Recycled Timber Kitchen Counter, Drawers and Cupboard Doors

Image from, photo by Pernille Kaalund

Earlier this year I was designing a kitchen for a client using recycled timber for the kitchen counter and recycled painted timber for the cupboard and drawer fronts. If you wish to try this as a DIY project there are a few things to consider when sourcing the timber and designing your kitchen counter.

Tips:

• Avoid using timber that has lead paint on the surface.
• Avoid timber that has been previously damaged by water.
• Install a sink with a drainer to avoid wet dishes on the timber surface.
• Use a food grade, non toxic, wax/oil sealer for the bench top.
• Think about possible joint movement when using recycled timber.
• Try to use recycled timber where possible. If you have to use new timber consider sourcing timber from a certified sustainable managed source.

Have fun,

Recycled Kitchen Countertops Finishes :: Alternatives to Natural Stone

Technically the greenest kitchen counter top is the one you already have... However if yours is bright yellow (we still come across a few) or beyond repair or you are unable to source a recycled kitchen then you may need to look for a new kitchen joinery and a new countertop.

Firstly, your counter top material should be of good quality, durable, water resistant, non porous (this excludes most natural stones) and something that is a timeless design that you are happy to live with for many years. If your kitchen is a neutral design and of a good quality it is likely to be around for a while, thus reducing the need to consume more materials with buying a new kitchen.

I have selected a few alternative counter materials below. Some of these brands may not be available in your country but there may be other similar products available by local suppliers.

Recycled glass countertops - For an alternative to natural or quarried stone. 

Whilst granite and marble counter tops have a luxurious finish they are not very environmentally friendly as they are a quarried from natural stone. Nowadays engineered stone has become quite popular as a practical stone substitute but their manufacturing process is not so eco-friendly and their recycled component is fairly low.  However, some stone composite brands are now incorporating higher recycled content options. For an alternative to natural stone or non recycled composites try:

1. Squak Mountain Stone - A fibrous-cement material made from recyled paper, recycled glass and low-carbon cement.

2. Fuez - Made from 100% curbside recycled glass.

3. BottleStone - Made from 80% post-consumer curbside recycled container glass.

4. Vetrazzo - Made from cement and 85% recycled glass from curbside recycling programs. Some of the glass comes from  windows, dinnerware, stained glass, laboratory glass, building demolition glass, traffic lights and other unusual sources. They even provide a certificate of transformation that tells you where the glass came from!

5. Seeta by Torzo - A formaldehyde free composite made from sunflower seed hulls.

6. Caesarstone - On a few colours only, 42% recycled content from production off cuts.

Nowadays there is a wider selection of different surface materials that adopt recycled principals, FSC certified timer products and green building council certification. This is still a growing market a lot of green wash with some materials claiming that they are eco and green when they are not. If you give yourself some time to research thoroughly and check the products technical credentials then you should be able to find your perfect alternative counter finish.

Have fun.

Country Style Home :: Kitchen Sink Design Ideas

What do you think of when you think of a Country Style Home?

I always think of the kitchen first and those old country style kitchen sinks. I would love to own one of these but until then here's a few for inspiration.

Country Style Kitchen Sinks

There is such a wide selection of sinks to choose from these days but a style of sink that find it's self quite a home in any country style kitchen is a Farmhouse, Butler or Belfast sink.

Most of these type of sinks are made form fireclay ceramic and although not as robust as stainless steel they add that element of character to any country style kitchen.

Brick bond rectangle wall tiles look great above these sinks.

As do open shelving.

My humble apologies for not being able to credit the origin of these photos. If you are the owner one of these images please let me know and I will add your details to the image.

Have fun shopping for your perfect country style kitchen.

Recycled Kitchen Island Benchtop

I love going to the Eumundi Markets on the Sunshine Coast and stumbling across something new.

Last weekend was no exception when I came across Neale from Bushblocks.

Neale makes timber kitchen island benches from locally sourced recycled timber, door locks and door knobs! 

The surface can be made from Australian Eucalyptus which holds one of the highest anti-bacterial tannin content of any hardwood in the world and great for being used as a chopping board. He also fits a small removable flush mounted metal bin into the surface for collecting your veggie scraps!

These tables would make a great addition to any country kitchen.

Have fun.

Pastel Dip Painted Timber Dining Room Chairs

These chairs have been created by Interior Designer Alexander Waterworth Interiors for this cute cafe Hally's London in Parson's Green.

