How to Find an Eco-Friendly Kitchen Designer
Homeowners are increasingly making environmental friendliness and sustainability a top requirement when considering and planning a kitchen remodel, and it's no wonder. Done right, a green kitchen save save energy (and later money), help foster responsible forestry and recycling practices, and make the home a safer, healthier environment through less chemical off-gassing from paint and cabinetry. The right designer can even minimize waste during the building process, too. Looking for an eco-friendly kitchen designer? Below, three important tips for helping you choose one that's knowledgeable, reliable, and will go the extra mile to ensure you space is both green and beautiful.
- Look at the company's product list. One of the most important factors in creating a sustainable kitchen is the products that go in it. A designer truly committed to sustainability should be able to offer plenty of green options for everything from flooring, to cabinetry, to counter tops and appliances, so ask to take a look at the green products the firm currently offers. Look for concrete or recycled or countertops by brands like IceStone and Squak Mountain Stone, low-VOC paints, and locally made cabinetry created from sustainably sourced wood, for example.
- Inquire about the company's build practices. It's not just the materials that go into the kitchen that make the space green. The process of building the kitchen should be green, too. The company should be able to suggest a location where you can donate your used appliances (or even facilitate the donation for you), as well as prove a commitment to donating their own leftover materials to recycling programs or charities like Habitat for Humanity.
- Make green design decisions. If environmental friendliness is at the top of your list, your designer should be able to suggest architectural and design ideas that will naturally lend themselves to a sustainable space. Maximizing the exposure to natural light with well-positioned windows, for example, can reduce the need for indoor lighting use during the day.
Divine Design Build is committed to creating sustainable, earth-friendly kitchens. Read more about our green initiatives here.