Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

More and more homeowners are embracing green living. That can mean making substantial changes within the home, but the good news is that using environmentally friendly materials doesnt require compromising your design aesthetic. In fact, there are plenty of stylish and sustainable options for the whole house.

If youre remodeling your kitchen or bathrooms in the near future, consider these materials for eco-chic countertops that are sure to impress any potential buyers:

ECO by Cosentino
Cosentino is world-renowned for producing high-end surfaces, and the companys ECO line is no exception. As stunning as it is impressive, ECO is made from 75 percent recycled materials, such as glass, porcelain and earthenware. The result is a low-maintenance surface that reduces landfill waste and saves natural resources.

FSC-Certified Wood
Butcher block is both timeless and practical. When you use FSC-certified wood, its also an eco-friendly surface. The Forest Stewardship Council ensures that forests around the world are managed responsibly while guaranteeing that the wood has been sourced in a manner thats environmentally and socially responsible.

Durat
Durat countertops are stylish and durable, but, best of all, this surface is made from post-industrial plastic waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill. A sleek kitchen that reduces the burden on the environment is a win-win that you can feel good about with every meal you prepare.

RichLite
Made from 100-percent recycled paper, RichLite is an ideal material for kitchen countertops, and pretty much anything at all (its even used for exterior cladding). The composite material is available in a wide variety of colors and could easily pass for a stone surface, giving your kitchen a breathtaking look thats also sustainable.

IceStone
IceStone has been a leading surface for eco-friendly consumers for over a decade. Its terrazzo-like appearance is due to the fact that the material is made from recycled glass, Portland cement and non-toxic pigments. While it comes in an assortment of exciting colors, the one knock against IceStone is that its somewhat porous and should be resealed annually.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Everyone loves going away on an exotic vacation, but sometimes theres nothing quite like staying home and taking a few days to relax. After all, when you have a luxurious residence, you dont need to stay at a five-star hotel to treat yourself. If youre ready to escape your daily stress without having to pack your suitcase, here are a few tips for the ultimate staycation.

Call the Cleaners
Whether its for a week or a weekend, you want your house to be looking its best when you start your staycation. Have the cleaners come do an extra deep clean so that it practically feels like a hotel. You might even want to take some time to declutter and organize beforehand, because nobody can relax in a messy environment. Youll thank yourself later.

Pamper Yourself
This is the perfect time to pick out a few products to upgrade around the house, like bath salts that you can enjoy while soaking in the tub or fine linens for your bed. A plush, new bathrobe or fluffy set of towels might also be in order.

Make Reservations
The staycation is all about planning ahead and splurging a little bit (and you dont have to feel bad about it because youre already saving money by not booking hotels and plane tickets). Book yourself a day at your favorite spa and get a few treatments, then be sure to make a special dinner reservation. If you want to go to a play or concert, get your tickets ahead of time so that everything is in order.

Stock Up on Your Favorite Foods (and Drinks!)
Of course, youre not going to want to go grocery shopping while youre taking your staycation, so make sure you have the pantry filled with all your favorites. Everyone eats well when they go on vacation, so its perfectly fine to indulge in your favorite sweets.

Family Activities
Plan out a few activities that the whole family will enjoy, like going apple picking or taking a day trip to a nearby attraction. In the evenings, its always fun to spend time cooking together or playing a board game.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are four reasons to consider adding smart home technology to your space…

Energy Efficiency

Smart thermostats regulate themselves and reduce the energy required to heat and cool your home.

Security

See whos ringing the doorbell via live video stream and control your door locks from anywhere using your cellphone.

Convenience

Smart home technology gives you control over all your appliances from the palm of your hand.

Peace of Mind

Smart home technologys greatest quality may just be the peace of mind that comes with having control over your house.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.