SPECIAL SECTION : HOME DESIGN TRENDS : INSPIRED UPGRADES
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 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 .
Continued on page 49 >
Upper St . Clair | Fall 2016 | icmags . com 47