Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Is it time to update your decor? Whether youre looking to spruce up your home before putting it on the market or you need new furniture for your next place, thoughtfully designed interiors are essential. For the fashionistas who want to bring haute couture into their house, these five luxury clothing brands have home collections that are worth getting excited about:

Armani Casa
Armani recently unveiled a home collection at Milan Design Week, and its a must-see for every fan of minimalism. Inspired by natural elements and Asian landscapes, it includes everything from table settings and lighting to a stunning chaise lounge. Clean lines and exquisite finishes are consistent throughout, epitomizing the essence of Italian craftsmanship.

Hermes La Maison
The renowned purveyor of leather goods has made a foray into houseware with the Hermes La Maison collection. The wide range of home goods maintains the fashion houses timeless look and sophisticated style, with items for every room. The elegant bath linens, sleek leather chairs and tableware galore will breathe new life into your home.

Kate Spade Home
The Kate Spade Home collection is utterly effortless. True to the iconic designers hallmark style, playful prints and patterns are at the center of this line. They have the perfect breezy look, with floral bedding, citrus-patterned plates, and a powder pink toaster that every kitchen needs. Theres even a cocktail set that will come in handy at your dinner parties.

Fendi Casa
Known for being bold and lavish, the fabulous style seen in Fendis clothing carries over into the designers home line. Fendi Casa is a chic, contemporary collection that will transform your house, inside and out. The outdoor furniture, kitchen cabinets and breathtaking living room decor will all be appreciated by the fashion-forward homeowner.

Bottega Veneta Home
Bottega Veneta Home is all about neutral tones and rich textures. Simultaneously simple and opulent, the collection can lend itself to virtually any setting, from traditional to contemporary, and exudes meticulous craftsmanship with every piece.

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In todays luxury kitchens, the countertops take center stage. Whether youre redesigning your cooking space before putting your home on the market or trying to find the perfect surface for your new kitchen, the classic look of dark soapstone counters is always a stylish choice. Before making any decisions, however, heres everything you need to know about maintaining this timeless material.

Apply Mineral Oil
Soapstone is prized for the beautiful patina that it develops in under a year. If you want to speed up the process and ensure that it appears evenly, the best way to do so is by applying a thin coat of mineral oil across the surface once a week for the first couple of months. After the patina has developed, youll only have to reapply the oil about once a year.

Use Cutting Boards
While soapstone is particularly hardwearing, its one weakness is that this surface is prone to scratching. For this reason, you should never chop food directly on it and be sure to always use a cutting board. If you do notice any light scratches, its possible to remove them using a fine sandpaper or you can hire a professional if youre not comfortable doing it yourself.

Easy cleaning
Unlike many other surfaces that are prone to staining and etching, soapstone is a nonporous material that can stand up to acidic substances. For this reason, you dont have to worry about applying a sealant and can regularly wash it with regular soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner without causing any damage.

Heat Resistant
If youre not sold on soapstone already, another major benefit that this surface has going for it is that its heat-resistant. That means you can place a hot pan directly on your counter rather than scrambling for a trivet when its time to take the food off the stove.

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These days, homeowners are embracing the future and fitting their abodes with an array of smart home technology, including smart faucets. And there are more benefits to a high-tech, hands-free faucet than you might think.

Following are just a few of the reasons to upgrade your home with smart faucets.

Hands-Free Control
The motion-activated faucet has been around for a while, and those who have one can agree that its a lifesaver when your hands are covered in grease but you dont want to get the sink dirty in order to wash them. These days, smart sinks can sync up with your smart home assistant, so you can use voice commands to turn it on, off, and even heat up the water when your hands are full.

Precise Dispensing
When the recipe calls for two cups of water, you can forget about pulling out the measuring cup. All you have to do is say the amount you need and its as easy as that. You can also give custom commands to make your daily routine easier, such as filling the kettle or coffee pot, meaning that your sink becomes your own virtual assistant in the kitchen.

Monitor Usage
Theres the added bonus of being able to see exactly how much water youre using. Some smart faucets, like the Kohler Sensate, utilize a sensor on the valve to monitor usage and leaks, which is then displayed on an app. If any unusual usage is detected, youll receive an alert on your smartphone.

No Fingerprints and Smudges
Hands-free control, whether youre using voice commands or motion sensors, means your kitchen sink stays cleaner. For those who cant stand a dirty kitchen, those fingerprints and smudges on the faucet can be a real pet peeve. With a smart faucet, you can rest assured your sink will never lose its luster regardless of how much use it sees.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

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.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

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.

Published with permission from RISMedia.