Eat Well, Live Happy

To cook in Italian... Mangia bene, vivi felice

Verona Appliances Partners with Good Bones

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Verona Appliances has partnered with the star of HGTV’s “Good Bones,” Mina Starsiak Hawk, to renovate at-risk properties within the city of Indianapolis, Indiana. Mina, along with her mother, Karen E. Laine, both work at their family company, Two Chicks and a Hammer, where they flip run-down homes and renovate them into contemporary design dwellings.

Mina’s skillful intelligence in real estate and Karen’s knowledge of interior and exterior design forms an unbeatable partnership, coming together to transform dream houses into reality, one house at a time. As Mina was renovating kitchens in these three flipped homes, she realized she wanted to create a modern design with European flair, so she decided to add a Verona range.

Photo Credit: The Home Aesthetic

Charming Cottage: Where Vintage Vibes Take Center Stage

In the premiere episode of Season 7, titled “Quaint Cottage with Vintage Vibes,” Mina decides to enhance a small cottage home in the Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis with modern upgrades while preserving its timeless vintage charm. From the very first step on the porch, the house portrays lots of character with its charming siding, inviting windows and curb appeal.

Mina’s design choices come to life within the interior of the home, where you’re struck by the warmth and inviting ambiance. Mina designed this home with natural wood, a palette of soothing colors and a selection of textures, that overall creates a balance of both coziness and style. One of her primary objectives was to redefine the kitchen and dining room as a unified space while keeping the vintage aesthetic. To achieve this, she introduced a modern quartzite countertop with ample open space for functionality and style. For the perfect finishing touch, she added a counter-to-ceiling wall backsplash perfectly paired with a Matte Black Designer Dual Fuel Range from Verona Appliances.

Photo Credit: The Home Aesthetic

Small Space, Big Luxury

In Season 7, Episode 13, titled, “Little Bit Luxurious,” Mina decided she wanted to transform this house from outdated and dull to elegant and modern. Located in The Valley of Indianapolis, her goal was to merge the living room and kitchen into one cohesive space, perfect for entertaining. To make the kitchen into an ideal dream space, Mina added several key elements. She installed a stunning quartzite countertop island, a stone backsplash and a Verona Designer Gas Range in White. In expressing her passion for designing the kitchen, she states to the homebuyers, “Look at your really fancy stove. That is not a first-time homebuyer’s stove. We’ve got the backsplash going all the way up, and other than it just being pretty, it makes it so easy to clean.”

Photo Credit: The Home Aesthetic

Dazzling and Divine: Where ‘Wow’ Is the Norm

In Season 8, Episode 1, titled, “Income Property with Big Issues,” Mina converts a two-story house into a dual-income property in the Bates Hendrick neighborhood of Indianapolis. Mina’s first decision on renovating the house was to refresh the home with contemporary upgrades while preserving some of the older elements. A significant aspect of the design was the kitchen, where she provided ample storage space and a pantry area. She also added black marble that extended all the way up to the ceiling, creating beautiful contrast with the Prestige Gas Range in White from Verona. Overall, Mina aimed to achieve the ultimate “wow factor,” leaving the homeowners stunned by the transformation that the house truly turned into the perfect dream home.

To learn more about which Verona appliance is the best fit for you, visit https://veronaappliances.com/ and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Cooking in the Kitchen with EuroChef  

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At the heart of every great meal is the kitchen. Here at EuroChef, our goal is to help elevate your cooking skills and explore the delicious meals that can be made with your appliance. Our aim is not only to showcase our products but also to highlight what you can achieve with them, such as cooking and baking for yourself and your loved ones. Cooking isn’t just a means of sustenance, it’s an expression of creativity and an opportunity to explore different cultures and traditions.

To help you take your cooking experience to the next level, we’ve put together a three-course meal with recipes provided by our brand partners. So, put on your apron and let’s delve into how our collaborators have been using their ranges to create delicious dishes. As they say in Italy, “Mangia bene, vivi felice!” (Eat well, live happy!).

