Each renovation and redecoration project involves great planning, significant financial resources and a huge amount of time invested with a wish that the result would be something worth the trouble. What is often neglected, though, is the fact that each such project has an impact on the environment too. Not many people consider this when embarking on a renovation project and that’s what needs to be changed quickly.

 

Since every project that includes interior design changes or starting from scratch has impact on our environment, we need to be aware of the steps we should take in order to minimise negative effects. Most professional designers are now going environmentally friendly and here are some tips they’ve shared with us.

 

Recycling, reusing, rearranging

Before you spend money on purchasing a new item for your home, think about what you already have that can serve the purpose. For example, you shouldn’t buy new cabinets simply because you’re no longer satisfied with their colour. Instead of ripping them out, refresh them with a coat of new paint or simply rearrange them in order to get a feeling of having new items.

 

The same goes for drapes. If their new design doesn’t go well with your new interior design, think about introducing them elsewhere, rather than simply dumping them in the trash. That will both save you some money and give you a sense of continuity and new life that you’ve given to a particular item. Finally, you might even consider swapping some items with friends, who might be looking for something you don’t need any more, while at the same time being in possession of something that would look great with your new interior design.

 

Flooring

Another aspect of home (re)decoration is the choice you make about the floor cover. Using a sustainable material is now the most popular and logical choice. Any hard-wearing material is a good option since it’ll last longer and won’t have to be replaced often.

 

One of the emerging ideas is to use bamboo, since it’s very strong and bamboo trees reach maturity very quickly, which means they can be replaced quite quickly and easily. Using a material such as bamboo, that can be recycled at the end of its life, is not only a smart choice, but also an aesthetically pleasing one.

 

If you’re planning to use tiles, go for eco floor tiles made from hard-wearing recycled material, since they provide excellent thermal insulation and really look fashionable.

 

Recycled Glass

Glass is another element that is practical and attractive. Your contribution to protecting the environment is your choice to use recycled glass, which is now widely available in all forms, sizes and shapes. For example, wall tiles catch the light and reflect it in a sparkling and diffuse way, which is something your bathroom might really benefit from. Recycled glass can also find its way to kitchen counters, lighting panels and table tops and should definitely be chosen over granite or quartz.

 

Timber

If you really want to use a high-density hardwood, you need to know that hardwoods are mainly sourced from tropical rain forests, which is a major environmental problem. There are other, equally attractive options, which are more environmentally friendly, such as durable eco-furniture items made from reclaimed wood and sawdust. So, when choosing your new custom dining tables, make sure you check out what kind of timber was used in production.

 

Paint

The main problem with some paints is that they contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), which are harmful chemicals. Luckily, there are now many paints that are VOC-free and you simply have to use them if you care about your health. You don’t want any harmful substances on the wall of your child’s bedroom, so make sure you carefully read the label or ask a shop assistant about their most eco-friendly offer when it comes to paints. Finally, choosing bamboo paint brushes over those with manmade fibres is another green tip that helps you do your part when it comes to being eco-friendly.

 

Conclusion

Clearly, there are many options and alternatives you can select if you want your project to have as little negative effect on the environment as possible. The good thing is that you won’t lose any aesthetic appeal or functionality by going green, which should probably be a good enough reason to at least consider these tips.

 

Written by Carolin Petterson

 

 

About the Author

Carolin Petterson is a Business Lady and contributor for number of high-class websites. She loves to share her experiences and talk about practical solutions, but her specialties are sustainability, sustainable business and green living.

 

 

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