If your home is feeling a bit dull and flat, it might be time for a new upgrade. But even though finding new ways to redecorate your space is easy, being mindful of the environment might not be quite as simple. Striking the perfect balance between designing a home you love and taking the environment into account is key to more eco-friendly decorating. Fortunately, green alternatives are aplenty, and here are just some of the simplest, most efficient ways you can design your home in a more sustainable way:
Choose VOC-free paint
Most traditional paints we use contain certain levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are quite damaging to the environment. These chemicals have been known to release toxic emissions into the atmosphere for many years after they’ve been used. For that reason, it’s recommended to always select a low-VOC or even VOC-free paint, if possible. Whether you are refreshing your walls with a new color or giving old furniture new life, green paint options are a great way to remain eco-friendly when redesigning your home.
Go for sustainable materials
Whether you are remodeling or simply redesigning your home, sustainable materials should be your priority. In most instances, recycled materials, reclaimed wood, and scrap steel are the best and most accessible options. However, even materials such as bamboo and cork or fabrics like organic cotton and hemp can be great eco-friendly choices when decorating your home. No matter which option you go for, make it a point to only purchase from fair trade, ethical, and certified companies, to ensure you are spending your money where your morals lie as well.
Include green accessories
Accessories are essential for completing a design, but finding sustainable options can often be difficult. To ensure you remain environmentally conscious, choose beautiful natural rugs for decorating your rooms. Not only are they green and eco-friendly, but they also come in a variety of colors, designs, and weaves that can easily complement the style of any space. But don’t forget about the smaller details either. From rattan ottomans and light fixtures to stone vases and wool throws, there’s a more sustainable alternative for any home accessory.
Consider vintage items as a way of eco-friendly decorating
If you want to lower your impact on the environment as much as possible, buying pre-loved items is a great way to stay sustainable. Vintage decor is significantly more affordable, it is popular and charming in its own right, and the modern age has made buying pre-used items easier than ever before as well. Whether you’re looking for larger furniture pieces or smaller decor items, check your local flea markets, thrift stores, and estate sales first. Online resources such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace can also be great places for finding vintage pieces for decorating your home in a more eco-friendly manner.
Prioritize efficiency
If you are doing a full remodel of your home, chances are high you will need to purchase new electronics, equipment, and home goods as well. In that case, you should always make efficiency a priority. This means buying energy-efficient appliances, updating HVAC systems and incorporating smart thermostats, including programmable light fixtures, and choosing LED lightbulbs. As conserving water is equally as important, consider low-flow fixtures if you are redoing your bathroom. These aspects will help to reduce your usage of water and electricity, and ensure your home is more sustainable overall in the future.
Focus on greenery
From small succulents to large houseplants, including hanging planters and even floral displays, greenery is always the best way to bring some color and life into any space. By helping to purify the air in your home, plants can also create a healthier living environment. Not to mention that flowers and greenery are an entirely natural, organic, and sustainable way to decorate your home, possibly helping to soak up some pollutants and toxins as well. They also represent a brilliant method for bringing nature indoors, allowing you to create a more balanced, warmer, and more inviting home in the process.
While it might seem simple at first, green home design can often be difficult to achieve. Fortunately, the helpful tips mentioned above will allow you to redecorate your space and add some interest to your home while remaining eco-friendly in the process.
