From recycled glass tile, bamboo flooring, textiles, low VOC paints, cleaning products, to home design products, the trend towards green design seems to be growing due to consumer's heightened consciousness of the importance of using items that are good for our environment. Using recycled items is also gaining interest among interior design clients.
There are varying degrees of "green," also called eco-friendly design, but in general a product must be made from a renewable material that was grown organically with minimally impact to the environment; the manufacturing process must not cause pollution. Green products may be recyclable, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable, and some may even save energy (such as energy star appliances and energy efficient light bulbs).
If you were to ask the average person what going green means, they may picture lines of solar panels angled on their roof line. While solar panels are a great way to save money on your energy bill and definitely fall under the going green umbrella - the expense of installing them can be very steep; simple changes can have a positive impact in our lives as well. If you need to upgrade your flooring, going with a bamboo or cork is a would be an environmentally friendly option. When selecting a wall paint, it is always healthier to select a low or no-VOC paint, since it uses water as an ingredient and is less hazardous to the environment.
Eco friendly interior decoration avoids using toxin-introducing materials in your home. Synthetic fragrances and air fresheners may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate the respiratory system. Candles made before 2003 were made with lead-core wicks and are now banned, according to the National Candle Association. Organic soy and beeswax are green options that are better frangrance choices for your home; these choices are safe for pregnant woman and people with asthma.
When selecting cleaning products, it is always a better option to select a green product. Synthetic cleaners pollute our environment and can affect our lungs. Using water and steaming your ceramic tile is a great way to clean your kitchen floor. Products such as Cleaning the Green, are all natural and are great glass and surface cleaners. Also, Pet Pure Ayre Odor Eliminator is all natural and safe for your pets and will eliminate all your pet's odors. Vinegar and water is also a great all natural cleaner for your kitchen and bathroom. Believe me, you will start to feel better when you use all natural cleaners in your home.
Keep in mind that "greening" your entire home does not happen overnight, it is an ongoing process that can lead up to an large environmental impact overtime that will also affect your health positively. Adding plants are an excellent green option and design element to add to any room.
Kate
Kate's Home Staging and Redesign, specializes in home staging, interior design, home decorating, vacant staging, color consultations, and more. Contact Kate at 845-538-3623 to schedule your design consultation, www.kateshomestaging.com
Kate, fantastic post about green design! I personally love the look of recycled glass tiles, especially in a bathroom. Eco-friendly is good for the home as well as the soul!
Anna
Great start Kate. As you already mentioned "greening" your home doesn't happen overnight but there is a way to become educated as business professionals so that we can continue to guide our clients toward green because buyers are beginning to look for these features and are willing to pay a premium for them. CSP offers a green designation (with solid information) To request training in your area, jut go to greenbuildscience.net I highly recommend it for anyone who wishes to add additional value to their business.
Kate ~ These are helpful tips for anyone who wants to start being "Greener." As you mentioned, it's a process and doesn't happen overnight, but every seemingly small change we make to be more conscious of our environment (the literal one inside our homes) brings us closer to the goal of healthier living.
Hello, Kate! Thanks for the outline. Laura Sampson has some great resources also. This is one area I am committed to learning about in 2010. Julie
Anna ~ Recycled glass ia definitely a great design idea. Thanks for posting.
Laura ~ Thanks for the info about "Green" Design training, I will check it out. Green design is something I want to learn more about in 2010.
Maureen ~ Very nicely stated. Going green can mean small changes and why not start at home? Thanks for stopping by.
Julia ~ I will check out Laura Sampson for more info, thank you.
Hello Kate,
Terrific post about Green interior designing. Good information to pass on! thanks for sharing!
Rita
Hello Kate,
Terrific post about Green interior designing. Good information to pass on! thanks for sharing!
Rita
Hi Kate - Nice post to expand our thinking on what "going green" means. I also like your insight that it's "an ongoing process" -- something we should all keep in mind as we make design choices going forward.
Rita ~ Thanks for your kind words.
John ~ Thank you, I believe it is a process that will take time but if we all make small changes in our homes, we are moving in the right direction.