From Guest Blogger Diana Smith: Five Eco-Friendly Decorating Ideas for a Greener Home

Today, many interior designers promote eco-friendly decoration in their work that not only looks amazing, but also contributes positively to people’s health and the environment. If you also want to board the green train, here are some eco-friendly decorating ideas you can introduce into your home.

Bring in the plants

There’s nothing greener than some actual greenery in your home. Plants will not only give your home a natural and fresh ambience, but also filter air and help remove harmful chemicals in the room. You can pick all sorts of different plants that fit your home, but if you want to concentrate on plants that regulate air quality, opt for some peace lilies, bamboo palms or spider plants.

Eco floors

Another thing that’s becoming more and more popular is floors made of sustainable materials. Hard-wearing materials, such as bamboo, have a long life which means they don’t have to be replaced often. Bamboo is exceptionally strong because it has a higher fiber rating than other hardwood, plus it grows very fast and can be harvested regularly. It can also be recycled when it gets too worn out. Another great option is interlocking eco floor tiles made from recycled materials. They are perfect for kitchens and bathrooms and offer excellent thermal insulation.

Eco-friendly lighting

The easiest eco-friendly lighting option is, of course, natural light. You can let the sunshine in by installing skylights and open shades. You can also design your home so that the windows are facing south which maximizes daylight. This way you will save money on energy bills and decrease the emission of pollutants which is better for you and the planet. Another thing you can do is replace your regular bulbs with some energy-efficient ones. They use less electricity and have a longer life.

Recycle and reuse

One of the best things you can do for the environment is recycling and reusing what you already have. If you own some furniture pieces that still look good, try to keep them instead of just buying new ones. You can always refresh them with some new paint and give them a new place in your home. You can also make a yard sale or swap drapes, cabinets and closets with your friends. Recycled glass is also becoming more and more popular in recent years. There are tiles, kitchen counters, lighting panels and table tops made of recycled glass. Aside from being an eco-friendly alternative to granite and quartz, the way it catches light looks amazing. You can also check out eco-furniture made from recycled and reclaimed wood and sawdust. It might seem cheap to you, but actually they can be super stylish and durable. Knowing what’s eco-friendly and what’s not can sometimes be a little confusing, so you can always ask for some professional help. Many architectural companies today choose to make houses that are energy efficient and made out of eco-friendly materials. All you need to do is find an experienced architect from Sydney who will design and draft an eco-friendly home just for you.

Paint it green

You don’t actually have to paint your home green to be eco-friendly, all you need to do is choose some VOC-free or low VOC paints and other household products. VOCs are linked to many health problems such as cancer, kidney and liver damage, as well as headaches, and eye or throat irritation. You will do a great favor to yourself, your family and to the environment if you stop using such paints.

As you can see, going green is not only beneficial for your health, but also for the health of Mother Earth. So, next time you’re redecorating or redesigning your home, think about the environment and opt for an eco-friendly interior.