Where Sustainability and Design Meet
An ideal kitchen renovation creates a more aesthetically pleasing and improved functioning space for a family. A properly remodeled kitchen will also reduce waste when high quality products are utilized. Using quality materials with a longer lifespan will lengthen the years between necessary updates and avoid waste over time. Solid wood cabinetry can be refinished with a more current stain or painted as trends change, natural stone or higher quality manmade countertops will wear better over time, and quality furniture will become family heirlooms.
When designing a new kitchen or bath there are options for reuse or recycling of materials. If new cabinetry is replacing original cabinets that are in good condition, and able to be removed intact, they can be relocated to other spaces in the home such as a basement or bar area with adequate planning. Antique pieces can be retrofitted into a newly designed space to give pieces a second life. For example, an antique wooden table might replace the traditional island cabinets or salvaged doors can be refinished and hung outside a pantry. Reclaimed wood is popularly used on feature pieces within a space, such as vent hoods or the seating section of an island.
Cabinetry can be donated to organizations like Habitat ReStore. The same goes for sinks, lighting, hardware, working appliances, and doors or windows that are not being relocated in the home.