Appetizer: Cucumber Vinegar Salad

In the heat of summer, there’s nothing quite like a light and refreshing salad to cool you down. Brandy Leon prepares a delicious cucumber vinegar salad with her Verona 36-inch Prestige Dual Fuel Range.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup distilled white vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 3 cups sliced English cucumbers
  • 1 large red onion
  • 1 large bell pepper
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

  1. Bring to a boil: white vinegar, water and sugar.
  2. Allow vinegar mixture to cool and cut English cucumbers, red onion, bell pepper and grape tomatoes into a bowl.
  3. Add celery salt, salt, black pepper and olive oil to the bowl.
  4. Finish by mixing the vinegar dressing to the bowl.

For a Quick, Dump and Go Weeknight Entrée: Chili

Looking for a quick, delicious meal to enjoy during a cozy night in or a fun family game night? Look no further than this easy-to-make, comfort-food staple! Amy Davidson swears by her Verona 36-inch Dual Fuel Designer Series Range, which makes cooking a breeze. Gather your loved ones around and savor the warmth of a delicious turkey chili.

Ingredients:

  • 1lb. ground turkey
  • 1 can stewed tomatoes (or 2 if you like extra tomatoes)
  • 1 can chilies
  • 1 can ranch beans
  • 1 can white beans
  • 1 can black beans
  • 1 can tomato paste
  • 1 can yellow corn
  • 1 can hominy

Directions:

  1. Place ground turkey and stewed tomatoes in a medium-sized pot over medium high heat.
  2. Add chilies, beans, tomato paste, yellow corn and hominy to the pot. Stir to combine.
  3. Bring to a gentle boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes.
  4. Top with desired seasonings like seasoning salt, ground pepper, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, ranch seasoning, etc. to your heart’s desire!

For a Weekend Entrée: Homemade Pizza

Do you ever crave a classic cheese pizza, but wish you could make it at home? Believe it or not, making a homemade pizza is just as simple as ordering one. With a few basic ingredients and the help of the pizza function on a Lofra range, you can create the perfect pizza pie.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ball of Pizza Dough (from grocery store, bakery or local pizzeria) – left at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes.
  • ¼ cup of pizza or tomato sauce 
  • 3 ounces of fresh mozzarella
  • Fresh basil or oregano leaves, for garnishing

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees and select the pizza mode on the oven control knob.
  2. Transfer 1 ball of pizza dough to a floured surface. Use flour fingertips and firmly press all over dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Continue to stretch dough to allow a 10-inch circle creating a round shape.
  3. Lay out dough onto a pizza pan or a baking pan.
  4. Spread tomato sauce onto dough. Top with freshly chopped mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake until pizza is cooked through, approximately 12-15 minutes and crust is brown. The Lofra ranges’ Bottom Heat pizza function will give the pizza crust a perfect crunch!

Once crust is golden and cheese is bubbly, remove from oven and add fresh basil or oregano leaves. Slice as desired and enjoy!

Dessert: Banana Bread

If you’re looking for a delectable dessert, try making sweet and moist banana bread. Ashley O’Neal who enjoys cooking, and her Verona 36-Inch Designer Induction Range has perfected a simple and easy recipe. With a few simple ingredients and some helpful tips, she creates delicious banana bread that will have you wanting more.

Ingredients:

  • 4 overripe bananas
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 ½ cups of flour
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • Nuts (optional)

Tip: Add a dash of vanilla or cinnamon for even more more flavor.

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Mash bananas with a fork. Add other ingredients and mix well.
  3. Pour mixture into a greased loaf pan.
  4. Bake 1 hour until golden.

If you enjoy cooking or baking, share your recipes and pictures on social media with the #CookingintheKitchen, #VeronaAppliances and #LofraUSA hashtags. And if you tag @VeronaAppliances or @lofra_usa, you might be featured on our social media channels.

To learn more about which Verona appliance is the best fit for you, visit https://veronaappliances.com/ and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

To learn more about which Lofra appliance is the best fit for you, visit https://lofra.us/ and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Which Region’s Range Matches Your Design Aesthetic?

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Each region of the United States showcases a different landscape, climate, cuisine and culture. Similarly, when it comes to interior design styles, the variations are equally as striking! With an array of design aesthetics across the country, you are not limited to adhering solely to the predominant style in your local area. Whether you are drawn to the coastal allure of southern California’s beaches or the thriving cityscape of New York City, there is sure to be a regional design style that perfectly complements your personal aesthetic.

