The kitchen is a gathering place for many families. From cooking and eating meals together, to the kids sitting at the counter to do their homework, to entertaining friends & family, kitchens are well-loved and see a lot of foot traffic each day. Upgrading your kitchen is a great way to improve the functionality and appearance of your home. Unfortunately, your kitchen also consumes a large amount of energy, and choosing the wrong appliances can quickly run your energy bills up. If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how to create an environmentally-friendly kitchen, check out these tips for more information!

Upgrade Your Hardware and Lighting 

People tend to be too quick to replace their kitchen cabinets entirely or purchase custom cabinetry when they want to breathe new life into the space. Instead, it’s often better to think of ways you can revitalize your existing cabinets. Changing out old hardware pieces with new, modern materials can transform the appearance of the cabinets without any refinishing or replacements. You can also install a new faucet that matches your cabinet hardware to pull the space together! Brighten up the kitchen by making the switch to eco-friendly LED bulbs that will elevate the appearance of your current light fixtures and last for years to come. 

Avoid Granite Counters 

Granite counters are a popular choice among homeowners because of their timeless beauty and durability. Unfortunately, granite counters are not necessarily an eco-friendly option, which leads to some homeowners trying to avoid the material. If you’re in search of a more environmentally friendly, try sticking to quartz or composite counters for a stunning appearance that has a smaller environmental impact! Quartz and composite counters can look just as stunning as granite, and also require a fraction of the maintenance as they age. 

Look for Recycled Materials 

Keep an eye out for kitchen materials that contain recycled ingredients. You can also look for second-hand items that can be refinished and given a new life in a new home! Being eco-friendly means limiting the waste from your remodel, so every little bit of recycled material helps. 

Plan for the Future 

Try to stay away from designs that you’ll get tired of in a year or two. By choosing a neutral color palette, you can change the design of the space by changing up décor pieces in the room instead of getting new cabinets and flooring every time you want a change. A neutral color palette will also be more attractive to potential buyers if you plan to sell your home in the future. They’ll see your eco-friendly kitchen as a blank slate to make their own which is exactly what you want! 

Contact Us Today

If you’re not sure where to start with your eco-friendly kitchen design, contact our team at Amiano & Son Construction today to help you achieve your remodeling goals! You can create the kitchen of your dreams without harming the environment! If you’re ready to get started, give our team a call today at (609) 268-5923 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your home remodeling needs!