IN Penn Hills Spring 2018 | Page 24

INSULATE NOW! BILL MEROLA COMPANY Family owned and operated since 1935 FINANCING AVAILABLE WHERE ENERGY IS LOST IN THE TYPICAL TWO-STORY HOME • Blown in Cellulose • Spray Foam • Attics, Sidewalls, Garage Ceilings • Homes, Additions • Metal Buildings • Barns FULLY INSURED / FREE ESTIMATES 412-795-0357 MerolaCompany.com 22 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE A current issue of this magazine is also available online. icmags.com PA# 955 ❘ icmags.com Kitchen Although homes are trending smaller, kitchens are getting bigger and becoming the preferred gathering point for families. Formal dining room walls are being blown out to create an extension to the kitchen. These larger areas allow for more creative freedom when choosing dining sets, appliances, and countertops. Customization in this room of the house is key. Love to cook? Add specific features that enhance your cooking experience, such as pot-filler faucets above the stove or double ovens for twice the cooking power. Not quite a chef? Create an inviting space for guests to gather around with decorative pops of color added by useful appliances that make cooking a breeze. • Mix and match: Gone are the days of matching appliances. A variety of companies are now offering new color lines of large appliances to mix and match for a trendy look. Matte finishes are an alternative to stainless steel, boasting a fingerprint-free surface that provides a sleek look. Two-toned cabinets are also sticking, bringing in similar hues while adding interest to the space. • Quartz and high-end laminate: Granite is making an exit as the most popular countertop with a durable, fresh-looking competitor taking its place in the ranking: quartz. Quartz is harder than granite and not porous, making it nearly indestructible and easy to maintain. Don’t have the budget for quartz? What used to get a bad rap is now stealing the show. High-end laminate is now imitating the look of a natural stone countertop. Don’t rule it out until you’ve seen it. • Golden fixtures: This year is all about customization, allowing for more freedom when choosing kitchen fixtures. Brass and copper finishes are paired with slate appliances to add a modern feel to the entertainment hub of the home.