2024 is the year of sustainable, green kitchens. As homeowners have begun prioritizing eco-friendly materials and sustainable features in their interiors, it’s no surprise that styles like biophilic design and green living have entered the home.
While it can be easy to come up with small ways to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, particularly in our daily lives, many homeowners are left wondering how they can bring this same energy into their home decor and renovations.
So, we turned to the experts to understand the best ways to incorporate biophilic design. If you want a sustainable and green kitchen that looks stunning and natural, then these tips are sure to inspire you.
Use reclaimed wood for your countertops and cabinets
Using natural materials in your kitchen design is one of the best ways to create a biophilic aesthetic that also adheres to your sustainability needs.
Thomas Borcherding, lead kitchen designer and owner of a firm called Homestar Design Remodel, offers a great tip for utilizing natural materials in 2024 kitchen design. The secret? Reclaimed wood.
“Reclaimed wood seems to be taking off like wildfire as people grow more conscientious about the environment,” says Borcherding. “A growing kitchen trend that we’ll likely see deep into 2024 is to feature a reclaimed wood countertop on the kitchen island.”
Artem Kropovinsky, Interior designer and founder at Arsight, also shares a perspective on using reclaimed woods. Kropovinsky says, “Anticipate to observe some green materials such as bamboo and reclaimed timber. These options are friendly to nature and bring a special heat to the kitchen.”
Choose sustainable materials and pieces throughout your decor
One of the trickiest aspects of creating a biophilic and sustainable kitchen design is finding the right pieces and materials for the project. What can homeowners swap out for a more environmentally-friendly alternative? Thankfully, the experts weigh in on these concerns.
Alexander Adducci, Senior Designer and Sales at 210 Design House, says, “Expect innovative materials like recycled paper and glass surfaces, along with eco-friendly woods. These forward-thinking materials promise not just aesthetics, but also enhanced functionality.”
Barry Gant, Founder & CEO at 7 Day Kitchens, adds to this, saying, “It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good about what you’re using. Think cabinets and countertops made from stuff like recycled wood or bamboo. It’s about having a kitchen that doesn’t just serve up dinner but also serves up a bit of care for the planet.”
Here are a few ways homeowners can create a more eco-friendly kitchen using sustainable materials:
- Choose reclaimed wood cabinets or countertops
- Opt for a recycled glass backsplash
- Get refurbished appliances from a reliable source
- Thrift your decor items like wooden bowls, bar stools, storage racks, and even your hardware
Opt for nature-inspired elements in your design
For a more biophilic design, nature-inspired elements and decor are a must. And for an even better aesthetic, organic and natural decor should be your go-to.
Thomas Borcherding at Homestar Design Remodel says, “Kitchen design continues to grow towards a nature-inspired design philosophy. […] These elements can include open shelving for plant life, green cabinetry or walls, and more wood tones.”
Artem Kropovinsky at Arsight says, “Using natural components will be crucial for the process. The connection of the kitchen with nature will be through indoor herb gardens and skylights providing an improvement in entire well-being.”
As we continue to grow with our interiors, a trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly design is on the rise. People are craving biophilic aesthetics. Moreover, homeowners want to lessen their environmental impact and carbon footprint by curating home designs that are green and environmentally friendly.
