Last Saturday, Midwest Home sponsored International Market Square’s Style Maker Kitchen + Bath Series: Green Design Defined. As attendees entered the event with their swatches, paint samples, and room dimensions in hand, ready for their complimentary consultations, I couldn’t help but think: How can I incorporate green elements into my soon-to-be-remodeled kitchen?
Joshua Foss
Luckily, Joshua Foss of Thrive Design Studio and HGTV’s Design Star gave me some great tips, along with Roger Zierman of Partners 4, Design; Lisa Weck of Cambria; Tricia Bayer of Belle Kitchen; and Katie Speckman of Valcucine:
Start with quality: Any product or design that doesn’t last in style or durability isn’t truly green, because it will soon need to be replaced.
Be aware of factory practices: Some suppliers claim to offer green products, but their manufacturing processes or factory waste may disqualify such claims.
Buy Energy Star: High-quality Energy Star appliances reduce your energy bill and overall carbon dioxide emissions.
Throw some vintage furniture into your decorating mix: There is nothing greener than using something that doesn’t have to be built from scratch. Online classified, estate sales, and vintage furniture dealers are great places to find eclectic furnishings for good prices.
After the helpful panel discussion, I walked around the exquisite showrooms at IMS. I found inspiration and the perfect eco-chic products I want to use in my remodel from the savvy experts at IMS.
~Brianne Bauer
