kitchen

countertops that are antibacterial

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broom closet

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concrete floor

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FUN color to put in a small space

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flooring

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concrete stain

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concrete stain

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tile or concrete?

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cinder block

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concrete stain

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concrete stain

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concrete stain

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warm kitchen

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I like the wood floor

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don't mind the upper shelving

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chairs

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Three of the four living area walls have clerestory windows. A set of sliding doors leads to a screened-in patio and a pool area beyond.

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Why the design works: The architects addressed sightlines from surrounding rooms so that if you’re sitting in the dining room, you’re not looking at a wall of appliances. Two islands allow people to eat in one area and work in another, while creating good traffic flow to the terrace. Who uses it: Two working professionals with three college-age kids who come home regularly with their friends.

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consider a higher bar for chairs

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Placing clerestory windows above a solid wall in the kitchen of the same house brings beautiful light into the house.

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I like the double side by side ovens

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1. Extra-height kitchen cabinets. We’re all looking for extra space in the kitchen, and sometimes it’s best to look up. Your builder’s standard upper-cabinet height may be 30 inches, but if you can increase that to 36 inches or even 42, it’s worth the upgrade. The height will provide an extra shelf of storage, and the closer you can get to the ceiling the better, for both storage and aesthetic reasons. (Short cabinets can look stumpy.) Bonus: Taking the uppers all the way up eliminates the space above for dust to collect.

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Undersink storage. Another storage opportunity is the typically unusable area directly under the sink. Instead of putting a false panel on the front, consider installing a tip-out tray where brushes and sponges can be placed when not in use.

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ppliance garages also can be equipped with outlets, mixer lifts and rollout platforms that allow you to use an appliance without having to unplug it and move it.

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tile backsplash

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island

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cupboard and chairs

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