It’s wrong to say that aesthetics and durability don’t go hand in hand. On the contrary! A green kitchen exudes warmth and cheerfulness, otherwise difficult to obtain. Here is an example.
Imagine a large floor made of natural linoleum, ceramic, wood, concrete or natural stone, like slate or terracotta. Just above are the cabinets made of solid wood, bamboo or wheat board panels. And plenty of natural sunlight is streaming through the windows.
Did you wince when reading the words linoleum and bamboo? You see, times have changed. Today’s linoleum is sold in many different colours and contemporary designs and bamboo comes in many various shades. Take some time to shop around.
The sink is in natural stone or stainless steel. The base of the kitchen island is made of wood, while the countertops of ceramic, waxed concrete, stainless steel or any other material imitating stone. On the wall, copper pans are hanging.
Note that all the surfaces in the kitchen are made of durable, hygienic and easy to maintain materials. Three of the criteria that largely exemplify a green kitchen.
Next to a wooden bench, aromatic herbs and dried flowers are found in a corner diffusing a pleasant smell in the air. The patio door or the window above the counter, or maybe even both, is overlooking a garden, a beautiful landscape or a floral bed. The kitchen is the ideal room to bring nature into the home.
Among the details that often escape the eye on the first glance, are wooden floors and cabinets that were treated with flaxseed oil. Maybe it’s recycled wood? If so, great. Are the countertops recycled too? Even better.
How about the colours? That’s totally up to you. For our part, we prefer orange, olive-green, straw-yellow and purple.
This description is one example among countless others. There are other safe and durable materials out there for the floors, cabinets, kitchen island and countertops. It’s a designer’s delight alternating between different materials.
Rustic, you say? Absolutely. A green kitchen is exactly that: a return to the rustic style. In terms of materials, it’s no coincidence that the words noble and durable mean the same thing.
Images: iStock.com