Earlier this year I was designing a resort that had a focus on the use of pastel colours. What a great way to bring some colour into any room and bring a little life back to some old timber dining chairs... 

This would also make and a nice DIY project at home!

Thanks to Holly of Decor8 for sharing such a great article on using pastels, thanks.

Have fun.

Recycled Country Kitchen Shelves

Maybe time just seems to get faster and faster. I cannot believe a month has flown by since my last post and I have so much to tell you about designing or recycling your kitchen.

Recycled Country Kitchen Shelves

When it comes to kitchen storage I have been encouraging clients to think of using old country style kitchen shelves as features in their kitchens. 

You may have one stored in your garage or know someone that may be throwing one out to make way for a new modern kitchen. 

When you find one, it's worth checking with your joinery that they are structurally sound and additional support can be built into the wall, then apply a quick sanding and a new coat of paint. 

They can add a unique level of charm and detail to your kitchen along with that extra storage space!

Here goes a few images to inspire. Enjoy....

I just love these open shelves with the VJ panels behind and the stone bench top table below. A great two piece to anchor any kitchen and give some shelves to display your finest china.

I am all for the humble tea cup or mug to come back on show. There has been too may years gone by where they have only seen the inside of cupboards!

Have you ever displayed your best china? 

With the right pattern, colour combination and a little bit of styling you will be surprised the effect it can have to brighten up a kitchen wall. 

My apologies for not being able to credit the origin of these photos. 

If you are the owner one of these images please let me know and I will add your details to the image.

Keep an eye out in those car boot fairs, second hand stores and in your garage.

Have fun.

Country Kitchen Design Ideas :: KItchen Sinks

Wow it's been another busy month. I have three great projects on site, a country kitchen refurbishment, a new build circular house and an organic coffee cafe. 

Over the last month I have collected loads of great kitchen ideas and I think it is about time they made their way from my hard drive back onto the web, so here goes the first batch. Enjoy....

Country Kitchen Sinks

There is such a wide selection of sinks to choose from these days but a style of sink that find it's self quite a home in any country style kitchen is a Farmhouse, Butler or Belfast sink.

Most of these type of sinks are made form fireclay ceramic and although not as robust as stainless steel they add that element of character to any country style kitchen.

Brick bond rectangle wall tiles look great above these sinks.

As do open shelving.

My humble apologies for not being able to credit the origin of these photos. If you are the owner one of these images please let me know and I will add your details to the image.

Have fun shopping for your perfect kitchen.

Open Kitchen Shelves Ideas

I am currently working on a new kitchen design and thought I would share with you a few images I am using for inspiration. 

For this project I am thinking of using open shelving for a natural modern style but with a country influence...

image from here

Floor to ceiling storage is great if you have all those heirlooms pieces that are still packed in storage boxes!

image from photographer Daniel Farmer

image from Style Files

A thick solid timber edge helps to make a feature of the shelving and give a natural look to the kitchen. 

Heidi Lender's San Francisco kitchen, image via Design to Inspire

For that extra country look why not decant some of your most popular ingredients into glass jars, label and display on open shelves for a splash of colour and of course an easy reach...

Have fun.

Kitchen & Dining Room Design Ideas :: Stools

A few weeks back I was looking for some timber stools for a dinning room table and now I have found some matching timber stools perfect for an island kitchen bench or bar area.

These timber stools are by Danish designer Erik Buch and manufactured by Preben Schou. 

images above from Great Dane Furniture

images from homelife and photographer Sam McAdam 

They come in a range of leather, fabric and timber combinations. My favourite would have to be the lime green leather seat and dark or light timber base...

If you fancy a splurge they can be purchased in Australia from Great Dane Furniture.

There are replicas on the market but if want your stool to last I would invest a little bit more in an original. 

Have fun.

Kitchen & Dining Room Design Ideas :: Stools

After a peaceful public holiday weekend trekking through Springbrook's rainforest and creeks I am now back to work...

Last week while working on a design project I came across these lovely stools from Janie Collins.

images via Janie Collins

These sturdy stools made and designed in Australia by life space journey are inspired by milking stools and hand crafted from steel and recycled australian hardwood. 

They are also available in a wide range of colours as well as a raw finish.

Perfect for the kitchen or dining room area.

Have fun.