It wouldn’t be wrong to say that green modular kitchens are the future of home cooking.
They are becoming more and more popular as people increasingly seek practicality and become increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability.
Here are some reasons why:
- They are great for the environment.
- They can save you money on energy bills.
- They are stylish, modern, and practical.
- There are many different options to customize your space.
- They are easy to clean and maintain.
- Finally, you can customize them to fit your needs and home’s aesthetics.
If you’re ready to make the switch to a green modular kitchen, we can help you create a stylish and functional space that you’ll love!
Setting Up a Green Modular Kitchen
There’s much you can do to make your kitchen more practical and eco-friendly, from installing flooring and cabinets made of sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled plastic to choosing energy-efficient appliances.
We’ve created this guide to help you navigate making a green modular kitchen and benefit from unique ideas to create a one-of-a-kind setting that you can efficiently use every day.
Let’s get started.
Choose a Sustainable Ceiling
One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make when designing your green modular kitchen is what type of ceiling to install.
There are many different materials you can choose from, each with its own set of benefits. These include bamboo, cork, and recycled glass tiles.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a renewable resource that makes an excellent choice for a kitchen ceiling. It is biodegradable and doesn’t release volatile organic compounds or any harmful byproducts into the atmosphere. Also, it won’t harm the environment when it’s eventually disposed of. Bamboo is also sturdy and durable, lasting for many years.
Cork
Another fantastic choice for your eco-friendly modular kitchen is cork. Cork is a natural material that comes from the bark of the cork oak tree.
It is biodegradable and recyclable, with excellent thermal insulation properties. Put simply, it can help keep your kitchen cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Recycled Glass Tiles
On the other hand, consider using recycled glass tiles if you want a sustainable yet stylish ceiling. These tiles usually come from recycled glass bottles and other waste glass. They are environmentally friendly and can take your kitchen’s aesthetics to the next level.
Install Eco-friendly Tiles
Sustainable tiles comprise materials that can be recycled or reused, which is great because they won’t end up in a landfill when you don’t need them anymore. Moreover, they are made using low-emitting manufacturing processes not to release harmful chemicals into the air.
Besides, these tiles look great and will help your kitchen stand out from the competition. They also come in various colors and styles, allowing you to find the perfect ones for your home.
Below are some of the best tile options for a green modular kitchen.
- Wood: These are a popular choice for many homeowners because of their natural and warm look. They are also durable and easy to clean. However, wood tiles can be expensive and require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best.
- Cork: Cork tiles are a sustainable and renewable resource. They are incredibly soft and comfortable to walk on, making them an excellent choice for kitchens where you’ll be spending a lot of time standing. However, they can be challenging to clean and are not as durable as other tile materials.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials on the planet. It is strong, durable, and easy to clean. Bamboo tiles are ideal for kitchens that see a lot of traffic. However, this material can be expensive compared to others.
- Linoleum: These tiles come from natural materials, such as linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour. Linoleum is a very durable material that offers easy upkeep. However, installing these tiles can be difficult and expensive.
Go for a Natural Stone Countertop
While there are several materials to choose from, we believe natural stones like marble and granite are perfect for kitchen countertops in green modular kitchens.
Countertops made of granite, marble, and other stones are environmentally friendly because they come from sustainable materials.
Granite, for one, is one of the most durable countertop materials available, which means it will last for years without needing to be replaced. Marble also offers exceptional durability, but on top of that, it is heat resistant, making it ideal for kitchens where there is a lot of cooking going on.
One of the best environmental benefits of natural stone countertops is that they are recyclable. If you ever decide to remodel your kitchen and replace your countertops, the old ones can be recycled and used to make new countertops. You can rest assured knowing that you won’t be contributing to the growing problem of landfills and waste.
Lastly, natural stone countertops are beautiful and unique. No two pieces of granite or marble are exactly alike, so they’ll give a one-of-a-kind look to your kitchen.
Stone countertops are also easy to clean and maintain, which homeowners with a busy kitchen highly appreciate.
Invest in Energy-efficient Appliances
Making a green modular kitchen calls for an upgrade to your appliances!
When going green, it’s crucial to invest in energy-efficient appliances. Not only will this help the environment, but it will also save you money in the long run.
By using less energy, these appliances reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help preserve natural resources, thereby helping reduce your carbon footprint. Less energy consumption also means your utility bills will be lower.
In addition, many energy-efficient appliances come with tax rebates and other incentives, so you’ll save even more money!
