Designing a Sustainable Open-Concept Kitchen

By Danielle Roberts August 5, 2023 21 mins read 172 Views

The kitchen is a major energy-consuming room and an ideal place to incorporate eco-friendly ideas. But where do you begin?

The most obvious solution is to fill the space with natural light. Roof lights, clerestory windows and glazed doors are simple ways to do that. They're also more sustainable than adding extra electrical lighting.

Get ideas

The best way to make sure your open-concept kitchen is eco-friendly is to brief your architect and build team on what's important to you from the outset. Explain that you want to limit emissions and maximise energy efficiency, and ask for the latest products that meet these standards. It's also a good idea to use reclaimed and salvaged materials and furniture wherever possible, which prevents perfectly good items from going to landfill and cuts your home's overall carbon footprint. Check out Declare, from the International Living Future Institute, for a free searchable database of sustainable products.

Walls serve an important purpose in closed spaces, helping to establish designated areas for activities and keeping them separate. But in an open-concept room, you'll have to think outside the box to establish rooms within the space. Try framing your island to act like a wall without closing off the room, or adding a dining booth that helps bring the kitchen and eating area together.

Another great way to help an open-concept room feel more cohesive is by coordinating colors and finishes throughout the entire space. This creates a sense of continuity that makes the home feel bigger and more connected. Try painting the ceiling the same color as the walls, or using a similar shade on the cabinets and walls to create visual cohesion.

Because there aren't any walls blocking light from other parts of the house, a well-positioned window can really brighten an open-concept kitchen. And don't forget to use eco-friendly paints and light fixtures that use natural pigments, reduce toxins and save on energy costs. When it comes to lighting, look for fixtures with LED bulbs, which are 75-80% more efficient than incandescents and last 25 times longer.

Go long

One of the key tenets of sustainable living is to reduce waste. So, if you love your kitchen but want to give it an eco-friendly makeover, consider reusing as much of the existing furniture and materials as possible. This can save you money and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. Buying secondhand items or selling unwanted furniture and materials for re-use elsewhere in the house can also help.

Another way to minimize your impact is to build a pathway between the kitchen and dining area that avoids having to pass through the working zone. Of course, this won’t work in every home, but it can be a great solution for those who want to limit noise pollution or don’t want the mess from cooking to get carried into the living space.

If you’re designing a new open-concept kitchen, it’s important to brief your architect and build team that eco-friendly design is a priority. They can then plan and source materials and equipment accordingly. This will reduce emissions and energy consumption by avoiding transporting goods over long distances. To do your part, shop local and buy from companies that use locally sourced or recycled materials. Look for Declare labelled products, which are independently verified for environmental, social and ethical standards.

You can create a sustainable kitchen without having to sacrifice style. For example, a wood worktop made from reclaimed oak can add texture and warmth to a modern kitchen. Other durable and low-maintenance materials are available, too. For instance, British firm All & Nxthing offers countertops crafted from a composite of aluminium scrap, post-industrial plastics and paper. The material is tough, antibacterial and waterproof, and looks like natural stone.

Remove walls

As open concept kitchens continue to rise in popularity, more homeowners are opting for a layout without walls separating the dining room from the living area. This style can help create a more social atmosphere in the home and it can also improve the flow of traffic within the space. However, it’s important to consider the drawbacks before deciding on an open floor plan.

The biggest issue is that standard kitchen messes like dirty countertops and unwashed dishes are much more visible, especially when onlookers are in the living or dining room. This can be a problem for those who don’t enjoy cleaning, or who find it difficult to keep up with the constant mess. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to address this issue. Many designers are choosing to use open shelving and exposed pantry items to minimize the visual impact of these messes. Others are incorporating sliding walls or doors that can be closed when privacy is required.

In addition, many homeowners are choosing to use furniture groupings and other aesthetic cues to create more natural barriers between the dining room and living area. For example, using consistent overhead accents — like matching exposed beams — can help the rooms feel cohesive. Mixing and matching styles can also be a fun way to add visual interest to the space. For example, you could choose to use contemporary sleek finishes in the kitchen and mid-century modern in the dining room.

Before you start knocking down any walls, though, be sure to consult a professional. Most walls serve a structural purpose and knocking them down without expert advice can lead to expensive repairs down the road. It’s also important to make sure that any wall you do decide to remove isn’t a load bearing one.

Add an island

Open-concept kitchens have become the norm as homeowners have embraced the idea of linking their kitchens to dining and living areas. These spaces offer a seamless transition from kitchen to other areas of the home, where people can cook, dine, entertain and work together. But it’s not all good news: open-plan spaces tend to be louder than a traditional kitchen and sound can travel easily from room to room.

While some homeowners are working hard to reduce the noise and heat generated by their kitchens, others have reworked their space to accommodate new appliances that help to keep cooking and entertaining more sustainable. One simple way to do this is to add a kitchen island.

A kitchen island can offer extra counter and storage space without sacrificing the flow of an open-concept layout, while also providing a focal point in the room. It’s a great place to display cookbooks and can even be designed as a bookcase for your favourite titles.

When it comes to choosing a style for your island, think about the shape of the rest of your open-plan kitchen. For example, if you have a lot of natural wood furniture in the living space, a darker finish on the island can help to tie the two rooms together.

