Eco-Friendly Home Decor in 7 Easy Steps
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.Warm days are finally here, and many homeowners are thinking about eco-friendly ways to introduce nature into their homes to liven up their living space.
And what better way to do it than by including eco-friendly decor that combines beauty and function.
Here, we are giving you seven easy steps you can take to turn your home into a green oasis and make a difference.
Give new life to old furniture
Before you get rid of your old coffee table or sideboard, think whether you can upgrade them.
Breathing new life into furniture is a process that requires creative thinking and also some research in order to do it right.
Browse the internet to find the necessary tools and products, and see if there are any local workshops where you can learn about repairing old furniture.
Restoring and repurposing old items is a good way to preserve your precious furniture for the next generation, help the environment and also save money (since you won’t be buying new).
What’s not to love about that?
Choose cost-effective and durable materials for your home
Nature is a part of us, and it’s a good idea to make it a part of our homes to enjoy it every day, just like Aussies do.
By opting for door panels and window frames made from green building materials such as vinyl, PVC and bamboo, you’re creating something that’s cost-effective and energy-efficient and has a low impact on the environment.
Go a step further and include interior shutters from Melbourne as a part of your house.
Shutters are a great addition to your eco-friendly home due to their excellent heat insulation property and incredible durability.
Not only do they provide your home with a timeless, decorative look, but they also allow you to control the amount of light that enters your living space – beautiful and functional!
Buy offline and visit local thrift shops and flea markets
Sure, you can surf the net to find some inspiration, but try not to buy online as much.
Actually, going to the store and getting information about a certain piece of furniture you want to purchase will not only have a positive impact on the environment (since there’s no shipping involved) but you’re also more likely to buy a green product while ordering online can’t guarantee you that.
Also, there are many treasures that can be found at flea markets and second-hand shops if one is willing to search hard enough.
Look for the eco-labels and ask about the origin before you purchase –that way you’ll know you’re getting the real deal.
Opt for recycled clothing and decor
Purchasing items that are made by recycling is another great way to preserve the environment.
Next time you go shopping, pay attention to the material of the items before you buy them – most are made from synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, and polyethene.
You don’t want those kinds of materials in your eco-friendly home.
Be eco-conscious and choose handmade, natural products.
Better yet, make your own clothing and decor.
There are some online stores that provide recycled materials such as wool, cotton, and mohair, which you can use to knit or crochet something unique while being environmentally friendly.
Plus, you get to choose the color, material, and style of your clothes, and be your own designer – how cool is that?!
Use plants to decorate your home
What better way to make your home eco-friendly than by actually bringing nature inside?
Plants would make a great addition to your green home since greenery will make it more lively, provide your rooms with fresh air while also absorbing carbon dioxide from the air.
There are many low-maintenance plants you can include in your living space – opt for asparagus fern, philodendron or ZZ plant – they won’t require much attention but will still keep your home fresh and fragrant.
Introduce natural fragrances
Of course, having plants means you’re provided with a natural fragrance.
But, there are other options for introducing natural fragrances into your home that will make it feel cozy and homey.
Scented candles are an excellent choice due to the variety of options they come in – vanilla, lavender, and rosemary are especially helpful in creating a relaxing and comfy atmosphere.
Purchase beeswax or soy wax candles – that way, you can be sure you’re not filling the air with harmful and toxic chemicals that evaporate from candles that are made from paraffin wax.
Fill your living area with colors of nature
Not sure what colors to paint the walls of your eco–friendly home?
Go to a nearby park for inspiration – Mother Nature provides different color clues that can be great for your living area.
Opt for neutral tones such as warm beige, crisp white or light brown to add some natural hues to your room.
Opt for paints that are based on natural ingredients such as plant dyes and vegetable oils to give your home a makeover in an ethical way.
Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle and making a conscious effort to implement small changes goes a long way in preserving the environment.
By following our tips, you are certain to create an enjoyable, comfortable and environmentally friendly home and make it count, too!
Chloe is a graduated journalist from Adelaide and a regular contributor to Smooth Decorator. She loves everything related to decor, aesthetic and lifestyle topics. She is also passionate about photography.
Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world and take some stunning photographs of beautiful places. Besides all this, she enjoys drinking coffee and reading a beautiful book from time to time.