Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Create the ideal outdoor kitchen by paying attention to these characteristics…

Figure Out the Features

The grill is the star, but a stove top, sink and refrigerator add tons of convenience.

Seating Matters

Consider two seating areas: one for casual hangouts and another for al fresco dinners.

Put a Roof Over It

Extend the roof from your house or string up a canvas shade sail. Youll be thankful for the shade when the temperatures soar!

Fire It Up

A fire pit is the perfect feature to gather around as the daylight fades away.

Turn on the Tunes

Speakers that can handle the elements will take your kitchen to the next level.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Chances are, wood doesnt come to mind when thinking of the best materials to use in your bathroom. As it turns out, however, if you take the necessary steps, it can be an excellent choice for showers, soaking tubs and practically anything else in this space. Of course, what makes it even more appealing is that appointing your bathroom with rich wood grain finishes can really be tailored to a variety of styles, from a sleek and modern aesthetic to laid-back, rustic vibes. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, here are the basics of what you need to know when using wood in the bathroom.

Choose the Right Type
First off, you need to choose a type of wood thats naturally resistant to rot and moisture, otherwise youre going to end up with problems very quickly. Teak, ipe and cedar all exhibit these qualities, which is why they are often the go-to for outdoor showers, but of course, can fare just as well when used inside.

Ventilation is Key
If your bathroom stays moist and humid for long periods of time after you take a shower, that can cause the wood to warp or even rot. A proper exhaust fan will help to remove the steam and allow the wood to dry quickly after each use so that it doesnt get damaged over time.

Keep It Safe With a Sealant
Just as you would apply a sealant to your wooden deck, its wise to do so in the bathroom to further protect the wood from moisture even if it wont be coming in direct contact with water. This can be done with a natural oil, such as linseed oil, which is so effective that its used for wood soaking tubs. In addition to repelling the water, a natural oil will also be able to maintain the distinct feel and smell of the wood, unlike a harsher chemical-based sealant.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

In luxury real estate, we often hear of homes described as having meticulous attention to detail. When looking for a new home, its important to consider what that means exactly. Like a quality suit with precise stitching or a designer handbag made from rare materials, sometimes you need to know just what to look for in order to appreciate the quality in a home. Here are a few of the finer details to keep an eye out for the next time you walk through a property.

Hardware
Anyone whos had to pick out the hardware for their doors or kitchen cabinets knows that there are endless options and not all are created equal. From hand-forged bronze handles to polished brass levers, the hardware in a home should be a perfect combination of form and function by exuding quality and contributing to the design aesthetic. Its the sort of characteristic thats easy to overlook until you visit a home thats finished with exquisitely crafted hardware throughout.

Light Fixtures
Lighting serves a functional purpose, but the fixtures themselves are an equally significant component to pay attention to. While recessed lights tend to be task-oriented to illuminate an area for reading or working, wall and ceiling mounted fixtures add a decorative element and can contribute to the overall ambience. Whether its the pendant hanging over the dining room table or a sconce above the bedside table, thoughtfully chosen fixtures can set a home apart.

Faucets
Showerheads tend to get all of the attention when it comes to plumbing fixtures, but theres plenty more to keep an eye out for when walking through a home. In particular, the faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms can be a good indicator of quality. In addition to stylish designs that range from classic to contemporary, another important factor to consider is if they reduce water consumption or have motion sensors, as todays best smart faucets are engineered to do.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When searching for a new home, there are certain features that we all covet and are easy to spot, such as a spa-like bathroom or a gourmet kitchen. However, its just as important to keep an eye out for the little details. While they might not be as noticeable at first glance, certain architectural touches can contribute to a distinguished look that speaks to the quality of the home. If youre currently searching for a luxury property, here are a few details to take note of when viewing a home.

Wainscoting
These wall panels come in a variety of styles, such as raised or board and batten, and are often considered a mark of craftsmanship that creates a refined aesthetic. In addition to giving the walls a sense of texture, wainscoting can also be incorporated into a rooms color scheme if you want to give it a two-toned look. Its quite common to see wainscoting stained or painted white and the rest of the wall painted a different color.

Built-in Bookshelves
While the world may be going digital, built-in bookshelves still hold their appeal. Whether youre putting your literary collection on display or using it as a space for small objects and artwork, theres no denying that they lend a sophisticated ambience to practically any room.

Tall, Detailed Ceilings
Everyone loves tall ceilings. They create a grand sense of space and typically come hand-in-hand with oversized windows that allow natural light to pour in. While youre looking up, there are plenty more architectural details to keep an eye out for, like wood beams or voluminous barrel vaulted ceilings.

Crown Molding
The visual barrier between wall and ceiling, crown molding can range from a simple piece of trim to an ornate display of artistry. This coveted detail can help to make the walls feel taller and if you want to get creative with a splashy ceiling color, crown molding will help to frame it and create separation from the rest of the room.

Published with permission from RISMedia.