How to design an eco-friendly kitchen
Design & Decor Ideas
An eco-friendly kitchen isn't only great for the environment – it can also add style and substance to your home. There are countless little things you can do with your kitchen that will make it more eco-friendly while creating a stunning and luxurious look.
We've put together a guide to help you design an eco-friendly kitchen, with inspiring tips and advice about which fittings and features to choose if you want to create an environmentally-mindful space.
Choose the right lighting
Your kitchen lighting scheme might not be the first place you think about when it comes to saving energy, but there are plenty of ways you can design it to be more efficient. When designing your kitchen, think about the type of bulbs you use and how you can be more savvy with where you place your lighting to maximise the illumination.
LED lighting can help make your kitchen more energy efficient. Whether you choose spotlights or bulbs, LED bulbs look fresh and modern, use less energy than traditional fluorescent lighting, and last much longer than standard bulbs.
Another handy trick that saves energy in your kitchen is to think about how you can make the most of fewer light fixtures while still achieving a warm, ambient glow throughout the room.
Design a varied lighting scheme, with a blend of spotlights and an overhead statement light. This allows you to control how many lights you need on at once while maintaining a cosy and well-lit atmosphere.
Save water
As it's something we use every day, there are plenty of simple ways to save water and make your kitchen more efficient – and in turn you could be lowering your monthly bills, too.
One of the easiest ways you can improve your efficiency every day is by thinking about the dishwashing system you use. An energy-efficient dishwasher will typically use far less water than washing the equivalent dishes by hand – and it saves you the time and effort!
Another simple way to cut down your water usage is to implement a hot water tap for your hot water on demand, rather than having to use the kettle. It can be a bit of guesswork with the kettle, and you might fill it that little bit too much just to be safe – but with a boiling water tap, you only use exactly as much as you need, cutting down on excess.
Pick an efficient oven
Choosing a new oven is a big job, but there are plenty of eco-friendly options to look for when you're designing your new kitchen. Picking something more efficient might be at the higher end of the budget initially, but in the long term you'll be saving year on year.
With an efficient oven, you'll save time and energy with every meal you make. The time that's saved adds up, helping your carbon footprint, your wallet, and putting dinner on your plate even quicker!
Looking at the top of the oven, an induction hob is a favourite when it comes to saving energy. It works by heating the pan through magnetism, and so stops using energy as soon as the pan is lifted.
When pair these two eco-friendly kitchen appliances together, you'll benefit from incredible efficiency-, whilst making your home environmentally-friendly. Check out our oven buyer's guide for more tips and advice.
Surfaces that will last
When designing your eco-friendly kitchen, look for opportunities to incorporate sustainable materials across your floor and worktops. Pick durable and long-lasting options that won't need replacing after a few years.
Hardwood floors are fantastic for offering durability and style. If you've opted for wooden worktops too, make sure the two tones complement each other to achieve a unifying look.
The same applies to your kitchen worktops and surfaces – choose something that offers long-lasting durability and sustainability. We source our wood from responsible origins, to ensure it's an eco-friendly solution that will bring an earthy appeal to your space. Granite is another beautiful, natural option that has many benefits, including long-lasting durability, making it a great eco-friendly kitchen worktop option.
By making sustainable and efficient choices with each aspect of your kitchen design, you can create an eco-friendly space that looks beautiful and runs beautifully. Learn more about Wren Kitchens responsibility, or, for other creative and inspirational ideas, take a look at our kitchen design tips.