There’s a lot to think about when designing a new kitchen, but sustainability should be near the top of your list. Not only is an eco-friendly kitchen good for the planet in the face of climate change crisis, but it’s also great for your wallet. A sustainably designed kitchen will last longer, so you won’t have to shell out to replace it in 5 years’ time.
Here are some tips to help you design a dream kitchen with a smaller carbon footprint:
Here are some tips to help you design a dream kitchen with a smaller carbon footprint:
1.Choose a timeless style
Design trends are a great source of inspiration, but be careful not to go overboard. Some trends can make a space feel outdated very quickly, while a classic style ensures a longer life for your kitchen.
2.Opt for good quality materials
It may require spending a little more at the outset, but good quality units, worktops and flooring will almost certainly last for longer.
3.Incorporate repurposed items
Using second-hand cabinets, door fronts or other items is a super eco-friendly way to bring a unique kitchen design together. You need to choose the right pieces and use them in the right way, but the end result can be a bespoke, characterful kitchen.
4.Make professional fitting a priority
We may be a little biased, but it’s a fact - the quality of kitchen fitting can make an enormous difference to its overall lifespan. Some mistakes or misaligned units you can live with for a while, but you’ll soon find yourself wanting to make a change. But get it right first time, and you’ll have a kitchen that lasts for decades.
5.Sell or give your old kitchen away
When ripping out an old kitchen, pause before you take it to the tip. If in decent condition and removed carefully, your old units can have a second life in another home. It could even make you some extra cash to spend on your new kitchen.
6.Choose manufacturers with strong sustainability policies
Look for products made with Forestry Stewardship Council (FCS) accreditation, or made from eco-board, low-emission glue (without the environmentally damaging formaldehyde that many standard cabinets contain) and other eco-friendly materials.
7.Touch up rather than rip out and replace
If your kitchen doors and drawer fronts are looking a little tired, chipped or scratched, this doesn’t mean you need whole new units. If the carcasses of the units are in good condition, you can simply replace or touch up the doors.
8.Choose a worktop made from recycled materials
You can find many worktops these days which are made using 100% or part-recycled materials, such as recycled glass, timber or sintered stone.
9.Consider the small things
A sustainable kitchen design means considering all materials, however small. This means choosing eco-friendly grout, zero VOC paint and looking closely at the eco-friendliness of all other DIY and decorating supplies you need.
10.Get super energy and water efficient appliances
Lastly but just as importantly, opt for A-rated appliances to save energy and water. And don’t forget about lighting – go for energy efficient LED lights across the whole of your home and you could reduce your CO2 emissions by as much as 40kg a year.
Ready to fit your new sustainable kitchen? Give A&J Kitchens a call on 01942 873781 or email [email protected] to get started.
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