If you’re looking to create a more eco-conscious kitchen, consider installing a composting station on your island. This will not only prevent food scraps from going to waste but also connect your kitchen with the garden. Vitzthum advises locating the kitchen near a door to the garden so that it’s easy to bring in fresh produce and make use of the compost bin.

Draw attention to the walls

Open kitchen designs are a big trend in homes today. They give the room a more spacious feel and allow homeowners to continue socializing with guests or family members while they cook. This design also allows people to move easily from the kitchen to other areas of the home for dining, relaxing and entertaining. However, this style may not work for everyone. Some homeowners prefer to keep a kitchen separate from the rest of the house.

If you want to create an open kitchen, but still keep a little separation, consider using a large island or long countertop as a central gathering point. This can serve as a breakfast bar, lunch spot or even a casual dining area. It can provide the opportunity for people to continue a conversation or watch a TV show while someone is cooking.

Another way to maintain separation is by incorporating distinct color schemes for each area of the kitchen. It can help to define each role and give the space a sense of its own identity. For example, if the kitchen is going to be a bright and airy space, opt for a lighter paint shade. This will reflect more natural light throughout the space, making it more inviting and uplifting.

Before you decide on an open concept layout for your kitchen, consult with a professional who can make a scale drawing of your current layout and note the position of windows, doors and walls that will be in place. It's important to know how you plan to move between different zones so that furniture doesn’t block your flow or impede movement. This can be particularly challenging in an open-plan kitchen where the dining and living spaces are all one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do pots & pans belong in the kitchen

Pots and pans are best kept in the cupboard above the stove. You can easily find them when you need them. This also keeps your kitchen's counters clean and neat. You may also want to invest in a pot rack to help keep your pots and pans organized and within easy reach.

Is it possible to place a refrigerator in the kitchen?

For easy access, a refrigerator should be placed near the sink. It should not be blocked by traffic or too close to a stove.

Are white kitchens out of style?

White kitchens are a popular choice for homeowners looking to modernize their home. White kitchen cabinets and appliances have been a popular choice since the 1980s, when designers began using them. White kitchens remain a hot trend in interior design today.

Experts think the all-white kitchen trend may be over, and homeowners are looking for something more. While white kitchens still remain very popular, there is growing interest in bolder kitchen designs.

There's no reason to fear that white kitchens will soon be out of fashion. You should remember that trends can change, so you might consider a more timeless design for those who plan to stay in their home for many years.

What is the average time it takes to renovate a kitchen?

Once the cabinets have been made, it should take approximately three weeks for the work to be completed. However, the custom cabinet design can take many months. So, the whole process from start to finish can take several months.

Statistics

Keep 10 to 25 percent of List 2, depending on the budget. (familyhandyman.com)
In the Pacific region (Alaska, California, Washington, and Oregon), according to Remodeling Magazine, that same midrange central kitchen remodel jumps to $72,513, and a major upscale kitchen remodels jumps up $11,823 from the national average to $143,333. (hgtv.com)
It's a fantastic thing about most home improvement projects: no matter the job. It often seems like the last 20% is the most difficult. (familyhandyman.com)
Experts also recommend setting aside 20 percent of your budget for surprises, including unpleasant demolition discoveries. One is water damage, the electricity that is not up to code, or other budget-spiking gotchas. (hgtv.com)
Your most significant cost investment for a kitchen remodel will usually be cabinets, typically comprising 25 percent of your budget. (hgtv.com)

External Links

How To

These are ten small kitchen renovations that you can do by yourself.

Ideas for small kitchen renovations you can do yourself. DIY Home Improvement Tips For the Average Joe

Small kitchen renovations are not something that you would want to undertake. However, if you are looking to make your house feel new again, then this is something you should do. There are many things you can do to improve your kitchen that don't cost too much. Here are some ideas for small kitchen renovations that you can do by yourself.

Install a backsplash. If your countertops and sink are not covered with tiles, then a backsplash can be a great option. The backsplash adds style and colour to your kitchen and makes it appear larger and cleaner.
Replace old cabinets - Cabinets add a lot of value to your kitchen. They keep your walls safe from water, spills, and stains. They give your kitchen a stylish look. If your cabinet doors are looking worn, it is time to replace them.
Paint your kitchen. - Painting your kitchen will transform its appearance and help you save money. You can give your kitchen a new look and make it more modern by painting it. It will also make it easier to clean.
Upgrade your appliances - It will increase the lifespan of your appliances and make them look better. If you know precisely which appliance you need to update, go ahead and get it done. If you don't know how to set these appliances up, ask someone.
Add a bar - Adding a bar area in your kitchen is another good idea. You can entertain your guests by adding a bar to your kitchen.
Make a breakfast corner - A breakfast corner doesn't need to cost a lot. You only need a small table with chairs. You can even add cushions to make the experience more comfortable.
A pantry is an essential part of any kitchen. It's an excellent place to store food, meals, and other household items.
Install an Island - An island makes a great addition in your kitchen. This gives your kitchen an open feel and allows you to work from a large area. It is also very attractive when combined to wood flooring.
Add a wine shelf - Wine racks usually can be found at wine bars or restaurants. But you can also use them in your home. They come with a range of sizes and designs. You can choose whatever suits your kitchen best.

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