SPECIAL SECTION: HOME DESIGN TRENDS: INSPIRED UPGRADES
windows aren’t providing ample
natural light and if they’re not
generating enough air flow when
opened, removing them to make
space for more cabinetry might be
the best option to find space when
you need it the most.
Planning for a spacious kitchen
means concentrating on your main
functional areas including cooking, baking, prep areas, refrigeration
and dishwashing. Before your redesign of the physical space, plan for
savings, too. Look for the Energy Star label when you’re shopping for
appliances such as refrigerators. The EnergyGuide label on new models
will explain the amount of electricity a refrigerator uses in one year.
The difference in used energy is such that a new refrigerator uses up to
15 percent less energy than non-Energy Star models. Other appliances
that help save space in your yearly budget include natural gas ovens or
ranges with an automatic, electric ignition system. These styles save
gas by not having the continual burn of the pilot light. For efficiency
regarding your dishwasher, many models have an internal heating
system that enables you to conserve water heating. The EnergyGuide
label will estimate how much power is needed for the year for you to
heat the water in your dishwasher. Exploring the amount of money and
energy you can save will reduce the cost of your redesign in the long
run and make more space in your budget for a kitchen where you’ll
want to eat, stay and love.
PET AMENITIES
Four-Legged Luxury
A rising trend for homebuilders is pet amenities and a residential
paradise built for man’s best friend. From step-in wash stations
featuring handheld sprayers and designated drying area, to rooms
dedicated to your dog or cat, pet considerations are one of the latest
elements in home design. Your pet is a part of your family and petfriendly design can accommodate up to 170 square feet of your home.
For some homeowners this designated space for a pet can also be
shared space in the mud, laundry or utility rooms. Using space as a goal
from the kitchen redo, creating space in the laundry room for your pet
can be easily attained by purchasing a stacked washer and dryer unit.
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