Kitchen Wellness: Designing Kitchens That Grow with You
Introduction —Kitchens That Are the Heart of the Home
In Los Angeles homes, the kitchen is more than a place to cook — it’s the heart of the home. When designed thoughtfully, it can also be a hub for circular living and biophilic wellness, where food, plants, and light nurture both your family and the environment.
A circular approach in the kitchen means minimizing waste, reusing materials, and integrating life into the space. From reclaimed countertops to indoor herb gardens, your kitchen can be a model for regenerative living.
For inspiration on circular design principles across the home, see our blogs: Why Design for Circularity and What Is Circular Construction.
How to Design a Kitchen Layout for Growth
A kitchen that grows with you balances function, natural light, and green living. Windows, skylights, and orientation aren’t just about views — they support circadian rhythm and plant growth, while reducing electricity usage.
Tips for layout:
Place herb windowsills near morning light.
Integrate vertical plant walls or hanging planters to maximize small spaces.
Use multi-functional storage that doubles as a display for potted veggies or herbs.
“When thinking circularly,” says Steve Pallrand, “we look at what’s already in the space and how it can continue to provide value — whether a material or living plant.”
Choosing Plants — Kitchen Gardens: Choosing Plants, Herbs, Veggies, and Fruits for LA Homes
Not every plant thrives indoors, so choose species that balance utility, resilience, and wellness benefits.
Kitchen Plants ideas for LA homes:
Herbs: Basil, rosemary, thyme, mint (aromatic, easy to grow, culinary).
Leafy greens: Lettuce, kale, microgreens (quick harvest, nutritious).
Fruits: Strawberries, dwarf citrus trees, cherry tomatoes (sunlight and patience required).
Wellness plants: Aloe vera, snake plant, pothos (air purification and low maintenance).
These plants connect the home to nature, improve air quality, and reduce the environmental footprint by cutting down packaging and grocery waste.
Materials That Support Circular Living
Circular kitchens don’t just grow plants — they honor materials. Consider:
Reclaimed wood cabinets or shelving
Recycled countertops
Repurposed tiles or flooring
Low-VOC finishes to protect air quality for both humans and plants
“Circular design isn’t about compromise,” says Steve. “It’s about creating beauty with what already exists — natural materials, imperfections included.”
Practical Circular Kitchen Tips
Composting station: Keep organic scraps for home gardens or city compost programs.
Water reuse: Capture sink runoff for irrigation of indoor plants.
Repurpose containers: Glass jars, bowls, and tins for planting small herbs.
Seasonal rotation: Change plants based on light cycles and family needs — like rotating herbs and microgreens for cooking and nutrition.
Every choice reduces waste, promotes wellness, and connects your kitchen to a larger ecological system.
Conclusion — The Heart of the Home is the Kitchen
When you integrate plants, circular materials, and thoughtful design, your kitchen becomes more than a cooking space — it becomes a living, regenerative part of your home.
A kitchen designed this way nourishes not only the body but also the environment, community, and personal well-being.
Explore circular design in the rest of your home: Why Design for Circularity | What Is Circular Construction
FAQs
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Kitchen wellness is the intentional design of the kitchen to support healthy eating, physical comfort, mental calm, and sustainable living.
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Kitchen wellness is important because the kitchen directly influences daily health—how we eat, move, and feel.
A wellness-focused kitchen supports healthier habits, reduces stress and physical strain, and creates a space that nourishes both body and mind.
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Yes. Kitchen design can significantly affect your well-being.
A well-designed kitchen supports healthier eating, reduces physical strain and stress, improves air quality and lighting, and creates a more calming, functional space that positively impacts both physical and mental health.
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From smart appliances and air purifiers to water filters and meal-planning apps, modern tools can simplify cooking, improve food safety, and support a healthier home environment.
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A kitchen that grows with you is designed to adapt to your changing needs over time whether that’s expanding your family, adapting your cooking routines, or adjusting for mobility needs.
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