Whether you’re looking to save money or simply want to be more environmentally responsible, the latest eco-friendly remodeling trends in home renovation can help you do it all. Pick one from the list below and reap significant benefits. Or, integrate them all in your next remodeling project and enjoy a super-efficient home that’s great for you and the world around you!
Eco-Friendly Remodeling Trends To Start Using Today
#1: Install energy-efficient appliances with your home remodel
Whether you’re planning a whole house remodel or something on a smaller scale, such as a kitchen renovation, it’s not uncommon to replace appliances while you’re at it.
Of course, you’ll want to make sure the new appliances fit with your overall remodeling design. Beyond that, however, it’s a great idea to choose new eco-friendly and energy-efficient appliances. That means they may use less energy, less water, and even be quieter – a definite advantage if you have an open floor plan.
#2: Consider energy-efficient lighting in your remodeling design
Lighting is an important part of any successful remodel. Using sources of natural light, such as large windows or skylights, is a great way to illuminate a room without using electricity and can often make a space feel larger than it actually is.
When you do use artificial light, one of the most eco-friendly ways to do that is through the use of LED light bulbs. They last longer and use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs. Plus, they don’t emit heat, a definite plus here in California. Many Orange County residents already find that they spend a great deal of money on home air conditioning each year. Using LED lights, however, can help reduce the heat coming from lighting and thereby lower AC costs.
In rooms such as the kitchen or a study, task lighting can also be an energy saver. Since it illuminates only one area instead of an entire room, this is an eco-friendly trend that not only saves energy but also looks neat, too.
#3: Embrace natural finishes for flooring and cabinets
Installing unpainted wood cabinets is already one of the most popular kitchen cabinet trends for 2022. But, consider going with the natural look wherever you’re remodeling in your home, not just in the kitchen. Whether it’s wood flooring or wood cabinets, choose a finish that’s low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
When you reduce the amount of VOCs in your home, it’s not only good for the environment, it’s good for your overall health, too. High VOC finishes can omit gasses that contribute to poor air quality, not something you want to expose yourself or your family to on a daily basis.
#4: Shop locally for remodeling materials such as wood or stone
Supporting local businesses has always been a great way to help your community. Now, however, it’s one of the most eco-friendly trends in home remodeling. That’s because when you shop locally, it can reduce the distance those materials have to travel, especially if they’re locally sourced (i.e. stone from a nearby quarry). With today’s high gas prices and supply chain challenges, it may also mean some savings for you in terms of time or money.
#5: Utilize recyclable, regenerative, or reused materials
Homeowners today are more cognizant of the environment than ever, making this one of the top eco-friendly trends in home remodeling. Here, we’re not talking about using old appliances in your brand new kitchen or reusing flooring that has seen its day and should be thrown out. Rather, we’re talking about utilizing materials that can easily be recycled when their useful life has passed, or materials made with sustainable practices.
For example, many wood products today are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. That means that the wood used in them was harvested using sustainable or regenerative methods – the forest is managed such that the wood taken out matches the amount of wood that can regrow and regenerate.
Other homeowners are choosing to use a combination of new and old items to create an eclectic design or a unique look. An example would be utilizing an antique table or pantry cupboard along with trendy materials or features to create a modern farmhouse kitchen.
#6: Remodel your home for the size you need
Remember the story of ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears?’ Home remodeling is a bit like that. When your space is too small, it’s uncomfortable and doesn’t serve your family well. When it’s too big, it can be inefficient, use more energy, and cost you more than it should. Creating a space that’s just right, however, means that you can use fewer materials, less energy, improve efficiency, and be more sustainable.
Getting the design ‘just right’ often involves utilizing the services of a professional remodeling designer. That’s because they have the skills, expertise, and experience to design a space that will work now and also in the future. A professional designer can even help you have multi-functional spaces so you can do more with a smaller footprint.
Ready to Put These Eco-Friendly Remodeling Trends to the Test?
Sea Pointe Design & Remodel has everything you need to design and plan your next remodel all under one roof. As a design-build remodeling company, we offer an integrated approach to home remodeling that makes the entire process easier and simpler from start to finish.
Explore the latest eco-friendly trends in remodeling with us and you’ll have one of the most sustainable, environmentally friendly homes in Orange County! Simply give us a call at (949) 861-3400 or fill out the form below to schedule your complimentary design consultation.