(Winter 2008) - In today’s dollar-conscious society, being educated on the benefits of going green in a kitchen or bath remodel offers long-term savings. With almost-anything-goes trends ranging from sleek Italian kitchens to hill-country, rustic kitchens and everything in between, you’ll find green selections to complement any style – and budget.    

“Homeowners are asking more questions regarding materials used for building cabinetry, different finishes, and other green home alternatives,” says Jennifer Hissa, CKD, designer at Palmer Todd Inc., a complete kitchen and bath source for high-quality, custom-design cabinetry. “Clients are keen on sustainability and products not ending up in a landfill.”

Green cabinetry
“Cabinets are trending toward rustic alder wood, many lacquer finishes, and Faux Wood laminate, a high-end product that uses less natural resources for a wood-veneer look,” Hissa says. The firm’s cabinetry of choice is the Downsview brand with a 100% EPP-certified cabinet box. Another bonus: for custom finishes, Downsview can match paint chips.   

“Clients are very educated about products and are interested in technology pertaining to cabinets such as self-closing door glides and hinges,” Hissa says. “They’re doing their homework, coming in and saying what they want.”
 
Energy-saving appliances
Homeowners are showing a marked interest in the Energy Star program, and new magnetic-induction cooktops fit the bill by using more of the energy output than a radiant burner for stellar efficiency. “These cooktops transfer heat directly to the pan, taking advantage of up to 90% of the burner’s energy,” Hissa says. She also points out homeowners are concerned about the footprint of their kitchens so they are trending away from putting in bigger, better appliances that use more energy.

Flooring choices
Of course this is an area in which you can choose from diverse reclaimed materials. “Popular today is recycled glass and a line of porcelain tile that looks just like a hand-scraped wood floor without using natural wood flooring,” Hissa says.

Making a Splash
Custom-designed backsplashes rule the kitchen because clients like incorporating their personalities. “We’re seeing many glass materials and mixes such as glasses with natural stone,” Hissa says. “This is literally a canvas for personal kitchen art.”    

Whether your project is in the kitchen or bathroom, Palmer Todd, Inc.’s staff of professionals licensed in the fields of interior, kitchen and bathroom design will work with you to plan a room that suits your needs and fulfills your wishes.


Palmer Todd Inc.’s Austin showroom is located at 500 Park Blvd, Austin, TX 78751, or call 512-206-0444. The San Antonio showroom is located at 203 West Rhapsody, San Antonio, TX 78216, or call 210-341-3396. For more information, visit www.palmertodd.com.