Trendy Modern Kitchen Design
Home styles have changed so much in the past century, and so has the definition of what a modern kitchen design plan should entail. To commemorate your favorite room of the house, here is a look into the latest trend in modern kitchen design. Can you guess what it is? Here’s a hint: it’s green (no, it’s not Kermit the Frog).
Modern kitchen designs are centered on green living, or healthy, environmentally conscious living. Not only are we focused on preparing healthier meals from organic ingredients, but now our kitchens themselves are becoming more environmentally friendly, too. Check out some of these modern kitchen designs and trends.
Natural sunlight is heating up the modern kitchen designs. More people are designing kitchens with more windows, skylights, or extended glass patios. If possible, design work areas close to sources of natural light. By using “daylighting” people are saving in energy costs. Also, open windows are a free source of ventilation.
Be sure to choose energy efficient windows with UV-protective glass. When it gets dark out, light up the kitchen with fluorescent lighting or compact fluorescent light bulbs. Install task lighting directly over a working surface so you don’t have to have to turn on too many lights as you work in the kitchen.
One of the simplest and most practical ways to update your kitchen to a modern kitchen design is by replacing old appliances with new energy efficient models. A refrigerator consumes the most energy out of all your kitchen appliances, so if your refrigerator is more than 10 years old, you should consider changing it.
Look for “Energy Star” appliances. Install new fridges far away from heat sources such as direct sun or the oven. Also consider “downsizing” your appliances to fit your own needs. If you are a small family, do you really need the jumbo side-by-side fridges to feed your family? Do you need a large capacity dishwasher if you only run it half-full each week?
Even sinks get an update in the modern kitchen plans online.Consider changing your sink fixtures to low-flow fixtures. They function well and use less water than older fixtures. Some might consider installing foot pedal faucet controls to have more control over water flow.
Modern kitchen designs have recycling in mind. Many new designs include built in recycling centers, or they have storage for recycling bins. These modified cabinets encourage recycling by keeping it so neat and manageable.
There are “green” building materials that fit into your modern kitchen design. Replace peeling, vinyl flooring with environmentally friendly cork. Cork is great for flooring since it is durable, comfortable, well-insulated, and hypoallergenic. Look for environmentally friendly cabinetry, such as bamboo, eucalyptus or cork.
Some old cabinetry is made with particleboard or fiberboard; unfortunately, those materials are likely to contain urea formaldehyde and are not resistant to moisture. Most cabinets were painted or finished with paints containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can produce toxic gases and lower air quality.
Consider replacing old cabinets with some “green” options. If you can, look for wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Constructors who specialize in green materials are using recycled or salvaged material to build cabinets.
Solid wood with low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions are an option, as well as those made from new agricultural fiber panels, such as wheatboard or strawboard. You can even keep old cabinets but refinish them with low-VOC or VOC-free paints, or laminate cabinets to seal in VOCs.
You can find countertops that are beautiful and environmentally friendly to fit your modern kitchen design. Consider using stained concrete with natural, non-toxic pigments mixed in for color (yes, concrete with a “designer-look”) or natural quarried stones. Another modern option is butcher block countertops. They will take a beating- or chopping- from all your knives.
For whatever your kitchen needs, take advantage of free online designer kitchen programs. They help you take the guesswork out of fitting together the normal kitchen elements. Then, add a modern touch by choosing “green” options. Voila, your modern kitchen design is ready!
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