Thursday, May 7, 2020
24 simple tricks to make your kitchen new
Making changes in the kitchen does not have to involve craftsmen and a costly budget. You may not always need a large and extensive kitchen renovation to create wonders in the kitchen. Here are 36 simple tricks, both high and low, that you may find inspiring to renew your kitchen.
Renovate the kitchen, So how much will it cost?
Do you dream of renovating the kitchen so it will be exactly as you want it?
Then it is important to calculate how much it will cost, for it is hardly free.
Here are examples of what new kitchens of different sizes cost - and tips on what you can think of before renovations start.
When figuring out what a new kitchen costs to renovate, it's a good idea to have a clear picture of your budget, as costs can often run away. The size of the kitchen obviously has a decisive influence on how the price will be. But other factors that are included in the price are materials, equipment, place of residence and the number of hours that craftsmen spend on the building.
One way to get a good estimate is to calculate a flat rate of around $50 per hour. Then the labor cost in this case will be about $8,000.
You can make a deduction of 30 percent of the labor cost up to a maximum of $5,000 per year. A labor cost of $8,000 would entitle you to a deduction of 8,000 x 0.30 = $2,400. Thus, the real cost of the work will be $5,600.
For the material cost, you can expect around $8,000 for interior decoration and appliances, provided you buy standard products in a large building department store. If you choose products of slightly higher quality, you can expect it to cost around $15,000, while the material cost with luxury products and exclusive furnishings can easily exceed $25,000.
Many times it is the appliances and countertop that can make the cost shine. The carpentry itself, ie, frames and hatches, is not the most expensive. We have an example with a normal sized kitchen for a villa. If we buy cabinets, hatches and covers from Ikea, it costs $3,800. If you instead buy kitchen from Ballingslöv, the same floor plan and as many drawers and cabinets, the joinery will cost just over $16,500.
A normal sized site-built kitchen costs about $20,000.
Do you know what lies beneath the floor or what the pipes look like? When old kitchens are demolished, there may come as surprises that may cost some to fix.
The kitchen requires both good lighting, working height and well thought out placement of everything from the sink to the refrigerator in order for it to be as good a working space as possible.
The handles may be cheap, but if you need to replace them often it will be expensive in the long run.
Then it is important to calculate how much it will cost, for it is hardly free.
Here are examples of what new kitchens of different sizes cost - and tips on what you can think of before renovations start.
When figuring out what a new kitchen costs to renovate, it's a good idea to have a clear picture of your budget, as costs can often run away. The size of the kitchen obviously has a decisive influence on how the price will be. But other factors that are included in the price are materials, equipment, place of residence and the number of hours that craftsmen spend on the building.
Kitchen decor and appliances
The cost of the kitchen decoration varies widely depending on the price range you choose. For example, a countertop may differ by several thousand kronor depending on the material. In the budget class, a countertop of two meters in laminate can cost $30, while a countertop in stone can cost up to $2,000.Normal sized kitchen
For a normal sized kitchen, about 160 working hours are usually required for different types of craftsmen. Hourly costs vary widely, sometimes as low as $35 per hour, sometimes $70 and up.One way to get a good estimate is to calculate a flat rate of around $50 per hour. Then the labor cost in this case will be about $8,000.
You can make a deduction of 30 percent of the labor cost up to a maximum of $5,000 per year. A labor cost of $8,000 would entitle you to a deduction of 8,000 x 0.30 = $2,400. Thus, the real cost of the work will be $5,600.
For the material cost, you can expect around $8,000 for interior decoration and appliances, provided you buy standard products in a large building department store. If you choose products of slightly higher quality, you can expect it to cost around $15,000, while the material cost with luxury products and exclusive furnishings can easily exceed $25,000.
