SPECIAL SECTION: HOME DESIGN TRENDS: INSPIRED UPGRADES
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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