There are many ways you can reimagine your home. If you feel like the environment is stale or need to give it a fresh look, redecorating your home is an excellent way to do that. If you happen to be moving into a new home, it can be exciting to personalise it to your taste and make it feel like home. Depending on the house, this may involve redecorating or upgrading certain features. However, moving or redecorating may also necessitate more eco-friendly interior design options.
Choosing eco-friendly decorating options might seem slim and hard to find. Fortunately, there are many ways to redesign your home with eco-friendly principles in mind, as you can create a space that feels unique while reducing your carbon footprint simultaneously. With these tips for eco-friendly interior designing and some handy tricks, you can rest easy knowing that redecorating will also be good for the planet!
Plan Before You Decorate
First, plan before you decorate. While eco-friendly interior design is all about reducing waste and enhancing your home's energy efficiency, it doesn't involve a single, predetermined style. The key to this aspect of green living is making conscious decisions that are better for the environment—not following a strict set of rules that dictate what you can and cannot do.
When planning your decorating strategy, think about your home's architectural quirks and envision how you want it to feel. For example, if you have an ample, sun-drenched living space, you can take advantage of that natural light by employing fewer artificial fixtures and choosing lighter-coloured décor. Alternatively, if you have a smaller, windowless room, you can take advantage of low-light fixtures like lamps and candles to create ambiance. Planning your decor strategy before you start decorating can also save you from unnecessarily purchasing furniture or decor pieces that will not fit in your space, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run.
Shop Second Hand
If you're in the process of redecorating your living space, consider shopping second-hand. This is not only eco-friendly, but it also allows you to get unique pieces at a lower price point than if you were buying new ones. There are many ways to shop second-hand, including visiting local thrift stores, garage sales, or even using online marketplaces like Craigslist.
If you're looking for unique furniture, flea markets and thrift stores are great places to find antique pieces. You can shop second-hand to repurpose old or unused décor items that you can incorporate into your new design. You can also shop second-hand for eco-friendly materials that you can use in your new design to make something totally new and repurposed.
Incorporate Greenery
Another excellent way to go eco-friendly with your interior design is to incorporate greenery. Adding houseplants and greenery to your home can improve your home's aesthetics and air quality. Plants can help improve indoor air quality by purifying the air of pollutants and harmful toxins, and they also make a room feel more alive. Having greenery in your home can also help you rest and relax, making it an excellent choice for interior design.
When decorating with plants, it's essential to consider their water needs and where you'll place them. It is necessary to ensure it will thrive in the amount of sunlight in your home. It is also a good idea to wash your plant's leaves regularly to keep them clean and healthy. If your plants keep dying and you have to keep replacing them, that will increase waste and cost you more money, so it is best to ensure that your plants are kept healthy and happy.
Change Your Lightbulbs
If you're in the middle of a light fixture update, consider changing your lightbulbs to more eco-friendly options. Many household bulbs now come in low-energy and eco-friendly varieties that use significantly less electricity while still providing ample light. When purchasing new light bulbs, look for ones that are marked as energy efficient. You can also consult the Department of Energy's website to see which bulbs they recommend based on your energy usage. Changing your bulbs can not only help save the environment, but it can also help save you money on your electric bill by consuming less electricity than regular light bulbs.
Try Eco-Friendly Flooring Options
When it comes to flooring, there are many eco-friendly options available. Hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring are renewable resources that can last for decades. You can also choose eco-friendly bamboo, cork, or coconut flooring. Many eco-friendly flooring options do not contain harmful chemicals and are also more affordable. There are also eco-friendly rug options that are made from sustainable materials if you prefer to have carpet in your home. You could look into eco-friendly woven rugs if you are considering the addition of carpeting to your home.
Utilise Natural Materials
Another excellent way to go eco-friendly with your interior design is to utilise natural materials in your home. Many modern furniture items are made from synthetic materials that can emit harmful pollutants. When selecting materials for your furniture, it is essential to find things that are sustainable and ethically sourced.
Natural materials like cotton, linen, wool, or hemp are not only charming, but they're also eco-friendly. These fabrics are better for the environment and are often made from recycled materials. You can also experiment with things like bamboo, coconut, or jute for woven or natural materials. To make it more eco-friendly, you can also add other natural elements to your home, like flowers and other plants.
Opt for Eco-Friendly Decor
Once you've decided on the general style for your interior design, it's time to choose eco-friendly decor items. Some art and decor items, like paintings and tapestries, are created using eco-friendly materials like natural fibres. You can also incorporate repurposed items, like furniture or décor pieces, or create your own unique pieces while keeping waste to a minimum.
If you'd like to display framed pictures or other wall décor, consider using eco-friendly materials like bamboo, cork, or natural wood frames. You can also look for recycled glass décor items, like vases or picture frames. Clay pottery is also a good decor option for those who want to keep their decor eco-friendly. If you wish to add wooden elements, you should look into reclaimed wood pieces. Decor items like shelves that use reclaimed shelving wood are much more eco-friendly to use than plastic or regular wooden shelves.
Use Natural Light
Using natural light as an interior design feature has many benefits, including cost savings and eco-friendliness. Not only is it free, but you can also use it to reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the need for electricity. Take advantage of windows in your home and place furniture in a way that allows for optimal light. You can maximise natural light in several ways, including large windows or skylights. You can also use curtains or shades to make rooms darker when needed.
Conclusion
The key to eco-friendly interior design is making conscious decisions about the materials and products you use for your home. Considering your home's architectural quirks, as well as its current energy usage, will help you determine which materials are best for your design. Once you know what eco-friendly options are out there, you can incorporate them into your design at any stage in your life, whether you're moving into a new place or looking to freshen up your current design. From light fixture updates to repurposed furniture pieces, you can create a space that feels unique while reducing its carbon footprint at the same time. Decorating with eco-friendly principles in mind can transform your home from ordinary to extraordinary.
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