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 .
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
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 .
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
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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