Eco-Friendly Home Renovation Tips
Eco-friendly home renovation options have become a popular topic for homeowners as they look for sustainable ways to update their living spaces. At Arcadia Kitchen & Bath, we are always looking for new and exciting ways to integrate natural materials local to the Coastal Maine Area into our design work. This is not only an eco-friendly design choice, but an aesthetically beautiful option that pays homage to the beauty of the great state of Maine. Beyond the materials we use, there are endless opportunities to increase energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of your home. When you work with our team, we will partner with you to find the best solutions for your design needs, keeping in mind your personal interior design style as well as your wallet when considering fixtures, appliances, and design choices. Here are just a few ways you can renovate your home with an environmentally conscious mindset.
*Image Taken in Saco, Maine by Matthew Gondek | Countertop by Rumford Stone
Use Eco-Friendly, Locally-Sourced Materials
One of the best ways you can keep mother nature in mind when renovating your home is by using locally-sourced materials from the region you live in. Lucky for us, Maine, New Hampshire, and much of New England is known for being home to many quarries, one of our favorites being Rumford Stone. This means gorgeous quartz countertops for your brand-new kitchen! Granite is known for its quality, durability, and natural beauty, making it an excellent choice for countertops. Another benefit of using local-sourced materials for your home renovation is the opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation, while also supporting local businesses.
Another material we can easily source here in Maine is lumber. Eastern White Pine is a popular choice as well as oak, maple, hemlock, cedar, and birch. For a rustic cottage feel, barn wood and reclaimed wood are popular choices to integrate into your home renovation project. Whether you are looking for new wood flooring, cabinets, or exposed beams, our beautiful state of Maine has no shortage of local lumber available for use in your renovation project. Whether you are looking for a classic or contemporary design, Maine's diverse range of wood species has something to offer for any home renovation project
*Image Taken by Liz Daly for Decor Maine
Focus on the Appliances
It is no secret that Maine is home to some of the oldest houses in the United States. While that equates to charm and well-built homes, it also means that appliances found in older homes are not likely to be up to new energy-efficient standards. Energy-efficient appliances are designed to consume less electricity or gas. Not only are they better for the environment, but using energy-efficient appliances can save you a substantial amount of money on utility bills, especially in the winter.
At Arcadia Kitchen and Bath, we always look for energy-efficient opportunities when renovating your home. When making recommendations for refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, ceiling fans, or whatever it might be, we are always looking for sustainable options for our clients and their budgets.
*Image Taken in Falmouth, Maine by Matthew Gondek
Don’t Forget the Windows
We love the opportunity to talk about widows, skylights, and doors. Not only do they have an energy-efficient component, but using them to create abundant natural lighting can truly make a room something special. New windows are designed to prevent heat from escaping during the winter and to keep it cool during those humid, summer days in Maine. They are made with Low-E glass which reduces the amount of heat that passes through the window without taking away from the natural light element. New windows are a great investment for you and your family as well as the planet! Local programs like Efficiency Maine can help you save even more on the improvements you make to your home.
There are so many exciting opportunities to ponder environmental impact when renovating a home. That is one of the many reasons it matters who you work with! If you are looking for a team to support your home renovation project here in Southern Maine, consider working with Arcadia Kitchen & Bath. Our talented team of designers and builders have a client-first approach and look forward to learning more about how we can bring your dream project to life in a way that prioritizes the planet! Click here to get in touch with our team.