Easy, Green Kitchen and Bath Makeover Tips

Posted on February 13, 2009 by Joyce Benson Add a Comment |
Tag(s): Greening the Home, Kitchens And Baths, Money Saving

Want a new look for your kitchen, or bath, that won’t break the bank, yet still have a high impact? The most eco-friendly way to redecorate any room in your home is by working with what you already have, as much as possible. You don’t need to tear out the old to create a fresh, new room. Here are some great green ideas that are sure to brighten up your tired space.

Add a splash of color to the walls with non-toxic, zero-VOC paint or natural clay plaster.
Change the hardware on your cabinets. See my earlier posts about eco-friendly options that include drawer pulls and knobs made from recycled glass or recycled metal.
If your cabinets are still in good shape, give them a fresh, new look by painting them with non-toxic paints or water-based stains and sealants. Look for wood stains that are not oil-based and made without biocides and dryers. Those made with beeswax, carnauba wax, or shellac are more natural options. If you need to strip the existing paint or stain first, try one of these non-toxic products that won’t compromise indoor air quality.
Recover your chairs or add new window treatments with natural fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, or linen, colored with low-impact dyes.
Add new kitchen linens or bath towels made from organic cotton, hemp, or flax linen.
Accessorize with eco-friendly candles, tableware, rugs made from organic or recycled materials, air-cleaning houseplants, or a bouquet of sustainably grown flowers arranged in a decorative vase made from recycled materials.