In a world where people are choosing to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle in an effort to reduce their impact on the environment, sustainability and ethical sourcing are huge selling points. If you’re looking for a way to enhance the look of your home while adhering to sustainable design trends, this is the list for you!
Opt for recycle materials
Revamping your home doesn’t necessarily mean you have to have brand new stuff. Just think about what goes into making new products! The process of taking raw materials and turning them into something new is a drain on the plant. However, when you use recycled building materials, you can create a uniquely designed home that you can feel good about.
Some ideas regarding how to use recycled materials include:
● Use reclaimed wood for accent walls or building furniture
● Use reclaimed masonry, stones, or bricks for walkways, fireplaces, and more
● Use reclaimed metal like aluminum sheeting for backsplashes or decor
Natural materials
Homeowners are discovering the negative impact certain building materials have on the environment and their health. Plastics, linoleum, polymers and acrylics are being pushed aside in favor of items made from natural and renewable building materials. Building materials like low volatile organic compound paint is an example, as well as bamboo flooring, grasscloth wallpaper, and so on.
Plants galore
What better way to add some color to your living space than to fill it with plants? There are many ways you can incorporate greenery into your home’s design – you don’t have to stick with just potted plants. You could create a green wall with a variety of plants, mainly succulents or vines. You could use moss in the same vein. You could create an herb garden in the kitchen or create a terrarium and that’d be the focal point of your space.
Energy-efficient upgrades and appliances
This should go without saying, but one of the most common ways sustainability is making its way into home design is focusing on energy-efficiency. Not only will energy efficient appliances, windows, and doors be a big selling point whenever you want to sell your house, but it’ll lower energy consumption and thus lowering your carbon footprint. Needless to say, investing in energy-efficient upgrades and appliances is a win-win for the environment and your pocket book.
Shop locally for thrifted furniture
Shopping for affordable furniture can be exhausting, especially when you’re trying to stay away from big-box stores where the only affordable furniture they offer are made from particle board and cheap plastic. A great way you can find furniture that won’t break a few months of use is by shopping at your local thrift shops, flea markets, and even yard sales. You can find some amazing pieces that will add style to your home on a budget! And if you love the style of a piece but not necessarily the color or hardware, you can easily redo them to suit your tastes. You can reupholster furniture, repaint or restain wood furniture, you can do something as creative as turning a dresser into a bookshelf, a bathroom vanity, or even a sideboard for the dining room!
If you’re trying to live an eco-friendly life and try to use as much sustainable material in your home as possible, these are just a few ways to do that. 2021 is going to be a big year for sustainability and it’s never too late to hop on the bandwagon. Plus, we don’t think these trends are going to go out of style any time soon, so your home will be on trend for years to come
