Guest Post: The Kitchen of Your Dreams Can Be Cheap and Green!

June 21, 2010 by Brenda
Filed under Green Living, Guest Posts, Top Picks

Are you ready to remodel but dreading the price tag? Has your proclivity for expensive planet-friendly products rendered you persona non grata with your creditors? Are you worried that you cannot incorporate your green ideals into the kitchen of your dreams? If this is the rhetoric that sets your head to spinning when you contemplate remodeling your kitchen, it’s time to reboot your brain. In this modern world, you can have it all, so prepare to build the cheap, green kitchen of your dreams!

To begin with, a lot of your current kitchen is probably wood, plastic, or a combination thereof (especially if it’s one of those avocado retro monstrosities circa 1975…oh, the humanity). Although your first instinct may be to gut the place, consider for a moment that everything you throw out is probably going to a landfill. You may not have much choice if you’re facing shoddy construction, damage, or poor use of space, but if you can find a way to preserve sturdy or useable cabinetry, say through a cheap and easy upgrade like paint or new veneers, you will be doing the planet a greater service than if you throw them out. If you absolutely must have new cupboards, then the way to go is with a service that reclaims and fixes used cabinets. Many also offer surplus items from other stores, so you can, in fact, get it new for a pittance. You can also consider bamboo, which is less pricey than other woods and renews in about three years (a fraction of the time required for hardwoods to grow).

In terms of countertops, there is no cheaper alternative than ceramic tile, which comes in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and styles for your customizing pleasure. You can even get it recycled! Another cheap counter surface to consider is laminate. It is extremely durable and Formica can give your kitchen the cool retro look of a 1950s-style diner. Some laminates, however, can look a bit cheap, so be careful what you buy. Other eco-friendly options like solid surface countertops (Corian), 100% recycled glass (IceStone), and concrete are great for the Earth but bad for your wallet. Unfortunately, their price tags can soar to over $100/square foot, so they’re best avoided if you’re on a tight budget.

As for flooring, you can mimic the look of wood with laminates (which are not only affordable, but often come with extended or transferable warranties) or imitate gorgeous natural stone with ceramic tile. Even better, both of these options will leave your house green and your bank book in the black. And when you get to the finishing touches, look for appliances and lighting that use less energy. They may be more expensive initially, but your investment will pay off over time, as you enjoy a hefty savings on your utility bills.

If you thought it was impossible to get the kitchen of your dreams in an eco-friendly package without breaking the bank, you were most certainly mistaken! But don’t let it get you down. The demand for green products and services is increasing the scope of the market and bringing down prices every day, making it easier than ever for the average homeowner to get the green kitchen of their dreams. So put in a little face time with your search engine and watch the results materialize (in your ledger, in your home, and on the planet).

Jennifer Kardish is a communications coordinator at Discount Kitchen Cabinets. You can check out their free design tips for your kitchen and home.

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