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Going green has become a prominent part of our lives and it has become the focus in all aspects of our home. The first place you can start is from your home and you will find many sustainable practices in interior design which allows you to reduce the ecological footprint as you incorporate all the design elements. In order to make the interiors of your home eco-friendly, you need to know how to design a space and choose sustainable furniture and furnishings. You do not need high-level knowledge of a professional but having a basic idea can help achieve the purpose in your home. Here is a guide to take you through eco-friendly interior design.
Look for environmentally friendly material
When you think of going green, you need to start from the basics. A lot of people think of using solar panels or conserving water but when it comes to the interior of the home, you need to look for sustainable products that can help create a healthy planet. Look for floor coverings, furnishings, and designs that use renewable materials. You can look for the materials discussed below.
Reclaimed wood
Furniture made out of wood requires the cutting down of living trees which is not sustainable in the first place. However, when you choose reclaimed wood, it will use old material and give it a new life. You can choose to buy coffee tables, rocking chairs, or wood mantels in reclaimed wood. It is also an ideal flooring option if you have a rustic theme in your house.
Bamboo and palm
Bamboo and palm are tropically grown and are similar to wood but a very sustainable option. Bamboo is widely used for furniture and is one of the fastest-growing plants across the globe. It also looks more appealing and will not need a replacement for a long time to come. Similarly, the palm is a popular choice for furniture and is easier to harvest. You can find a lot of furniture like coffee tables, rattan dining chair, and sofas made of palm.
Recycled scrap
A recycled aluminum chair will not only create an industrial element in the home but is also a very sustainable option. When you use recycled metal for furniture, it will need minimum processing and minimal resources than the furnishings manufactured with non-renewable material. Most importantly, one can easily recycle metal for use.
Bio-Glass
Bioglass is a biodegradable substance that can be used for various applications. It is an outstanding green alternative for several things right from the flooring to decor, countertops, and bathroom sinks. Bioglass is made from recycled glass and is compressed to build solid slabs.
Recycled plastic
You can choose rugs for your home in recycled plastic and give a new life to non-biodegradable material. The material is dense and heavy and there are solid colors available in it. It is fade-resistant and is used to manufacture yarn which is woven in fabric for the clothing industry. You can find high-quality and beautiful rugs for your home in recycled plastic.
Jute
Jute is a popular material used to create furniture. It can add an earthy element in the room in various ways and the material is found from jute plant which is rapidly renewable. You can consider adding a rug made from jute fiber for the living room. It is also a good heat insulator, hence, rugs made from jute are highly economical.
Look for sustainable lighting alternatives
The look of your home is not solely based on the furniture but also depends on the lighting. The mood of the space will include everything including the lighting. Make a transition to energy-efficient LED light bulbs. The best part is that you can keep the elegant and vintage chandelier that adds to the design of your home and simply replace the bulb.
You will be surprised at the amount of energy the conventional bulbs consume every year. You can easily shift the lighting fixtures to using LED models that are efficient and will provide attractive lighting at half the cost. You must also inspect the light fixtures for any possible heat loss. There are times when the warmth will escape through the attic and outside from the recessed ceiling lights.
You need to inspect the lights around the home and add more insulation around the fixtures in order to retain the heat.
These are only a few options for you to consider. You will find many eco-friendly designs and products that can work in every nook and corner of the home. Besides benefitting the planet by choosing eco-friendly material and using efficient lighting, you will get access to several design opportunities. With the advances in technology, you can find greener alternatives. Consider adding these sustainable materials to your home and help save the planet while beautifying your space.
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