Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When picturing the perfect master suite, chances are its complete with a spa-like bathroom, spacious dressing room and perhaps even a private balcony or outdoor space. There are, however, a few more features that are equally important to creating an all-encompassing suite that leaves nothing to be desired. Following are a few easy upgrades that can take your bedroom to a whole new level of luxury.

Wet Bar
A small wet bar tucked away in the master suite is a great convenience. In the evenings, you and your significant other can have a quick night cap while catching up on the days events without being interrupted. It can also be used as a coffee bar in the morning, where you can whip up a latte or cappuccino in the comfort of your bedroom before diving into your daily routine.

Washer and Dryer
Having a separate washing machine and dryer in the master suite is becoming increasingly common for luxury homeowners who want to simplify their lives. Rather than carrying a load of clothes down the hall, it can make your life much easier when your dressing area and laundry area are all in one place.

Smart Blackout Shades
Blackout shades are one of the easiest upgrades that you can make to your master suite, but they also might be the most important. These days, you can install smart shades that are controlled via your smartphone and can be set to open at a specific time each morning so youre woken up by natural light. A good nights sleep is a luxury that our busy lives often deprive us of, which is why its important to create the best possible sleep conditions in your bedroom.

Grooming and Make-Up Areas
Everyone has their own rituals when preparing to look their best. Whether its a built-in vanity for doing your makeup in the dressing room or a grooming area in the bathroom, a well-designed master suite should cater to your needs and be an enjoyable place when getting ready for each day.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

We all have different tastes and preferences. While some gravitate toward a home with glitz and glam on full display, there are those who opt for a more casual look without compromising luxury. If youre the type who identifies with the latter, then youre probably familiar with the design challenges of achieving an interior space that feels upscale and stylish without being too formal. Below are a few ideas to keep in mind when designing a home that embodies understated luxury.

Keep It Casual
Above all else, you should strive for a sense of casual elegance, which means that your living area should feel comfortable and functional rather than overly decorative. While you can certainly curate a few objects to put on display, its better to stay away from pieces that introduce high drama or grandeur.

Muted Tones
The color palette plays an important role in achieving a look of laid-back luxury. Oftentimes, designers will go with neutral tones that are timeless and use a few accents of color and texture to make the space still feel energized. Shades of white and gray or natural earth tones are ideal for a low-key ambience.

Quality Materials
Casual luxury is often conveyed through the careful use of high-end materials that are always in style, like marble countertops or hand-planed wood floors. Quality that endures does not have to be splashy and, in fact, its the subtle details that will speak volumes, such as impeccably upholstered furniture or artistic light fixtures.

Old Meets New
Homes that exude this style often combine a traditional aesthetic with a few modern characteristics. Old world craftsmanship, for example, will always be fashionable. But dont be afraid to juxtapose it with contemporary or modern furnishings that exhibit sleek lines to give the room a unique blend of old and new.

Published with permission from RISMedia.