Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Published with permission from RISMedia.

There comes a time in everyones life when its necessary to find a home to grow old in. Sure, this may conjure up images of shower bars and staircase lifts, but theres much more to a home where you can age in place and frankly, theres much to get excited about when looking for one. Here are a few tips to help your search for the perfect residence to age in place.

Walkability
A neighborhood where you can easily walk to restaurants, shopping and entertainment will only become more desirable with age. Being able to engage with a vibrant community without having to get in your car provides extreme convenience and if the day comes when youre no longer comfortable driving, then walkability is essential.

Space Considerations
An important factor is having a home thats manageably sized. After all, you probably dont want to deal with all of the upkeep and maintenance that comes with a large, sprawling property. However, a few extra bedrooms might be necessary for when your children and grandchildren come to visit. Striking the right balance is key to finding a home that meets your needs.

Luxurious Features
Youve worked hard and now its time to treat yourself. Whether its a backyard oasis where generations can gather or a luxury building with every imaginable amenity, take the time to identify the features that are most important to your lifestyle at this stage and dont feel bad about pampering yourself.

Accessibility
A single-floor residence is generally the preferred choice when purchasing a home to age in place, but its also important to consider the entry points. Will it be an apartment with an elevator or a house with a front door thats easily accessed? A steep staircase at the main entrance is best to be avoided, especially if theres a chance of it getting icy in the winter.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When it comes to designing a luxurious kitchen or bathroom, few materials are as widely beloved as marble. Its literally been used for centuries thanks to the timeless and elegant appeal that it evokes, yet there are some drawbacks to this surface. Because marble is a soft and porous stone, its vulnerable to both staining and etching, which can be particularly problematic if you want to use it in your kitchen.

If youre willing to apply a sealant to your countertops a couple times a year, thats one solution. Some homeowners, however, simply dont have the time for that. If you want the beautiful aesthetic of marble countertops without having to worry about the regular maintenance, here are several alternatives to bring into your home.

Calacatta Michelangelo, Laminam
Laminam is known for producing large porcelain slabs that boast extreme durability and resistance to scratching or staining, and their wide collection of surfaces are as beautiful as they are functional. One of their most impressive is Calacatta Michelangelo, which bears striking resemblance to the iconic gold veins of Calacatta Borghini marble and will give your home a seriously lavish look.

Statuario Maximus 5031, Caesarstone
If you love the deep-veined pattern of Statuario marble, then this engineered quartz surface from Caesarstone is well worth consideration. Statuario Maximus comes in a polished finish that requires minimal maintenance so you can skip the waxes and sealants while still enjoying the look of a marble kitchen.

Et Marquina, Silestone
Black marble tends to be more common in modern or contemporary settings and if you want to capture that look in your home, then Et Marquina from Silestone is the answer. The black surface has white veins and is practically identical to Nero Marquina marble in terms of appearance. However, its made from a combination of quartz and other raw materials that make for a high-performance surface you need not worry about staining.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are a few tips to help find the right fabric choice for each room in the house.

Style and Aesthetic

From solid colors to vibrant patterns and prints, the hardest part is usually narrowing it down to a fabric that suits your design aesthetic.

Durability

There are certain parts of the home that receive more wear and tear than the rest. In these particular spaces, you may want to opt for a performance fabric.

Care and Cleaning

Take note of any particular cleaning instructions before making a decision.

Tactile Experience

Whether its a silky satin or a plush velvet, your furniture should be finished with a material thats comfortable when sitting or lying down on it.

Published with permission from RISMedia.