Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

When it comes to luxury real estate, the right home features can make all the difference. With wellness being a topic thats on everyones mind these days, amenities that cater to a healthy and holistic lifestyle have major appeal to homeowners and affluent buyers. If you want your home to facilitate wellness, these four features will provide the utmost relaxation and are sure to please both you in the present and potential buyers in the future.

Outdoor Sauna
The outdoor sauna is an easy addition to the backyard that brings myriad benefits, such as flushing toxins out of the body and improving cardiovascular performance. Of course, you could design a sauna in your house, but theres just something about braving the elements and being transported to a quiet refuge set in nature. If you have a scenic view on your property, just imagine taking it in while cleansing the mind and body.

Plunge Pool
For those who enjoy the restorative properties of hydrotherapy, a plunge pool will have you feeling fresh and energized each day. People often use these small and shallow pools after being in a hot tub, steam room or sauna for a contrast in temperature that rejuvenates the body. The best part is that they can easily be accommodated in the backyard or master bathroom.

Massage Room
Getting a massage is one of the best ways to let go of your daily stress. While its always a treat to be pampered at the spa, nothing beats having the same experience right in the privacy of your own home. For the ultimate in personal wellness, a tranquil massage room is the perfect way to bring your home spa to the next level.

Meditation Studio
Daily meditation can help to promote both mental and physical well-being. Having a designated place to practice is essential to incorporating it into your routine, whether its a pavilion or garden in the backyard or a room in your house thats complete with soothing lights and aromas.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If theres one part of a home where you can cut loose and have fun, its the game room. Whether youre a pool shark or board game enthusiast, having a designated area to spend leisure time with friends and family is a luxury that cannot be overlooked. While these recreation spaces can be a challenge to design, here are a few helpful tips that will have you on your way to hosting the ultimate game night!

Identify Your Space
A large, open area tends to work best for a game room because it allows you to set up distinct spaces for different activities and is conducive to entertaining. For this reason, game rooms are often located in finished basements or converted attics, but they can really be located in any part of the house depending on your needs.

Consider the Games
Once you know the area and layout of the space, the next step is to assess how you plan to use it. Will you need room for billiards or a ping pong table? Maybe a felted card table or a board game area? Whatever it is your family enjoys, try to make the most of the room and have something that everyone will have fun playing together.

Pick a Theme
Having a theme will set the mood for your game room and make it an exciting place to entertain friends. You can go wild with your imagination and recreate a vintage arcade from your childhood that the kids are sure to love, or go for more of grown-up vibe with a sports bar or casino theme.

Functional Decor
Because game rooms are often used as a multipurpose space, its ideal to have furniture that can swivel or be moved around the room easily to accommodate groups of all sizes. Ample shelving and storage space are also important since therell likely be lots of odds and ends piling up, like ping pong paddles, poker chips, board games and more.

Refreshment Area
Whether its a wet bar or a kitchenette, having some sort of refreshment area is a major bonus thatll come in handy when youre hosting game night. After all, you dont want to miss your turn just because you had to run all the way back to the kitchen to make a cocktail for one of your guests!

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Use these tips to bring the iconic Art Deco style into your home.

Be Bold

Art Deco is not for the faint of heart. Prepare for vibrant shades and contrasting colors throughout your home.

Symmetry will help maintain a sense of order and balance.

Let It Shine

Shiny and metallic finishes are prevalent. Consider glossy paint, lacquer furniture and polished metals to cultivate a feeling of grandeur.

Glamorous Lighting

Ornate chandeliers and sconces exude a warm glow and contribute to the moody atmosphere, while also providing an artistic focal point.

Lavish Accents

The key to Art Deco lies in the accents. Decorate with oversized mirrors, velvet throw pillows and metallic sculptures.

Published with permission from RISMedia.