The sustainability and environmental effects of products had come to the forefront of many consumers’ minds.
As society becomes more aware of the environmental impact of materials, there has been an increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally-friendly products. The market for eco-friendly kitchens has gained momentum in recent years.
The interior design and construction industries have been flooded with questions about sustainability over the past few years, as awareness over wastefulness has grown.
With sustainability tipped to be a huge trend in 2021 and onwards, is it time to embrace creating a eco-friendly kitchen design?
There are plenty of modern features and benefits you could benefit from. Take a look at how to design your own environmentally-friendly kitchen…
Pick your materials carefully
It’s not something that crosses many people’s minds when first designing their new kitchen, but whether you choose a worktop material that is sustainable is an important factor for anyone who is serious about creating a eco-concious kitchen.
Not all products are sustainable, and some quarrying for natural stone does negatively effect local ecosystems and create huge carbon footprints.
If you’re set on having a particular material that needs to be shipped or transported over a long distance, consider whether you’re able to offset it’s carbon footprint.
When picking any sort of material or item for your kitchen, consider how long-lasting it is. Will you need to replace it often? Is there a less-wasteful option available?
There are many worktop materials such as granite that are notoriously hardwearing and can last decades if they’re cared for properly. Splashing out on something that is unlikely to need regular repairs or replacements can be worthwhile and save you money in the long-term.
Read our blog to find out how long kitchen worktops last, or find out more about granite worktops.
Embrace technology
There are hundred of smart appliances that can support you on your journey to sustainability.
Small details such as opting for boiling water taps can reduce water consumption and are a great alternative to boiling the kettle every hours or so.
Even which dishwasher you choose can influence how energy efficient your home is. Look out for energy star ratings to ensure you pick appliances that aren’t going to waste energy and money.
Reduce, reuse & recycle
Recycling old items and materials can be quite a fun family activity if a it of DIY appeals to you.
Even simple things like using worktop offcuts as coasters or paperweights can add a quirky touch to your home.
Giving reclaimed materials a new lease on life can be just as fun as it is good for the environment. Materials such as cork and wood can be reshaped and reworked to suit a new purpose with the right idea.
Bring the outside in
The rise in popularity of cacti, succulents and more have not been unnoticed by interior design experts. Bringing the outside in is not just trendy, but can be beneficial in other unexpected ways.
Certain plants are particularly good at purifying air and oxygenating the space it lives in.
Develop your green thumb and experiment with being self-sufficient with the addition of a small herb garden on your countertop or windowsill.
Setting up space in your kitchen design for potted plants, herbs & vegetables is a brilliant way to soften up the harsh edges of stone worktops.
Eco-friendly cleaning products
The products you use can contribute to environment pollution. Cleaning products are notoriously toxic, but there’s an easy alterative! The market for eco-friendly cleaning products has been growing steadily, with plenty of options to choose from to meet all your needs.
Take a look at our blog to see what products work for kitchen worktops made from quartz, marble, granite & more.
Trends are always an important factor to consider when planning your new kitchen installation or renovation, and we’re here to help if you find yourself struggling with your kitchen design. Sustainability is more than just a trend, being conscious of reducing waste will benefit us all in the long run.
Call us today to speak to one of our experts on 0117 956 3030, or fill out our contact form.