Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

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.

These four iconic destinations embrace outdoor living with serious style.

Bali, Indonesia

An abundance of greenery and teak furniture beside your pool or water feature will create a lush jungle oasis in your backyard.

Santorini, Greece

Introduce a rustic appeal with vibrant blue and white patterned textiles and a wooden pergola for your own slice of Greek paradise.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Combine tropical and desert plantings, like cacti and palm trees, with hammocks and Acapulco chairs to create a breezy vibe where you can laze the day away.

Paris, France

Embrace the elegance of wrought-iron furniture and antique gaslight lanterns to illuminate evenings spent enjoying wine on the terrace.

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There are few architectural movements that can compete with the American Craftsman when it comes to exuding a sense of character and coziness. Having emerged toward the end of the 19th century, this style has been in demand among homeowners for over a hundred years and certainly wont be going away any time soon. As the name would suggest, these homes emphasize quality and craftsmanship, which is why theyre particularly appreciated by those with an eye for detail. Here are several hallmark features that make the American Craftsman style so appealing.

Charming Faades
Often designed with overhanging eaves and large covered porches at the front entrance, a Craftsman home feels inviting before you even step inside. Low-pitched gable roofs and tapered columns give the faade unique curb appeal thats both low-key and classic. Plus, theres just something about a Craftsman-style home that looks especially in its element when surrounded by lots of trees and plantings, which makes them ideal for any landscape design enthusiasts.

Large Fireplaces
At the center of almost every Craftsman home is a fireplace that the family can gather around. Oftentimes, youll even find more than one throughout the house. A prominent red brick fireplace with wood cabinets on either side is a quintessential feature that contributes to the balance between cozy and refined.

Thoughtful Details
Perhaps most importantly are the small details that make a Craftsman home stand out, such as beamed ceilings, built-in bookshelves and wainscoting. While a large living room with a prominent fireplace makes for a grand entertaining space, there also tends to be more intimate sitting areas, like window seats and reading nooks.

Natural Materials
Of course, given the features found throughout the interiors, a Craftsman house generally showcases an extensive use of wood and stone. From the fireplace to the built-ins, natural materials are on full display, creating an ambience thats distinguished and welcoming.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are a few ideas for a memorable camping trip seconds from home…

Cozy Accommodations

Fill your tent with blankets and pillows to ensure no one gets cold in the middle of the night.

Camping Vibes

Hanging lanterns and making smores around a fire will make it feel even more like camping.

Evening Activities

Plan out a few activities, like a card game, charades or even a scavenger hunt. Afterwards, star gazing is the perfect way to let everyone wind down before bed.

Remember the Essentials

Dont forget to stock up on bug spray, check the weather forecast and make sure to have working flashlights.

Published with permission from RISMedia.