Earth-Friendly Decor: Make Your Home Greener

In my search for ways to help make your home more "green," I discovered a blog by Blythe Copeland at howstuffworks.com about how more environmentally conscious homes are incorporating sustainable decorating techniques.

Copeland says it’s easier than you think to make choices that are as good for the planet as they are for your sense of style.

She says decorate naturally using plants to add pops of color and interest to your décor. Fresh plants look good and improve indoor air quality, making your house healthier, and you'll constantly be surrounded by one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly accents.

Copeland also suggests instead of buying build-it-yourself furniture with materials sourced from who-knows-where, scour local thrift stores and yard sales for pieces to make over.

A little sandpaper, some new paint or stain, bright fabrics, and a little time and energy make it possible to turn dingy coffee tables into pretty benches, worn-out cabinets into storage showpieces, and tired chairs into a new reading nook - plus, you’re saving resources by choosing to re-use!

Copeland says if you can’t DIY a piece of furniture or décor, check local shops before hitting the big chains. She says you’ll be supporting your local economy and trimming your carbon footprint at the same time, since your new pieces won’t be shipped from halfway around the world.

Decorilla.com's latest list of Sustainable Interior Designer Tips include going minimalist. The practice of simplifying, organizing and decluttering offers a perspective shift from storing stuff to selecting home possessions mindfully.

Moving towards minimalism also reflects the simple, clean look that modern design aspires towards.
With today’s focus on green design, decorilla.com says hiring a sustainable interior designer and shopping eco-friendly home design products isn’t as difficult as it used to be.

Any sustainable interior designer will source pieces from trusted eco friendly vendors and apply up-to-date practices like selecting materials and FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) that promote good indoor air quality, are toxin-free, and are water/energy-efficient.