to maximize the space in your home, here are several tips to ensure all your needs are accommodated.

Hidden Features
One way to make the most of your space is including hidden features that can transform a room when in use. For example, a casual seating area can quickly become a media room with a pop-up television that emerges from a cabinet or a projector thats hidden in the ceiling. If you need more room for overnight guests (which can quickly become an issue for growing families), another option is to install Murphy beds in your rec room or home office that are seamlessly stowed away when not in use.

Smart Home Gym
You may not have the space for a full-blown fitness area full of equipment, but you can still get a good workout without leaving the house. These days, there are numerous smart home gyms that require minimal space to exercise with maximum convenience. Whether youre into running, cycling, kickboxing or even resistance training, all you really need is a small corner of the house.

Multi-Purpose Furniture
Having furniture that serves more than one purpose has major appeal when space is at a premium. This is especially valuable if you get extra storage space, like an ottoman that can open up and hold blankets inside or a bedframe for the kids room with built-in drawers where they can keep their toys. Other options might be a versatile dining room table that can extend to accommodate extra guests at a dinner party or splurging on a high-end sofa with a pull-out bed thats actually comfortable.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Living in a beach community has plenty of benefits. Perhaps the most noteworthy is having easy access to the ocean and the endless activities you can enjoy on the water. Of course, the laid-back ambience isnt bad either when you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. If youre considering moving to a beach town, here are a few features that will ensure your home caters to your lifestyle.

Outdoor Amenities
Chances are youll be spending lots of time outside, so your house should be equipped for this. An outdoor entertaining area, complete with a fire pit to gather around when a chilly sea breeze comes in at night, will keep everybody cozy long after the sun goes down. Additionally, an outdoor shower is perfect for rinsing off the sand and saltwater when you get home from a day at the beach.

Extra Accommodation
Beach homes tend to be a gathering place for friends and family. No matter how many beds you think youll need, it can sometimes feel like there are never enough. Thats why its common to see homes creatively accommodate as many people as possible, like with a room full of built-in bunk beds where all the grandchildren can sleep or a guest house where the in-laws can comfortably stay for a visit.

Large Mudroom
Its probably not the first thing that comes to mind, but a well-equipped mudroom can make your life much simpler when living near the beach. This allows you to keep all your essentials organized by the door, like sunscreen, hats, towels and more, so its easy to pack up that beach bag and head out for the day. Additionally, if its equipped with a washer and dryer, you can unload your sandy towels and wet bathing suits as soon as you step in the door, rather than lugging them through the house.

Ample Storage
Unfinished storage space can be a true luxury, as youll likely need somewhere to leave your beach chairs, umbrellas and bicycles. If you have larger items to store, like kayaks, paddle boards or even a boat, youll certainly want to keep this in mind when looking for the perfect beach home.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Is your accessory building approved to be used as a living space? Here are four ideas for transforming it into a valuable feature.

Exercise and Wellness Space

Consider a small yoga studio or exercise area with a few spa-like features, such as a steam shower and a massage room.

Kids Space

From an art studio to a large game room, there are endless possibilities to transform this into a place theyll love for years to come.

Home Office

Converting your accessory building into a stunning office is sure to be a good use of this space, while also adding value to your home.

Guest Accommodations

Self-contained guest accommodations are one of the greatest luxuries that a home can have when friends or family are visiting, especially for extended stays.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are several backyard features that are sure to get you off the lounge chair and moving around outside.

Sports Court

A versatile sports court for basketball or tennis is a favorite among homeowners who have enough space to build one.

Chipping Area

For the golf enthusiasts who want to keep their short game sharp, theres nothing like having a putting green and chipping area in the backyard.

Paddle Tennis Court

Requiring significantly less space than a regular tennis court, it is sure to provide the family with endless fun while staying active.

Kid-Friendly Features

A wooden playground complete with a swing set, monkey bars and slide is always an excellent choice for the little ones.

Published with permission from RISMedia.