The idea of switching to an eco-friendly kitchen design appeals to more homeowners as the world strives to increase its sustainability efforts. With IKEA offering second-hand furniture to give products new life and more businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprints, it’s no wonder this practice is sparking interest among property owners.
According to Architectural Digest, homeowners spent the most money on kitchen renovations than any other project in 2021, even more than they did in 2020. While redecorating and renovating are exciting prospects for some, you can appeal to your aesthetic preferences and the environment without a major overhaul.
In this article, we’ll go over six excellent ways to create a functional and attractive eco-friendly kitchen. At NG Platinum Homes, we offer professional kitchen remodeling in Dallas, TX, and the surrounding areas. Read our tips, then give our friendly team a call!
How To Create an Eco-Friendly Kitchen
More people are recognizing the importance of sustainable living, so if you’d like a greener kitchen, consider these design tips:
1. Use Second-Hand Materials and Furnishings
Property owners have more opportunities than ever to redecorate and furnish their kitchens. From thrift stores and yard sales to local Buy Nothing groups and second-hand gifts from friends and family, reusing has never been easier.
Rather than reach for something fresh off the assembly line or packaged new in a box, look to used and second-hand items before buying new.
2. Consider Sustainable Materials for Your Floors
Salvaged flooring or refinishing and repainting floors is a great way to give your kitchen a new look. You don’t have to spend a fortune, nor do you have to buy something new to make your kitchen look beautiful.
Some eco-friendly flooring materials to consider are plastic-free, quarry, or terracotta tiles. Why stop at flooring, though? You can also use eco-friendly kitchen products for countertops, backsplashes, furniture, and more.
3. Craft a Timeless Cooking Space
According to U.S. News and World Report, you’ll spend less money living in a sustainable home; even the smallest eco-friendly difference can make a large impact. Therefore, turning your cooking area into an eco-friendly kitchen is in your best interest and the planet’s.
Here are some ways to create a timeless kitchen:
Go With a Classic Look
White or cream cabinets never go out of style, but some bold colors and designs might get old over time. You can easily change your kitchen decor when your overall theme is versatile and malleable. Neutral colors or basic appliances are much easier to work with.
Consider Your Current and Future Needs
What you need from your kitchen could change as you get older. When designing your kitchen, you must consider today’s and tomorrow’s needs, such as if you want an easier-to-maintain or more minimal cooking space.
Try using cooking utensils that function well and that you’ll use for several years. Instead of disposable plastics, consider bamboo or wooden cutlery.
Stay Away From Fads and Trends
It seems as though new kitchen gadgets “you didn’t know you needed” pop up every month, with a tool promising to make your life easier. However, the overconsumption of plastic objects and disposables is at an all-time high. While many kitchen tools and gadgets appear shiny and new now, consider the long-term effects of your purchases and ask yourself whether you need another trendy item to improve your cooking area.
Will you really use a mini pancake maker regularly or a clunky gadget you only pull out during holidays? We thought so.
Prioritize Function
Although we all want our kitchens to look beautiful, it’s vital not to overlook function when designing. Think about what you use the most daily or what could make your life easier. Are more kitchen gadgets and appliances adding unnecessary stress to your life?
4. Look for Energy-Efficient Labels
You can use products in your kitchen that work to help the environment, such as:
Light Bulbs
Energy-efficient LED light bulbs use less energy and are often just as bright as traditional ones. Not only do they reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they also last ten times longer than the average bulb, according to the Center for American Progress.
Plumbing
Switching to energy-efficient kitchen faucets and dishwashers is also a great way to decrease your environmental impact. Whether you’re using less water or energy, every little bit helps.
Appliances
ENERGY STAR appliances may include dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers that help the environment and cut down on your energy bills.
5. Use Fewer VOCs and Chemicals
Many paints and cleaning products we use in our kitchens contain harsh chemicals or VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Here’s what you can do to change your kitchen’s safety and environmental impact:
- Switch to green or natural cleaning products after reviewing their ingredients.
- Opt for paints without plastics or those that use plant-based and safer materials.
Taking the time to make these changes can contribute to an eco-friendly kitchen and a happier, healthier planet.
6. Reuse and Make Minor Changes
Recycling and reusing are two excellent sustainability practices and can involve purchasing second-hand items or repurposing items you already have. The following are two small yet powerful changes to make in your kitchen:
- Use old rags and washcloths with organic cotton to clean up spills and messes rather than purchase wipes and paper towels.
- Instead of throwing away tables, shelves, decorations, or cabinets, repaint or repurpose to give them a second chance.
If you want to get rid of old items that work fine, consider giving them to a local community member for free or at a low price.
Achieve the Eco-Friendly Kitchen of Your Dreams With NG Platinum Homes
Now that you’ve learned key tips for creating an eco-friendly kitchen, contact NG Platinum Homes, a family-owned company, for help achieving your dream design. We offer outstanding kitchen and bathroom remodeling and whole-home renovations and can prioritize sustainability for your next project, including installing eco-friendly kitchen countertops. Call (281) 271-3838 (Houston, TX) or (469) 667-3334 (Dallas, TX) to get started.