EuroChef is proud to offer a comprehensive collection of ranges and cooktops, from two prestigious Italian brands. Lofra and Verona offer high quality craftsmanship, elegant design and multi-functional appliances, available in an assortment of sizes, models, and colors. Read below to discover the range that best matches your design aesthetic from these exceptional Italian brands!

Pacific Northwest

Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature, Pacific Northwestern style draws a majority of its inspiration from the outdoors, creating warm and welcoming spaces. Most design elements, including furniture, finishes and other choices remain faithful to the integration of nature indoors, with organic shapes and natural finishes dominating. Lofra’s Maestro Collection in Stainless Steel is a popular choice, perfectly complementing the prevalent warm wood tones often found in kitchens across this region.

Lofra 30” Maestro Dual Fuel in Stainless Steel

Southern California

Interior design in southern California emulates the lifestyle embraced within the region. With a mindset rooted in effortless living, it’s not a surprise that a minimalist aesthetic is most loved by residents in this region. Many of the finishes and design elements in southern California are characterized by clean lines and sleek silhouettes, exuding modern sophistication. Lofra’s Dolcevita in Stainless Steel with Brass trim exemplifies this level of refinement, making it one of the most popular choices in this region. Many southern Californians also love the timeless and  mysterious allure of Verona’s black induction ranges, making them another fan favorite.

Left: Lofra 48” Dolcevita in Stainless Steel with Brass Trim; Right: Verona Designer Induction in Black | Photo Credit: Me and Mr. Jones

New England

In New England, interior styling aims to achieve a look of easy elegance. While the color scheme choices often evoke a nautical theme, New England design embraces the inclusion of striking statement pieces. This style often incorporates antiques, refined details and vibrant finishes. Given this region’s love for bold statements, it’s no surprise Lofra’s Dolcevita in Lavender with Brass trim and Verona’s Designer Dual Fuel in Burgundy are highly favored. Both ranges, adorned in unique colors, are captivating focal points in kitchens, adding an exquisite touch of elegance.

Left: Lofra 36” Induction in Lavender with Brass Trim; Right: Verona Designer Dual Fuel in Burgundy | Photo Credit: Not So Perfect Housewife

Mid-Atlantic

This region values high-quality appliances that not only perform exceptionally but also possess a stylish allure. Homeowners and designers swoon over the timeless design and multifunctional features of Lofra’s Dolcevita in Matte Black with Brass trim as it embodies the desired balance of style and functionality cherished in Mid-Atlantic kitchens.

Lofra 48” Dolcevita in Matte Black with Brass Trim

DC Metro

In DC Metro style, you can expect to see a plethora of rich, luxurious and chic materials such as leather chairs and glass coffee tables, adorning living spaces. Interior styling choices in this area are characterized by modern luxury. The modern and distinctive charm of the Curva Collection is a favorite from Lofra by the residents of this region. In this bustling metropolitan area, many also have limited space, so a clutter-free and chic aesthetic is highly valued. From Verona, their built-in products, including cooktops and wall ovens, are favorites.

Left: Lofra 36” Curva in Blue: Center: Verona Stainless Steel Wall Oven; Right: Verona Designer Cooktop | Photo Credit: Beth Bryan

South

Interior design in the south is combination of style and comfort, exemplifying the region’s iconic charm. You can expect to find interiors that beam with light, radiance and that distinctive southern charm! From paint choices to cabinetry color and even the color of appliances, white emerges as the preferred choice in the south. The effortless blending of contemporary trends and timeless design makes Lofra’s white Dolcevita with Brass trim reign supreme in the south. From Verona, the Electric Prestige and Designer Ranges in white are the most popular, further emphasizing the region’s infatuation for this milky hue. In the Southern Florida region, you’ll find the electric double ovens in white are the range of choice.

Left: Lofra 30” Dolcevita in White with Brass Trim; Right: Verona Electric Prestige in White

New York Metro

With living space being at a minimum in small apartments or condos in New York Metro style, the key focus is optimizing every inch of the limited area. Even with the constraints of a compact space, there is no need to compromise on your style preferences. New York Metro style exceeds in designing environments that exude a modern and luxurious aura. Ideal for achieving a contemporary look in a confined kitchen, many opt for Verona’s 24” and 30” Gas Ranges in Stainless Steel. If gas isn’t an option for some kitchens, the Lofra 30” Induction range is also a great choice. These ranges elevate the overall aesthetic of even the smallest of kitchens.

