Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/944589
NWA Home Show presented by NWA HBA NWA Democrat-Gazette | Sunday, February 25, 2018 20 beyond the counter top. When installing a free-standing fridge, a 24-inch depth is a good rule of thumb. A mini-kitchen built right into a master suite may just be the only private place in some households for a morning cup of coffee. In this room, make sure there are plenty of electrical outlets to accommodate appliances such as a microwave for quick coffee warm-ups, and a mini-fridge for those middle-of- the-night ice cream indulgences. Everything, Including the Kitchen Sink Most households have more than one cook in the kitchen, so how about two sinks? A prep sink, in addition to the main sink, will create a separate work zone. Smart sinks, such as Kohler's trough-shaped stainless steel Crevasse, are made especially for food prep, automatically rinsing food scraps and activating the disposal. A bar sink in the nearby dining or family room creates more possibilities when entertaining. The enameled cast iron Kohler Cordial® bar sink, includes an ice mold and holes for chilling up to three bottles of wine. Working sinks are often two-to-three inches deeper today, accommodating larger pots and pans and keeping splashing to a minimum. Stylish options range from apron sinks (also known as farm sinks) to sleek, contemporary stainless steel designs. And how about a pop of color? Designer Jonathan Adler has partnered with Kohler to bring a splashy new line of sink colors, such as Greenwich Green, Piccadilly Yellow, Palermo Blue, and Annapolis Navy. The sink faucet has been re-imagined, too. The Kohler Karbon articulated arm is a great option for the mobility challenged. And pot fillers are increasingly popular, alleviating the heavy lifting required for carrying a heavy pasta pot from the sink to the stove. Fantasy Island Kitchen islands have become more stylish and functional. For the less mobile resident, or for people whom standing is a problem, create an island niche or fold- up extension that accommodates sitting while preparing food. Another trend is to situate the microwave at the end of an island, making it more reachable for the mobility-challenged user, or even the grandkids. And while we're at it, why not consider two islands? One can be for eat-in convenience and the other for chopping and rinsing. Two-tiered islands and breakfast bars offer additional flexibility, and cabinetry in finishes contrasting with the base cabinets appear more like furniture than a built-in. High-Tech Touches Don't forget to include a tech nook in today's kitchen. A great many of the over-50 crowd are quite comfortable with the Internet, email and social networking, so a computer desk in a kitchen will allow them to browse for recipes on cooking sites and Pinterest, and monitor the front door at the same time. A docking station will allow them to recharge all of today's gadgets. Streamlined systems can be slipped out of sight behind a base or wall cabinet. For the less mobile or eyesight- impaired, a monitor mounted on an articulated arm can adjust for height and distance. Even appliances are going decidedly high-tech, and can make life easier for today's over-50 consumer. Manufacturers such as Hafele are making cooktops with built-in computer monitors that produce induction heat that is both green and safe. Using technology borrowed from the smart phone, Thermador's Freedom induction cooktop boasts a full-color touchscreen interface. And for the grandkids, how about a flat-screen TV that pulls down from above the cabinets? Earth-Friendly Fashion While granite is still popular, the countertop world has opened up with new possibilities that are Earth- friendly, such as lava stone counters that emit zero toxins. Butcher block is making a comeback, and soapstone, limestone, glass, copper and concrete are other natural countertop materials. Recycled glass and metal shavings sealed into a transparent matrix also are Continued from page 18 GIVE YOURSELF 3078 McRay Avenue • Springdale, AR • 479-927-2882 • www.backyarddesigns.net EXTRA ROOM 3078 McRay Avenue • Springdale AR • 479-927 27 2 -288 882 • www 78 McRay Avenue • Springdale Backyard Designs • Free In-home Estimates • Financing Available (Wac) • Pest Free • Relaxation and Entertaining • Maintenance Free • Free- Standing or Attached Pergolas Screen Rooms PGT EZ-Breeze Sun Rooms Patio Covers New Larger Showroom! Come Stop By! • Ceramic Tile • Porcelain Tile • Natural Stone Tile Come in and check out our HUGE Tile inventory! 479.751.4043 13241 Puppy Creek Rd Suite 6 • I-49 @ Wagon Wheel Rd Exit 76 www.townzentile.com