6. Non-Toxic Kitchens: Why Aluminum Cabinets Are the Future of Healthy Design

Episode 6: Non-Toxic Kitchens: Why Aluminum Cabinets Are the Future of Healthy Design

Description:

In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with Ona Vilarmau from IMD Cabinets, a company that designs and manufactures custom luxury kitchens and cabinetry made entirely from aluminum.

They dive into why traditional cabinetry can be a hidden source of formaldehyde, VOCs, and toxic adhesives, and how those materials can impact indoor air quality—especially in the kitchen, one of the most material-dense spaces in the home.

Ona shares how IMD Cabinets creates 100% non-toxic, VOC-free cabinetry using an innovative clip-together system (no glues or adhesives), why aluminum is one of the most durable and recyclable materials available, and how designers can confidently specify healthier cabinetry options without sacrificing aesthetics.

If you’re an interior designer looking to create kitchens that are healthier, longer-lasting, and better for the planet, this episode is full of valuable insights.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why most kitchen cabinets aren’t solid wood (and what they’re actually made of)
• The hidden chemicals in conventional cabinetry, including formaldehyde and VOCs
• How cabinetry impacts indoor air quality and long-term health
• The difference between low-VOC and VOC-free (and why it matters)
• How IMD Cabinets manufactures aluminum kitchens without glues, adhesives, or toxic finishes
• Why aluminum is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and high-humidity environments
• How aluminum cabinetry performs over time compared to MDF and wood
• The sustainability benefits of aluminum, including durability and recyclability
• How IMD minimizes waste during manufacturing through recycling and material optimization
• How powder coating creates warmer, more customizable finishes (without an industrial look)
• Customization options: woodgrain finishes, color matching, sintered stone doors, and etched designs
• Where aluminum kitchens make the most sense (coastal homes, rentals, cabins, outdoor kitchens, and more)
• The future of kitchen design and the growing demand for healthier, transparent materials

Connect with Ona Vilarmau:

Website: www.imdcabinets.com

Instagram: @imdcabinets

Ready to start designing more sustainably but not sure where to begin? The Sustainable Design Starter Kit is the perfect first step. It’s packed with practical tools, resources, and guidance to help you confidently incorporate eco-friendly, healthier choices into your projects—without overwhelm.

Whether you're new to sustainable design or looking to refine your approach, this kit will help you create spaces that are better for your clients and the planet. Get the kit: Sustainable Design Starter Kit

Connect & continue the conversation:

Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
Share this episode with a fellow designer
Leave a review to help grow the movement