If you’ve been keeping up with the latest interior design trends, then you know that green has been immensely popular as far as chromatic choices go. This trend hasn’t occurred in a vacuum, and many actually believe it is the result of the ongoing love for natural elements in interior design, another trend that homeowners have been incorporating into their households for years. Wanting to be close to nature is nothing new, but many of those residing in urban jungles feel like they need it very much. Natural materials such as wood and linen, as well as colours like ecru, light brown, pastels, and, of course, green, fit right in with the design. However, making your entire kitchen green can seem a little intimidating.
If your heart isn’t in it and you don’t feel like your home would benefit from this look, there’s no reason to force it, even though it is fashionable at the moment. Trends should serve as inspiration, not compel you to change the entire look of your home to fit a different vision. However, if you believe a green kitchen is the right choice for you, here are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
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The cabinets
The kitchen cabinets are the backbone of any kitchen design. When you start redecorating, you will most likely start from them and build the rest of your décor based on their look and colour. Green kitchen cabinets can sound like a hit-or-miss, and the truth is that not all of them are created equal. For example, if you choose a seamless design in moss, olive, or forest green, you will end up with a kitchen that looks modern and sophisticated. On the other hand, a Shaker-like design in Kelly green (reminiscent of lush meadows in Ireland) or mint will be much more rustic. If you’re not afraid of a bold contrast and enjoy vintage styles, emerald and malachite green are the best choices, especially when paired with pink.
Add greenery
Since green kitchens are inspired by a love for nature and an intrinsic desire to connect with the organic, you can’t adopt this style without incorporating some plants into the mix, too. You can start with the practical ones that can be used in your home-cooked meals as well, including basil, parsley, thyme, dill, chives, coriander, mint, and rosemary. Just reaching out to pluck a few leaves when you’re preparing something can feel incredibly rewarding, and the good news is that the plants are also hardy and don’t require excessive maintenance.
Some non-edible options include snake plants and spider plants, both of which can purify the air and thrive in most light conditions. African violets, orchids, and lavender will add subtle and welcoming fragrances to your space and make it feel even more like home.
The flooring
If you’re not a fan of green cabinets, you can always turn your floors green instead. The shade fits both farmhouse kitchens and elegant ensembles. The number of materials you can choose from is essentially endless. Stone flooring in deep green is both natural and cosmopolitan-looking, since there can be so many variations ranging from smooth and uniform to designs that feature substantial veining. The additional hues you can find blended in include white, black, and gold. If you’re searching for a worldlier option, though, you can just cover the floorboards in glossy green paint instead.
Do it yourself
Approaching your green kitchen as a DIY project may not be common, but it might be the best option for you if you’re crafty and want to save money as well. You can paint your units in whichever shade you choose, from the most attention-grabbing lime green to the more relaxing grass green or even a mature shade such as sage or eucalyptus. If you truly love the colour, you can also mix different hues together. Dark and light green can work very well together, but you can also pair glossy and matte textures to switch things up a little bit.
The worktop
Caring about the aesthetics of your kitchen design matters, but the place must serve a functional purpose first and foremost. The worktop is perhaps the kitchen area that best exemplifies this concept. It must be sturdy and resilient to withstand daily wear and tear, but also look nice, so that cooking and preparing meals on it feels like a good idea. When your worktop is chipped or stained, it should definitely be replaced if repair is no longer possible. Green granite worktops are one of the best choices since they are highly durable.
With proper sealing, they can last for many years and are perfect for busy kitchens. Granite has the ability to withstand very high temperatures, a crucial feature in areas where you keep your oven. Maintaining is straightforward and can be done with nothing but a damp cloth and a bit of soap. Additionally, the material is bacteria- and stain-resistant, while its affluent look can help increase the value of your home if you decide to sell in the future.
The rustic kitchen
The pandemic created a trend focused on the countryside and the romanticized beauty of rural areas, and while the idealized picture might be a stark contrast from the real lives of many people, it remains popular. If you like this style, you should know that a green colour palette fits right in with the bucolic look. Blend green cabinets or a kitchen island with wood elements for an organic look. If the beams in your ceiling are exposed, you can leave them as such, as it is the antithesis of a well-manicured and put-together look.
The perfect rustic kitchen also provides you with plenty of natural light. It won’t only make your space feel larger, but it can also lift your mood and make you love your place even more.
To sum up, while green kitchens are definitely trendy at the moment, they can also be the perfect way to bring a beautiful, timeless, and wholesome look to your home.
