Sustainable Kitchen and Bathrooms More Popular

jchait — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:42:15 -0400

A fairly recent AIA Home Design Trends Survey shows that kitchens and bathrooms remain a popular key design area in the home, and that includes green additions and green remodels and features.

Bathrooms have gone slightly down in popularity, in that more people are making do with smaller and fewer baths - to me that's a good deal. However, they still remain higher in focus than other home areas.

The growing interest in green features includes items like renewable flooring, such as cork and bamboo; renewable counter top materials, like bamboo and concrete, and energy efficient appliances. Water filters for drinking water have also remained a semi-popular feature in kitchens.

If you're looking to build or remodel green and kitchens and baths are at the top of your list, the first step is to consider what you need vs. what you think you need. You may be able to manage just fine with a smaller kitchen or bathroom. Size is one big green issue, but next you'll want to look at materials.

Here's where to find some decent green features, fixtures, and materials.

Low flow toilets

Composting toilets

WaterSense labeled faucets and aerators

Smaller bathtubs

Low flow shower heads

Endurawood Butcher Block Counter tops

Safecoat 3 in 1 Adhesive

Bathroom counter tops

Non-Toxic & Natural Paints and Finishes

Recycled metal tiles

Recycled glass tiles

Efficient Hot Water Pumps

Eco friendly kitchen counters

Of course this is just a good start. There are plenty of green bath and kitchen materials available currently - once you start looking, you'll see all sorts of supplies to adore.