Left: Verona 24” Gas Range in Stainless Steel; Right: Lofra 30” Induction Range in Matte Black with Chrome trim, available later this year

To learn more about which Lofra range is the best fit for you, visit https://lofra.us/ and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

To learn more about which Verona range is the best fit for you, visit https://veronaappliances.com/ and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Verona Appliances Celebrates Apple and Apricot Month

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Here at Verona Appliances, we don’t just want to spotlight our products – we also want to spotlight what you can do with our products, and that includes cooking and baking for you and your family.

This month, we put the spotlight on apples and apricots because January is Apple and Apricot month. You might wonder why these fruits are paired (or should we say pear-ed?) together because other than their shape, they look nothing alike. Apples can vary in color from red to yellow to green and can be quite large, while apricots are more orange in color and are smaller. Apricots have large stones at their centers, while apples have seeds in a signature star pattern at their core.

These two fruits actually both belong to the rose family, or Rosaceae. They also both have versatility in cooking and can be used in several dishes. So, to honor Apple and Apricot month, we have a full three-course meal planned for a cozy night in.

Photo Credit: Kristy Hayes

Appetizer: Apple Brie Crostini

It will be hard to eat just one!

Ingredients

  • 16 crostini
  • 1 wedge brie
  • 2 honeycrisp apples
  • 2 tbsp apricot jam
  • 1/4 cup basil (lightly packed)
  • Sea salt

Directions

  1. Slice apples into fine wedges and chop the basil. You can use your Verona cutting board if you have one.
  2. Spread brie on crostini, then top with sliced apple, a dollop of apricot jam and basil.
  3. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Pro Tip: You can pre-heat your Verona oven for the next recipe while you’re working on the crostini.

Photo Credit: Beth Bryan

Dinner: Apple and Apricot Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Veggies

This chicken dish is packed full of flavor – literally!

Ingredients

  • 2 slices uncured bacon
  • 1 Gala apple
  • 1 tbsp. avocado oil, divided
  • 2 tbsp. chopped, dried apricots
  • 1 tbsp. orange juice
  • ¼ cup chopped, raw pecans
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat your Verona oven to 400°F.
  2. Chop bacon and apple. You can use your Verona cutting board if you have one.
  3. Sauté bacon and apple in ½ tbsp. of hot oil in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes or until bacon is crisp.
  4. Transfer to a bowl, and stir in apricots, orange juice and pecans.
  5. Pound chicken to ½-inch thickness.
  6. Cut a 2-inch slit horizontally into each breast. Stuff apple mixture into each pocket, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  7. Cook chicken in ½ tbsp hot oil in skillet for 2 minutes per side or until browned.
  8. Transfer skillet to oven, then bake 12 to 15 minutes or until chicken is done.

Pro Tip: To cut down on prep time (and dishes), pop a cook-in-bag vegetable in the microwave. Green beans or broccoli would pair well!

Photo Credit: Amy Davidson

Dessert: Apricot Apple Crisp

This twist on a classic recipe gets a hint of sourness from the apricots.  

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons softened butter or margarine
  • 2/3 cup chopped macadamia nuts
  • 8 medium tart sliced cooking apples (we recommend Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 2 cups chopped dried apricots

Directions

  1. Heat your Verona oven to 350°F. Mix flour, sugar, butter and macadamia nuts in a large bowl.
  2. Place apples in an ungreased rectangular 13 x 9-inch pan. Top with apricots. Sprinkle flour mixture over top.
  3. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until apples are tender.
  4. Serve warm with vanilla or cinnamon bun ice cream if desired.

Pro Tip: Use the Convection Cooking Mode during baking for even cooking. You can check out our Simple Guide to Oven Functions for information on this setting, or you can refer to your product manual. 

Share your recipes and pictures of you enjoying apples and apricots on social media with the #AppleAndApricotsMonth and #VeronaAppliances hashtags. And if you tag @VeronaAppliances, you might be featured on our social channels!

For more projects, products, trends, recipes and news, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn or visit www.veronappliances.com.

