Putting love and care into the aesthetics of our homes helps us to feel comfortable and at ease, whether it’s chilling in the living room or relaxing in the tub. To reduce spending and practice an eco-friendly lifestyle, these five ideas will get you off to a good start.
5 Eco-friendly ideas to inspire you
1 – Upcycling projects
Upcycling refers to the process of reusing old or discarded materials or objects, to create a new item, often with an original purpose. For example, instead of throwing away your tin cans, why not decorate them using a piece of spare wallpaper, and use them as flowerpots? Another idea is keeping your old jars, painting them for decoration and then using them as candle holders. There are plenty of fun upcycling projects that you can get stuck into using old items around the home. Next time you have a decluttering session, consider if any discarded objects could become your next upcycling project.
2 – Eco-friendly paint job
A good paint job is one of the best ways to breathe new life into your home. Whether you’re refreshing your current colors or trying a new shade altogether, a fresh lick of paint leaves your home looking brand new. The problem is that conventional paints contain harmful VOC chemicals which pollute the air and are harmful when breathed in. Consider choosing an eco-paint instead; these are generally made from materials such as milk proteins or clay. Examples of some top eco-friendly paint brands include, ‘The Real Milk Paint,’ and ‘Earth Pigments’.
3 – Plants as decorations
To decorate your home, plants are just about the most eco-friendly decoration that you can get. There are many low maintenance houseplants out there, one of which is the Chinese Evergreen. These plants thrive best in indirect sunlight and should be placed in a warm spot. The Chinese Evergreen plant only requires moderate watering, overwatering can result in rotting roots. Another great low maintenance plant for the home is the Moth Orchid, also known as ‘Phalaenopsis’. These can easily be grown indoors plus they bloom for up to 6 months. These plants need consistent moisture and light, so they are best placed upon a windowsill.
4 – Window tint
Those looking to save money on their monthly energy bills should look into investing in window tinting films. These films allow exactly the right amount of light to get through, whilst also enhancing the comfort levels of your home. Tinting films can help you to gain the ideal temperature for a space, meaning no more too cold or too hot anomalies. With a Home Privacy Window Film, you’ll ensure that your home remains a private space plus you’ll improve security.
5 – Choose natural, eco-friendly media
When you are choosing materials for your home; from sofas to rugs or tables, be sure to prioritize natural materials. Look for those materials which do not harm the earth during the production processes. Ensure that you choose items that are easily recycled or biodegradable. Hemp is a top choice as a sustainable material, the plant uses only a small amount of water to grow and the plant can be harvested without the use of chemical-based pesticides.
Final Thoughts on Creating an Eco-Friendly Home
Using eco-friendly materials is one of the top interior design trends–and will remain in style for years to come. To get stylish and help the planet, be sure to jump on the bandwagon.
Despite freelancing to make a living, her love is "all things home."
Deborah grew up in a family that grew a large vegetable garden and a fruit orchard, helping her parents pull weeds and can home-grown foods as part of her childhood. In fact, she had no idea that she could purchase veggies and fruits in pre-packed steel cans until she went to college and made a food run.
Today, she lives in Bertie County, North Carolina, an agricultural rural area with more chickens than people. She lives with her husband and two rescue pets a sweet toy fox terrier and a cat who showed up one day and moved into the house. Together, they enjoy DIY projects, furniture refinishing, gardening, and canning.
This blog celebrates all things home.
