Design a Greener Living Space Using the Concepts of Sustainable Interior Design

Designing for a greener living space doesn’t need to be complex. Sustainable interior design is all about making conscious choices to reduce energy usage and ease the impact on our planet. Reusing, replacing, and recycling all have their place in the green living scheme. Let’s discover what steps you can take to go green today!

Firstly, start by assessing the state of the space you’re working with. Take stock of what supplies, furniture, and decor you have and what needs to be replaced. This is a great opportunity to start with a clean slate. As you analyze what could potentially be upcycled and repurposed to save resources, begin to think about sustainable materials for replacing any missing items.

Secondly, look for energy-saving features to incorporate into your overall design. Replacing old lighting fixtures with more efficient LED options, heavily insulated windows, and well-sealed doors all reduce energy usage and create a cozier living space. Increasing the efficiency of your living area by changing these components can save money in the long run while making the space more aesthetically pleasing at the same time.

Thirdly, start to bring in sustainable furnishings into the space. Utilize organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo instead of synthetic materials when selecting items such as bedding, towels, curtains, and rugs. This is a great way to make the living environment much healthier.

Finally, evaluate the existing paint and flooring of the space. Identifying which features can be kept and which need to be replaced with sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, natural linoleum, and VOC-free paint will make the renovation process much smoother.

Reusing

Reusing pieces you already have not only eliminates the need to purchase new items, but it can also add a unique style to your decor. Why not repurpose an old dresser as a media console, or refinish an old nightstand as a bedside table? Doing things like this can help you reduce your consumption significantly.

Replacing

Replacing outdated fixtures and appliances can benefit the environment and your wallet in the long run. Look for certifications that reward energy-saving components such as the EPA’s Energy Star. Doing this can drastically reduce the amount of energy consumed in your space.

Recycling

By recycling, you can give perfectly good items a second life. A great place to start is to donate unfinished furniture, appliances, and building materials that are still in good condition. This not only saves resources, but it gives those in need access to great items they might not be able to purchase otherwise.

Sustainable Materials

Look for alternatives to the traditional materials that are used for furnishings. Consider sustainable woods such as birch, cedar, or poplar, instead of the usual mahogany or oak. You can also opt for eco-friendly fabrics made from recycled plastic and organic materials.

Energy-Saving Features

Investing in energy-saving fixtures can help you save big while going green. Switch to low-flow fixtures such as showerheads and faucets to reduce water consumption, install programmable thermostats to conserve energy, and incorporate insulation in the walls and attic for improved energy efficiency.

Modern Livingroom

4 Tips for Styling the Perfect Ultra-Modern Looking Living Room

It takes a special eye to create a modern living room that stands out from the crowd; sometimes, it even takes a bit of magic. While traditional living rooms may be appealing, there’s something ultra-special about designing a living space that’s contemporary. With these four tips, you can take your living room to the next level and create an ultra-modern atmosphere that you can be proud of.

Before making any drastic changes to your living room, you need to think about color schemes. Neutrals are a great way to achieve a modern look, and they make your furniture shine. Incorporate hints of color – a subtle blue here, a smidge of purple there – to create a unique space that is sure to dazzle. Splashes of color can also make all the difference.

In order to achieve an ultra-modern look, you’ll want to opt for sleek furniture pieces. Think about investing in slim sofas, glass coffee tables, and low-lying armchairs to give your living room a modern boost. Don’t forget about artwork, either; you want your living room to stand out, so utilize your favorite pieces of modern art to add an exciting touch to the room. How will you find that perfect piece? Start by browsing online galleries and select pieces that mean something to you – they don’t need to be expensive!

Lighting should also be taken into consideration. Instead of traditional floor lamps, opt for state-of-the-art wall lamps or if you can, go for a ceiling lamp. Industrial lighting is sweet and minimalist – perfect for a modern living room! In addition, don’t forget to add a few plants; they’re not only an enviable decoration piece, they also provide an organic touch and make your living room look full and inviting.

Comfort

Even though your primary focus is styling your living room in an ultra-modern way, you shouldn’t forget about comfort. After all, you want to be able to relax in your living room! So be sure to add luxury touches: fluffy area rugs, designer pillows, and maybe even a few bright statement pieces could be just what you need for the perfect living room. You’ll be able to combine luxury and modernity, and you’ll have a fantastic room to kick back and relax in.

Layout

The layout of your living room can have a huge influence on how modern it looks and feels. Forced symmetry is a great way to achieve a more modern look, and it can make the interior of your living room stand out. Asymmetric layouts are also welcome and they can add a unique touch of creativity to your living room! Try your best to keep it simple and avoid overcrowding the room with furniture pieces. Finally, if possible, leave a lot of open space so that the room looks airy and inviting.

Windows

When it comes to ultra-modern living rooms, windows play an important role. Whether you want to open them often or not, you should make sure that the frames are modern, or – even better – opt for recessed windows. But what if your house has traditional windows? You always have the option of covering them with minimalist window curtains.

Focal Points

Your living room should have a focal point, a central element that will draw people’s gaze. Hang up a large piece of artwork, a modern chandelier, or display your favorite furniture piece – whatever your choice, it should be something unique and eye-catching. And have fun with it! Remember, modern interiors can be warm and inviting just like traditional ones, so relax and enjoy the journey.