Eco-Friendly Design from Zem Joaquin

The kitchen counters are recycled cellulose, Portland cement, and fly ash (coveringsetc.com). Marble backsplashes were quarried and finished in Italy, where stone cutters keep waste to a minimum.

Keeping the range and vent hood saved resources--nothing was consumed to make and install new appliances. The existing oak floor remained, too.

Walnut harvested from a defunct nut orchard was fabricated into cabinet veneers. The kitchen cabinets are built without formaldehyde glues or toxic finishes (howlingdogwoodworks.com).

Sources:
Cabinets: Howling Dog Woodworks, 707/480-4524.
Tray; cream set: Past Perfect, 415/929-7651.