Most Popular Posts of 2022

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Another year has come and gone, which means it’s time to reflect on our most popular posts from 2022. We love taking the time to review the designs that grace our Instagram to reflect on this year’s trends and think about what new ideas we believe will emerge as we head into the next year.

Do you see yourself designing a kitchen like the ones below for yourself or a client? Below are our most admired kitchens of 2022 to provide inspiration for your next project.

It’s Not all White Anymore

Remember when all-white kitchens were the most desirable? They aren’t anymore!

The latest trending kitchens do feature white as the main color, but instead of everything in one shade, there are multiple shades of white spread throughout the space. This kitchen features bright white cabinetry with a range hood surround in off-white. That same off-white hue makes its way into the shiny, rectangular zellige backsplash and countertops. This kitchen is finished off with wooden accents of varying finishes and grains. It’s still the all-white look, but updated for a warmer atmosphere in the home.

Thank you to Home by Julianne for tagging us and spotlighting your 36” Dual Fuel Range!

This kitchen also takes the top spot for one of the most popular on our Instagram. Similar to Home by Julianne, @kalakleindesigns used white zellige-like Scandinavian tile, white cabinetry and off-white countertops. She paired it with a wooden-framed range hood surround and wooden décor dotting the walls and windowsill.

This kitchen features our 36” Electric Double Oven Range.

New Uses for Traditional Cookware

This lovely Dutch oven isn’t just used for cooking – turn it into a makeshift flower pot to display directly on your range! Laura Reister used her Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Heart Cocotte for Valentine’s Day flowers. You may want to try this hack if you have little no counterspace, but still would like to display seasonal blooms. It’s perfect for apartments or kitchens without islands.

This kitchen features our 36” Prestige Dual Fuel Double Oven Range.

Pops of Color in Unexpected Places

Susan Serra also features a red Le Creuset Dutch oven in her kitchen, which perfectly matches the red runner and Burgundy knobs. So many ranges on the market only offer knobs in Chrome, but our Designer Series ranges allow you to choose two colors of knobs –– Black and Burgundy.

This kitchen features our 36” Designer Series Induction Range in Matte Black with Burgundy knobs. The range is reminiscent of the iconic Christian Louboutin black pump with red soles ––daring in black with a surprising pop of color in the most unexpected places.

Want to be considered in our next design round up? Simply tag us @veronaappliances on all social platforms or use #VeronaAppliances when you share your space! For more projects, products, trends and news Verona Appliances, follow us on Facebook or Instagram or visit www.veronappliances.com.

Perfect Your Thanksgiving Turkey with Verona Appliances

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Give thanks this holiday season with your loved ones by enjoying a classic Thanksgiving meal. From stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy to cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, there are plenty of dishes that will bring warmth and joy to the table.

But if you’ve ever hosted or are planning to host a Thanksgiving dinner, you know the turkey takes center stage during this holiday. To help you perfect your turkey dinner, we’ve compiled a few frequently asked questions that will get you prepared for your holiday feast.

Celebrating National Pasta Month

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Photo Credit: @wild.thistle.kitchen

With hundreds of varieties, shapes and sizes, pasta has found its way into almost every culture and home around the world. A staple comfort food with endless recipes, this delectable delicacy is versatile and accessible making it a household favorite. In celebration of National Pasta Month, we’ve put together some helpful tips on how to take your pasta-making game to the next level:

Build from Scratch

Making pasta from scratch can seem like an intimidating process, but with a little practice, you may just find the time and effort required to preparing this family favorite is not only fun, but well worth it. Delicious and rich in flavor, fresh pasta only requires a handful of basic ingredients and is fun to make with family and friends in the kitchen—plus, it cooks quicker than store bought, with an average al dente time 6 mins faster!

Photo Credit: @violaminerva

Add a Pot Filler to Your Kitchen

Tired of carrying heavy pots full of water from the sink to the stove? Consider adding a pot filler above your range to reduce trips back and forth allowing you to get your pasta water boiling even faster, all while keeping your sink and countertop areas open and free for food preparation.

Photo Credit: @heartandhammerhomes

Opt for Induction: Precision Cooking

With their precise temperature control and energy efficiency, induction stoves and cooktops are quickly making their way into more American homes as a reliable and safe form of cooking. Ranges like Verona’s 36” Designer Series Induction offer homeowners versatility and precise temperature control over their cooking with additional power levels like “Gentle Heat”— a lower, three-level heat setting which provides continuous gentle heat, ideal for creating more delicate pasta dishes, such as Carbonara and Bolognese, where sauces are prone to breaking if exposed to too much heat.

