If FunCycled had a signature color (other than my favorite—teal!), it might just be green. There is a reason we find ourselves returning to this palette time and time again; the color green possesses so much resilience, depth, and vitality while still offering a sense of grounding and serenity. Beyond the aesthetic, green embodies the richness of the earth and serves as a constant reminder of our responsibility in stewarding what we have and where we live.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at FunCycled. We believe you can achieve high-end, beautiful design while honoring the planet. This Earth Month, we’re taking “going green” literally. We’re diving into some of our favorite sustainable green kitchen trends, showcasing the transformative power of a fresh coat of paint on existing cabinetry, and sharing our top eco-friendly swaps to help you curate a kitchen that looks good and does good.
From Evergreen to Sage: Our Favorite Green Kitchen Transformations
The most sustainable kitchen is often the one you already have. By refinishing existing cabinets rather than sending them to a landfill, we reduce waste and give high-quality wood a second life. Here are a few of our favorite “green” transformations from the FunCycled archives:
High-Drama Depth: Black Evergreen by Behr & Tarrytown Green
For those who love a moody, sophisticated look, Black Evergreen by Behr and Tarrytown Green by Benjamin Moore are absolute showstoppers. These deep tones offer incredible resilience and a sense of history. They anchor a room, making even the oldest cabinets feel modern and architectural.
This is Tarrytown Green:
This is Black Evergreen
This is Black Evergreen
Classic Sophistication: Lafayette Green & Cedar Mountains
If you want a color that feels like a walk through the woods, Lafayette Green and Cedar Mountains (both by Benjamin Moore) provide that perfect balance of vitality and calm. These shades play beautifully with natural wood tones and brass hardware, grounding the kitchen in organic beauty.
This is Lafayette Green
This is Cedar Mountains
Curating a Conscious Kitchen: Our Eco-Friendly Essentials
Once the cabinets are painted, the next step in embracing sustainable green kitchen trends is looking at the products we use every day. We’ve curated a list of our favorite earth-honoring picks to help you finish the look.
Sustainable Surfaces: Earth-Honoring Tile & Backsplash
When updating your backsplash, look for recycled glass tiles or handmade ceramics. These options reduce the carbon footprint of your remodel while adding unique, artisanal texture to your walls.
For a polished and uniform look, ceramic or porcelain offerings work really well. Be sure to check for how the materials are sourced. I like this one below. It is not only really elevated, it is GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means it meets low VOC standards and offers a healthier air quality in your home.
These are beautiful hand-made tiles made from clay in Morrocco. This is a gorgeous blue, but this company offers a variety of colors.
Illuminating Change: Ethical Lighting Solutions
Lighting is the jewelry of the kitchen. We love sourcing fixtures made from recycled metals or sustainable woven materials like rattan and bamboo. It’s a bright way to stay eco-conscious.
This beautiful woven pendant is great for over an island or round table in your kitchen. I love the natural rattan material on display.
This is another great pendant option. Constructed from textured and recycled bamboo, the simple lines of this pendant work really well for minimalist, MCM, or even modern farmhouse designs.
The Daily Swap: Sustainable Staples & Storage
True stewardship happens in the small moments. Swap out containers made with high toxin plastics for glass storage sets or recycled materials sourced from non-toxic & organic materials. and trade worn-out plastic tools for bamboo or FSC-certified wood cooking utensils.
I really love these storage options from Caraway Home.
These teak utensils are really functional and eco-friendly.
For many food items, wooden cutting boards are a great option. I like these sourced from solid wood and natural materials.
How to Start Your “Green” Journey Today
Creating a sustainable home doesn’t have to happen overnight. If you are feeling inspired this Earth Month, here is how we recommend you begin:
- Start Small with the Basics: You don’t need a full demo to make a difference. Start by swapping out your daily staples, such as food storage or cooking utensils. These small changes add up to a big impact over time.
- Brighten Up with Efficiency: Lighting is one of the easiest ways to “go green” technically. Swap out old, energy-draining bulbs for high-efficiency LEDs that mimic natural light. Not only does this reduce your energy consumption, but it also perfectly highlights the rich undertones of colors like Black Evergreen or Lafayette Green.
- Refresh Instead of Replace: Consider a kitchen refresh by using what you already have. By painting your existing cabinets and updating elements like lighting or backsplashes with materials that honor the earth, you reduce waste while creating a space that feels brand new.
At FunCycled, we believe your home should be a reflection of your values. Let’s make this year the year your kitchen truly “goes green.”
You can shop all of our Sustainable Kitchen Finds by clicking the image and link below!
Ready to Upcylce Your Kitchen Cabinets?
There is no need to spend $50k (or more) on new cabinets when your current ones may only need a refresh with custom professional kitchen cabinet painting.
Wondering if you should get new kitchen cabinets or paint your existing? Check out our Painting Vs Replacing Calculator.
Serving Albany County, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Columbia County, and Schenectady Country (any home up to an hour from Troy, NY).
I hope you have gleaned some inspiration and perhaps discovered some key takeaways for your kitchen! To see more kitchen inspiration, check out all of our KITCHEN MAKEOVERS.
If you would like to know a more personalized estimate, follow these three easy steps to getting your FREE QUOTE today! If you are even remotely considering a kitchen refresh, I encourage you to CONTACT US today!
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Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ; )
Because home is where peace begins.
