Green design and architecture are taking over the construction sector, with eco-friendly building expected to reach a worth of $99.8 billion by 2023. Energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and water savings are three main priorities for industry professionals, with research indicating that green-certified buildings can lower greenhouse emissions by 62%. Within a home, kitchens are one of the most popular and oft-renovated spaces. In this day and age in which a larger percentage of people are working from (and spending more time in) their homes, kitchens are being renovated or built with sustainable principles in mind.
Sustainable Materials
Designers are paying heed to the rising demand for kitchens made of eco-friendly materials such as reclaimed wood and stone, bamboo, and Cambria (which is Greenguard-certified). These materials can be present in a myriad of features, ranging from countertops to storage furniture and flooring. Green flooring companies are using materials like reclaimed French limestone, which boasts beautiful variations in tone and textural differences along each slab. Also popular are brands like Paperstone, which create countertops from post-consumer recycled paper. Don’t let the material fool you; these countertops boast steel-like strength. But if you prefer marble countertops, then you may consider taking a look at this Marble Stone for Sale.
Smart and Connected Appliances
Modern kitchens are being equipped with smart appliances that enable homeowners to make big savings on energy and extend the life of vital equipment. Dedicated apps send users notifications if, for instance, they have left the refrigerator open accidentally. They also inform them when a washer has finished a cycle, enable them to control their HVAC systems remotely, and invite them to ‘command’ their Home bots to start cleaning in the event that last-minute guests are expected. Smart appliances (such as washing machines and dryers) permit users to stop wash cycles remotely, obtain reminders about scheduled maintenance, and inform them when it’s time to clean ducts and filters, to lower utility bills. Many smart appliances also contain a shallower depth, so you can fit more within a room. Imagine washing your clothing in one dishwasher on a vigorous cycle, and your delicate, washable shoes on a gentle cycle. Smart appliances can select the most appropriate cycle based on the load.
Artistically-Shaped Backsplashes
Backsplashes no longer have to comprise a simple rectangular shape that covers the entire wall. Imagine a colourful backsplash in a material like marble with curvy silhouettes, a blend of materials, and seamless integration with the cooker hood? Other luxury trends include reclaimed or upcycled ceramic, natural stone, and recycled glazed tiles, all formed into unique structures that finally call attention to this useful fixture.
Statement Seating
The universal popularity of central islands has made designer stools and statement seats a must in luxury kitchens. Industrial-style seats with metallic elements, gilded barstools and chairs, and brass-framed stools all work well with marble and other countertops in hues like white and bold black. Upholstered, cushioned, and rustic-looking stools are also in demand. Sustainability is being added into the equation by combining new and restored pieces and by using 100% sustainable materials such as recycled steel and plastic.
Sustainability is the buzzword in design and construction as a whole. This trend is evident in kitchen designs. Reclaimed materials are being given new life. Smart appliances, meanwhile, are enabling home dwellers to save water and energy, thereby making a daily contribution to the fight against global warming.