Many times it is the appliances and countertop that can make the cost shine. The carpentry itself, ie, frames and hatches, is not the most expensive. We have an example with a normal sized kitchen for a villa. If we buy cabinets, hatches and covers from Ikea, it costs $3,800. If you instead buy kitchen from Ballingslöv, the same floor plan and as many drawers and cabinets, the joinery will cost just over $16,500.
A normal sized site-built kitchen costs about $20,000.
Smaller kitchen
In a smaller kitchen it can be the most convenient to build a place. So make a plan for how you want it to look and let carpenters and craftsmen build directly based on the seller's wishes. It costs about $8,000.Large kitchen
A large, exclusive site-built kitchen costs about $30,000. But it can be far more expensive depending on the choice of materials, furnishings and appliances.TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE THE RENOVATION
- Calculate how much you can afford to spend.
- Be realistic in your budget and remember that you will probably bring in electricians and plumbers, so don't forget to budget for it.
- Advice for the unexpected.
Do you know what lies beneath the floor or what the pipes look like? When old kitchens are demolished, there may come as surprises that may cost some to fix.
- Think practically.
The kitchen requires both good lighting, working height and well thought out placement of everything from the sink to the refrigerator in order for it to be as good a working space as possible.
- Put energy on quality.
The handles may be cheap, but if you need to replace them often it will be expensive in the long run.
4 Best Kitchen Design App
If your kitchen seems ready for a makeover, do not go with consultants and contractors yet! You can save yourself lots of money and time by using a kitchen design app. One of these apps will help you inspire you, give you creative ideas and even give you a rough idea of what the project will look like when you are done. Once you have gathered your ideas, you will be more prepared to talk to a contract or a designer, or you may even discover that it is a project you want to take on yourself! Follow below and we will show you the best kitchen design app that you can get started with!
Pinterest
Pinterest comes first on our list, as it is essentially a community-driven platform that you can use to get some inspiration for various projects around the home, including kitchens. Pinterest has hundreds, if not thousands, of ideas for different kitchen styles. Just search for "kitchen design" in the Pinterest search box and you'll get ideas for all kinds of styles - rustic, country, urban, minimalist and so much more!
One of the nice things about Pinterest is that it makes it easy to save ideas and inspiration to look back on later. Can you come across an idea you like and don't want to lose? You can "attach" it to your own personal "board" in your profile and keep it secure so you never lose the idea. You can always watch it on your board!
Ideas on Pinterest will also usually include material lists and sometimes even instructions on how to take on and complete the project. So if you want to do your own kitchen design project, Pinterest is the perfect way to get started!
Planner 5D
Planner 5D Following next on our list - it is an app that lets you create your own 2D or 3D environments without using an architect. You can use it for whole house projects or minor renovations as a kitchen remodel. You can create your kitchen space with Planner 5D and even place different items in your kitchen with the thousands of items that Planner 5D has in its own internal catalog - you can place dishwashers, countertops, ovens and so much more. Get started with Planner 5D below.
As you can see, there are many good applications that you can use to put together your new ideas on kitchen projects. Do you have a favorite app that you use for small renovation ideas like this one? Let us know what it is in the comment section below!
One of the nice things about Pinterest is that it makes it easy to save ideas and inspiration to look back on later. Can you come across an idea you like and don't want to lose? You can "attach" it to your own personal "board" in your profile and keep it secure so you never lose the idea. You can always watch it on your board!
Ideas on Pinterest will also usually include material lists and sometimes even instructions on how to take on and complete the project. So if you want to do your own kitchen design project, Pinterest is the perfect way to get started!
Adobe Color Capture
Not sure what color schemes or designs you would like to put in your kitchen? Adobe Color Capture can help. If you come across some inspiration in the real world, you can take a snapshot of that inspiration with the Adobe Color Capture app - helping you get color codes, compose great color schemes and even create patterns of photos you take. Adobe Color Capture even has a bunch of typography designs that you can choose from to add letters to your kitchen!Planner 5D
Planner 5D Following next on our list - it is an app that lets you create your own 2D or 3D environments without using an architect. You can use it for whole house projects or minor renovations as a kitchen remodel. You can create your kitchen space with Planner 5D and even place different items in your kitchen with the thousands of items that Planner 5D has in its own internal catalog - you can place dishwashers, countertops, ovens and so much more. Get started with Planner 5D below.
