As the world is experiencing the harsh effects of global warming and climate change, it becomes the responsibility of every homeowner to introduce eco-friendly habits and solutions into their living environments, in an attempt to conserve valuable resources and minimize their carbon footprint. After all, we are sowing the seeds of the future for the generations to come.
In order to create a more sustainable interior and exterior, you’ll want to decorate with nature in mind, and pay special attention to the materials you use in the process. This can be as simple as choosing the right houseplants, and sourcing some eco-friendly materials for every room. Here are the five tips to furnish your home and garden sustainably.
Make sure everything fits perfectly
First things first, you will need to measure the dimensions of every room in your home, as well as the dimensions of your outdoor living area. Why? Because this is the first step towards choosing the right décor elements and materials that will fit perfectly, and thus avoid the need to replace them down the line. In turn, this will make you cherish your pieces and stick with them over the years.
Start by measuring the length of the walls, and then the height of the ceilings. With these measurements on hand, you can easily reference them when you’re searching for décor elements and cumbersome furniture. This will also allow you to create the perfect layout for every room, and your outdoor space.
Decorate your garden responsibly
When decorating your outdoor living space, it’s best to do so with the natural world in mind. In other words, instead of putting your needs and wishes first, start by putting nature front and center in order to create a serene oasis where you can establish a deeper, meaningful connection with the local flora and fauna. Let life flourish in your garden by creating a safe space for the bees, by raising flower gardens and high-rise greenery, and by building bird nests and feeders.
As for the patio and the main seating area in the center of the yard, be sure to choose the furniture made from sustainable, yet durable materials. It’s equally important for the furniture to have a low environmental impact, but to be durable enough to withstand the elements. Choose recycled steel frames, vinyl seats, and of course, organic fabrics.
Make a list of your essentials
Every room should have some essential décor elements that define its purpose and essence, but what many homeowners end up doing is they clutter up their living environment with too much inessential décor, and thus contribute to waste production, as well as the costly production methods of the furniture itself. To prevent this, start by making a list of your essentials for every room.
For the bedroom, research recycled bed frames, and find a mattress sale online that sells hypo-allergenic mattresses with a prolonged lifespan, in order to avoid the need to replace your mattress in the first few years. In the kitchen, choose energy-efficient appliances, durable recycled countertops, and paint the cabinetry with VOC-free paint. Use this mindset for every room in your home, and strive to obtain every décor element from a sustainable source.
Introduce organic fabrics throughout
Nowadays, there is an organic fabric to cover every surface, and fit into every room in your home, including your outdoor living area. There is really no reason not to purchase sustainable fabrics, as they are not only made through sustainable production methods and without worker exploitation, but will also last longer than their lower quality counterparts.
Complementing sustainable fabrics such as pillow cases, beddings, covers, and throws with natural elements such as low-water houseplants will create that wonderful oasis-like feel in every room, and help you create a peaceful living environment. Most importantly, it will make your living environment that much greener and friendlier towards Mother Nature.
Decorate the space with hand-downs
And finally, some elements in your home such as tables, cabinets, vanities, and furniture frames don’t even have to be brand new. In fact, there are so many thrift shops, markets, and families out there who are giving away beautiful used pieces that it would be a shame if you just let them go to waste. Be sure to look around for these décor elements in order to find cheap yet wonderfully-preserved furniture and décor that you can use in your garden, on your patio, and in every room in your home.
Wrapping up
Decorating your home in a sustainable way is one of the most rewarding things you can do, as you will be aiding the battle against climate change, helping the ecosystem thrive, and you will create a healthier home for you and your family. Use these tips to build the living environment you deserve.
About the author: Mike Johnston is an avid freelance writer and blogger from Sydney, Australia. He is a regular contributor to numerous lifestyle blogs and online magazines, where he writes about interior design (his specialty!), travel, family, sustainable living and other related and unrelated topics. Mike’s goal is to create insightful and compelling content that will help readers navigate through these vast and ever-changing fields.