You'd be surprised at how big a difference these can make to your overall water usage. Standard kitchen taps discharge as much as 18 litres of water per minute, but low-flow models (i.e. those with the high star rating) cut that back to as little as 2 litres per minute.
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Adding a new window on kitchen design
Adding a window in your kitchen renovation might be in order - especially if you want to blur indoor-outdoor boundaries. Here's how to add a window, without drama and, if you're brave, without the help of a kitchen remodeling contractor!
Bright ideas for cheap kitchens
A limited budget doesn't have to hamper your vision of a 'dream kitchen' - in fact it can ignite your creativity. Here are some ideas for budget, discount and cheap kitchen renovations, and how to avoid costly mistakes. 'Maximum impact, minimum spend' is a good philosophy when it comes to renovating a kitchen on a budget. The general manager of architect David Hallett says planning and prioritising are the key to keeping kitchen renovation costs down.
Ceiling height cupboards for your kitchen renovation
Extra kitchen storage and saying goodbye to the duster are just some of the reasons why ceiling-height kitchen cupboards are gaining popularity with kitchen renovations.
Choosing a kitchen bench top
When renovating a home, chances are you're working to a strict budget that doesn't blow out once you've finished remodelling, which is why choosing everyday items like a kitchen bench top is vital to keeping below the red bottom line.
Choosing a tiled splashback
Glass splashbacks or natural benchtops? Choosing kitchen materials is not only one of the trickiest decisions, it's also one of the most important. Many designers believe that when it comes to deciding where to spend your precious kitchen renovation budget, surfaces should be given priority.
"Not only are they the things you'll spend most time looking at, they're also what creates impact in your kitchen," says kitchen designer Jenny James.
How to design your own eco-friendly kitchen
Kitchens, Bathrooms & Laundries, Kitchens-Renovations & Equipment
These days, 'eco-friendly' is a buzz term in kitchen design, where energy and water-hungry appliances once reigned supreme. But there's more to creating a green kitchen than just buying the most efficient fridge or dishwasher. Here are some other things to consider when designing an eco kitchen:
Conventional paints release toxic compounds long after they've dried. These emissions have been linked to respiratory illnesses, allergies and, to a lesser extent, global warming. So when finishing your new green kitchen, opt for paints and adhesives that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
While we all love the look of natural stone and old-growth timber, these aren't the most environmentally sustainable choices for our kitchen floors and benchtops. For timber floors that don't cost the earth, consider fast-growing cork, bamboo or plantation timbers, and for a marble look that's not only greener, but much cheaper to boot, check out new products like Marmoleum, which are made from natural, readily available, renewable materials.
They may take a little more effort to source, but recycled fittings and materials make for not only an eco-friendly kitchen, but a unique one too. Hunt around salvage yards and auction houses for everything from appliances to complete cabinetry. And consider recycling your own unwanted items - if they're in good condition, they could be just what a fellow renovator is looking for.
Apart from choosing energy-saving light globes, make sure you incorporate as much natural light into your kitchen design as possible, including skylights if necessary. Ideally you should be able to work in your kitchen during the day without switching on a light.
As long as you're ripping up floors and replacing wall board, you might as well ensure your new eco kitchen is as well insulated as possible. Not only will this ensure that the room stays warm in winter and cool in summer, it can also eliminate noise transfer. Just be sure to choose 'green' insulation that's low in fibreglass particles.
To discuss your eco-friendly kitchen design ideas, talk to a kitchen designer in your area:
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