Perhaps you can’t buy good health, but you can certainly create an eat-in kitchen that supports a wholesome lifestyle. Today’s cutting-edge kitchen designs offer an innovative range of safe, eco-friendly products, such as bacteria-fighting surfaces, air-cleansing ventilation systems, and nontoxic paints, flooring, and cabinetry — all geared to your family’s well being.
In addition to improving quality of life, today’s health-conscious cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, floors, faucets, and ventilation systems look terrific. Once you become acquainted with the ever-expanding range of green products available for your eat-in kitchen, it’s likely that you’ll choose to incorporate as many as possible. Approach your new kitchen design the same way you would prepare a nourishing meal for your family: select the healthiest ingredients you can find, and combine them in a way that is enticing and visually appealing. And because a sun-filled kitchen is the warmest welcome, be sure to plan for an abundance of natural light streaming through windows and skylights. As you’ll see on the following pages, healthy design works on all sorts of levels. Salud!
Only the cat enjoys waking up to the smell of last night’s flounder. Fortunately, good kitchen ventilation banishes odors and grease and replaces stale air with fresh.
Mounted over the cooktop, a range hood of sufficient size and power pulls in moisture, smells, and smoke and exhausts them through a duct to the outside. Even when the weather outside is frightful and opening a window isn’t an option, the ventilation system still does its job of providing fresh outdoor air. In the process, the system also controls mold-producing steam and moisture generated by cooking and dishwashing, dilutes chemical emissions and gases from building materials in the home, and reduces pet dander and dust. Some of the more expensive ventilation systems also act as safety-conscious watchdogs, activating automatically when heat is sensed. Another helpful feature offered by a number of systems alerts the owner when the filter needs a good cleaning.
Thanks to striking designs and state-of-the-art technology, range hoods can easily steal the eat-in kitchen spotlight. In stainless steel, copper, ceramic tile, and even wood with carved embellishments, the perfect range hood can be purchased ready-made or customized to suit your particular kitchen’s style, from country cottage to country estate, French Provincial to Arts and Crafts, Old World to industrial modern. The range hood is just as likely to appear over a center-island cooktop as it is wall mounted over the stove.
When needed, certain downdraft systems pop up behind the cooktop to do their work, and then lower themselves out of view. Prices can vary from less than $100 for a simple wall-mounted hood to several hundred dollars for a model equipped with lights, timers, and other bells and whistles. When the hood is custom made, the ventilation system is often purchased separately.
Opening the windows, is the most direct way to add fresh air to the eat-in kitchen.
In a hood suspended over a cooktop, a recirculating updraft system pulls air through a grease filter and then recycles the air in the kitchen.
Ventilation Systems
The air in well-ventilated kitchens is not only free from stale cooking odors but cleaner, which means less greasy residue on kitchen surfaces — and less cleanup. Refreshing the air in your eat-in kitchen has a design benefit as well, since many of today’s range hoods are attractive works of art.
Wall- or ceiling-mounted updraft systems inside range hoods are the most popular form of kitchen ventilation for a good reason: the updraft system pulls smoke, grease, and moisture into the hood, ridding the house of stale air. This is achieved by exhausting the polluted air outside, or — with a ductless or recirculating updraft system — pulling the air through a grease filter (some with an optional odor-killing charcoal filter) and then recycling the cleaned air back into the kitchen. Because a ductless system does not exhaust the air to the outside, it can be an unsatisfactory choice for eliminating steam and moisture.
A third choice, the hoodless downdraft system, which may be installed in base cabinets close to the cooktop, uses a fan to draw air downward and vent it outside through ductwork. Downdraft systems work best over an island or peninsula cooktop where an overhead hood might not fit. Though the downdraft system is not as effective as a hooded system, it does a better job than a ductless system.
Sizing the Fan
While the hood may be gorgeous, it’s the fan in the ventilation system that does the heavy work. Fans are sized according to the amount of air they can move in cubic feet a per minute (CFM). The higher the CFM rating, the more air the system will move.
In general, the hood should extend beyond the edge of the cooktop and have a fan with power to properly match the hood’s size. For example, a 36-inch commercial stove should have at least an 800-CFM system. When a high-powered system pulls too much air out of the house, a makeup air system, which guards against negative pressure, may be necessary. The competition for indoor air may cause appliances, such as hot water heaters and furnaces, to “backdraft,” a dangerous condition that can bring harmful fumes and combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide into the home. As a safety precaution, consult a kitchen ventilation specialist to determine the right size for you.
Noise Control
Surprisingly, the noise from a ventilation system is not caused by the fan. The racket — which can sometimes sound like an airplane readying for takeoff — is caused by air being pulled through the filters. When shopping for a kitchen ventilation system, check the sone (sound level) rating. Ideally, you want a sone rating of 5.5 or less.
For the sake of efficiency, the stainless-steel hood, extends beyond the cooktop’s edge.
The hood, like this one clad in trimwork, often becomes the focal point of the kitchen.
Mounted in back of the cooktop, a hoodless downdraft system draws air down and out of the house through ductwork.
