Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Its no secret that professional landscape design is highly valued by luxury homeowners. After all, everyone can appreciate a property with beautiful grounds, whether manicured or low-key, where they can bask in nature. Landscape architecture is undoubtedly an art form that were all acquainted with, but a particular part of it that you might be less familiar with is landscape lighting. Heres a quick rundown of everything youll need to know.

Identify Your Goals
There are many different styles and techniques used in the world of landscape lighting, so the first step is to understand them and how they can work on your property. Do you want to illuminate a towering tree from below or cast a shadow thats projected on to the side of your home? Maybe you want path lighting that meanders through your garden. While it might seem simple enough, achieving just the right look requires thoughtful planning.

Find Your Best Features
Trees and plants can look entirely different when theyre lit up in the evening. The intricate shape of leaves and the texture of bark, for example, can become more apparent when a light is shining directly at it. This is why its worth taking the time to consider which plants will really show their best at night to create a dramatic effect, and then try to center the design around them.

Consider the Color Temperature
Color temperature plays a unique role in landscape lighting. This is measured in Kelvin and typically ranges from 2,700K, which is considered warm lighting, to a bright white at 4,000K. While you may opt for a warm ambience around your outdoor seating area, you can utilize different temperatures throughout your property in order to accentuate the colors of various plants.

Work With a Professional
Of course, the best way to achieve breathtaking results is to work with a professional landscape designer who understands your vision. By becoming familiar with the process and techniques that are used, youll be better prepared to communicate this and have your backyard transformed into a majestic setting in no time.

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Its safe to say that our current crisis has upended virtually every aspect of our daily lives. One interesting consequence that were likely to see in real estate is luxury homebuyers becoming more risk-averse. This has certainly been happening for a few years now, as weve seen an increase in property damage caused by natural disasters around the country, but this present moment in time is going to solidify the importance of being prepared for a catastrophe. If youre looking for a home that can protect you through uncertain times, here are a few characteristics to keep in mind.

Disaster Proof
The proper way to disaster proof your home will depend on what sort of calamity its most at risk of facing. In a hurricane-prone location, that could mean investing in impact-resistant windows and doors, as well as taking precautions to prevent flood damage. Likewise, using an inflammable material for the roof, like slate or tile, can make all the difference if a wildfire comes dangerously close to your home. And, of course, if living near a fault line, your home should be bolted to the foundation and any materials that could collapse, like brick or stone, need to be reinforced.

Alternative Energy
A backup generator can keep your home running if the power goes out for a couple of hours or, at most, a few days. In the event of a prolonged power outage, however, an alternative energy source can ensure the lights stay on and the refrigerator continues running for far longer. While the technology continues to improve for various sources, solar power is the most viable for running a home entirely off the grid.

Safe Room
Whether its a natural or manmade disaster, a safe room can provide your family with a last line of defense in a wide variety of scenarios. Often designed to withstand everything from a home invasion to nuclear blasts, these no-expense-spared shelters have been on the rise among luxury homeowners and theyll likely continue to become more common in the coming years.

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The following characteristics will help you design a swoon-worthy farmhouse kitchen.

Stone and Wood

Natural materials, especially stone and wood, are always at the center of the farmhouse style.

Open Shelving

Both fashionable and functional, hang pans from a ceiling rack and use a magnetic strip to keep your knives handy.

Copper Accents

Wherever its implemented, copper adds a metallic touch thats in tune with the rustic ambiance.

Reclaimed Materials

A farmhouse kitchen should feel like its been lived in. Reclaimed materials give your kitchen a distinguished character that comes with age.

Appropriate Appliances

Stainless steel is popular in a rustic cooking space, as it works well with the overall aesthetic.

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Many people dream of one day moving to the mountains, yet struggle to make it a reality for various reasons. If youve held off in the past due to a fear of missing out on all the action in the city or concerns of feeling isolated in a more remote setting, theres no better time to consider making the move. For any luxury homebuyers who hear the mountains calling, here are a few advantages that you can expect to find.

Quality of Life
Sure, you may not be able to walk down the street to world-class museums and shopping districts, but youll be trading that in for fresh air, wide-open spaces and awe-inspiring nature. The mountains are a playground that offer endless activities for every season, like hiking, mountain biking, skiing and much more. The only rush hour that youre likely to experience will be early morning trail runners getting their exercise before work. Theres no denying that living in the mountains encourages an active and laid-back lifestyle.

Epic Views
It probably goes without saying, but one of the most sought-after features for luxury homebuyers in the mountains is breathtaking vistas. After all, who wouldnt want to wake up each morning to far-ranging alpine views? Youll be treated to a natural display of changing scenery throughout the year and feel the true energy of your surroundings.

Privacy
With more open space, you and your family can benefit from plenty of privacy. For those looking to escape a densely populated urban environment, this is a major draw. In particular, high-end buyers are increasingly looking for homes that offer a sense of privacy from the outside world and youll certainly find that in the mountains.

Vibrant Community
While all towns have their own unique charm, mountain towns tend to share a certain energy thats immediately noticeable. Many residents feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful setting and want to do their part to keep it special. This results in an infectious pride within the community that only appears when you truly love where you live.

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With the spring season underway, its just about time to give your garden a little love. Whether youre growing mesmerizing flowers or vegetables to prepare fresh meals this summer, everyone can appreciate a well-kept garden, especially potential buyers. Plus, if youre working from home these days, keeping busy in the backyard is the perfect way to get some fresh air and avoid feeling cooped up inside. Here are a few easy ways to spruce up your garden this season.

Design a Pathway
Having a stone or pebble pathway that leads up to your garden, or even through it, can give it a welcoming feel that encourages guests to take note of its beauty. This can also help indicate where people should and shouldnt be walking"in case your kids have a tendency to run through the flower beds! You may have to work with a professional landscape designer to get the best results, but in the end, it will certainly be worth it when you have a picturesque path.

Install Lighting
Gardens are beautiful by day, but theres just something about them thats absolutely breathtaking when illuminated at night. If you enjoy throwing outdoor dinner parties during the warmer months, you can create a majestic backdrop by putting the spotlight on your flowers, shrubs and hedges after the sun goes down.

Add a Water Feature
A water feature is always an exciting way to transform the garden into a veritable sanctuary. Whether its a small stream with a waterfall, reflecting pool or simple fountain, it adds a relaxing element that everyone can enjoy. With a small pond, you can even grow aquatic plants like water lilies or blue iris.

Create a Seating Area
You may already have a terrace or patio in the backyard, but a separate seating area in the garden can have its own unique and intimate feel thats a bit removed from everything else. Besides, who doesnt love finding a few peaceful moments to sit and admire their garden?

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