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 .
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
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There ’ s no shortage when it comes to contractors looking to upgrade features inside your home , or to create luxury additions like decks or patios . But who do you call when the actual structure of your home needs attention — when the bricks themselves have issues ? That ’ s when you call Michener Masonry for help .
Common problems like cracks that radiate out from the corners of windows and doors appear because of worn-out angle irons ( steel bars bridging the tops of windows and doors to carry the weight of the bricks above them ). Over time , angle irons can rust , swell and crack the surrounding brickwork .
Weak mortar is another area of concern . Constant abuse from the elements can erode mortar . In hard-to-inspect areas , like chimneys , homeowners may not even know there ’ s a problem until a brick falls or water starts showing up in the home . If not taken care of , these areas can and will let moisture and water in , and heat out . The longer they ’ re left untreated , the worse the damage can be .
Michener Masonry has been helping homeowners in the Greater Pittsburgh area solve these problems for more than 25 years , and offers results at affordable prices . Michener ’ s abundant experience means that mortar and brick will be matched as closely as possible , leaving a finished job that looks as natural as the day the house was built .
For more information on Michener Masonry , call Jim Michener at 412.853.2277 and schedule a free estimate for your home today .
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