GOOD DESIGN + QUALITY = SUSTAINABILITY

I have recently signed on as a regular monthly columnist for Duluth Superior Magazine, a monthly publication dedicated to the finer attributes of life in our Northland.  My column appears in the Style section and will be titled ‘Living by Design’.  My second column just appeared in the current issue: March, 2011, Vol 4, Issue 3. 

Visit www.duluthsuperiormagazine.com if you wish to view their website or subscribe to this nice magazine.

Visit www.lindquistandcompany.com if you want comprehensive information of how to complete a successful kitchen or bath project!

 GOOD DESIGN + QUALITY = SUSTAINABILITY

 I have a confession to make.  I’ve decided to come clean.  Over the past 25 years, while no one’s been paying  particular attention, I’ve been   sneaking eco-friendly, sustainably designed kitchens into the homes of my fellow Northlanders.  No fanfare.  No hoopla… just old fashioned common sense, good design and quality materials.  Let me explain.  Kitchens are the most heavily used and expensive room in the home – to build new and later, to replace.  So I’ve always approached the design of this complex room as a one-shot deal; i.e., get it right the first time… because re-do’s are expensive, frustrating, and frankly, wasteful.  

Currently much of the conversation centers around ‘green’ materials and ‘carbon footprints’; and, we have a bevy of new earth-friendly products to offer. Equally as important, however, is the timeless premise of quality – in design, materials and craftsmanship.  These have staying power, minimizing the quantity of discarded materials that otherwise head to the landfill before completing a reasonable life of service. 

My approach to a quality project is simple…design and build in layers.  Kitchens are part of the whole house system.  The quality of the superstructure, insulation, vapor barrier, windows and doors, ventilation, wiring, plumbing, heating and air conditioning are all important parts of this 1^st layer.  When these are at their best, the overall comfort and quality and longevity of the kitchen will be enhanced.  Following are a few considerations for approaching the subsequent layers:

• Purchase the best quality cabinetry you can afford, from a reputable supplier. Cabinetry is the backbone of the kitchen.  If it fails, most, if not all of the entire kitchen must be replaced.  Further protect this costly investment with a professional installation.  The skilled talent of a good carpenter will assure the longest life for your cabinets.
• Don’t compromise the quality of the cabinetry to afford a luxury countertop. 
  Remember what happens if the cabinets fail.  A good quality laminate or natural linoleum countertop can be constructed in an eco-friendly way. If desired, an update to a luxury material can be completed in the future with minimal disruption to the rest of the space.
• The most efficient light bulb is the one that’s “off”!  Maximize natural light through window placement. Plan flexible lighting to illuminate specific work stations.  Flexible switching combined with dimmers will reduce the wattage used; and, fluorescent, low voltage and LED lamps will also save energy.
• Energy Star rated appliances just make sense.  Purchase the most basic appliance of quality to satisfy your needs. 
• Cork, bamboo and natural linoleum are all great flooring options … but only natural hardwood is grown right in our own backyard.  Harvested from sustainably maintained forests, a natural hardwood floor will last forever. 

The kitchen in the featured picture was completed in 1989.  Twenty two years later, this lovely space is still going strong, providing excellent function and aesthetic enjoyment for its owners.  That’s staying power.  Good design + quality = sustainability.  It’s that simple.