Be Greener in Style – Decorate the Environmentally Conscious Way With Sustainable Interior Design
Decorating our homes can be a fun and exciting way to express our style. But what if we want to be greener and sustainable while creating a stylish living space? How can we make sure that our interior design choices don’t have a negative impact on our environment?
The answer is simple: decorate the environmentally conscious way with sustainable interior design!
Sustainable interior design doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, there are plenty of stylish green designs that don’t sacrifice our eco-friendly values. Rather than buying new furniture made from unsustainable materials, we can shop for vintage furniture and thrift stores. Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a great example of this! There, we can find stained furniture, carpets, and other original pieces that have been sustainably repurposed into something fresh and unique. Just imagine the compliments you’ll get when your guests learn the pieces were up-cycled!
Furthermore, many designers are opting for sustainable materials like repurposed wood, natural fabrics, and eco-friendly wallpapers and paints. Working with a designer is a great way to ensure your home has a cohesive style without compromising green values. And don’t forget to use energy-efficient lighting both inside and outside your home.
Don’t forget to consider fashion too! Buy second-hand clothing, opt for organic and ethically sourced fabrics, and purchase from sustainable brands!
Lighting
For the most eco-friendly option, choose LED lighting–it uses significantly less electricity than traditional bulbs and typically lasts longer. If we limit our usage in light-emitting fixtures, we’ll be saving energy and money on our electric bill. For example, installing low-flow showerheads and toilets, and checking for leaks in faucets and pipes will help tremendously when it comes to conserving water.
We can also make the most of daylight by using skylights, reflective surfaces, and mirrors. This will enable bulbs to be turned off when they’re not in use, further cutting down on electricity consumption.
Last but not least, we can also look for eco-friendly interior decorating items made from sustainable materials such as cork, bamboo, and recycled paper. Not only are these products faster to install, but they also require far fewer resources to create.
Flooring
When it comes to flooring, sustainable materials are often the best option. Natural fibers, such as jute or sisal, are durable, while also being kinder to the environment. Other eco-friendly materials such as wool or bamboo also offer great options.
If we choose wood flooring, look for woods that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC is an independent, non-profit organization that promotes the responsible management of the world’s forests. Where possible try to use reclaimed wood, as this helps to avoid the cutting down of trees.
For more affordable options, consider linoleum or cork. Both of these materials are easy to clean and maintain, and provide a great eco-friendly option.
Painting
When it comes to painting, search for low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints. Unlike traditional, oil-based paints, these varieties contain fewer harmful fumes and will help keep our air quality in check. Many of these paints are also free from solvents and formaldehyde, making them safer and better for the environment.
We can also opt for eco-friendly wallpapers. There are some truly beautiful options out there that are comprised of recycled materials and printed with nontoxic inks. Professional wallpapering companies can easily install these wallpapers without leaving a single mark or crease.
Finally, consider re-painting existing furniture or objects in your home to give them a fresh look. We can recycled paint or go DIY and make use of our own creativity!
Furniture
Choosing sustainably made furniture is a great way to lessen our environmental impact. Look for designs that are made from recycled or reclaimed materials, such as salvaged barn wood, recycled plastic, and aluminum. Sustainable furniture often uses fewer resources in manufacturing.
Alternatively, thrifting is a fun and budget-friendly way to style our homes with old and unique furniture pieces. Furthermore, buying second-hand furniture will directly prevent items from ending up in the landfill. It will also provide us with one-of-a-kind pieces that may be difficult to find elsewhere.
We can also be clever and reuse items in our home rather than buying new ones. Consider how we can up-cycle old items into something new and unique that will showcased in our living space.
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