Photo Credit: @theidentitecollective

Opt for Induction: Rapid Heating

They say “a watched pot never boils,” but we think otherwise. Quickly boil large pots of water with Verona’s 36” Designer Series Induction “PowerBoost” function—a precise heat setting that operates at the maximum power level for up to 10 mins, allowing your pasta water to boil faster than ever. And, for those times when you need to bring sauces up to a boil then reduce to a simmer, the “Fast Heating” function is a quick and efficient setting that allows you to rapidly heat up food or liquid then automatically reduce the temperature to a pre-selected heat setting.

Photo Credit: @susanserrackd

Finish Your pasta in a Saucier

When creating a pasta sauce, a higher-walled saucier allows you room to work with your ingredients, giving you more flexibility than a regular sauce pan. With the wide base and high walls, you can build your sauce and add pasta directly to the saucier yielding a more flavorful pasta as it absorbs some of the sauce while cooking.

Photo Credit: @thepillowgoddess

For more from projects, products, trends and news Verona Appliances, follow us on Facebook or Instagram or visit www.veronappliances.com.

4 Ways to FALL in Love with Your Kitchen

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Photo Credit: @sethandjennawright

Fall is in the air! As the leaves begin to change and the days grow cooler, what better way to welcome this autumnal shift then adding seasonal décor into the heart of your home.

From incorporating lush accents and bold colors to adding organic, natural accessories, give your kitchen the refresh it needs inspired by the rich autumn harvest.

Read below for some of our favorite style tips on how to decorate your kitchen for fall.

Neutral Color Palette

Using neutral colors such as beige, green and brown create the perfect color palette for a warm and cozy space. Additionally, accents such as copper containers, green wreaths and wooden accessories add a glamorous yet natural beauty.

Photo Credit: @mimodfarmhouse

Accessorize Your Kitchen Island

Keeping your kitchen island functional yet stylish is key. Creating an eye-catching arrangement consisting of fall scented candles, a small wooden tray, greenery and gourds is the perfect combination of texture and color creating blissful ambiance to your space.

Photo Credit: @leahwhitehome

Pumpkins. Pumpkins. And More Pumpkins.

Whether it’s felt garland adorning your cabinets, stacked pumpkins from the local farmers market or detailed embroidered hand towels, there is no end to the elegant and fun ways you can incorporate this seasonal staple into your home.

Photo Credit: @whitelittleranch

Autumn Tablescape

A fun, yet easy way to bring fall into your kitchen is through a beautiful and bountiful tablescape. Adding fresh fruits, candles, wooden cutting boards and herbs creates an organically balanced surrounding for your showstopper meal.

Photo Credit: Beth Bryan

For more from projects, products, trends and news Verona Appliances, follow us on Facebook or Instagram or visit www.veronappliances.com.

Savvy Consumers Turn from Trendy to Friendly as High Prices Motivate More Sophisticated Purchase Decisions

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In the world of appliances brands, smart consumers are finding entry-level luxury brands like Verona Appliances whose style, quality and functionality are on par with trendier brands, but come at a more accessible price and are in-stock!

First there were no appliances to be found and then came the price increases due to supply chain issues and inflation. While manufacturers have shouldered some of the costs, consumers are seeing at minimum a 13% increase in appliance pricing from 2021 to 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and in some cases, they could be as high as 20% more given that many promotional plans and rebates have been discontinued. Moving from high-priced brands to an “entry-level luxury brand” can go a long way right now for the customer that needs to balance their budgets.

Fortunately, there are hidden gems in the market that are beautiful, functional and reliable – but they do not carry the same high price point as trendier brands. These entry-level luxury brands are getting more than a second look as savvy consumers are ditching brands whose pricing has risen astronomically for companies who have items in stock, come at a lower price and often prove to be more feature rich for the money. With a little research and persistence, consumers are unearthing these gemstones and turning them into hot commodities overnight.

