Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Here are five ways to bring the outdoors into your home and improve your living space.

Potted Plants and Trees

Plants can boost your immune system, decrease blood pressure and improve your sleep cycle.

Natural Materials

Organic materials, such as wood and stone, allow your home to feel at one with the outside world.

Oversized Windows and Doors

Floor-to-ceiling windows and large glass doors are excellent ways to introduce natural light and view the outdoors.

Outdoor-Inspired Decor

Decorating your home with a nature-inspired motif introduces the outdoors in areas where its less accessible.

Natural Aromas

Filling your home with fresh scents from the outdoors is a surefire way to feel more connected to nature.

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Here are four striking countertops that will up the style factor in your kitchen…

Sintered Stone

Sintered stone combines the classic look of natural stone with all the benefits of a durable, man-made surface.

Soapstone

Whether youre going for a traditional or modern look, this natural stone works well in a variety of styles.

Caesarstone

Made from a blend of quartz and resin, Caesarstone is an increasingly popular manufactured surface.

Quartzite

With bold swirling patterns quartzite is a natural stone that can make any kitchen pop.

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If youre like many people with an expansive wardrobe, you will agree with recently surveyed homebuyers that a walk-in closet"with perhaps a dressing area"is the second most important feature wanted in an upscale home.

Respondents to a National Association of REALTORS Buyers Home Feature Preference study ranked the extravagance just under air conditioning in terms of superior comfortable living"and 60 percent of them said they would spend the money to install the feature if the home they bought did not have one.

Installing the ultimate walk-in is easy to do without major upset, designers say, if your home has a spare bedroom adjacent to the master suite.

First, suggested one designer, be strategic. Take a good look at your clothing and accessories to determine the kind of space you need. Do you require a lengthy hanging space for full-length dresses, for example"or more than average space for shoes and purses? How much shelving will it take to hold your sweaters and folded shirts? How much drawer space for socks and underwear, and/or jewelry and accessories? And speaking of jewelry, do you want a wall safe built into your new walk-in closet?

Lighting is important. Whether you choose track lighting, recessed fixtures, or crystal chandeliers, you will want to be sure they provide enough ambient light to illuminate all the rooms contents.

Do you want a seating area? Having a room-sized closet means you also have space to add seating, so you can sit down if you wish. Plan for a comfortable armchair or chaise lounge you can sit on while you put on shoes, and/or a lighted vanity where you can sit to put on makeup or accessories.

Every good walk-in closet needs a full-length mirror"and depending upon the size of the room, a qualified custom closet designer will provide more ideas for turning your spare room into the walk-in closet you envision"beautifully finished and perfectly organized to maximize space and light.

From double-hanging rods and floor-to-ceiling shoe shelves to hanging or expanding wall pegs for belts, scarves or ties, there are other options a creative designer will suggest based on your needs and specifications. Whether you find your designer online or through a personal recommendation, be sure to review photos of his/her past designs and chat with two or three past clients about their room conversion experience.

That unused bedroom can provide much more than a little extra closet space. Done right, it can become a spacious wardrobe oasis.

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Here are the most lavish amenities in apartment buildings today.

Wellness Center

Well-being is a top priority among high-end homebuyers and the latest buildings deliver the highest of standards in this regard.

Bars and Restaurants

Theres nothing like having an excellent restaurant (or two) right in your building.

Activity Spaces

From full-sized movie theaters to golf simulators, billiard rooms and lounge areas, more and more buildings are being designed with elaborate activity spaces.

Work Space

Well-appointed conference rooms that are equipped with cutting-edge technology have become the norm in exclusive buildings.

Concierge Services

Residents need not sweat the small stuff, as such services often include dog grooming, restaurant bookings, event planning, and more.

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Theres nothing wrong with spending a little extra when it comes to furnishing your home. No matter what your personal style is, investing in quality home goods can make all the difference in your everyday life. Whether its time to decorate your new house or youre simply looking to make some upgrades around your current residence, here are several household items that are worth splurging on.

Quality Bedding
Considering we spend a third of our lives in bed, you shouldnt think twice about treating yourself to a luxurious mattress that you look forward to curling up in at the end of the day. Furthermore, with a set of fine linens and plush pillows, you can ensure the best possible sleep each night and feel ready to tackle the day every morning.

Fluffy Towels
As a rule of thumb, its a good idea to replace your towels every two years or so. Once theyve lost that fluffy feeling and become scratchy, youll know its time to make the upgrade. While it can be easy to overlook, theres no going back once youve had the tactile experience of drying yourself off with a soft and absorbent Egyptian cotton towel.

Quality Cookware
When it comes to the tools you use for making your familys food, its worth going with heirloom-quality cookware. Cast iron or stainless steel are typically the gold standard when it comes to pots, pans and skillets because they last forever and distribute heat evenly. Additionally, with cast iron you have the ability to sear an item on the stove and then put it in the oven without having to change pans.

Stylish Window Treatments
Because they have a major impact on the aesthetic in each room, you want window treatments that get you excited. Whether you opt for curtains, blinds or shades, this feature contributes to the form and function of your home, so you can feel good about investing in high quality treatments.

Elegant Dishes
Your dishes are another item that your going to be using every day, so make sure that you choose a set you love. From family dinners to holiday gatherings, these are the real centerpiece of your dining room table.

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