Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Home theaters are becoming more commonplace as homeowners look to create convenient, comfortable and fun spaces where their families and guests can sit back and enjoy the show. If youre planning to upgrade an existing home theater, or perhaps install a new one, youll want to be sure itll provide the best viewing experience for years to come"and that means top-of-the-line fixtures, furniture and electronics.

Finding a contractor who can source the best-quality wiring, lighting fixtures and electronics is an important factor in creating a high-end home theater that conforms to your expectations, say the design experts at HGTV. Youll want to be sure that all the wiring is discreetly secreted behind the walls, so make sure that as the space is being built out, the wiring scheme is accounted for early in the process.

When it comes to the audio-visual and electronic equipment, the sky is the limit in terms of sight, sound and media delivery. You might choose to pair a giant projection screen with a set-top box that can serve HD content, or opt for a more traditional setup of a big-screen TV and Blu-ray player. Whichever way you’re leaning, you’ll want to give your theater installer free rein to select the best audio-visual products on the market.

Now you can turn your attention to the decor. Many high-end home theaters reflect a traditional cinema feel, featuring stadium seating, noise-cancelling wall paneling, and furniture with special features and amenities. The scope and layout of the room will be a major consideration when it comes to the variety of furniture and accessories you’ll choose.

Larger, more elaborate home theaters sometimes employ a design that reflects a movie-house experience with fixed armchair seating, while smaller spaces may be more akin to a luxurious media room and feature arrangements of chairs and couches where guests can simply settle in where they please.

Remotes have become very customizable. Some let you program them using your PC, while others use your smartphone to allow you to customize everything from dimming the lights and changing the temperature to getting the program started, all with the touch of a button on the backlit display of the remote.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If youre the type who enjoys collecting luxury automobiles, then chances are you spend a fair amount of time in the garage. Of course, extraordinary cars shouldnt be kept in ordinary garages. A high-end space to park your fleet will help keep it in pristine condition and ensure you have everything you need when its time to do some work under the hood. Here are a few features that every car enthusiast will appreciate in their home garage.

Cooling and Heating
Anyone who spends long hours in their garage knows that a heating and cooling system is essential. In addition to keeping you comfortable when doing work, youll also never have to wait for the car to heat up or cool down before heading out. Plus, freezing temperatures can damage your car battery. Radiant heat is another popular upgrade for luxury garages and it works great under porcelain floors, which are an ideal surface.

Wash and Wax Area
If youre the type who regularly hand washes and waxes your cars, then youll want to have a designated station for doing so in your garage. A water source and proper drain system are essential for this and will allow you to keep your prized collection looking brand new without having to clean them in the driveway when its too hot or cold outside.

Hydraulic Lift
Of course, if youre going to be doing work on your vehicles undercarriage, then you may want to consider installing a professional-grade hydraulic lift. Sure, it will set you back a bit, but if cars are your passion then its absolutely worth it. After all, fitness fanatics have exercise rooms and cooks have gourmet kitchens, so whats the difference?

Kitchenette & Bathroom
Its no secret that garage work can get messy and you probably dont want to run back into the house to use the bathroom or grab a snack. Thats why a bathroom and kitchenette are perfect additions to any garage that you plan to use for more than simply parking your cars. Lastly, youll also want to have ample cabinets and storage space for keeping your tools organized and easy to locate.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

As a child, being sent to your room used to be a punishment. These days, however, its more like a reward, as high-end homeowners are giving their kids rooms the luxury treatment. For many parents, theres no price you can put on creating a space where the little ones will play and let their imaginations run wild. If youre looking to channel your inner-child while designing, here are a few exciting features that the kids will love having in their rooms.

Built-In Bunk Beds
When it comes to the childrens room, built-in bunk beds are the ultimate design feature. Theyre a practical use of space, especially if your kids are sharing a room, and you can also have a trundle bed underneath for when their friends sleepover. For grandparents, having a bunk room that all the grandchildren can share when theyre visiting is sure to keep them coming back.

Climbing Wall
Kid-sized climbing walls have quickly become a popular feature in childrens rooms and for good reason. Theyre easy enough for any avid DIYer to install and give kids an exciting way to burn their energy while also improving problem solving skills and building confidence. Of course, be sure to take the proper safety precautions and place mats below the climbing area.

Loft Area
When youre a kid, having a loft in your room is like having your own multi-floor living space. It doesnt require particularly high ceilings to give them a little nook above their bed where they can keep toys and build forts. Another option is to use the loft as a work space for them and put a desk where they can do their homework. You can also incorporate fun ways for them to come down, like a slide or firemans pole.

Swinging Chair
These days, there are tons of different features for kids rooms that you can hang from the ceiling, like swings, chairs or even a pod where they can curl up with a book. Its the perfect way to give their room a playful vibe that they can grow into while keeping it stylish.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are four features every car enthusiast will appreciate in their garage.

Cooling & Heating

Keep yourself comfortable when doing work and never wait for the car to heat up or cool down before heading out.

Wash and Wax Area

If you love hand washing and waxing your cars, then youll want to have a designated station for doing so in your garage.

Hydraulic Lift

If youre going to be doing work on your vehicles undercarriage, you may want to consider installing a professional-grade hydraulic lift.

Kitchenette & Bathroom

Garage work can get messy and you probably dont want to run back into the house to use the bathroom or grab a snack.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

A state-of-the-art home theater is a popular feature among todays luxury homeowners. If you already have one, chances are youre putting it to good use these days. However, for those who want to set their home apart, or simply create a totally unique entertaining space that the family can enjoy this summer, theres nothing quite like a cinematic experience in the backyard. If an outdoor movie night sounds like the perfect activity, heres everything youll need to make it a reality.

4K Projector
Of course, a projector is crucial, and for crystal-clear quality, its worth splurging on one with 4K resolution. Unfortunately, there arent any projectors that are built to withstand the elements, so you may have to set it up each time. However, if you have a roof over your outdoor space, its possible to install a projector on a lift that goes into the ceiling in order to keep it safe when not in use.

Projector Screen
Fortunately, there are plenty of projector screens that are made for the outdoors, which means you wont have to worry about putting it away at the end of the night. If you have a pergola, or somewhere else that you can mount it on, a roll down screen can be an easy and discreet option to install. There are also freestanding options that you can use to put the silver screen right in the middle of your backyard.

Outdoor Speakers
Dont forget to optimize the audio. If you already have outdoor speakers on your terrace, then make sure that you get a projector that can connect to them via Bluetooth for a fully-immersive movie experience. Otherwise, you may have to invest in a new outdoor sound system.

Comfortable Furniture
Make sure that youve got the right outdoor furniture to stay comfortable for a few hours. A new sectional or daybed may be just the right place to curl up with a bowl of popcorn under the stars. For those who have a pool in the backyard, the kids are sure to love watching their favorite movies on a float or raft.

Published with permission from RISMedia.