IN Peters Township February/March 2018 | Page 59

SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT 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 RENTAL - SALES - SERVICE H WE FILL PROPANE TANKS H Hammer Drills Log Splitters Scissors Lifts Chop Saws Torpedo Heaters Dry Wall Lifts Floor Nailers Generators Pumps Stump Grinders Sod Cutters Tillers Mixers Electric Hammers Floor Sanders Augers Snakes Pressure Washers Floor Sanders Propane Gas Delivery and Pickup Available - Reservations Encouraged 412-833-7300 5901 Baptist Rd., Bethel Park, PA 15236 www.TaylorRentalPittsburgh.com 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. Decorating Trends Decorating has never been so customizable. Focus on your inner self and what makes you feel calm, relaxed and comfortable in your home. This year is all about self-care and bringing happiness into the home. • Bring in the green: Plants not only add a pop of color to any room, they also improve air quality and purify the air. Choose plants that are easy to grow and maintain for a full-proof way to freshen up a room. Continued on page 59 > RECEIVE UP TO A 1,600 $ MASTERCARD ® PREPAID CARD By mail with