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(BPT) - Home chefs everywhere are taking a new approach when designing their dream kitchens. Beyond upscale tools and high end appliances, they also want features that are eco-friendly and environmentally smart. Here are the top trends in eco-friendly kitchen design.

Bright new ideas

Green countertops
When it comes to selecting eco-conscious kitchen countertops, home chefs are getting creative. The greenest countertops are made from recycled materials such as glass, cement, porcelain and even paper. These products aren't just environmentally friendly, they are absolutely stunning with complex colors and upscale designs that fit into any kitchen aesthetic.

Fireplace bake ovens

A fireplace/bake oven combo is a beautiful focal point that is as useful as it is stylish. Tulikivi soapstone fireplace ovens warm kitchens and provide home chefs an extremely useful way to bake. Their unique design allows wood to burn separately within the fireplace firebox or bake oven. The whole stove warms evenly from top to bottom so no heat goes to waste, plus the aroma produced by a wood-fired oven gives every meal a delicious finishing touch. Learn more about cooking with fireplace bake ovens by visiting Tulikivi on YouTube.

Eco-friendly cabinets
Appearance isn't the only thing home chefs are considering when shopping for cabinetry. Most pressed wood cabinets are made with a resin called urea-formaldehyde, which can be unhealthy. Buying cabinets made from solid wood helps avoid this concern. Additionally, cabinets made from sustainable materials are in high demand, like bamboo or wood that has been responsibly harvested. Finally, nontoxic paints and varnishes are a must.

Greenhouse garden windows
A garden window is a popular option for kitchens above the sink. Not only do these types of windows let natural light into the space to cut energy expenses, they also feature a recessed ledge ideal for potted plants. That means this eye-catching window also allows home chefs to grow their own herbs year round so there's no need to waste time and fuel running to the local grocery store. Healthy, fresh flavorings can be plucked at a moment's notice.

Energy efficient appliances
Appliances alone account for a whopping 13 percent of a household's energy costs. Refrigeration and cooking appliances are the biggest energy drains, so it's no surprise that green kitchens feature Energy Star approved appliances. Kitchen features that give more bang for the buck are in high demand also. Half of all the energy used in the home goes to heating, this is why smart homeowners are using Tulikivi ovens to bake and heat their homes. These bakeovens store heat in the thermal mass of the soapstone, a two-hour burn can radiate heat for up to 24 hours producing clean, comfortable, cost-saving warmth.

Reclaimed materials
New doesn't always mean the best. In fact, more home chefs are seeking reclaimed materials not only for environmental reasons, but also because these materials give kitchen spaces one-of-a-kind personality. For example, vintage reclaimed tile is fantastic for creating a conversation-worthy backsplash that no other kitchen has. Another option is reclaimed wood from old barns or schoolhouses, which can be transformed into noteworthy flooring with a great backstory.

Smart faucets
Today's kitchen faucets have entered the smart age. More than just low-flow for water conservation, smart faucets offer additional ways to go green. Some have motion sensors so with a wave of the hand they turn on quickly and then turn off after a designated amount of time. Home chefs enjoy features like quick hot to cool temperature changes too, which make it easy to cook and also save H2O.

The green movement is here to stay and home chefs are embracing kitchen design that offers upscale elegance while being eco-friendly. Consider these trends when you build your dream kitchen. To learn more, visit Tulikivi.us or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

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