Sunlight streaming through the windows of an eat-in kitchen can be the most irresistible of invitations to come in, sit down, and enjoy the moment. We crave sunlight because it warms the body and feeds the psyche. And because realtors declare without hesitation that “the kitchen sells the house,” it’s no surprise that a home with a bright, light-filled kitchen ranks near the top of nearly every home buyer’s wish list.
The kitchen is also the room that receives the prime location in most building and design plans. No other room makes better use of natural light, capturing the sun’s rays for early morning coffee, reading a recipe, finding a kitchen tool, and feeding one’s body and soul until sunset.
While studies report that exposure to natural light positively affects emotional and physical health, most of us spend a majority of time working or going to school in environments with artificial lighting. No doubt that’s why adding more windows ranks so high on the list of modifications to home plans.
Replacing or adding kitchen windows is the starting point in most kitchen redesigns. Fortunately, it’s possible to bring in all the sunlight you want and do it beautifully. Although many window styles may look custom made, most are available in affordable standard sizes.
Sometimes relocating windows is all that’s needed to alter the ambiance of the kitchen. You can change a kitchen from twentieth-century traditional to twenty-first-century contemporary simply by installing sleek casement-style windows.
If you want to add a sense of history to the new kitchen, install double- hung windows with snap-in muntins. Stir up drama by grouping transom windows along the top of a wall. Incorporate a bay window or glass doors near the table area in your redesign. Make a bright design statement using a large bank of windows to create a wall of glass.
SMART tip
Limit the size and number of east- and west-facing windows to keep down heating and cooling costs. Shades on south-facing windows can be added in summer, then removed to welcome the sun's heat in winter.
A trio of fixed windows provides an abundance of natural light and dramatic architectural elements to this eat-in kitchen.
Energy-efficient windows bring light into the kitchen without wasting energy.
The feeling of dining alfresco can be achieved by opening the double-hung windows that border this kitchen table.
There’s a window style for every sensibility, too. The gardener in the family may want a greenhouse window to keep plants — and thumb — green year-round; the architecturally inspired homeowner might choose to feature a Frank Lloyd Wright-style leaded-glass window.
When selecting windows for the kitchen, keep your home’s design in mind. Choose windows that match or are compatible with one another. Because windows are grouped in a pattern, be sure the exterior look of the house is not adversely affected by adding new ones.
Imagine the view from the window. The neighbor’s driveway isn’t high on anyone’s list of favorite sights. However, a view of nature — no matter what season - is always pleasing. Improve a good view with a larger window. Add light and make a style statement with the addition of an arched design. Window treatments can help define a room’s style as much as they control natural light.
Select energy-efficient windows that require minimal maintenance. A wood-frame window with a vinyl-coated exterior supplies good energy efficiency, low maintenance, and the appeal of a natural-wood interior finish.
“Open the window, please” is a simple request, and one of the most cost-efficient methods for keeping the air fresh in your eat-in kitchen.
GREEN tip
Natural Cooling
Reduce air-conditioning costs in summer by shading sunny windows with overhangs, awnings, shade screens, and trees.
SMART tip
SMARTtip
Lighten the heft of your energy bills by as much as $400 annually by replacing single-pane windows with Energy Star-qualified windows. These windows use low-e (low-emissivity) glass, which helps reduce year-round heating and cooling costs.
Skylights and Roof Windows
Operable skylights and roof windows can be excellent alternatives to more traditional windows. Not only do they look wonderful, but they also preserve your kitchen’s wall space. Experts also claim that skylights can supply up to 30 percent more light than vertical windows, and if that’s not enough of a selling point, they make the kitchen appear larger.
Windows installed along a roof slope or on a flat roof are generally unreachable. However, venting (operable) skylights that are hinged at the top can be operated with an electric wall switch, motorized or manual handcrank, or remote-control device to control fresh air and ventilation. Roof windows (the term is sometimes used for operable skylight as well) are generally set lower in the roofline than skylights and, as a result, are easier to reach. Their sashes are designed to pivot so that the outside glass can be cleaned from inside the house. Overall, the views from windows and skylights bring nature closer and improve moods. A ceiling fan can quietly circulate the air they provide throughout the kitchen.
Room-brightening roof windows, add light without using up valuable wall space.
Skylights work as part of an overall lighting scheme that incorporates chandeliers, windows, and recessed downlights.
Nonporosity is crucial for keeping food preparation and cooking surfaces sanitary. Porous materials absorb water and increase the chance of cross-contamination from growing bacteria. Healthy, nonporous, and eco-friendly choices for countertops and backsplashes are abundant, including stained concrete, glass, fired clay, stainless steel, copper, vitreous china, and certain imported and indigenous stone, such as granite, provided it is sealed. All are water-resistant, durable, and rely on nontoxic natural pigments. Nonporous soapstone, an indigenous stone, is also resistant to acids and alkalis; its natural patina can be maintained organically by applying mineral oil.
Countertops made from recycled paper or glass are not only sanitary green materials but are often uniquely attractive. Whatever your choice, make sure the material is well sealed to prevent staining and that countertop seams are a minimum of 2 feet away from the sink.
