Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Outdoor living areas are a highly desirable feature when it comes to residing in the city. Its a luxury that many affluent homebuyers put at the top of their list when looking at properties. Speaking in broad terms, there are essentially two different types of outdoor spaces that youre likely to come across when viewing real estate in the city: those that are wide open to skyline views and those that are enclosed hideaways. If youre still debating which one is right for you, heres a detailed look at how these types of spaces differ.

Open Urban Spaces
Whether its a rooftop terrace or a spacious balcony, some luxury homebuyers are drawn to outdoor spaces that benefit from far-ranging city views. Theres no denying the wow-factor that comes with overlooking a metropolis and watching the shimmering lights turn on as the sun goes down. This dramatic backdrop is ever-changing with the seasons and development of the city, though that does mean that your view could potentially be obstructed by a new building or construction equipment in the future.

Enclosed Urban Spaces
Then, there are those who prefer the feeling of a private sanctuary in the heart of a city. An outdoor space thats enclosed, like a courtyard or a walled terrace with lush plantings, has the power to transport you outside of your urban surroundings. These are ideal if the hustle and bustle of the city tends to grind you down and you need somewhere to escape at the end of each day. While you may not have the city views, theres much to be said for an intimate hideaway.

Go Big With Both
Of course, for those who are not willing to make any sacrifices when it comes to luxury living, it is possible to have both. This could mean having multiple outdoor spaces that cater to different situations, such as a peaceful courtyard ideal for al fresco dinners and a separate terrace with unobstructed views where you can entertain. Ultimately, its a matter of personal preference.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

After purchasing a stunning home that was perfectly staged and kept in pristine condition, one common challenge facing the new owner is how to infuse the living space with their own personal style. Sometimes its more than just a matter of moving your furniture from the old house to the new one. If youre looking for ways to make your home feel more personal, here are a few tips for doing just that.

Put Your Interests on Display
Consider whatever it is that you enjoy doing in life and how that can be incorporated into the design. If your family loves to travel, for example, you can collect furniture, artwork and other items to put on display from each adventure. Everyone wants a living space that looks picture-perfect, but it should also be a reflection of who you are.

Colors and Textures
When it comes to picking out the ideal color scheme for a room, we all have our own preferences. Some people prefer muted earth-tones and others want an eye-popping burst of color, so dont be afraid to use it as a way to put your personality on display. Similarly, fabrics and textures are another matter of taste that can greatly impact the feeling of a room, from sleek leather to plush velvet, and you should take the time to identify which ones speak to you.

Signature Scent
Creating a personalized scent can be a great way to make your home feel more welcoming each time you step through the front door. Whether its a custom made candle or a blend of your favorite essential oils, tapping the sense of smell can totally transform a living space to feel more energized and uplifting.

Celebrate Sentimental Items
A luxurious home is often filled with high-end furniture and stylish dcor, but dont forget to find a place for your sentimental items. Youll always have a deeper connection to objects that are tied to experiences and memories than those that are bought in a store, which is why its comforting to put them on display around the house.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

There are two different types of outdoor spaces youre likely to come across when viewing real estate in the city

Those that are wide open to skyline views and those that are enclosed hideaways.

Heres a detailed look at how these types of spaces differ.

Open Urban Spaces

Whether its a rooftop terrace or a spacious balcony, some luxury homebuyers are drawn to outdoor spaces with far-ranging city views.

Enclosed Urban Spaces

A courtyard or a walled terrace with lush plantings has the power to transport you outside of your urban surroundings.

Go Big With Both

For those who are not willing to make any sacrifices when it comes to luxury living, it is possible to have both.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Smart home technology can improve many aspects of our lives, from entertaining to lowering energy usage. These days theres perhaps no greater benefit than the ability to keep your living space clean. While maintaining a healthy and germ-free environment is always important, its now a top priority in order to stay safe. Here are a few of the ways that the latest home technology can assist in this effort.

Smart Faucets
Faucets have a tendency to collect more germs than the rest of the home, with everyone touching them on a regular basis. While you might be washing your hands often, any germs that are on your hands when you turn the sink on will spread there. Thats why a touch-free faucet that turns on and off with motion sensors or voice commands can help to reduce the spread of germs in your home.

Air Purifier
At the time of writing this, the jury is still out as to whether the coronavirus can be transmitted through airborne particles. While the WHO organization has stated that initial evidence suggests the virus is not suspended in the air for extended periods of time, it cant hurt to have an air purifier with HEPA filtration in your home. In theory, these advanced systems would be able to remove any virus particles from the air.

Steam Cleaners
One concern thats been raised in the media is that the virus could potentially get on your clothes and then brought into your home. While this does not appear to be a common means of transmission, theres still a lot of research to be done before a definitive conclusion is made. In the meantime, you can breathe easy with a steam cleaner like the Samsung AirDresser, which is touted for being able to eliminate 99.9 percent of virus particles.

Smart Security
Many high-end homeowners rely on their smart security systems to keep them safe, but they probably didnt expect it could help to keep them safe from a virus. When considering that you can unlock your door without touching the deadbolt or instruct a delivery driver to leave a package at the door without having to interact directly, these state-of-the-art systems are giving us a whole new reason to appreciate them.

Published with permission from RISMedia.