Environmentally conscious home decor is becoming increasingly popular as homeowners and renters realize the importance of reducing their carbon footprint. Luckily, there are many creative ways to greenify your home without compromising style or comfort. Vikki Gerrard of La Crosse, WI, suggests some strategies to help you get started.
Choose Sustainable Furniture And Textiles
When furnishing your space, look for pieces made with eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, recycled plastic, and natural fibers like cotton and wool. These options use fewer resources than traditional materials such as wood or leather, making them more sustainable in the long run.
When it comes to textiles like curtains and rugs, opt for those made with organic fabrics rather than synthetics like polyester or acrylic—these petroleum-based materials produce higher levels of greenhouse gases when manufactured. If you’re looking for something pre-made, check labels for certification labels such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), which guarantee that the fabric is both sustainably sourced and ethically produced.
Upcycling Furniture
Upcycling furniture is a great way to save money while helping the planet. Upcycling is when you take an old piece of furniture and repurpose it by altering it or giving it new life with fresh paint or fabric. Upcycling is an easy way to get creative and add a personal touch to your home without buying brand-new pieces. Plus, it saves energy used in producing new furniture, which is also great for the environment.
To get started with upcycling furniture, begin by assessing what kind of furniture you have on hand and determining how it could be transformed into something else. You can find inspiration by researching other upcycled pieces that others have created or by getting more specific advice through online tutorials or experts in the field. Other tools and techniques used in upcycling can include stripping, sanding, adding distressed details, painting, decoupaging, and distressing. Once you’ve finished your project, admire your completed piece. Most importantly, remember there are no rules for upcycling, so create something unique & beautiful that will make your home personalized and inviting.
Go For Natural Paint
Synthetic paint can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been linked to various health issues, including headaches and respiratory problems. Natural paint is an ideal choice for eco-friendly homes, both from the perspective of reducing toxins and conserving resources. Since it uses renewable, plant-based materials, natural paint excludes chemicals and high synthetic content typically found in conventional paints. The result is a healthy and sustainable wall paint that does not harm human health or the environment.
Natural paint takes slightly longer to dry than regular ones, but the results are well worth it. Natural paint is long-lasting, too. It doesn’t fade due to exposure to sunlight or humidity and acts as an excellent insulator. Also, unlike conventional paints, it has no off-gassing associated with it, making it safer for people with respiratory conditions or allergies. In addition to these advantages, using natural paint makes for an easier clean-up job since it is water-based.
Focus On Lighting And Energy Efficiency
Carefully choosing lighting fixtures can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your home decor scheme. Look for LED bulbs with high lumen ratings—these will give you plenty of light while using less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs in the long run. If possible, install dimmer switches so you can easily adjust brightness levels when needed—this will further reduce your energy consumption over time. Solar panels or skylights might be a great addition to your home if they are viable options in your area. Both will allow natural light into your space, reducing electricity during the day and adding a beautiful touch at night (especially if combined with ambient lighting).
Focus on energy efficiency when choosing appliances. Countless options boast excellent energy ratings so you can feel confident in your selections. Knowing the Energy Star rating of an appliance will help you narrow down your choices and reduce your electricity usage. In addition to creating financial savings, being mindful of using energy-efficient fixtures and appliances is an important step toward helping the environment.
Get Creative With Plants
Instead of traditional artwork and decorations, you can take a creative approach to accessorize your home with plants. They are a unique form of decor and can also improve indoor air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. With various shapes, sizes, textures, and colors, there are plenty of ways to craft a living work of art for any room. You can also plan to install a greenhouse design in your home.
Adding outdoor garden planters along windowsills and balconies adds pops of color next to larger, crowded spaces in your house. Hang them from the ceiling for interesting visual height, or place small potted plants on bookshelves for an eye-catching detail. Get creative with incorporating plants into your home. It will not only look beautiful but you can also breathe healthier air.
Conclusion
Vikki Gerrard of La Crosse, WI believes greenifying your home isn’t just about helping the environment—it can also help improve air quality within your living space and save money on utilities over time. By following the tips above, you can create a charming eco-friendly atmosphere that will surely please everyone who visits. Best of all? You don’t have to sacrifice style or comfort to make it happen.