Sustainable & eco-conscious kitchen design that doesn’t compromise on style

We’ve all got to do our bit, and even the smallest changes can have an impact on Mother Earth, whether that’s choosing to walk instead of driving to work, recycling your plastic bottles or eating less meat.

But how can you make sure that your kitchen is more energy-efficient and kinder to the planet?

We reveal how to improve your green credentials with smart, sustainable and eco-friendly kitchen design that doesn’t compromise on style or substance. Because a beautiful kitchen shouldn’t cost the earth.

Do your research

First, the most important thing is to do your research and choose an eco-conscious kitchen retailer that makes responsibly sourced and sustainable products.

We’d recommend looking for quality products that will stand the test of time – these might be more of an investment in the short-term but will be well worth it in the long-run. They can also add value to your property if you decide to sell it.

Look out for wood that is FSC/PEFC certified, meaning it meets the required standard for ethical production.

Ensure that it complies with The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001: Environmental Management Standard and ISO 50001: Energy Management Standard.

You may also want to investigate how brands run their stores, for example, 100% of our UK mainland stores run on renewable energy. All of these things can and should impact your decision to purchase more sustainably.

Dispose of your old kitchen responsibly

If you are renovating an old kitchen, why not recycle it?

Schedule a visit to your local household recycling waste centre; the majority of household appliances with a plug or battery (like dishwashers and ovens) can be recycled, alongside kitchen units and cabinets made from wood.

Alternatively, if your old kitchen is still in a good condition, you could give it away to stop it from ending up in landfill. Sites like Gumtree, Freecycle Network or Facebook Marketplace are a great way to rehome unwanted items and give them a new lease of life.

When you buy a kitchen with us, we can dispose of your old kitchen safely and responsibly, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Find out more about how sustainability is at the heart of Magnet kitchens.

Think carefully about lighting

Lighting is another element that can have a big impact on how efficient your kitchen is. Consider not only the type of bulbs you use, but also the placement to provide maximum light.

We suggest LED bulbs, spotlights or strips as these use far less energy, last longer, and still look fresh and modern.

When designing an eco-friendly kitchen, split it into two parts: task and mood lighting.

Task lighting is a practical necessity and illuminates a specific area, whereas mood lighting creates a certain atmosphere. This way, you can only use light where it’s needed most to save on electricity.

Invest in eco-friendly kitchen products

Although buying smart, sustainable kitchen appliances may come with a higher initial spend, you can save money on energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Investing in quality appliances can also mean they don’t need replacing as often.

Did you know that induction hobs are 90% more efficient compared to gas hobs at 60%? This is because they heat directly underneath a pan, so no energy is wasted.

AEG is a good option for sustainable kitchen appliances, integrating +400 metric tons of recycled plastic into its products in 2020.

The brand is also using more sustainable packaging solutions and increasing the availability of spare parts to encourage customers to repair existing products. AEG washer dryers have built-in ProSense technology which saves time, water and energy during every cycle.

For more ways to make your appliances last longer, take a look at our piece on the life expectancy of kitchen appliances.

Incorporate sustainable materials

Designing a kitchen that incorporates sustainable materials like stone, granite and wood, is far better for the planet and will give a natural, organic aesthetic.

Quartz worktops, like this Angolian Black Quartz, and wooden cabinets are not only sustainable, but long-lasting, durable and offer timeless style. All of the wood that goes into our kitchen cabinets and frontals is 100% responsibly sourced and approved by the FSC and ISO.

You could also introduce more natural elements into your flooring by opting for stone, like this Amtico Sift Stone flooring in colour Neutral.