With the rampant increase in temperature levels and the melting of glaciers across the globe, managing the effects of global warming is the need of the hour. Keeping this perspective in mind, many people are now taking accountability for their decisions and making a conscious effort to minimise their impact on the environment.
A brilliant way to contribute towards sustainable development is by designing homes with eco-friendly designs. This might feel like a complicated task for many. However, don’t worry, we have got you covered!
The easiest way to build a sustainable home design is by incorporating eco-friendly interiors. They are extremely easy to work with and are long-lasting, while also being good for the environment. No wonder, homeowners and designers are jumping on to this trend!
In this article, we will explore different ways of building eco-friendly home designs that are both stylish and sustainable. An ecological and sustainable lifestyle is just a few steps away for you!
What is Sustainable Home Design?
Sustainable home designing involves the conscious choices an individual makes to limit their impact on the natural environment. Choosing eco-friendly methods that place emphasis on the use of non-toxic, organic materials and promoting repurposed materials are a great place to start.
Adopting sustainable practices while designing your home can significantly reduce the carbon footprint. The aim is to minimise waste and reduce the dependency on non-renewable resources whilst creating a healthy environment.
Simply incorporating greener landscapes isn’t the idea of sustainability. It includes addressing current environmental issues by developing designs that do not harm our ecosystem and offer ample resources for future generations to sustain.
Green Design Vs Sustainable Designing: Which is Better?
More often than not, we end up using these terms interchangeably. However, there is a big difference between the two. Typically, green design interiors are considered a subset of sustainable designs. However, a major difference is that green designs primarily focus on the present whereas sustainable designs are often futuristic.
If you are thinking of green interior designs then that may include recycling and switching to eco-friendly sources of energy. Whereas, sustainable design includes the above-mentioned measures along with the entire designing process. It focuses more on taking conscious steps along the entire design process; thereby reducing the harmful effects on the environment.
How to Built Eco-Friendly Home Designs?
Over the years, there has been a growing trend among homeowners to consider eco-friendly home designs. This is a great initiative as people are increasingly aware of the impact their decisions can have on the environment. Hence, seeking ways to minimise the carbon footprint and build more sustainable homes is now in vogue.
Who said building sustainable homes means giving up on a stylish and comfortable lifestyle? An ecological lifestyle also promotes a stylish and elegant lifestyle for modern homeowners. Here are a few excellent ideas to build eco-friendly yet stylish home designs for your home!
1. Say Yes To Open Spaces
Who doesn’t enjoy spacious and greener open spaces at home? They are perfect to host a barbeque party, have an open gym or your mini garden! Not only do they cater to your changing needs but are also a great way to minimise carbon emissions around the home.
The summer season is soon approaching and it looks like the perfect time for social gatherings to take place. You can organise a party in your backyard or perhaps cater a wedding party on your lawn! The opportunities are endless!
Adding open spaces to your home designs not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also adds to the greenery around you, which in turn improves the air quality at your home and brings massive health benefits.
2. Consider Siding Installation For Homes
The exteriors of your homes are impacted the most by harsh weather conditions often leading to wear and tear of walls. You could be based in the bucolic regions of Kansas or the hubbub of Suffolk County in New York. Keeping up with changing weather conditions can be an uphill task for your house, not to mention expensive too.
To avoid such cases, it becomes imperative to consider siding installations. Siding is the protective material that is often attached to the exterior side of your home walls. Owing to technological advancements, there are several eco-friendly siding alternatives to consider while building sustainable homes.
The most popular choice among conscious consumers is fibre cement siding as it’s made of natural elements such as wood, sand and cement. In fact, the best part is that fibre cement siding gives a similar finish to that of vinyl or wood siding, without impacting the environment in a similar fashion. Not only is it long-lasting and durable but also available in different textures, styles and colours.
3. Terracotta For The Win
Thinking of changing your floors and opting for sustainable and eco-friendly materials? We have the perfect material that you can consider for your home.
Do you recall the red flooring you might have seen at your grandmother’s house? Those warm red tiles are in fact making a strong comeback in modern homes. This material is known as terracotta, a brilliant sustainable material widely popular among designers and owners alike.
Primarily made with clay, not only is terracotta eco-friendly but also helps maintain the temperature indoors. In addition to this, terracotta tiles are easy to maintain and moisture-resistant, making them the perfect companion for your home.
4. Hello Indoor Plants
The best way to build sustainable homes is to say hello to indoor plants. Bid farewell to artificial plant decors and make room for indoor plants in your living room or bedroom.
A dash of greenery not only adds to the aesthetics of your room but also improves the air quality significantly. The cherry on the cake is how taking care of plants reduces stress levels and promotes relaxation.
If you are an amateur, you can consider plants that are easy to maintain and thrive well indoors. For instance, snake plants, spider plants and peace lilies are a great addition to your home. For a plant lover, creating a vertical garden or adding tiny succulent plants to different corners of your home is purely blissful!
5. Using Sustainable Materials
Using products derived from renewable resources such as bamboo, reclaimed wood and recycled metal are a great way to build sustainable designs. They add the perfect earthy touch to the interiors of your home.
For furniture, try looking for pieces made with sustainable materials such as FSC-certified wood. If you are low on budget, then you can also refurbish your old furniture. These sources are free from harmful chemicals and are great for the environment.
To Sum It Up
There has been a growing trend among homeowners to build eco-friendly designs that are both environmentally friendly and stylish. It is a great initiative to reduce greenhouse emissions and our carbon footprints.
The journey to a sustainable lifestyle begins with building home designs that support the environment and leave ample resources for future generations to come. Building sustainable homes is no longer a daunting task. You can start small by adding indoor plants to your living room or creating open spaces in your backyard.
Moreover, switching to recycled materials and renewable energy sources is a brilliant addition to interior designs. Last but not least, thoughtful and conscious decisions to minimise the individual impact on the environment can help pave the way for sustainability. After all, the earth is ours and it is our responsibility to take care of it!
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