REDECORATING THE SMALL ECO-FRIENDLY KITCHEN

What do we mean by redecorating a small eco-friendly kitchen?  It simply involves maintain the structural building envelope common with full scale remodeling, while simply replacing cabinets, counters or flooring.

Rather than ripping out and replacing your entire kitchen, give your kitchen a needed face lift which is the best eco-friendly option.  Compared to full-scale remodeling, redecorating your small kitchen the eco-friendly way creates less time and less waste.

For your redecorating or small kitchen remodeling project, be sure to maintain healthy indoor quality concerns particularly of any new materials that are used during the project:  have zero to low levels of VOC (volcanic organic compounds) in your interior paints and other finishes and consider using materials other than plastic or compressed-wood furnishings that may give off gas, noxious fumes or chemicals.

To further minimize waste, consider finding a convenient space to collect recyclable paper, bottles and cans.  Give away things you are no longer using and inventory your kitchen appliances, utensils and other items.

Design Strategies for Smaller Kitchens:

Plan carefully to make the most of every inch of space that you have.  Give away things you no longer need or use and reduce clutter.  To help with the decluttering process. Consider using innovative and unique storage solutions, such as linen storage under built-in benches, and space saving organizers in cabinets and drawers.  To make the space feel larger, consider white or very light colors on the walls and ceiling to reflect light.

To keep the space from feeling chopped up, consider monochromatic color schemes and consistency in countertop and cabinet materials.  To create a more spacious feel consider incorporating the design, views of the outside, views of other rooms, skylights and daylight from windows.

To save space, consider a compact appliance if your household isn’t large or cooking is not a regular activity for you.

Eco-Friendly Products to Consider for the Kitchen:

§ Oceanside Glass Tile for kitchen backsplashes (www.glasstile.com)

§ Yolo Color House Environmentally Responsible Paint (www.yolocolorhouse.com)

§ Ice Stone recycled glass and concrete for countertops (www.icestone.biz)

§ Eco-Friendly Flooring for the kitchen (www.ecofriendlyflooring.com)