Antimicrobial Countertops and Backsplashes
Composite stone — usually quartz bonded with powders and resins — is a popular engineered option to indigenous stone. It is completely nonporous and never requires sealing. In addition, manufacturers of composite-stone countertops now offer antimicrobial protection that prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and molds. Keep in mind that while this feature guards against the most common bacteria, yeasts, molds, and fungi that cause stains and odors, it is not designed to protect users from disease-causing microorganisms such as salmonella.
Bacteria-Fighting Tiles and Grout
Some natural stone tiles now have antimicrobial protection and a permanent waterproofing treatment mixed in during the manufacturing process. This technique makes the tiles resistant to stain-causing mold and mildew.
Copper, a Natural Antimicrobial
Copper, a soft metal, is long-wearing yet can dent and scratch fairly easily. It’s determined by the eye of the beholder whether such tendencies give it character or lessen its appeal as a countertop material. A major plus is that copper is resistant to minor staining. However, copper’s greatest advantage is that it’s a naturally antimicrobial material. Experts tell us that untreated copper has powerful natural antimicrobial properties, as does stainless steel (another hygienic countertop material). Using salvaged copper is a good way to save money and also help the environment. Many older homes have copper kitchen countertops, so look for demolition work in older neighborhoods.
Hands Off
Who hasn’t tried to turn on the faucet without cross contaminating it with messy hands? Thankfully, there’s no longer a need to wrestle with the faucet handle. Hands-free faucets, ubiquitous in public places, are now appearing in home kitchens. Not only are they more sanitary, but hands-free faucets are also an eco-friendly windfall, automatically shutting off the water when the sensor detects it’s not needed. Other hands-free developments include trashcans, soap dispensers, and light switches. Could hands-free cooktops and refrigerators be next?
Here’s an easy-to-follow recipe for creating a safe kitchen for the cook, family, and friends:
General and task lighting should be free of glare and shadows.
Electrical switches, plugs, and lighting fixtures should not be close to water. Avoid touching with wet hands.
A fire extinguisher should be easily accessible.
Flooring and rugs should be slip resistant.
Be sure to regulate water temperature. If you can, purchase a faucet that comes with internal antiscald dials.
Select a safe cooktop featuring controls in front or along the side, and burners that are staggered or in a single row.
Divert traffic away from the cooking zone. Avoid placing the range near kitchen doorways.
Create storage that keeps cleaning supplies, sharp implements, and appliance cords away from children.
It’s fine to locate prep and cleanup surfaces near windows or skylights, but the cooktop should never be directly under a window.
Composite-stone countertops, which are totally nonporous and never need sealing, contain antimicrobial protection against bacteria and molds.
GREEN tip
Reach for the Star
The U.S. Department of Energy puts the kitchen in perspective: its lighting, refrigeration, and cooking are ravenous users of energy, gobbling up 41.5 percent of a home's total consumption. What's more, this figure doesn't include the energy used to make hot water or to heat and cool the kitchen. All the more reason to plan for efficient home energy use. Some Energy Star-qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produce potentially harmful gasses that not only reduce air quality but may be detrimental to health. The best defense is to abstain from buying building materials, finishes, and cabinetry that emit formaldehyde and other noxious chemicals. Opt instead for zero- or low-VOC products. Though cabinets made with particleboard or fiberboard may contain urea formaldehyde; they can be sealed with low-VOC paints, stains, or finishes. If your plan calls for new cabinets, check out solid-wood cabinet lines that have low-VOC emissions. As another option, choose cabinetry made with wheatboard or strawboard, combinations of agricultural fibers and sustainable binders that work best in areas that don’t get wet. A majority of major cabinet manufacturers now offer eco-friendly cabinetry lines with zero VOC off-gassing.
Keep in mind that wall paints and finishes may contain high levels of VOCs. Opt for the many low- and no-VOC paints available wherever most paints are sold. Most are nearly odor free.
Because vinyl flooring can emit chemical fumes, safer choices are stone, tile, natural linoleum, or reclaimed wood. While cork and bamboo are the reigning alternatives to endangered wood species, such as mahogany and teak, reclaimed wood has an innate beauty of its own. Aged timbers are supplied from old mills and barns, river bottoms, swamps, even pickle vats. Visit the Internet to find reclaimed wood, such as quartersawn antique heart pine, sinker cypress, antique white oak, pickle-vat redwood, barn red oak, barn white oak, American chestnut, and tobacco-barn beech.
If you want to add vintage accessories to your new kitchen, consider recycled material. There are salvage yards in nearly every locale. Their main mission is to recycle used building materials. Simply do an Internet search for those recycling organizations closest to you and find out how to incorporate recycled cabinetry, countertops, and other reusable materials into a redesign of your new home plan. Habitat for Humanity, for instance, operates retail centers throughout the United States and Canada called ReStores, which sell used and surplus building materials donated by building supply stores, contractors, and other supporters to the public at a fraction of normal prices. Proceeds from those sales help build decent, affordable housing for families in need.
