NW Green Inspired Kitchen
“Fun, and sustainable with good energy flow” were the requirements set by our client at our first meeting. As a Feng Shui consultant, our client requested that her new kitchen encourage good “Chi”. Since the original kitchen was shut off from the entire home, and was dark all year long, we decided that opening the kitchen to the public space was the first order of business. This incorporated more natural day lighting, to minimize the amount of artificial light being used during the day. The door to the dining room was relocated and part of the adjoining wall was removed. Due to financial restrictions (to keep the kitchen below $75,000), we decided to retain a post at the intersection of the removed walls. Eventually, a custom buffet cabinet will be installed in the opening.
To achieve the sustainable goal of the client – the following materials were selected:
1. Health and Wellness:
a. Low-Voc Paint – Rodda Horizon paint
b. Cabinets: Neil Kelly Signature cabinets – Low VOC Finish, no Urea-Formaldehyde agri-board construction.
c. Flooring – marmoleum – natural product and the continuous oxidation of the linseed oil creates an anti-microbial surface
d. Feng Shui – during construction, prior to sheetrock, the client added elements for each of the Bagua to create harmony and unity within the home.
e. All construction adhesives are Green Seal Certified
f. Water Purifier at sink for hot and cold water
2. Energy conservation:
a. Recessed Cans – CFL lamps with Alzak Trims
b. Dimmers were installed to control the amount of lighting needed to control energy usage
c. Hot Water Dispenser – minimizes energy use in heating water for tea
3. Material Conservation:
a. Laminate countertops: Laminart – 40% post consumer waste and banana leaves are incorporated to create a texture to the surface
b. FSC Certified Maple countertops on island and to right of range
c. Oceanside Glass – 40% recycled content
4. Water Conservation
a. Kitchenaid – Energystar-rated DW
Among the client’s requests were an island, message center and pantry. Although the kitchen is small (only 145 sq ft), this diminutive space packs a real punch!! Included in the island are recycling/composting, cook book storage and a “perching” place for guests to hang out in the kitchen.
The message center/pantry houses a microwave, a push pin board and a regenerating station for small personal electronics.
Marmoleum floor, purple and flat cabinets. Nice.