With environmental issues at the forefront of global consciousness, we’re all thinking harder about our choices - whether it’s the things we buy or the way we live.
Designing a new kitchen ticks both of these boxes. The materials you buy for your new kitchen all add to your carbon footprint. The way you use your kitchen also plays a part, from how much energy your appliances use to how you heat and insulate the space.
Designing a new kitchen ticks both of these boxes. The materials you buy for your new kitchen all add to your carbon footprint. The way you use your kitchen also plays a part, from how much energy your appliances use to how you heat and insulate the space.
So, how do you design a more sustainable kitchen? Here are some useful things to start thinking about during the design process:
Reuse or reface cabinets rather than replacing them
When you move into a new house with a kitchen that’s not up to scratch, pause before ripping the whole lot out. Take a closer look at the cabinets. It’s likely that they’re in great condition, and certainly solid enough to be used in the new kitchen. If you recover them with gorgeous new doors and drawer fronts, no one will ever know the difference. This is a great way to recycle and reuse existing kitchen materials.
Choose materials that will last
It isn’t just the eco credentials of the materials in your kitchen that matters. You should also consider durability. An eco-friendly worktop that needs replacing in a few years is not a sustainable choice. You should always opt for quality and a long working life, even if it means stretching the budget a little further.
Opt for a classic, timeless design
It’s so tempting to design a kitchen with the hottest new kitchen trends in mind, but will these looks still be in fashion in a few years’ time? The less a kitchen has to be renovated, requiring the use of even more resources, the better for the environment. With this in mind, always aim for longevity when considering what look to go for. Classic and timeless can still be beautiful, and can work wonderfully in contemporary homes when paired with a few modern features.
Choose energy-efficient lighting and appliances
You won’t regret spending a little more on high-efficiency, energy-saving appliances in your new kitchen. Not only will you save money on energy bills, but you’ll be future-proofing your kitchen too. Go for the latest energy-saving tech and your appliances won’t become outdated in just a few years. Smart, energy-efficient kitchens are also very attractive to buyers, should you be thinking ahead.
Go for A-rated appliances (or higher – A++ if you can) and energy-saving LED bulbs, along with dimmer switches to adjust the wattage. Another smart choice is the touch-free tap, which is not only more hygienic and easier to keep clean but it minimises water waste too. Make sure your boiler is efficient and well-maintained, as this will play a part in heating your kitchen and its water supply.
If you’re committed to sustainability for your new kitchen, get in touch with the A&J Kitchens team to discuss your ideas and work out a plan for implementing them. We’re expert kitchen fitters with experience with all kinds of kitchens, and we’d love to help you achieve your goals.
Reuse or reface cabinets rather than replacing them
When you move into a new house with a kitchen that’s not up to scratch, pause before ripping the whole lot out. Take a closer look at the cabinets. It’s likely that they’re in great condition, and certainly solid enough to be used in the new kitchen. If you recover them with gorgeous new doors and drawer fronts, no one will ever know the difference. This is a great way to recycle and reuse existing kitchen materials.
Choose materials that will last
It isn’t just the eco credentials of the materials in your kitchen that matters. You should also consider durability. An eco-friendly worktop that needs replacing in a few years is not a sustainable choice. You should always opt for quality and a long working life, even if it means stretching the budget a little further.
Opt for a classic, timeless design
It’s so tempting to design a kitchen with the hottest new kitchen trends in mind, but will these looks still be in fashion in a few years’ time? The less a kitchen has to be renovated, requiring the use of even more resources, the better for the environment. With this in mind, always aim for longevity when considering what look to go for. Classic and timeless can still be beautiful, and can work wonderfully in contemporary homes when paired with a few modern features.
Choose energy-efficient lighting and appliances
You won’t regret spending a little more on high-efficiency, energy-saving appliances in your new kitchen. Not only will you save money on energy bills, but you’ll be future-proofing your kitchen too. Go for the latest energy-saving tech and your appliances won’t become outdated in just a few years. Smart, energy-efficient kitchens are also very attractive to buyers, should you be thinking ahead.
Go for A-rated appliances (or higher – A++ if you can) and energy-saving LED bulbs, along with dimmer switches to adjust the wattage. Another smart choice is the touch-free tap, which is not only more hygienic and easier to keep clean but it minimises water waste too. Make sure your boiler is efficient and well-maintained, as this will play a part in heating your kitchen and its water supply.
If you’re committed to sustainability for your new kitchen, get in touch with the A&J Kitchens team to discuss your ideas and work out a plan for implementing them. We’re expert kitchen fitters with experience with all kinds of kitchens, and we’d love to help you achieve your goals.
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