IN Norwin Fall 2016 | Page 22

Special section: HOME DESIGN TRENDS: INSPIRED UPGRADES We’re usually thrilled with the next big thing—especially when it comes to home improvement. Home design concepts usher in ideal solutions for upgrading a few key areas, and experts say the three things homeowners should focus on this year are your kitchen, your pet and your connectivity. Reconfiguring everything from remote control lighting in the living room to a remote area specifically for your pet’s lavish lifestyle can be a challenging, yet rewarding process. Here are just a few trends to keep you on the cutting edge of home design. Spacious Kitchens Elevated Taste The drama of life can take center stage in the most lived-in room of your home—the kitchen. Keep family and friends gathered around in style and with room to spare. A spacious kitchen can begin with the island. It’s not only a space saver, it’s a platform for lively conversations, prepping for dinner, and doing homework, to name just a few. Whether you have a U-shaped, L-shaped or a more unique-shaped kitchen, the island provides a generous supply of counter space and storage as well as the possibility for a cooktop or utility sink. If space is limited, it doesn’t take a home renovation expert to cook up ideas that add flavor to your kitchen without compromising taste. Starting with the basics is the easiest plan of attack. Colorful paint will help define separate areas in your kitchen. An accent wall is ideal because you can choose a shade that pops and will work as a focal point. From cool and relaxing to warm and inviting, a balance of wall paint and cabinet hues can introduce the illusion of more space when a color scheme is coordinated to make the best impact. 20 724.942.0940 to advertise | Norwin Adding living-space accessories such as a bench or breakfast nook can create a new area. The division is subtle enough to enhance the kitchen and cue the eye in a different direction. A space-making furniture piece such as a nook bench can sometimes include built-in storage under the lid of the seat, allowing you to hide kitchen clutter. Hiding objects to make space is sometimes more obvious than not. To shed light on your redesign, consider your windows for example. Evaluate whether they make design sense in their current place. Additionally, if your 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.