easy does it

When the budget is tight, Johnston reaches for Amana’s Easy Reach refrigerators. “The stainless steel 26-inch-deep refrigerators are an alternative to Sub-Zero that work as well, if not better, for a fraction of the cost,” the architect says. The unit’s shallow depth matches the surrounding cabinetry for a built-in look, while a bottom-freezer configuration gives consumers eye-level access to fresh food. The unit also exceeds federal energy-efficiency standards by 15 percent, the company says. Amana, 800.843.0304; www.amana.com.