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10 Bathroom Materials That’ll Withstand Any Abuse
Absolutely stunning! No. 4 is a water-resisting showstopper. Read
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Absolutely stunning! No. 4 is a water-resisting showstopper. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
© Copyright 2023 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Now is the perfect time to embrace indoor-outdoor living. With some investment and planning, you can modify your property to take advantage of fantastic views, connect with nature, or create your dream entertaining and lounging space. From a screened porch to a poolside pavilion, the options are seemingly endless. Below, we review some of our favorite ways to make the most of your home’s indoor-outdoor living potential.
If you already have an open-air patio or terrace, there are numerous ways to upgrade the space so that you can fully embrace indoor-outdoor living. Start by adding more lighting. From romantic vintage-inspired string lights to festive lanterns, lighting can significantly alter the mood of your space. Next, consider putting up a shade sail to protect your sitting or dining area if your terrace or patio is without cover. Leafy pergolas or open arbors are also terrific ways to add shade and beauty to existing terraces or patios.
Building a fireplace or installing a sleek gas fire pit will make your outdoor living room inviting throughout the year. Just be sure to pick a design that references your home’s existing style so your remodeled patio feels like part of a cohesive plan. If a fire pit or fireplace is not possible, invest in some quality heaters to make your space more comfortable as temperatures cool.
Adding a permanent outdoor kitchen and grilling station will also increase your ability to enjoy indoor-outdoor living. One of Southern Living’s favorite designs sees a “fully functional outdoor kitchen … discreetly tucked into its own area for ease in entertaining and dining outdoors.” The kitchen even features a “dishwasher so that [hosts] needn’t leave the party to begin clean-up.” And while reviewing plans, don’t forget to find a secure and stable location for a wood-fired or gas-powered pizza oven – one of the year’s most popular outdoor kitchen appliances.
Finally, durable yet upscale furnishings are critical when creating an indoor-outdoor living space that will be an extension of your home. Designers suggest to Martha Stewart Living that homeowners should “look for fully upholstered outdoor sofas made in sturdy fabrics that can hold up to extra moisture, heat, or humidity.” Interior designer Alicia Murphy also recommends that homeowners incorporate “‘outdoor rugs and pillows that are textural and feel elevated enough that they could be in your living room, and really add a level of finish that makes the space feel complete.’”
One of Martha Stewart Living’s favorite ways to enhance a home’s indoor-outdoor living potential is to design a screened porch. Jeff Rossen of Rossen Landscape suggests to the Magazine: “If you have a second-story deck, enclosing the area underneath can turn a dreary spot into a cozy outdoor living room; if you are adding an entirely new porch, Rossen recommends placing it behind your home and to the side for optimized flow.” The flooring and finishing materials will also have a significant impact on the ambiance of the new screened porch. For example, pavers will make the porch feel more like an outdoor patio, while wood flooring or tile covered by an indoor-outdoor area rug is more likely to feel like a continuation of your home.
Your plans for the room will guide how you decorate the space and what fixtures are installed. Ceiling fans and inset ceiling heaters are clever additions that make your screened porch usable even when the temperature changes. If it is meant to be an entertaining space, consider what appliances need to be supported to make the area an ideal place for hosting celebrations or cozy get-togethers. Rossen confides to Martha Stewart Living that he “often installs masonry fireplaces, bar-ready plumbing, outdoor kitchens, recessed lighting, and televisions … for his residential clients” to make the new porches even more appealing.
Are your rear windows providing enough natural light? Do you have the views of your gardens or pool that you want? Replacing your current windows to create the ultimate sunroom could be a terrific solution. My Domaine applauds: “A sunroom that opens into a covered outdoor living room beside a pool gives you the best of everything, and you’ll never have to call it an early night because of the rain.” Southern Living remarks that by adding “large sheets of glass [to] wrap the corners on upper floors” upstairs rooms will have access to enviable amounts streaming sunlight and sky views.
Consider linking your bedroom or living areas to surrounding landscape or water views by installing folding glass walls or moving wall systems. More comprehensive than sliding glass doors, these folding glass systems effectively remove the barrier between indoor and outdoor spaces. Picture creating a more dynamic relationship between your home and nature. Custom folding glass configurations, including curved or corner designs, allow your walls to effectively disappear whenever you want to relax in the open air or open your space up for entertaining. Modern systems offer nearly effortless operation. As an additional benefit, these high-performance systems when closed also provide better protection against escaping heat or air conditioning and are available with storm protection for coastal properties.
If you already have an outdoor dining area that you enjoy, upgrade it for improved indoor-outdoor living by framing it with a shaded pergola. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens reason: “Not only will it make your dining area cozier for your guests, but the overhead covering will provide welcome shade on hot, sunny days.” If the flooring is already concrete, tile, pavers, or crushed gravel, lay down an area rug under the dining furniture to visually enhance your outdoor dining room.
Next, consider lighting. Better Homes & Gardens recommends “[hanging] a few lights from the pergola for a finished look that will allow you to continue using the space after the sun sets.” Vintage-inspired Edison string lights are a dreamy (and popular) option. However, if your goal is to create a more glamorous environment, hang a chandelier from one of the pergola’s sturdy overhead beams to illuminate your summer evening dinner parties.
