10 Tips For An Eco-Friendly And Fabulous Home Interior
Making your home eco-friendly doesn’t mean it has to be boring. With a few small changes and a few bigger ones, your home’s interior can both be gorgeous and sustainable. Here are 10 tried-and-tested tips to creating a fabulous, eco-friendly interior.
1. Cut down on your power usage. Don’t leave lights switched on unnecessarily, install low wattage bulbs and switch off standby adapters. Add automatic shut-off sensors to your lighting, and buy energy-efficient appliances.
2. Buy furniture made from sustainable or recycled materials. Think bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood and recycled plastic. Or, you can invest in refurbished or second-hand furniture.
3. Use natural and non-toxic cleaning products. You can even make your own from natural items like vinegar and lemon. This will not only be better for the environment, but for you and your family too.
4. Introduce indoor plants. They don’t just look nice, but also add a dose of life to any space. They can help purify the air and boost humidity, as well as providing colour and texture.
5. Source fabrics responsibly. Make sure fabrics at home are either made from plant fibres, like organic cotton, or certified sustainable wood pulp, like lyocell.
Choose The Right Paint
6. Pick the right paint. Your paint can have a huge impact. While standard paints are harmful to the environment, low VOC paints reduce both the paint’s and your home’s chemical footprint.
7. Reuse and repurpose. Before buying something new, ask yourself if you can either buy pre-loved items or repurpose something you already have. You can make a feature out of old furniture, upholster second-hand chairs or reframe posters.
8. Choose materials for their longevity. Fibres like wool, hemp, jute and linen stand up to wear and tear, so look for furniture and rugs made from these materials, rather than synthetic materials.
Supply Local And Organic
9. Shop local and organic. Supporting local farmers, artisans and businesses helps reduce the environmental impact of supply chain travel and packaging.
10. Find a good upholsterer. Invest in quality pieces, and ensure they will last by finding a skilled upholsterer, who’ll keep your furniture breathable and comfy for years to come.