“As a family-owned company since 1958, we are seeing a lot of interest in our brand recently,” states Melissa Haber, vice president of Verona Appliances. “Verona is crafted in Italy, but made for the U.S. market. We don’t spend millions of dollars in marketing – so it takes a little extra effort to find us – but feature-by-feature, our products are on-par, if not better than brands that can charge more because they have more status in the market. Our office still answers phone calls in person, in New York, and our customers really appreciate the one-on-one connection, service and help. There are definite benefits beyond price for picking brands like Verona.”

“Consumers should also be wary of ‘made-in-China’ copycat brands that have recently come on the market – they lack quality and features but their price points are low, so they are grabbing the sale,” states Haber. “They do not compare in features and quality to established brands like Verona that have a good track record for service and quality. Consumers really have to look to find not just a good price, but a great value.”

Verona Appliances recently introduced their Prestige collection with seven new 36” electric ranges. The new 36” electric double oven ranges are an industry exclusive, with an upgraded look that is only surpassed by its high-powered capabilities. The single ovens are offered in four colors (Stainless Steel, White, Matte Black and Burgundy) and the double ovens offered in three colors (Stainless Steel, White and Matte Black).

A Matte Black Range Sets the Mood for this South Florida Kitchen

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Verona Appliances partnered with Haley Jones of Me and Mr. Jones to craft a moody black kitchen for her South Florida home. To her surprise, Haley didn’t realize that so many homes in the Florida area didn’t have gas hookups available, but she found a great alternative with an electric range from Verona.

“I wanted a gas range look and stumbled across the Verona Designer Series Range,” she says. “This was the first appliance we picked out after weeks of searching for a range that would fit the aesthetic of our modern kitchen.”

Continue to read below for more details on Haley’s experience with her Verona range.

Photo Credit: Haley Jones of Me and Mr. Jones

The Brand

Haley and her husband wanted a range in matte black with sleek and modern lines. The model they went with is the 36” Designer Series Electric Range. “The size is great and fits our space perfectly,” she says. “The home originally had a 30” range, but we wanted something a little bit larger to anchor the space and we love how substantial it looks!” Haley also liked how there were several Verona retailers near her, so she felt comfortable choosing the brand in case a repair was needed in the future. 

Note: If you’re interested in a Verona appliance or need repair assistance, you can use our store locator to find a licensed retailer near you. 

Photo Credit: Haley Jones of Me and Mr. Jones

The Design

According to Haley, the overall design of the range is what drew her and her husband in immediately. “It’s so sleek, simple and modern, which is exactly what we wanted for our kitchen remodel,” she says. “We opted for the single door instead of the double-door because I wanted the option to cook sheet pan meals on a large baking sheet.”

Another design feature she appreciated was the feet. “I know that’s oddly specific, but it’s one design feature that I love,” she says. The range in her previous home in California was lower to the ground, so it was more difficult to get under the appliance to recover lost baby and dog toys. The feet on the Designer Series Electric Range raises the appliance higher, therefore, it’s easier for her to sweep, mop and recover toys from underneath.

Photo Credit: Haley Jones of Me and Mr. Jones

The Cleaning

Haley also mentioned how simple her appliance was to maintain. “The cooktop is incredibly easy to keep clean in comparison to other electric ranges that we’ve owned,” says Haley. “In addition, the soft-close oven door actually can come off completely! It’s one of my favorite things about this appliance.”

Note: Instructions for how to remove the door on this model is found on page 22 of the user manual. Cleaning and maintenance instructions start in page 17.

Photo Credit: Haley Jones of Me and Mr. Jones

The Functions

The electric cooktop on the 36” Designer Series range has five burners. “I typically only use two at one time, but I love the larger burner in the center of the stove,” says Haley. “All the burners heat up quickly and cook evenly.”

As for the oven cavity, Haley says she typically cooks with the normal convection function, which cooks evenly as well. A fan and multiple heating elements help cook anything, from a roast chicken to a batch of brownies, with ease since it encourages even heating. 

Photo Credit: Haley Jones of Me and Mr. Jones

Review Summary

Overall, Haley says she and her husband absolutely love their electric range. “The size, the design, and the functionality of it are all really great. The design alone makes it worth the money in my opinion!” She also appreciates how she can customize her range with different colored knobs. “We have a Matte Black set that I plan on installing, but these knobs are also available in Burgundy.”

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