8 Ways to Achieve Sustainable Interior Design

Environmental awareness has become one of the most prominent trends in recent years, and it has spread to many areas of everyday life. You can now buy coffee in eco-friendly cardboard cups, wear animal-friendly clothes, and use carbon-neutral means of transportation. And if you happen to be planning to renovate your home, there is a way to make its interior more sustainable too!

When talking about environmentally friendly home solutions, renewable power sources are probably the first thing that comes to your mind, and for a good reason. They let you minimize the carbon footprint of your household significantly. But there are more ways to a sustainable home, such as recycling older items, choosing eco-friendly materials for your furniture, or installing energy-efficient appliances.

Achieving sustainability can be quite challenging, but you can turn this project into a fun and rewarding home improvement task with the right approach. And below, you will find eight ways to make the interior of your home bring to life your environmentally conscious mindset.

Ways to Increase the Environmental Sustainability of Your Home

Choose Eco-Friendly Materials

As a rule of thumb, any material found in nature should be a good choice for your home. It would be best to avoid anything artificial, like PVC, plastic, or vinyl. Instead, look for wood, metal, stone, and natural fabrics. If possible, try to use reclaimed materials for your project. For example, wooden beams from a residential demolition site could serve as the base for your new kitchen shelves, wall units for living room, or coffee table.

You can go far beyond that, though. There are many eco-friendly paints or flooring options on the market, most of them made from natural ingredients and biodegradable. If you plan to paint your walls in a new colour, why not choose a product made from environmentally-safe ingredients instead of synthetic ones?

And why not go for wood instead of carpet or vinyl flooring? If you want your home to be eco-friendly, it’s vital to use environmentally-safe materials in every room. However, if you are on a tight budget, the next option could be a good compromise.

Buy Green Furniture

Buying green furniture is not such a difficult task as it may seem. Many products on the market meet the standard of green building and are still quite affordable. Nowadays, you can easily find an eco-friendly couch without breaking your budget.

You should also remember that sustainability is not all about the environment. Sustainable furniture should also be made of materials that make them durable and easy to clean. For example, when shopping for a couch, look for one made of organic cotton and high-quality leather, as these materials can last for many years to come. Also, buy furniture that is easy to maintain. A good place to start is scouring the internet to find out if a product is resistant to stains or easy to keep clean without using harsh chemicals.

Use Renewable Energy Sources

This may not be an idea for your interior itself. Still, it is worth mentioning as an essential step towards sustainable living. If you plan to stay in your home for a long time, it makes sense to install solar panels and start using renewable energy sources.

Although this may require some significant investment, it is definitely worth it in the long run. First, in the case of solar panels, you will save money on your electricity bills. Second, you will be contributing to a greener environment by reducing carbon emissions.

Install Energy-Efficient Appliances

Another popular way to make your home more environmentally friendly is to install energy-efficient appliances and gadgets. You can do so by selecting smart devices that use less electricity and choosing energy-saving options for light bulbs and boosters.

For example, if you plan to buy a new microwave oven, look for one with the Energy Star label and a low wattage rating. Such a product will reduce your electricity bills and contribute to a lower carbon footprint, as lower energy use means fewer emissions.

Upcycle Old Items

Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or for a different purpose. Following this route, you can decorate your home with old wine bottles, which can be turned into beautiful lamps or vases. Think of it as a form of recycling that allows you to create something new and to use materials that would otherwise have just been thrown away.

It is an excellent idea for minor stuff you no longer need, like old pillows and blankets. You should have no problems finding tutorials on how to turn them into entirely new and unique couches or beds, all you need is some old pillows or blankets and pallets .You can even create a new cushion for your chair or sofa with a few decorative pillows.

Use Green Cleaning Products

Another step towards sustainability is to use green cleaning products. These are products made from environmentally-safe ingredients and do not contain harmful chemicals. While they may be more expensive than the regular cleaning products, they are well worth the money.

The main advantage of using green cleaning products is that they do not pollute the environment, which you need to do in order to make your home eco-friendlier. Plus, they make your home a much safer place to live in.

Focus On Durability

As you can probably tell, making your home more sustainable is — in many ways — about making it more durable. It means that you should focus on materials and appliances that will last for a long time. If you are investing in a long-term solution, this will lower your bills and help you do your part to protect the environment.

A large portion of today’s market is focused on single-use items, which cannot be easily recycled. To make more environmentally-friendly choices, you should focus on durable products — whether it’s a throw pillow, a table lamp, or a new floor. This way, you will not only be able to use them for a long time, but you will also make the most of the items and materials that you buy.

Make Your Own Decorations

Making your own decorations is one of the best ways to create sustainable home decor. It is not always easy to find an eco-friendly option that you like, so why not make your own? You can start with homemade decorations for the holidays. In general, most of them are pretty easy to make, and you can save considerable amounts of money by making them yourself.

Another great way to make your own home decor is to create a wall art collection. You can use pictures you have taken or bought, family photos, or even old documents. You can also use quotes, paintings, or original drawings. It is an outstanding way to make your house unique, and it is also an excellent opportunity to save some money on decorating.

In Conclusion

Sustainable interior design is not all about solar panels and recycled materials. It is a lifestyle choice that can be applied to every aspect of your home, from the choice of materials and appliances to the decorations and cleaning products. You may not be able to do it all at once, but you can start with a tiny step and then take things gradually from there.

Besides, remember that reaching a sustainable home is not just about the environment — it’s also about reducing your bills and making the most of the items you buy. That way, you will be able to create a happy home with an environmentally-friendly interior, which will help you lead a happy and healthy life!