Houzz
Houzz is a great design application to start your kitchen renovation dreams. They have thousands of high-resolution items to choose from in their catalog, so you can see what your kitchen will look like when it's finished in a virtual 3D space. You can watch lots of different dishwashers, ovens, counter tops, sinks, trash, microwaves and so much more. Once you find something you like, Houzz will let you place an item or 3D space in your "Ideakbook." And then, when you're ready to pull the trigger, you can either buy these items from Houzz, or Houzz can get you in touch with designers and contractors to start living your renovation.Kitchen planner 3D
Kitchen Planner 3D is the latest on our list, but is a great way to start getting some kind of rough design idea of how you want your new kitchen to look. With Kitchen Planner 3D, you can plan the size of your kitchen, countertops you want, other appliances and you can even add colors and textures to your kitchen. Kitchen Planner 3D even allows you to export your ideas and plans and share it with friends, family, or you can even take it to your contractor or designer!As you can see, there are many good applications that you can use to put together your new ideas on kitchen projects. Do you have a favorite app that you use for small renovation ideas like this one? Let us know what it is in the comment section below!
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
New style in the kitchen - budget fix at a glance
Looking for kitchen inspiration - here are 10 smart tips
The heart of the home - the kitchen - can easily get a little worn and boring. If a whole kitchen renovation feels overwhelming, there are some simple tricks that will make the kitchen shine again. Here's how to update the style of the home's most tasteful room.
Color is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to change the home, and even in the kitchen there is a lot to do with a can of color. By repainting one or all of the walls, you can create a whole new feeling in the room, accentuate and reinforce the existing interior or create smaller room spaces, for example if you have an open floor plan. You can also choose to repaint kitchen cabinets and drawer fronts, which is a great way to update your kitchen decor without replacing it. Think about what kind of foundation you have to work with and make sure to use an appropriate type of color and method.
The kitchen gets a more personal look if you give the walls some love. Paintings, photographs and decorations create a warm and welcoming feeling and can also help to put the style in the room. You can also create a bulletin board on the wall with the help of pen or magnetic paint, where you collect from the action list to remember-notes and tasty recipes. The result is both personal and functional!
The kitchen fulfills several functions in our home life, and the lighting should be adaptable to all of them. Make sure you have a good working light over the kitchen and sink, which when the cooking is done can be extinguished and instead replaced with a more atmospheric lighting adapted to socializing and relaxing. And don't forget the candles for extra cozy atmosphere!
By replacing knobs and handles on cupboards and drawers, you can quickly, easily and relatively cheaply change or enhance your desired style in the kitchen. A standard kitchen can, with the right fitting, suddenly get a rustic, modern or retro-inspired expression. If you have knobs and handles in wood it can also make a big difference to just repaint them. Keep in mind that your new fittings should be the same size as the previous ones, so you will not have ugly marks visible around the door.
Green plants make any room feel more alive and cozy, as does the kitchen. Mix fresh spices in pot with more decorative plants for a fine and functional plant mixture. In order not to take up valuable bench or floor space, you can hang the plants in amplar or put up extra wall shelves to place the pots on.
Instead of adding new things, you can try picking away - from plotless gadgets to entire kitchen cabinets! Kitchens without cupboards have been trending lately, and while providing slightly less storage (and requiring more order on the kitchen shelves…), it also creates an airier impression and easy accessibility. You can also choose to keep the cupboards and only remove selected kitchen doors - then you will not lose storage areas but will have the opportunity to show off the fine porcelain.
