5 Genius Design Ideas for Nailing an Eco-Chic Kitchen

When it comes to finding fresh kitchen design ideas, we could spend an age scrolling through the Niche Interiors Instagram—a stunning mood board of sun-drenched coffee nooks, swanky cocktail bars, and dreamy Californian dining rooms. Mastermind behind the account and namesake business is owner and principal designer Jennifer Jones, whose signature style seamlessly blends restrained elegance, family-friendly playfulness, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. In addition to running San Francisco–based Niche Interiors since 2007, she’s a LEED-accredited professional, ambassador for the Sustainable Furnishing Council, and a founding member of the Good Future Design Alliance. Here Jones shares five kitchen design ideas for building a sustainable (and chic) space.

<cite class="credit">Photography by Paul Dyer</cite>

Photography by Paul Dyer

1. Start With Safer Storage

“Sustainable design,” Jones explains, “is not just about how your choices affect the environment; it’s about creating healthy homes.” In the kitchen that starts with storage. “Cabinetry can be the biggest offender in terms of off-gassing,” she says, referring to the noxious chemicals released by the materials in many furnishings. She suggests using timber that is free of urea-formaldehyde (a toxic resin) and labeled as FSC-certified, like the ApplePly birch used for this Aptos, California, home.

<cite class="credit">Photograph by Paul Dyer</cite>

Photograph by Paul Dyer

2. Make a (Subtle) Splash

“Be careful with color in the kitchen,” Jones says. “People’s tastes change.” Rather than commit to cabinets or appliances in trendy hues that come and go, she delivers color in smaller doses—like the backsplash tile in this Sonoma kitchen. Choose brands that are committed to recycling waste, such as Heath Ceramics. Looking for a low-stakes color fix? Start here.

<cite class="credit">Photography by Paul Dyer</cite>

Photography by Paul Dyer

3. Think Long-Term

“Replacing countertops is one of the worst things for the environment,” Jones says. For clients who fret over stains, she suggests resilient solid surfaces like Cambria, Silestone, and Caesarstone. “Know your limits and pick something that will last years.” Still, that doesn’t mean shunning marble altogether. In this Bay Area kitchen, statuary slabs clad just the backsplashes.

<cite class="credit">Photograph by R. Brad Knipstein</cite>

Photograph by R. Brad Knipstein

4. Breathe Easy

Jones tends to favor induction cooktops, which have the least impact on air quality. But for clients who insist on gas, a powerful vent (like the Wolf hood in this Napa kitchen) helps minimize the effect of any CO₂ emissions—no matter what it is you’re cooking. “Anytime you light your stove, use the vent.” Not ready to go all in on induction? Start here:

Duxtop Induction Cooktop

$105.00, Amazon

5. Make Simple Swaps

Zero-Voc

Chestertown Buff Zero-Voc Paint

$45.00, Benjamin Moore

Energy Star

GE Profile 4-Door French Door Refrigerator

$3598.00, Home Depot

Zero Waste

Sanxenxo Ceramic Tile

$30.00, Fire Clay Tilex

Stay Green:

13 Sustainable Gifts for the Extra-Green Cook in Your Life

Have a climate-conscious Christmas and an eco-friendly New Year.

Originally Appeared on Bon Appétit


https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/5-genius-design-ideas-nailing-190000379.html

Bee

Next Post

Colorado mountain resort town real estate sales setting records in 2021.

Mon Nov 1 , 2021
The blistering pace of real estate sales is continuing in Colorado’s high country, with every resort community setting new records in each month this year.  “It’s been crazy,” Crested Butte broker Frank Konsella said, “way past everything in 2019 and 2020.”   Last year saw record numbers of home buyers paying […]
Colorado mountain resort town real estate sales setting records in 2021.

You May Like