Few home remodeling projects bring as much immediate improvement as a kitchen renovation. Plus, this room allows environmentally conscious homeowners plenty of room for “green” initiatives. From the appliances to the interior design scheme, here are some tips for your eco-friendly kitchen makeover.

How to Design an Eco-Friendly Kitchen

1. Choose ENERGY STAR® Appliances

From the refrigerator and dishwasher to the microwave and convection oven, kitchen appliances consume a significant amount of energy. Start your kitchen remodel by shopping for models with the ENERGY STAR seal.

This means they have been certified for energy efficiency, allowing you to lower your utility bills and shrink your carbon footprint. You can recoup the upfront cost for these appliances over time with energy savings.

2. Opt for Sustainable Materials

The two most important surfaces in any kitchen are the countertops and floors. They both have to withstand heat, spills, and heavy traffic on a daily basis.

However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t choose environmentally friendly materials. For example, you could opt for recycled glass countertops instead of granite.

If you like to cook or bake for hours, consider cork or linoleum floors for gentle support underfoot. Polished concrete is another eco-friendly choice that offers a sleek, industrial-chic look.

3. Avoid VOCs

Some cabinet finishes and interior wall paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are gradually released into the air as pollutants. In addition to causing health problems like headaches, VOCs can damage the ozone when released into the atmosphere. Discuss this issue with your home remodeling contractor to ensure they use non-VOC products to complete your vision.

 

When you’re ready to start planning your dream kitchen, contact Alyson Abby Interiors. This seasoned home remodeling professional has been serving the Greater Boston area and Cape Cod, MA, for over 15 years. From the initial consultation to the final unveiling, you can count on owner Betsy Plansky to make creative decisions that align with your preferences. To learn more about her expertise, visit the website. Call (617) 835-6309 to begin brainstorming your new cooking space with a professional.