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Your home is your private oasis. That's why the can have a huge impact on your life. Unfortunately, when it comes to interior designing, people often get lost in the look of things. You need to remember that it is not only the beauty of your apartment that matter but also the well-being of the homeowner and the environment.
Going eco-friendly is no longer a noble deed, but a necessity. In fact, in a world plagued with pollution, global warming, and energy crisis, an eco-friendly interior design is our best shot towards creating a sustainable housing solution. A well-designed eco-friendly home will not only save the environment but also cut energy costs at different levels.
The following five tips will help you turn your living space into a green space.
One of the best ways to reduce electricity costs is to take advantage of natural sunlight. You can add additional windows and skylights if there are no space constraints. Instead of using heavy drapes to block the sunlight, use thin and semi-transparent curtains to let natural light enter your home. Natural sunlight will not only save you electricity costs but also reduce the emission of pollutants. Plus, it will add freshness to your living space. However, you need to make sure that windows and skylights are placed at the right angles to avoid overheating your living space.
Though using natural sunlight will reduce your power costs, you can't use it 24/7. At night, you will need to turn on the light bulbs. That's why you need to use wherever possible. Make sure to use compact fluorescent lights and LED (Light Emitting Diodes) bulbs to save energy, reduce pollutants and keep your environment safe.
If you have a combination of traditional bulbs and spotlights, replace them with LEDs and CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps). Though LEDs are expensive, they will save more energy over the course of time compared to other lighting options. If you are looking for a cost-effective solution, CFLs are your best bet. However, they are less durable and less energy-efficient compared to LEDs.
Though most organic materials and showpieces are expensive, they are worth every penny you spend. Whether you are or a decorative showpiece, make sure to buy the ones made from organic materials. For example, most synthetic wall paints emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). So, you need to make sure to buy paint or any other product having low VOC content.
You can use a variety of organic materials such as natural stones, aged wood pieces, natural decorative fabrics, organic furniture, and green indoor plants to add a unique style to your interior. You may need to consult an interior designer or home decor expert to procure authentic products at a reasonable price.
You are lucky if you have a lush green backyard, particularly in a crowded metropolis such as New York. However, if you don't, you can use green indoor plants to create a focal point in your living room, kitchen or even bedroom. In fact, indoor plants can create a lot more than just beautiful and environment-friendly living space. They can create a vibrant, encouraging, and relaxing environment, and reduce the presence of harmful chemicals as well.
Placing greenhouse plants in your living room or even the kitchen can create visual depth. You can also use them as portable walls and to frame a staircase or even a piece of furniture. You can use large and tall plants such as palms, ficus trees, and a few dracaenas in your living room if you have the space to accommodate them. Alternatively, you can use indoor plants with unusual shapes and colors to create an aesthetically pleasing environment. You can also use plants to block a less-than-desirable view.
The eco-friendly interior design is incomplete without . The flooring material should be organic, durable and affordable. Fortunately, homeowners have plenty of options such as linoleum, natural tiles, cork, bamboo, natural stones, and hardwood when it comes to flooring material. Alternatively, you can also use repurposed material such as recycled plastic or wood for flooring.
Eco-friendly flooring materials such as hardwood or natural stones not only add a beautiful appeal to your interior but also reduce heating or cooling costs by maintaining the room temperature.
With the increasing threat of global warming and environmental pollution, adapting to an eco-friendly lifestyle remains our only chance to leave behind a better environment for future generations. The best way to start living a sustainable life is by transforming your home interior in an eco-friendly manner. From taking advantage of natural light to using sustainable flooring, these tips will help you create an environment-friendly living space.
