Eco-Friendly Renovation Tips For Your Kitchen

It’s amazing to see how much our kitchens have evolved over recent years. Modern-day kitchens are principally unidentifiable from the kitchens of old, being more multi-functional and in many cases, open-plan.

Cooking is just one of a number of by-products of today’s kitchens. Families throughout the North West now also use their kitchen spaces as places for socialising and unwinding, like they would traditionally do in their conventional living areas.

Do you wish that your kitchen currently catered for this sort of home regime?

It could do if you redesign your old kitchen, something that’s achievable with very little damage being caused to the environment if you take an eco-friendly approach to any kitchen remodelling project.

It’s much simpler to do than you may think…

Reface your old kitchen cabinets

Hold off ripping out your tired and worn kitchen cabinets if they’re still structurally sound! Giving them a new “skin” could completely revive their appearance.

Ahead of a applying a new veneer to the surface of the cabinets, you could also replace the existing hardware affixed to them i.e. hinges, handles, and drawer pulls.

Not only is it an eco-friendly way of updating your kitchen, but it’s also very cost-effective too.

If you definitely need new cabinets, birch plywood and reclaimed wooden cabinetry both have impressive eco credentials.

Buy some energy efficient appliances

When was the last you replaced kitchen appliances such as your cooker and fridge? If we’re talking years ago, they will be significantly adding to the running costs of your kitchen.

All major kitchen appliances, like the aforementioned examples, and also any minor kitchen appliances (food processor, bread maker, coffee machine), should ideally have an energy rating of at least “A” or above.

Energy labels are clearly displayed on products to help you understand how energy efficient each appliance is.

Put down some sustainable flooring

Everybody in your house will be keen to use your newly remodelled kitchen more often, and the flooring you choose needs to be able to cope with increased traffic levels.

If you want durable wood flooring, buy it from a flooring specialist with the FSC logo. This tells you that all of their timber is sourced from managed forests.

First invented in 1860, linoleum flooring is also making a comeback and made from natural materials, including linseed oil. You could also head to your nearest reclamation yard and retrieve some old tiles, polishing them up prior to fitting them.

For a new eco-friendly, open-plan kitchen built from scratch, Clearview offers a fantastic kitchen extensions service. Book an appointment to talk through your options.