Tired of the tile in the kitchen? There are easier options than tearing out and tiling! With tile décor you can easily update your tiled wall without wasting a lot of time or money. It is also easy to change the decor when you feel it is time for renewal. Be sure to measure your tile tiles before so that the decor you buy is the right size. If you have tiles that are not of standard size, you can buy larger decor sheets and cut out pieces to the right size yourself.
With the help of decorative plastic, sometimes also called design foil, you can give the kitchen counter or cupboards a new and fresh surface that can completely change the character of the kitchen. The plastic is available in a wealth of different colors and patterns, some of which imitate materials such as marble, wood or concrete. You cut out the self-adhesive plastic according to the desired dimensions, then just attach it to clean, flat surfaces. The plastic does not leave any marks and can therefore be removed or replaced as needed. Be sure to measure the surfaces carefully in advance and be sure to wipe away any air bubbles while attaching the plastic.
Textiles can make a big difference to the expression in a room, and although the kitchen is not the most textile-tight space in the home, there is still a lot to work with here. Create a cohesive overall impression by choosing kitchen towels, potholes and tablecloth with care, preferably within the same color scale or in tones that contrast each other to create excitement. If you want to soften the room further, you also invest in curtains and a lovely rug.
Often it is the little things that raise the overall impression in a room. By investing in well-selected details in a uniform style, you can change the feel of the kitchen without renovations or expensive interventions. Next time it is time to replace consumables such as dish brush, rags or hand soap, you can choose the models, colors and packaging that you feel best complements the style of your kitchen. Also, don't forget decorative items like vases, bowls and candlesticks. They give the room a cozy feel and also help reinforce your personal style.
The heart of the home - the kitchen - can easily get a little worn and boring. If a whole kitchen renovation feels overwhelming, there are some simple tricks that will make the kitchen shine again. Here's how to update the style of the home's most tasteful room.
1. Repaint
Color is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to change the home, and even in the kitchen there is a lot to do with a can of color. By repainting one or all of the walls, you can create a whole new feeling in the room, accentuate and reinforce the existing interior or create smaller room spaces, for example if you have an open floor plan. You can also choose to repaint kitchen cabinets and drawer fronts, which is a great way to update your kitchen decor without replacing it. Think about what kind of foundation you have to work with and make sure to use an appropriate type of color and method.
2. Don't forget the walls
The kitchen gets a more personal look if you give the walls some love. Paintings, photographs and decorations create a warm and welcoming feeling and can also help to put the style in the room. You can also create a bulletin board on the wall with the help of pen or magnetic paint, where you collect from the action list to remember-notes and tasty recipes. The result is both personal and functional!
3. Light up
The kitchen fulfills several functions in our home life, and the lighting should be adaptable to all of them. Make sure you have a good working light over the kitchen and sink, which when the cooking is done can be extinguished and instead replaced with a more atmospheric lighting adapted to socializing and relaxing. And don't forget the candles for extra cozy atmosphere!
4. Change the fittings
By replacing knobs and handles on cupboards and drawers, you can quickly, easily and relatively cheaply change or enhance your desired style in the kitchen. A standard kitchen can, with the right fitting, suddenly get a rustic, modern or retro-inspired expression. If you have knobs and handles in wood it can also make a big difference to just repaint them. Keep in mind that your new fittings should be the same size as the previous ones, so you will not have ugly marks visible around the door.
5. Make beautiful with plants
Green plants make any room feel more alive and cozy, as does the kitchen. Mix fresh spices in pot with more decorative plants for a fine and functional plant mixture. In order not to take up valuable bench or floor space, you can hang the plants in amplar or put up extra wall shelves to place the pots on.
6. Open up
Instead of adding new things, you can try picking away - from plotless gadgets to entire kitchen cabinets! Kitchens without cupboards have been trending lately, and while providing slightly less storage (and requiring more order on the kitchen shelves…), it also creates an airier impression and easy accessibility. You can also choose to keep the cupboards and only remove selected kitchen doors - then you will not lose storage areas but will have the opportunity to show off the fine porcelain.
