Sustainable Remodeling: Eco-Friendly Choices That Don’t Sacrifice Style
Going green has never looked so good—especially in the Midwest, where practical living meets timeless design. If you’re considering remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, sustainability doesn’t have to mean boring beige tiles and clunky low-flow fixtures. Today’s eco-friendly options are chic, modern, and surprisingly affordable, especially when you know what to look for.
Let’s explore how St. Louis homeowners can blend sustainability with a dash of hometown flair.
Reclaimed Materials with Local History
Want to add instant character to your remodel? Look no further than reclaimed materials from historic St. Louis buildings. Salvage yards like ReFab STL and Perennial STL offer one-of-a-kind finds—think 100-year-old hardwood flooring, ornate fireplace mantels, and antique tile—that you can integrate into modern kitchens and bathrooms. Not only do these materials reduce landfill waste, but they also let you own a piece of the city’s architectural heritage. It’s sustainability with soul.
Plus, by sourcing materials regionally—like Indiana limestone or Illinois brick—you cut down on the emissions associated with long-distance shipping. It’s local pride and eco-practicality wrapped into one. These materials add warmth, character, and a cool backstory your guests will love.
Low-Flow Fixtures, High-Style Designs
Here’s a myth we’re happy to bust: low-flow fixtures are not yesteryear’s clumsy, weak-stream faucets. In 2025, brands are designing sleek, modern, low-flow showerheads and faucets that maintain water pressure while reducing consumption by 30–50%. Many even come in trendy black, brushed brass, and copper finishes.
Rainwater Reuse Systems (Yes, Even in the City!)
Here’s a lesser-known sustainable tip: St. Louis is an excellent city for rainwater harvesting, thanks to our generous rainfall. Installing a small rain barrel system can collect runoff for outdoor landscaping or other non-potable uses. It’s a water-saving bonus that’s surprisingly stylish when paired with modern planters and garden beds. Reducing runoff also helps ease the strain on St. Louis’s stormwater systems, especially during heavy spring rains.
Bin to Bloom
Did you know that if all food waste was diverted and composted, landfills could be reduced by up to 30%? Food waste includes anything across the spectrum, including plant-based food, dairy, meats, etc. Learn more about aerated static composting, how it works, and local pick-up and drop-off options at https://compoststl.com/. In addition to reducing waste, you can be given a bag of compost for your spring and fall planting!
Stylish Sustainable Surfaces
Eco-chic countertops are having a moment, and recycled options fit right into any St. Louis home—from Central West End condos to Soulard bungalows. Look for recycled glass or paper composite countertops—they’re heat resistant, sleek, and made with up to 90% post-consumer materials.
Bonus tip: Concrete countertops made with local sand and aggregates are another stylish and sustainable win that supports Missouri-based suppliers.
Eco-Elegant
Whether you’re renovating a Clayton colonial, a Tower Grove Victorian, or a traditional ranch in Chesterfield, sustainable remodeling in St. Louis is more than just a trend—it’s a smart way to protect your wallet, your health, and your city’s future. And the best part? You don’t have to give up style to do it.
Come home to eco-friendly quality. No matter the size of your project, our designer’s priority is to listen and work closely with every homeowner from consultation to completion and beyond. Visit our portfolios, learn more about The Callier & Thompson Experience, and contact us for a consultation today!
