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www.theconnectionsnj.com
908.766.2006
www.trueleafkitchens.com
134 S. Finley Ave., Basking Ridge
Truly transform
the way you live
Home improvement can equal life
improvement so look not just inside
your home for inspiration but inside
yourself. Think about what you really
want from your renovation and how
it can make you happier and less
stressed. Here are a few things you
can achieve if you design with this in
mind:
Remove Clutter
Design in areas to stash away or
organize items when not in use.
Mudroom
cubbies,
appliance
garages, or a beautiful entertainment
center are nice ways to enhance your
home and stash messy things away.
Another popular idea is building in a
“tech drawer” for your electronics to
charge at night, so you can eliminate
that mess.
Increase Quality
Time With Family
and Friends
Create cozy, inviting
areas that encourage
family gatherings like
banquette seating in
the kitchen that incor-
porates comfy cush-
ions for hanging out,
doing
homework,
playing games, etc.
Two ovens and/or two dishwashers
can cut down cooking and clean-up
times leaving you more time to enjoy
yourself when you entertain.
If you want to keep your furry friend
close while cooking, design an ani-
mal “nook” in the island where you
can put a pet bed and keep
water/food bowls.
Improve Your Mood
What makes you
happy? Is it the out-
doors, sunlight, music
or certain colors? All
these things can be
incorporated into your
new space. Add an
oversized window if
trees or sun bring you
joy or install ceiling
speakers if dancing while cooking is
your thing. Color is also a big factor
in how we feel. Right now I think
our clients are looking for calming
colors because many hues of blue,
from navy to bird’s egg blue, are very
popular. All shades of white are still
popular too because white always
looks clean and fresh, who doesn’t
get happy when their house looks
clean!
Encourage a Healthier Lifestyle
What about an under counter refrig-
erator in a convenient location for
healthy snacks and drinks? Most
healthy snacks need refrigeration so
you need to come up with an easy
and obvious way to entice the family
to eat them and for kids to help
themselves.
Hobby or work out/meditation area
to encourage you to take some “me”
time. If you create attractive storage
in a designated area to keep all of
the necessities in one place, it makes
doing what you love quick and easy.
HOME IMPROVEMENT = LIFE IMPROVEMENT
Submitted By: The TrueLeaf Kitchens’ Team
PAGE 60