Does your property feature nautical themes and a coastal vibe? Recreating that atmosphere in a poolside cabana will perfectly tie your indoor and outdoor spaces together. To do that, Southern Living recommends renovating a cabana or building an “open-air pavilion” decorated in a “blue-and-white color scheme, canvas curtains, a porthole-style window, and lots of chairs for lounging [to] reflect [your] coastal style.” And if hosting is on your mind, consider installing a full outdoor kitchen inside the pavilion to maximize its potential. When it is finished, it will undoubtedly be your favorite place for pool parties, barbecues, and entertaining on warm spring and summer nights.
Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you begin your journey to buy or sell your unique home.
Not feeling like a big spender these days? Check out the rewards of small home improvements. Read
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Charlotte, North Carolina, known as the Queen City, has long been recognized for its vibrant urban lifestyle, economic opportunities, and friendly community. While it may not immediately come to mind when thinking about waterfront living, Charlotte boasts 3 stunning lakes, Lake Norman, Mountain Island Lake, and Lake Wylie, around the city and even more a little further out. I was doing my weekly data research and gathered information about lake property from the last three years in the Charlotte Region exploring the thriving waterfront property trends in Charlotte, NC. Prices have risen but inventory has declined. The good news is we are starting to see more inventory come on the market. In this blog post, we will look waterfront property trends in Charlotte, NC, and explore the reasons why this market is capturing the attention of homebuyers and investors alike.
Living near the water holds an undeniable allure, and Charlotte’s waterfront properties provide the perfect opportunity to embrace a serene and picturesque lifestyle. With stunning lakes such as Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, and Mountain Island Lake in close proximity, residents can indulge in a wide range of water-related activities, including boating, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking and sail boating. The beauty of these water bodies and their surrounding landscapes is a magnet for nature lovers, making waterfront living a unique experience.
The Charlotte real estate market has experienced significant growth in recent years, and waterfront properties have emerged as a particularly attractive investment opportunity. Waterfront homes and lots are in high demand, and this surge in popularity has led to an increase in property values. Buyers are drawn to the potential for a superior quality of life, ample recreational opportunities, and the tranquility that comes with living by the water. The scarcity of available waterfront properties has also contributed to the upward trend in prices, making them an excellent investment for those seeking long-term appreciation.
Charlotte offers a variety of neighborhoods and communities that cater to different preferences and lifestyles. Whether you seek a quiet suburban retreat, a family-friendly environment, or a bustling urban setting, there is a waterfront neighborhood in Charlotte that fits the bill. Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, is renowned for its luxurious lakeside homes, upscale communities, and prestigious country clubs. On the other hand, Lake Wylie’s diverse waterfront properties range from charming cottages to sprawling estates spanning both North Carolina and South Carolina.
One of the unique aspects of waterfront living in Charlotte is the perfect balance between natural beauty and urban convenience. While residents can enjoy the tranquility and scenic views, they are also just a short drive away from the vibrant city center. Charlotte offers a thriving arts and culture scene, renowned dining options, excellent shopping, and a host of recreational activities. The proximity to the city allows residents to effortlessly blend a peaceful lakeside lifestyle with the excitement and opportunities of an urban environment. Mountain Island Lake is just a few minutes to the airport and city center, making it the most centrally located to Uptown Charlotte.
As the popularity of waterfront living continues to rise, Charlotte is witnessing ongoing growth and development in its waterfront areas. This growth has spurred the construction of modern and luxurious waterfront properties, including condos, townhomes, and single-family homes. Developers are embracing the demand for upscale waterfront living, creating communities that seamlessly blend modern amenities with natural beauty. This continuous expansion not only enhances the value of existing waterfront properties but also presents exciting opportunities for homebuyers and investors to be a part of the city’s evolution.
Charlotte, NC, is proving to be a hidden gem for those seeking the idyllic combination of waterfront living and urban convenience. With its stunning lakes, strong real estate market, desirable neighborhoods, and proximity to urban amenities, the city offers an irresistible lifestyle that attracts homebuyers and investors alike. As waterfront properties in Charlotte continue to experience growing demand and limited availability, now is an opportune time to explore the market and seize the incredible investment potential that waterfront living in Charlotte has to offer on our beautiful, lakes Lake Norman, Mountain Island Lake, and Lake Wylie.
Current as of May 5, 2023. All data from Canopy MLS, Inc. Report provided by the Canopy Realtor® Association. Report © 2023 ShowingTime.
The real estate market in Charlotte, NC is still robust. Inventory is low and we are still seeing appreciation in the region, including York County, SC. But if you want to make sure your home sells quickly and for the best possible price, it’s important to stage it properly. A staged home simply means making it look its best so that potential buyers can envision themselves living there. This can involve a variety of things, such as decluttering, cleaning, making repairs, and adding fresh paint and flowers. According to a new report released by TheMreport.com, the data shows a staged home will sell faster than an unstaged home.
I partner with excellent designers and stagers. I make their service part of my listing package to seller because I see the positive impact of staging every time I take a buyer on a home tour. Learn More Here
Wondering which rooms are most important to be staged? The living room and primary bedroom are the most impactful according to NAR. See the chart above for more details.
If you think it might be time to sell, learn what will help you get top dollar.
News You Can Use April 2023 (Email Newsletter) by Choose Excellence
Homes don’t clean themselves. But these easy-peasy rules (wake and make!) will make you feel like they do. Read
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Even in a seller’s market, home sales depend on certain factors that may require you to be flexible. Read
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© Copyright 2023 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®