According to Sibilia, freezer drawers are key – especially for individually quick-frozen fruits and vegetables – when looking to give clients solutions to separating produce from meats, for instance.

Material Match

A strong base is required for any healthy kitchen, and that means selecting the proper materials.

“People want to know that whatever they are putting their food on is not something that can get into the food,” Pomilo describes. “People worry about what is on their counters, but at the same time, people are so busy that I don’t think they have enough time to clean things.”

“We are also seeing a lot of tile manufacturers produce materials with glass and stone,” says Blakeman.

To that end, Schomer cites countertops that feature solid surface, concrete with recycled glass and epoxy polymers with recycled aluminum in them.
Sibilia interjects: “There is also an increased interest in engineered stone. When the customer realizes that quarried stone or granite often requires a sealant, then they inquire about engineered stone.”

According to Adams, a variety of natural materials can be utilized to capture the essence of healthy-design principles. Among those are cabinetry made in Germany (due to stricter environmental standards); wood from sustainable forests; Asian materials such as bamboo, teak and rock; stainless steel sinks (which are antibacterial) and lead-free paints, among others.

Pomilo advises that wood flooring is popular with many of her clients, as well. “People generally go between tile and wood, and if they choose the wood, it is because it is softer. Plus, if you drop something on the wood, it tends to be a more forgiving.”

Other flooring options include cork, and rubber, which is created with recycled tires.

Product Safety

Predictably, safety should be at the forefront of consideration when selecting products and materials, says Pomilo. “I have this fear of microwaves in islands that are too low, because kids could put a spoon or fork in it and turn it on,” she says. “That is why I like the new micro-drawer, because the user still has to pull it out and put things into it, instead of just opening the door.”

She also suggests special pull-outs for storing soaps and liquids, as opposed to placing those items under the sink – a simple way to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.