Last Updated on November 20, 2024 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
As we enter the 21st century, cars and appliances aren't the only things that have rapidly become green!
Entire homes have followed this trend at the same pace by introducing solar panels, tankless water heaters, and double-paned glass.
However, more recently, aesthetics have also jumped on the "green" wagon as more and more interior designers seem to be turning to Mother Nature for inspiration.
So now, choosing eco-friendly options for the interior doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice the aesthetic front.
With these tips, you won't just be taking the beauty of your home into consideration but also your well-being.
The most basic and obvious way to an eco-friendly home is to introduce potted plants, herbs, and flowers.
Besides bringing in visual charm, plants also improve air quality, filter out pollutants, and positively affect your everyday mood.
If you are new to plants, succulents are a great way to start. They are trendy, require minimal care, and are fun to experiment with.
Wood is simply the best natural material for furniture, flooring, supporting columns, and walls.
It adds warmth to the interior, softens color contrasts, and is excellent for creating unique rooms in rustic or classic style.
The important thing about this natural material is that elements are usually held together using basic wood joinery techniques, which means that they generally have a stronger bond by using less adhesives.
Adhesives can be a significant cause of VOC emissions.
Another smart way to create an eco-friendly indoor is by letting in as much sunlight as possible, thus maximizing daylight.
If your window is oriented in a way that requires curtains, choose ones made from natural materials such as silk and jute or opt for bamboo or rattan shades.
Of course, at the end of the day, the sun will set, or it will be cloudy outside, so eventually, you will have to turn the lights on.
To save energy and help the environment, turn to an energy-efficient light source such as LED.
These lights are appropriate for use in every room and can completely change and improve the atmosphere, making it warmer and cozier.
Silk, linen, cotton, and wool are all natural materials that will spruce up the ambiance of your home without compromising the visual unity of other natural elements.
To liven up the décor, use textiles in bright colors, as these can add warmth and cheer to even the dullest of backdrops. If you aim for a calmer look, opt for neutral tones instead.
Because building materials is undoubtedly the most essential part of creating an energy-efficient, eco-friendly home, we could not help but mention a few.
Straw bales, hemp, bamboo, and wood are materials that date back to the days when homes were built from natural, locally occurring materials and are still used today.
Even using earth as a means of isolation is another old idea coming back to life, and it is the basis for earth-sheltered homes sprouting all around the world.
Turning to eco-friendly interior design is a smart and responsible decision because it is beneficial for both you and the environment.
So, how about you? What are you doing with your home design to help save our planet?