Designing an eco kitchen

Anyone who has ever tried their hand at a bit of home renovation will know that it’s never easy deciding upon the design of new kitchens. When it comes to choosing materials in particular, it can be a real struggle when you have to take into account different styles, materials, and the all-important budget factor that sometimes has to take priority above all other considerations.

However, have you considered choosing materials that are good for both the environment and your pocket? There are numerous ways in which you can do your bit for Mother Earth when designing your kitchen that can also save you precious money in the long run.

Selecting which materials to use in your kitchen is always a difficult decision but there are certain types of countertops and flooring that will make you a true eco warrior.

Several manufacturers use recycled glass to fashion out kitchen countertops and also use surfaces that tick all the boxes since they are easy to clean, durable and resistant to heat.

The same applies to making your countertops out of recycled ceramic tiles, which look great in both traditional and modern kitchens. If you find it difficult to imagine how your surfaces will look compared to the rest of the room, just get hold of a kitchen planner to help with the visualisation.

Meanwhile, when it comes to flooring there is a material that is the ultimate in green design. Cork flooring is fast becoming a popular choice amongst both designers and consumers as its properties make it the perfect material for the environmentally conscious kitchen owner.

Firstly, cork is renewable as it is made from the bark of oak trees and can be harvested every 10 years without damaging the tree. This material can be styled to look like a number of different types of wood, giving the appearance of fine timber flooring but without the immense cost or the significant damage to the environment.

From a practical point of view, cork is easy to clean, can stand all sorts of wear and tear, and also retains heat, which means it will save you money on your energy bills!

These are just a few simple choices that will allow you to sit back and relax in your kitchen knowing that you have done your bit for the environment. Well done you! – Kitchens-