Chartwell is on 31 acres off Avinger Lane in Davidson. (David Boraks/CorneliusNews.net)

Chartwell, a massive home on 31 acres off Avinger Lane in Davidson, is up for sale. Completed in 1992, the house is one of the largest to come on the Lake Norman area market recently, and experts say it could sell to a single owner or to a developer who might subdivide the property for more homes. Continue Reading

Based on information from the Carolina Multiple Listing Services, Inc. for the period 03/25/13 through 03/31/13 in Cornelius. Properties reported can be listed or sold by various participants in the MLS. Listings include properties in the Cornelius Zip code

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Some designs use hand-cut limestone for mantles, fireplace surrounds and stove hoods.

Recently I attended the opening of the trade showroom Francois & Co. in Charlotte. They carry distinctive fireplace mantles and surrounds, stovetop hoods and countertops. What impressed me the most were the fireplace mantles and surrounds in both styles and materials that they were made from. While the majority of fireplaces in today’s homes are plain, rather generic fireplace surrounds either painted white or stained a brown color, these were not. Keep in mind, choosing a design style and material for these surfaces is just as important when planning the overall look for your home’s architectural elements as is selecting the right colors and fabrics to use in them. Continue Reading

Based on information from the Carolina Multiple Listing Services, Inc. for the period 03/18/13 through 03/24/13 in Cornelius. Properties reported can be listed or sold by various participants in the MLS. Listings include properties in the Cornelius Zip code

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Based on information from the Carolina Multiple Listing Services, Inc. for the period 03/11/13 through 03/17/13 in Cornelius. Properties reported can be listed or sold by various participants in the MLS. Listings include properties in the Cornelius Zip code

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Accessories can add interest to a space, such as this lobby in a residential high rise.

Successful design within a space involves many elements: scale, proportion, balance, color an the most important, functionality. Functionality means how we use the space and which pieces of furniture provide this for us. Without functional pieces of furniture, the area merely becomes a space we briefly pass through. While having furniture that allows us to be in the space is the most important consideration, we have to consider the visual effect the space gives us. Visual translates how we feel about the space and how much time we will spend in it. Continue Reading