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7 Tips For Designing A Sustainable Kitchen

January 12, 2022

Sustainability Meets Style

As environmental consciousness grows, sustainable design is gaining popularity in all areas of homes

As sustainability gains momentum, homeowners seek eco-friendly alternatives. The kitchen is a crucial area for sustainability. Create an eco-friendly kitchen that promotes health and well-being. Follow our seven tips for a sustainable kitchen design. 

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1. Sustainably Sourced Cabinetry

To create an eco-friendly kitchen, opt for sustainable materials for cabinets and furniture. Solid wood is a good choice, as well as metal, bamboo, or recycled materials. Choose high-quality cabinets that will last. 

If you're in the market for high-quality cabinetry, look no further than Crystal Cabinet Works. With a commitment to sustainability and American-made craftsmanship, Crystal offers a range of custom and semi-custom cabinets for homes and businesses. Whether your style is modern or traditional, Crystal has the perfect option for any project.

2. Choose Sustainable Countertop Options

Sustainable countertops are essential in creating an eco-friendly kitchen. Look for sustainable materials or sustainably sourced granite and quartz. Many manufacturers display this information, and recommendations from builders can also help find the right product.

If you're in the market for high-quality, sustainably made countertops, look no further than Cambria Surfaces. Cambria products are made of the finest natural quartz. They are distinctively durable, nonabsorbent, easy to maintain, and backed with robust service and support. 

3. Find Sustainable Appliances for Your Kitchen

Designing a truly sustainable kitchen starts with choosing energy-efficient appliances that reduce both utility costs and environmental impact. By selecting products with the Energy Star® label, you can ensure maximum efficiency, long-term durability, and superior performance—all while creating a healthier, eco-conscious home.

At Sustainable 9, we recommend trusted appliance brands known for their quality and commitment to sustainability, including:

Did you know that every Sustainable 9 home is backed by third-party sustainability certifications? Each custom home we build undergoes rigorous independent testing to verify that we’re meeting our performance and efficiency goals—ensuring you receive a home that’s both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

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4. Ventilate Your Kitchen Properly

An often overlooked but very important design tip is to make sure that you’re ventilating your kitchen properly. Proper ventilation is crucial in a sustainable kitchen design. By providing a fresh air supply or the right fans, you can remove cooking fumes and gases that can be hazardous to your health over time. This can also help control the temperature of your space and save you money on utilities. 

5. Choose Sustainable Flooring Options

To ensure a sustainable kitchen, carefully choose the flooring that is both durable and stylish. Reclaimed wood and recycled materials are excellent sustainable flooring options. Sustainable tile made from recycled materials or those sourced and produced sustainably is also available.

6. Sustainable Kitchen Lighting

Proper lighting is essential in any kitchen design. Bright, well-placed fixtures over counters, stoves, and prep areas not only enhance safety and functionality but also set the tone for a warm, inviting space. For an eco-friendly choice, opt for LED or CFL bulbs—they use less energy, last longer than traditional bulbs, and generate less heat, which is especially helpful in busy kitchens.

When designing your kitchen lighting, think about how you use the space. A thoughtful mix of task, ambient, and accent lighting creates balance, improves efficiency, and allows you to customize your kitchen to fit your lifestyle.

At Sustainable 9, we take pride in supporting local lighting vendors to minimize our carbon footprint while strengthening our community. Some of our trusted partners for high-quality, sustainable lighting include:

Visual Comfort
Hennepin Made
Southern Lights

By combining energy-efficient lighting solutions with locally sourced fixtures, we help homeowners across Minneapolis and the Twin Cities create kitchens that are not only beautiful but also sustainable.

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7. Recycled and Reused Items for Your Kitchen

Embracing sustainable and modern design requires finding creative ways to incorporate eco-friendly features throughout your kitchen. From dining tables to kitchen counter stools, there are plenty of opportunities to use recycled materials in your home. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

  • Consider using reclaimed wood for your dining table or kitchen countertops.
  • Look for vintage or refurbished stools or chairs to use at your kitchen island or counter.
  • Choose kitchen accessories made from recycled materials, such as glass jars, bamboo utensils, or recycled plastic cutting boards.
  • Use eco-friendly paint on your kitchen walls or cabinets to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
  • Opt for sustainable window treatments made from natural materials like bamboo or organic cotton.

By incorporating these features into your kitchen design, you can create a stylish, sustainable, and environmentally friendly space that you'll love spending time in.

Looking for an interior designer to help bring your vision to life? Reach out to our team to learn more about our interior design services

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