The following contribution is from another author.
Home design trends come and go, but green living is one that needs to stay. After all, while making eco-savvy choices will help you keep up with the Joneses and home decor magazines, it also protects your health and helps to better the world around you. It will even allow you to save energy, thus decreasing your energy bills and saving you some money. If you want to do your bit for the planet and achieve an eco-friendly interior, here are six design tips you need to know.
Embrace Living Plants
As beautiful as they are, plants are so much more than interior decoration. They also filter the air in your home, thus removing harmful chemicals and improving air quality. This helps to decrease air pollution, as well as reduce illness and stress for those in your house. If you’re worried about your lack of green thumb, then choose durable plants like succulents and cacti.
Choose Green Paints
One of the cheapest ways to makeover a room is giving it a lick of paint. Unfortunately, many paints contain harmful compounds, called VOCs, which negatively impact the air quality in your home, leading to certain health issues like nausea and dizziness. For this reason, you should stick with eco-friendly paint brands that advertise their low VOC content.
Favor Sustainable Materials
Whether you’re looking for a new piece of furniture or buying materials to renovate your home, you should always favor raw, sustainable materials over anything else. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to find pieces made out of renewable content. Some of Eames’ chairs, for example, are made from plywood. You should also avoid carpets and stick to tiles or hardwood flooring.
Opt For Preowned
Buying preowned furniture is another great way to keep your carbon footprint low, as it means that fewer products are being thrown away and stuffed into landfills. With that in mind, you should always look on eBay, Craigslist, and similar places to try to find some vintage bargains. Once you’re done with your own furniture, you could do the same and sell that on or give it away.
Pick Thermal Curtains
Replacing your standard curtains with thermal alternatives will better insulate your home, reducing the amount of heat escaping through your windows. Naturally, this will cut down your energy bills, saving the planet and your pocket. You should also find and eliminate as many drafts as you can. Common areas tend to include mail slots, keyholes, and chimneys.
Let Sunlight Shine
Closing your curtains at night will help to insulate your home and keep you warm. However, when the sun rises once more, you should open up all of your curtains and let the sunlight shine in. When you maximize the natural light in your home, you won’t have to turn on electrical lights as often. This light will also help to heat your home, saving you even more energy.
With these interior design tips, you can turn your home into a stylish, comfortable, and eco-friendly haven.