7. Paste the tile
Tired of the tile in the kitchen? There are easier options than tearing out and tiling! With tile décor you can easily update your tiled wall without wasting a lot of time or money. It is also easy to change the decor when you feel it is time for renewal. Be sure to measure your tile tiles before so that the decor you buy is the right size. If you have tiles that are not of standard size, you can buy larger decor sheets and cut out pieces to the right size yourself.
8. Paste in
With the help of decorative plastic, sometimes also called design foil, you can give the kitchen counter or cupboards a new and fresh surface that can completely change the character of the kitchen. The plastic is available in a wealth of different colors and patterns, some of which imitate materials such as marble, wood or concrete. You cut out the self-adhesive plastic according to the desired dimensions, then just attach it to clean, flat surfaces. The plastic does not leave any marks and can therefore be removed or replaced as needed. Be sure to measure the surfaces carefully in advance and be sure to wipe away any air bubbles while attaching the plastic.
9. Set the tone with textiles
Textiles can make a big difference to the expression in a room, and although the kitchen is not the most textile-tight space in the home, there is still a lot to work with here. Create a cohesive overall impression by choosing kitchen towels, potholes and tablecloth with care, preferably within the same color scale or in tones that contrast each other to create excitement. If you want to soften the room further, you also invest in curtains and a lovely rug.
10. Add weight to the details
Often it is the little things that raise the overall impression in a room. By investing in well-selected details in a uniform style, you can change the feel of the kitchen without renovations or expensive interventions. Next time it is time to replace consumables such as dish brush, rags or hand soap, you can choose the models, colors and packaging that you feel best complements the style of your kitchen. Also, don't forget decorative items like vases, bowls and candlesticks. They give the room a cozy feel and also help reinforce your personal style.
KITCHEN FITTINGS
Good kitchen decoration means taking into account your wishes and needs and at the same time making it suitable for the kitchen. We provide specific tips to help you use the space and get a good workflow in the kitchen
Before you start with the kitchen decor, it's a good idea to think about what you like about your existing kitchen and what you lack.
Make a list of pros and cons of the current kitchen interior and take it into account when the new kitchen is to be designed. It ensures that you get your dreams fulfilled.
If you build completely new, you can draw your own frames before the walls are erected. In the case of a major renovation, it is possible to move walls and have the kitchen adapted to your wishes and needs.
If the frames are fixed from the beginning, the kitchen decor must be adapted accordingly.
The idea is that the three zones should be relatively close to each other to create an efficient workflow that saves time. You move more in this area than any other area in the kitchen.
In order to achieve the most efficient kitchen decoration, it is a good rule of thumb that the three lines together measure between 3.5 and 5 meters.
The kitchen island divides the room and provides extra work and storage space. You can choose whether the kitchen island should contain one or two work zones when applying the work triangle in the kitchen interior.
A two-sided kitchen or a parallel kitchen is a good solution for an elongated room and for passage rooms.
The solution provides plenty of space for cooking and consists of two good work zones facing each other. When you decorate your parallel kitchen, the sink, stove and refrigerator can be placed so that the working triangle becomes optimal.
Often, the angled kitchen allows a dining table at the opposite angle of the kitchen, thus transforming the kitchen into a dining area.
Then you get plenty of storage space and table space. Make sure that there are not too great distances between the three work zones - sink, stove and refrigerator - as you will then waste energy moving between them.
In the I-shaped kitchen, it is important to have a suitable distance between the sink, stove and refrigerator to ensure a good workflow and enough table space. Here the work zones extend beyond each other and the invisible lines between them do not form a triangle.
In an open space, the G-shape helps to clearly define the kitchen area and allows for three perfectly located work zones. If you want integrated seating, it is often possible in a G-shaped kitchen.
