SPECIAL SECTION: HOME DESIGN TRENDS: INSPIRED UPGRADES
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.
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.
Continued on page 34 >
32 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | South Fayette