SPECIAL SECTION: HOME DESIGN TRENDS: INSPIRED UPGRADES
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. Your pet is a part of your family and petfriendly design can accommodate up to 170 square feet of your home.
For some homeowners this designated space for a pet can also be
shared space in the mud, laundry or utility rooms. Using space as a
goal from the kitchen redo, creating space in the laundry room for
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