Your dreams
There may be many things on the wish list when designing your new kitchen. Stylish design, more storage, less unused space or maybe more seating around the table.Before you start with the kitchen decor, it's a good idea to think about what you like about your existing kitchen and what you lack.
Make a list of pros and cons of the current kitchen interior and take it into account when the new kitchen is to be designed. It ensures that you get your dreams fulfilled.
Frames
The room in which your kitchen is located provides the natural framework for how you can decorate the kitchen.If you build completely new, you can draw your own frames before the walls are erected. In the case of a major renovation, it is possible to move walls and have the kitchen adapted to your wishes and needs.
If the frames are fixed from the beginning, the kitchen decor must be adapted accordingly.
Furnish a good workflow
When we are going to decorate your kitchen, we often use the so-called work triangle . It is a simple method to decorate the kitchen in an appropriate way. We draw three invisible lines that connect the most important work zones: sink, stove and refrigerator and thus get a triangle.The idea is that the three zones should be relatively close to each other to create an efficient workflow that saves time. You move more in this area than any other area in the kitchen.
In order to achieve the most efficient kitchen decoration, it is a good rule of thumb that the three lines together measure between 3.5 and 5 meters.
The 6 basic forms
There are six basic forms that cover most kitchens. You can start from the shape that most closely resembles your kitchen and get tips on how to best decorate the kitchen.Kitchen with kitchen island
A kitchen with a kitchen island is a type of kitchen interior that many choose for open kitchens.The kitchen island divides the room and provides extra work and storage space. You can choose whether the kitchen island should contain one or two work zones when applying the work triangle in the kitchen interior.
Parallel kitchen
A two-sided kitchen or a parallel kitchen is a good solution for an elongated room and for passage rooms.
The solution provides plenty of space for cooking and consists of two good work zones facing each other. When you decorate your parallel kitchen, the sink, stove and refrigerator can be placed so that the working triangle becomes optimal.
Corner
The angled kitchen is also called an L-kitchen and can be decorated so that the individual work zones in the work triangle are connected in the best possible way.Often, the angled kitchen allows a dining table at the opposite angle of the kitchen, thus transforming the kitchen into a dining area.
U-shaped kitchen
If you have a large kitchen you can decorate it as a U-shaped kitchen.Then you get plenty of storage space and table space. Make sure that there are not too great distances between the three work zones - sink, stove and refrigerator - as you will then waste energy moving between them.
I-shaped kitchen
For small rooms, an I-shaped kitchen is a good solution.In the I-shaped kitchen, it is important to have a suitable distance between the sink, stove and refrigerator to ensure a good workflow and enough table space. Here the work zones extend beyond each other and the invisible lines between them do not form a triangle.
G-shaped kitchen
A G-shaped kitchen requires plenty of space and is a rather unusual kitchen shape.In an open space, the G-shape helps to clearly define the kitchen area and allows for three perfectly located work zones. If you want integrated seating, it is often possible in a G-shaped kitchen.
The best tips for a sustainable kitchen renovation
Environmentally friendly kitchens are becoming more common and today many of the renovators want to do so in a sustainable way. But what does it really mean that a kitchen is gentle on the environment? How should you think about materials, energy consumption and design? Kitchen Life has the guide to help you succeed with a sustainable kitchen renovation.
You can also look for other eco-labels , such as the Swan label, to find sustainable kitchen options. The Swan entails tough environmental requirements that are updated every four years in order for the labeling to be up to date with the very latest in technology, research and science. In kitchens that are allowed to bear the markings, for example, the chipboard is made energy-efficient, the plastic is free from harmful additives and the wood is not shredded in threatened forests. Marbodal, Vedum and Electrolux Home are some of the manufacturers that have Swan-labeled kitchens, and via Swan's own search function you can find, among other things, cabinets, paint and floors with the markings.
