Everywhere we turn these days people are talking about the environment. We have zero-emissions cars, compostable plastic lids, and now we are talking about eco-friendly kitchens. When we design an eco-friendly kitchen, the concern is with both aesthetics and the sustainability of the materials we use. Fortunately, we can have it both ways, as there are so many ways to design an eco-friendly kitchen. Let’s explore some parts of the kitchen and how you can make them eco-friendly.
Counters
Countertops are a key element in any kitchen design. To keep your remodel eco-friendly, consider seeking out salvaged stone kitchen counters. You can cut costs on granite while saving the world from more mining. One new exciting material is a recycled glass countertop, which is made from colorful glass embedded in concrete, resin, or cement. There are also counters made of recycled paper in a resin base, recycled aluminum, re-used wood counters, and wood from sustainable sources such as bamboo and cork. There are so many sustainable choices for counters that there is bound to be a material to suit your individual aesthetic.
Kitchen Floors
Kitchen floors need to be cleanable, attractive, and sustainable to make for the ideal eco-friendly design. One of the oldest choices for kitchen flooring is Marmoleum, which is sustainable product. It comes in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs. If that’s not your style, there is an array of sustainable wood choices. Reused wood is a great choice, as is cork and bamboo. Ceramic tile is another friendly choice that opens up a wide range of design options. You can have simple ceramic squares on the floor, or you can opt for a colorful mosaic to brighten up the kitchen when winter rolls back around.
Lighting
Everyone loves a bright and cheerful kitchen. There are many choices for lighting that will help to not only brighten the space, but will reduce your energy bill. A great option for brightening up your kitchen, if possible, is a skylight, which brings in free, natural light. Some other great options include LED lighting, reused and antique fixtures, and bringing in brighter colors that reflect the available light. To reduce power usage, consider putting the lighting system on a dimmer switch to control the amount of the light you want. With a dimmer, you can turn the kitchen eating area into a romantic nook for late night coffee or dessert.
Call us today to start designing your Eco-Friendly Kitchen!