6 Key Elements in Sustainable Kitchen Design

Whether homeowners want to pursue a sustainable kitchen design or their priority is creating a healthier lifestyle, designing a sustainable dining space is always a wise choice. Besides being beneficial for the environment, an eco-friendly dining space is also a great way to save some money.

Designing any kitchen has never been an easy task; from major elements like the layout and flooring to finishing touches like the sink, cabinet hardware, and countertops, there are endless elements to consider. And if an eco-friendly and sustainable kitchen is important to an individual, everything can feel a bit overwhelming.

So how can an individual create a sustainable and beautiful kitchen design? The first step could be how and where to shop.

Secondhand, local, and vintage decor are a key element to creating a beautiful and sustainable kitchen.

Homeowners must also consider what elements they are going to bring in. While buying each element, a house owner must consider what those features are made of and how long each will last.

But explaining this process can be a bit complicated. Hence, let’s break down this process into six key elements to consider when designing a more sustainable kitchen.

1. Shop vintage

When homeowners think of kitchen renovation, they mostly focus on selecting new materials and products. But consider shopping vintage when it’s possible.

Shopping vintage is a win-win situation for both house owners and the environment as a whole. Generally, vintage pieces are very well crafted; after all, they lasted several years before being purchased again. So, homeowners can feel confident about their quality.

Additionally, vintage pieces are generally made of strong, solid wood and feature high-quality veneers, which most modern-day budget pieces lack. Finally, every vintage material bought automatically sustains the natural resources that would otherwise be used to create a new piece.

So, if homeowners are looking to upgrade their kitchen furnishings or decorations, they could consider hunting for vintage pieces of decor, as they are fantastic sustainable kitchen materials. Homeowners can generally find these vintage pieces at local pawn shops or antique stores.

2. Reface don’t replace

While renovating a kitchen, some items are bound to be replaced, but a person doesn’t always need to start everything from scratch.

For example, if any of the current sustainable kitchen design elements are in good shape but homeowners do not like how they look, they should consider refacing them. Refacing could save them a huge amount of money which could further be invested in vintage-looking countertops like 6003 Coastal Grey and lighting arrangements.

Refacing the existing elements, like cabinets, also prevents a lot of materials from making it to landfills, which further makes it a better option than replacing them.

If the existing material of the kitchen also needs a bit of function upgrade, the house owner can add roll-out shelves and drawers to take advantage of every inch. Personalization could be taken a step further by inserting small appliances in nooks and crannies.

3. Cleaning products

Sustainable kitchen design ideas are just about the initial design. The biggest environmental impact could be made by changing small, everyday habits. The problem with a lot of kitchens is the cleaning products.

Cleaners like bleach and antibacterial products are generally much more powerful than required and become the prime reason for indoor air contamination. However, most of the time, simple water and soap is the only thing required to keep the surfaces spotless and healthy.

Consider installing high-quality quartz countertops, like Caesarstone’s 4046 Excava, that are easy to clean and maintain. High-quality quartz countertops can be cleaned with soap, water and a gentle cloth.

4. Save energy by utilizing the latest tech

Kitchen technology has come a long way. For example, energy-efficient appliances help homeowners save on both water and electricity. In turn, while shopping for kitchen appliances, homeowners should consider purchasing products that are energy efficient.

Homeowners can also use smart vacuum cleaners to ensure that their floors are in pristine condition, even when they are at work or out on the town. These are some small tips that homeowners can use to maintain their sustainable kitchen without breaking the bank or harming the environment.

5. Become thrifty

Homeowners  should consider checking if their community has a thrift shop. In such shops, homeowners can find great deals on windows, lighting, and doors because they were donated by the person who originally ordered them.

When a person visits a thrift shop, they can get their hands on some vintage items like statement lighting, millwork, and iron cast sinks that need little to no additional work.

6. Think long-term

Waste can be eliminated if homeowners get their kitchen fitted with long-lasting materials. Trendy kitchens may be very pleasant to look at, but sooner or later, they get outdated and will require remodeling.

With this in mind, it’s clear that homeowners should consider going for materials that are not just aesthetic to look at but also have a long life. Caesarstone’s engineered quartz countertops, like 6313 Turbine Grey, are timeless and could be a great option for a sustainable kitchen, as they have an incredibly long lifespan.

One of the most noteworthy advantages of utilizing quartz is its durability. Quartz countertops are made up of crushed quartz minerals, further reducing the unnecessary waste. Homeowners that purchase a quartz countertop are not just investing in a material that will stand the test of time, but they’re also doing their part for the environment.

6 Key Elements When Designing a Sustainable Kitchen — Conclusion

Homeowners who want to make sustainability a priority can feel good about taking this step. But just making a decision is not enough; a lot of work is involved in achieving this benchmark, and homeowners need to be ready to work towards them.

One sustainable kitchen element easily found in the market is quartz countertops. These countertops are not just pleasant to look at but also provide the sustainability that eco-friendly homeowners are looking for.

Vintage and local shopping are also great ways to build a sustainable, yet elegant, kitchen and can also be considered.