The key is to look for appliances that have an Energy Star rating. To achieve this rating, they must meet stringent energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Apart from that, go for low-wattage appliances. The higher the wattage, the more energy the device will use.
Start by replacing induction cookers and conventional ovens with stoves and convection ovens to reduce the carbon footprint of your kitchen. Moreover, it’d be best to go for refrigerators with top or bottom freezers to minimize cold air loss.
Recycle Some Furniture
When designing a green modular kitchen, it is important to use recycled materials whenever possible.
Furniture is one area where this makes a lot of sense. After all, there are plenty of old pieces lying around that can be reused instead of thrown away.
Many people choose to use recycled wood for these areas because it is a sustainable option that also looks great. Reclaimed or recycled wood helps reduce deforestation and is often just as strong and durable as new wood.
So, you’ll be helping the environment and getting a high-quality product.
Another great benefit of using recycled wood in your modular kitchen is money savings. Recycled wood is often more affordable than new wood, so you can save money while still getting a beautiful and eco-friendly kitchen.
Honestly, it’s a steal!
Eco-friendly Add-ons: Don’t Forget About Storage!
Did you know that the average American throws away 185 pounds of plastic each year?
That is a lot of waste!
And you can easily avoid most of it and reduce your reliance on disposable plastics by storing food and liquids in glass containers with cork stoppers.
Glass is a sustainable material that you can recycle over and over again. It does not leach chemicals into its contents as some plastics do.
On the other hand, cork is a natural product that comes from the bark of cork oak trees. These trees usually grow in Mediterranean countries and are an essential part of the ecosystem. The cork industry provides jobs for many people and helps protect the environment.
Cork harvesting doesn’t harm the tree—it continues to grow as the cork bark regenerates. In addition, cork is a natural insulator, which means it helps keep food and liquids cold or hot.
Combining glass and cork gives you an environmentally friendly and aesthetically-pleasing product. Moreover, they will keep your food fresh for longer (it often goes bad when stored in cheap plastic jars).
Save Energy and Improve Aesthetics with the Right Lighting
Lighting is another critical component when setting up a green modular kitchen.
As per popular opinion, energy-efficient lighting should be a top priority for any homeowner looking to make their kitchen more eco-friendly.
LED lights use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs, meaning they will save you plenty of money on electricity bills in the long run. They are less expensive, to boot.
Besides, you can also use energy-efficient lighting to create a more stylish and modern kitchen, giving off warm vibes. Many sustainable kitchen designers emphasize minimalism and clean lines, and energy-efficient lighting is the perfect way to complete this look.
With that said, try to install more oversized glass windows in your kitchen to allow maximum sunlight to illuminate the space during the day. As an added benefit, the windows will improve ventilation in the room, keeping you fresh while cooking.
Go Green (Literally)
Potted plants can add an element of beauty to your kitchen while providing environmental and health benefits.
Plants can help improve air quality by removing toxins from the air since they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, for starters. Additionally, they can help reduce humidity levels in the kitchen, which can help you deal with the spread of bacteria and mold.
Another benefit of keeping potted plants is that they can improve the aesthetics of your kitchen. In particular, plants can help make your kitchen feel more spacious and open. They can also help create a calming and relaxing atmosphere.
When choosing plants for your kitchen, it is a good idea to choose ones native to your region to ensure they are well-adapted to your climate and will be able to thrive in your kitchen environment. You could also go for low-maintenance plants if you don’t have experience taking care of leafy babies.
Good plant choices for a green modular kitchen include bamboo, spider plants, and peace lilies. You can also grow herbs like coriander to avoid purchasing them from the market.
Take a Big Step Towards Sustainability with a Green Modular Kitchen!
If you’re looking for a kitchen renovation that will tick all the boxes, you should consider a green modular kitchen.
Not only does this style look great and offer plenty of storage space, but it also helps reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, many homeowners find that a modular kitchen is more practical than a traditional one.
Builders and interior designers make these kitchens with sustainability in mind, using materials that can be recycled or reused. Then, depending on your unique needs, preferences, and style taste, you can customize the entire space.
For example, you can choose the size, shape, color, and material of your cabinets and furniture to create a look that’s perfect for your home. The same goes for the ceiling and flooring.
And, because modular kitchens feature sustainable materials, you can feel good about doing your part to help the environment.
So, aren’t you excited to make a green modular kitchen in your home?
