Special section: HOME DESIGN TRENDS: INSPIRED UPGRADES
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.
This space saver can help
expand the options for your
furry friend’s tub or basin, toys
and bed.
Carpeting and flooring are
also a top consideration—the
more durable and easy to clean,
the better. The list of must-have
flooring includes laminate,
stone, marble, bamboo and
cork. For homeowners leaning
toward hardwood, bamboo or carpet, each will need to be properly
pre-treated to protect from soiling. If you want to provide your pet
with the ultimate in luxury, there is furry-friendly furniture that will
make your dog sit—and stay—including chic, fur-lined chairs, cool
cat trees and exercise or pop-up playpens. While pet pampering is all
the rage for inside, it doesn’t stop at the screen door. When it’s time
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