Are you looking to add some sustainable touches to your home décor, but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’re a seasoned decorator and are looking for ways to take your sustainability game up a notch? In either case, this beginner’s guide is for you.
We’ll cover everything from the basics of sustainability in interior design to choosing earth-friendly materials and finishes to finding décor items that are better for the planet. So read on and get ready to create beautiful, sustainable home décor that will last for years.
Understand Sustainability
The first step in creating sustainable home décor is to understand the basics of sustainability. Sustainability in interior design means creating a space that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout its life cycle.
This includes everything from the materials used in construction and furnishing to the way the space is used and maintained. Sustainable home décor should also be healthy for the occupants and have a minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
And sustainability doesn’t just end when the building comes down. The materials that went into the construction and interior design of the building need to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. So that could mean the materials are either natural and can biodegrade or they are recyclable or can be reused or repurposed into something new.
Materials and Finishes
Get the Green Building Project Checklist
Use this handy checklist on your next project to keep track of all the ways you can make your home more energy-efficient and sustainable.
When it comes to choosing materials and finishes for your sustainable home décor, there are many earth-friendly options available. For example, bamboo is a fast-growing grass that can be used for flooring, furniture and even textile applications.
You can also find stunning wood furniture that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or FSC. This means that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests, and is a great option if you’re looking for sustainable furniture.
There are also many low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, finishes and adhesives available on the market, which are much safer for both you and the environment.
Read more on this topic in 8 Types of Sustainable Interior Wall Finishes to Green Your Home.
Eco-Friendly Paints and Wallpapers
If you want to add a pop of colour to your sustainable home décor, there are many eco-friendly paints and wallpapers available.
You can find wallpapers made from recycled materials such as paper or glass and with a bit of research, you can find water-based paints that have low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Natural paints like milk paints and mineral paints can also be sourced, if you want to avoid chemicals altogether.
If you’re looking to complement these eco-friendly options with sustainable design elements, consider exploring artwork made from natural or reclaimed materials. You can search for large wall art online to find unique pieces that take up a good amount of wall space for a reasonable price.
Read more on this topic in Hacks for Eco-Friendly Painting.
Invest in Long-Lasting Design
When you’re trying to be sustainable, it’s important to think about the long run. Choose higher quality furnishings and finishings that will last, in colours and patterns that you know you’ll be able to live with for a while.
Think classic patterns and neutral colours for walls and furniture that you can use as a backdrop. Then swap out smaller items like throw cushions, rugs and blankets for a whole new look when you feel like you need a change.
Long-lasting furniture, wallpapers, etc. may cost more up front, but they will eventually pay for themselves by not needing to be replaced as often. In addition, choosing long-lasting furniture fabrics will help you reduce the amount of materials that go into your home decorating.
Likewise, instead of buying cheap furniture that you will have to replace in a few years, investing in high-quality pieces that will last for decades will save you money in the long run, reduce the amount of waste your decorating produces and lower the amount of energy your decorating requires.
Read more on this topic in Sustainable Furniture in Canada: A Buyer’s Guide.
Consider Rental Furniture
If you’re looking for an immediate and affordable way to make your home more sustainable, consider renting furniture instead of buying it. This is a great option if you’re moving into a new home or apartment and don’t want to commit to purchasing the furniture just yet.
It’s also perfect for students or anyone else who doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of moving furniture around. And, best of all, it’s a very eco-friendly option since you’re not using any new resources or materials.
Beds, couches, tables and chairs are all furniture items you could easily rent instead of buying.
Choose Cheaper Items Carefully
Try to limit the amount of cheap “stuff” in your home. Not that your décor has to be minimalist, but when you come across a cute decorating item, take a second to think about it.
Pausing to consider what each item is made of, whether you really need it and whether you can find a more sustainable version of it can keep your home less cluttered with low-value things that will be harder to rehome or recycle when you want to replace them.
If you’re on a budget, there are still many ways to make your home more sustainable. For example, instead of buying new items, try shopping at second-hand stores or online marketplaces. You can often find high-quality pieces for a fraction of the price.
Additionally, be sure to do your research before making any big purchases. Thrift stores are a great place to find affordable well-made furniture, and you might be able to find what you’re looking for used and avoid a big price tag.
You can also refurbish old furniture to give it a new lease on life, which is a great way to be sustainable and save money.
Upcycle Old Items
One of the best ways to be sustainable is to repurpose old items instead of throwing them away. For example, if you have an old dresser that you don’t want anymore, you could turn it into a bathroom vanity.
Or, if you have an old set of dishes, you could display them in your kitchen. There are endless possibilities when it comes to repurposing old items, so get creative!
Moreover, when upcycling old items, you can often find uses for them that are better than their original purpose. For example, an old door can be used as a table or a piece of art. By repurposing old items, you’re not only being eco-friendly, but you’re also adding character and personality to your home.
Look for Green Certification Labels When Shopping
When shopping for new items, be sure to look for green certification labels. These labels indicate that the product has been certified as being eco-friendly.
For example, check for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) label on textiles, FSC certification for wood products and GREENGUARD Certification on furniture. By choosing products with these labels, you can be sure that you are making a sustainable choice.
As you can see, there are many different ways to make your home more sustainable. By making just a few small changes, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and save money at the same time. So what are you waiting for? Start making your home more sustainable today.
If you’re thinking of redoing your home’s siding, too, you can make it more sustainable by following the advice given in Environmentally-Friendly Siding Options That You Need to Know About.
To start, sustainability touches all aspects of home décor, from the materials selected for construction and furnishings to the way the space is used and maintained. This means choosing eco-friendly materials like recycled wood, natural stone, and non-toxic paints, which are better for the environment and the health of the inhabitants. It’s also about using furniture and accessories that are built to last, rather than opting for cheap, disposable items that quickly end up in landfills.