Aqual and turquoise can create a feeling of relaxation in your living space.

We all seem to lead busy, if not hectic, lives that can pull us in many directions. We set aside time to relax and rejuvenate when we are on vacations. Why not introduce some element of relaxation and serenity somewhere in your living space? Aqua and turquoises are two colors that can create that feeling. They are soft shades of blue with green undertones. Both create a sense of tranquility, similar to the feeling of gazing at warm tropical waters. Read the full story

Lauren Blackburn looks at a map with citizens during Thursday's meeting at Town Hall (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Participants in Thursday's session marked up a map of the West Side of Davidson. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

If historical growth trends continue, Davidson’s population could more than double from its current 11,000 over the next few decades. That’s expected whether the proposed commuter rail line to Charlotte gets built or not, according to town planning manager Lauren Blackburn.

The rail line would only speed that growth, Ms. Blackburn said Thursday night at Town Hall, at the latest in a series of meetings to gather citizen input on development along the rail corridor.

The question is, how will Davidson develop in response to that growth? Read the full story

After backing away from a possible deal to acquire The Point Lake & Golf Club in Mooresville, it now appears Donald Trump‘s real estate company may be interested again. The Mecklenburg Times is reporting that the Trump company would consider buying it if members want a deal. Read the full story

Lawn maintenance can make a house and yard a beautiful home. But what we do to maintain our lawns could be detrimental to the environment, Mecklenburg County’s division of Storm Water Services says in a website note this week. “Remember, anything mixed with rain becomes storm water pollution,” the county says. “When fertilizers and pesticides are over-used or sprayed on impervious surfaces like driveways and sidewalks, they are no longer doing the job they were intended for. Since the plants aren’t using them, they end up running off into the storm drain system.” The county also offers tips and a yard-care fact sheet about fertilizers, pesticides and soil testing.

LINK: CharMeck.org, Lawn Care: Wise use of pesticides and fertilizers”

Breakfast bars like this are a popular new feature for kitchens.

With the shift away from buying large “McMansions” and towards staying in existing smaller homes, people are seeking ways to enhance their lifestyles and create specialty areas in their homes. One of the most sought-after additions is the breakfast bar that serves as a mini kitchen.

It functions as a small place where someone can have a calming experience during their morning routine. And during the day, it becomes a place to relax over a cup of coffee or tea by themselves or with another person. A breakfast bar needs to be carefully located so that it functions on its own, without support from or interfering with the kitchen. The reason is that too often a person can get lost in all the space in a kitchen, which does not provide an intimate space.

Things that are desired in a breakfast bar may include a built-in coffee maker, mini refrigerator or wine unit, a sink, storage and really comfortable seating. A dishwasher drawer is a nice addition if space allows it. All of these can be designed into stacked cabinetry that takes advantage of the total wall space to provide storage needed for the extras.

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Based on information from the Carolina Multiple Listing Services, Inc. for the period 12/05/11 through 12/11/11 in Davidson. Properties reported can be listed or sold by various participants in the MLS. Listings include properties in the Davidson Zip code that may be in Iredell or Cabarrus counties.

SEE THE LISTINGS: Read the full story