How Eco-Friendly Design Ccan Make Your Home More Sustainable

By Jacky De La Guia

"For this monthly post I’m sharing an insight about Environmental Friendly Design, and how you can apply it for your home."

If your house is not in poor condition you don’t need a full renovation, but there are essential tasks to keep it updated and healthy. But first let’s explain a bit what Eco-friendly means. 

The term refers to the application of environmentally sustainable practices in the process of construction to reduce carbon emission. Demolition has a negative impact on the natural ecosystem of the area and the atmosphere, so if it’s not completely necessary, it should be avoided. But now there are architects and builders that are practising the slow deconstruction process to reduce carbon emission that consist in the removal of the materials by hand, and the repurpose of other materials like wood instead of a total destruction. 

In the design process we apply Eco-friendly practices by researching low-voc or recycled materials, reducing energy waste, and creating a home that looks natural and comfortable. 

Now, let’s talk about a few ideas to update your house and make it more sustainable.

PAINTING AND/OR WALLPAPER

It’s important to give your house a fresh look, but also kill bacteria and mold. So, don’t hesitate to buy low-VOC or zero VOC paint and apply a new coat to your walls that will change the mood and the style of your rooms making you feel happier at home. Among my favorite brands we have Benjamin Moore and JH Wall Paints.

About wallpaper, we know that you don’t need to cover all your walls with that, but a combination of both always creates a stylish and unique look. There are tons of brands that offer recycled wallpaper, and also the ones made with natural materials such as seagrass. 

WINDOW TREATMENTS

As I mentioned in previous posts, dressing your windows is a must to add insulation and reduce energy waste. Plus they add that cozy and chic look to any room. And you can choose among natural fibers or recycled plastics. 

LED BULBS

Another idea to create a more eco conscious residence is changing your lights to LED bulbs. Most of them are dimmable and you can pick up colors and intensity which is a fun idea to make your house more playful. But they’re also low consumption, last at least 10 years, and if you don’t want to forget to turn off the lights you can add a smart home app to make sure they’re not on when you don’t need them.

REPURPOSE FURNITURE

This is probably more suitable for DIY fans, but restoring old furniture is another fun and eco-friendly choice. It can be through low-VOC paint or varnish and new upholstery, but reusing instead of throwing away is a sustainable option. And if you’re not a DIY enthusiast, you can always donate.

RENOVATION 

Consider a renovation especially in bathrooms and kitchen, but also change your flooring for a more sustainable option such as recycled wood or upcycled vinyl/laminate. Other ideas for this renovation are finding second hand stone slabs- yes, they exist- or tiles, and of course changing your windows for double panes will add security and reduce energy consumption.

*All photographs credit: Jacky De La Guia

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