A third option is to buy the kitchen second hand . Yes, it does! Whole kitchens or selected items such as hatches, cabinets and fittings can sometimes be found on, for example, the block. Here you can also sell or give away what you do not want in your own kitchen - so you create a sustainable cycle.
Tip! Add new, sustainable habits while changing blenders. By only running the dishwasher when it is full and not washing dishes under running water, many valuable drops are gained.
Tip! Buy a fridge with built-in carbonated water so you don't have to buy home from the store. Both environmentally and wallet friendly.
Recycled materials are another sustainable alternative, especially for those who still want to use plastic and would prefer to do so with good conscience. Consciously investing in high-quality, long-lasting materials is also significantly better for the environment than cheap variants that need to be replaced much faster. Also, take the time to carefully plan how much material you need. A detailed material specification means you are less likely to receive material that just ends up in the dump.
Waterborne plastic paints are often marketed as good for the environment as compared to solvent based paints. While it is true that the old colors with solvent were more harmful to the painters, the new products are also not problem-free. In fact, unlike the more stable older colors, they emit harmful substances in the indoor air for a long time. They are also based on fossil oil, which has many environmental disadvantages and is a finite resource. A further minus is that these colors tend to attract dirt to a greater extent and do not age well. Therefore, try to completely exclude plastic paint when you repaint. (Substances to avoid are, for example, lacquer naphtha, thinner, turpentine, xylene and toluene.)
What you want instead to look out for are colors based on environmentally friendly pigments such as linseed oil, sludge paint, silicate paint, clay paint and egg oil temperature paint. Eco-colors made from natural raw materials are also a sustainable alternative. There are many products on the market, including adhesives and sealants, labeled with the Nordic Ecolabel or Good Environmental Choice, which do not contain the worst ingredients.
If you want fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps are better than a regular model because they consume less energy and last longer. Halogen lamps are also better for the environment than ordinary incandescent lamps, as they do not draw as much energy and contain no mercury. However, they do not last as long as LED or low energy lamps.
Tip! With dimmers in the home, you save a little extra energy because you can adjust the lighting's strength as needed.
1. Keep and reuse
Start by reviewing your existing kitchen - is there anything you can save and use again? One of the cornerstones of sustainable thinking is about taking advantage of what is already there instead of tearing it out and buying new. Whether your new kitchen is environmentally friendly to a thousand, it will not be a sustainable business if you throw out a fully functioning kitchen to make room for it. Maybe you can repaint, rebuild or otherwise update parts of the kitchen so that you get a whole new look without having to replace everything.2. Choose organic, eco-labeled or used
If you still decide to partially or completely replace your current kitchen, there are a lot of environmentally friendly ways to go. A few years ago, for example, kitchen manufacturer Puustelli launched its organic kitchen Miinus, which takes into account everything from the amount of material and waste reduction to transport in connection with production.You can also look for other eco-labels , such as the Swan label, to find sustainable kitchen options. The Swan entails tough environmental requirements that are updated every four years in order for the labeling to be up to date with the very latest in technology, research and science. In kitchens that are allowed to bear the markings, for example, the chipboard is made energy-efficient, the plastic is free from harmful additives and the wood is not shredded in threatened forests. Marbodal, Vedum and Electrolux Home are some of the manufacturers that have Swan-labeled kitchens, and via Swan's own search function you can find, among other things, cabinets, paint and floors with the markings.
A third option is to buy the kitchen second hand . Yes, it does! Whole kitchens or selected items such as hatches, cabinets and fittings can sometimes be found on, for example, the block. Here you can also sell or give away what you do not want in your own kitchen - so you create a sustainable cycle.
3. Paddle with the water
By replacing a dripping crane you save both the environment and your own finances. In addition, if you buy an energy-efficient mixer, you can, according to some manufacturers, halve your energy and water use! In other words, the management of water is an important factor behind an environmentally friendly kitchen renovation. The market has a lot to offer in this area, such as Gustavsberg's recyclable mixer "Coloric" and FM Mattsson's model "9000E" with cold start to avoid unnecessary hot water use. Many manufacturers also sell variants with adjustable heating and flow functions designed to save extra energy.Tip! Add new, sustainable habits while changing blenders. By only running the dishwasher when it is full and not washing dishes under running water, many valuable drops are gained.
4. Buy low energy classified technology
If it's time to change the fridge, freezer, stove, oven or dishwasher - choose energy-efficient models in the A-class (the more + in the designation, the better). Just as with efficient and modern mixers, you earn both money and environmental points by purchasing appliances and other appliances that consume less energy. In fact, you are recommended to buy new if your current fridge and freezer are older than seven years, just as the technology is advancing and becoming more sustainable all the time. Also, be sure not to buy larger machines than you need, even if you have room.Tip! Buy a fridge with built-in carbonated water so you don't have to buy home from the store. Both environmentally and wallet friendly.
5. Use good materials
Choose plastic that often has a major environmental impact when it is produced, in favor of natural materials such as stone, tile, glass and steel. Instead of plastic flooring in PVC, you can use wood (for example, avoid tropical woods), linoleum or cork. If you choose wood, you can look for the FSC mark that stands for “Forest Stewardship Council”. The labeling means that the material is produced in a guaranteed durable way, without contributing to deforestation or illegal logging. Paper wallpapers are a good alternative to the walls, compared to vinyl wallpapers. If you can buy Swedish material, it is often better than imported, as kitchen decoration means heavy freight with a lot of emissions. However, if you live near a national border, the neighboring country's producer may be closer, so be sure to compare before making your choice.Recycled materials are another sustainable alternative, especially for those who still want to use plastic and would prefer to do so with good conscience. Consciously investing in high-quality, long-lasting materials is also significantly better for the environment than cheap variants that need to be replaced much faster. Also, take the time to carefully plan how much material you need. A detailed material specification means you are less likely to receive material that just ends up in the dump.
6. Paint environmentally friendly
Unfortunately, paint can contain many boring chemicals that are a disaster from an environmental point of view. The same goes for glue, grout and other building accessories that are often a must in a kitchen renovation (if you do not want to try to put up the tile with tape, but this is not something we recommend at Kitchen Life). But here too there are tricks to take!Waterborne plastic paints are often marketed as good for the environment as compared to solvent based paints. While it is true that the old colors with solvent were more harmful to the painters, the new products are also not problem-free. In fact, unlike the more stable older colors, they emit harmful substances in the indoor air for a long time. They are also based on fossil oil, which has many environmental disadvantages and is a finite resource. A further minus is that these colors tend to attract dirt to a greater extent and do not age well. Therefore, try to completely exclude plastic paint when you repaint. (Substances to avoid are, for example, lacquer naphtha, thinner, turpentine, xylene and toluene.)
What you want instead to look out for are colors based on environmentally friendly pigments such as linseed oil, sludge paint, silicate paint, clay paint and egg oil temperature paint. Eco-colors made from natural raw materials are also a sustainable alternative. There are many products on the market, including adhesives and sealants, labeled with the Nordic Ecolabel or Good Environmental Choice, which do not contain the worst ingredients.
7. Set up smart lighting
The most environmentally friendly way to carry out a kitchen renovation and at the same time light up your home is with LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps . LEDs of this type require less energy than other types of light sources and contain no hazardous heavy metals. They are also very durable and can be made smaller than ordinary lamps, which saves on transport and materials. Low-energy lamps may sound like a good choice in terms of energy, but contain mercury that is harmful to humans and the environment.If you want fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps are better than a regular model because they consume less energy and last longer. Halogen lamps are also better for the environment than ordinary incandescent lamps, as they do not draw as much energy and contain no mercury. However, they do not last as long as LED or low energy lamps.
Tip! With dimmers in the home, you save a little extra energy because you can adjust the lighting's strength as needed.
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