Hunter Douglas Duette® honeycomb shades
Going green with design has never been so easy. At every step of the decorating process, there are plenty of options to make your home as green as it is gorgeous.
Start with Efficiency
To make your home more environmentally friendly, invest in energy efficiency. For example, reduce energy use by replacing old appliances with newer, greener versions. Be sure to look out for the Energy Star label, which indicates that the appliance uses 10 to 50 percent less energy than other models.
If you are ready to cut back on water consumption, there are a number of products on the market to help you do so. From reduced-flow toilets and on-demand hot water devices to new model dishwashers, technology can make a huge difference in the amount of water your home uses.
Rustic Kitchen with Retro Appliances by Jersey City Design-Build Firms Brunelleschi Construction
Don’t worry — you don’t have to sacrifice style when it comes to buying eco-friendly. There are many attractive and forward-thinking designs out there. For example, Big Chill has a line of vintage-inspired appliances that carry the Energy Star label and Moen has a wide selection of eco-performance fixtures.
Hunter Douglas Designer Roller Shades
There are also easy things you can do to cut back on the amount of energy you use to heat or cool your home. One way to freshen up your décor and conserve energy is to update your window treatments. The right window coverings can increase energy efficiency by helping you harness sunlight and keep warmth indoors during winter months. During the summer, energy efficient window treatments reflect sunlight and keep your home cool.
Reduce Your Impact
You can also go green by reducing the harm that your décor does to the planet. For instance, when you’re painting, opt for zero volatile organic compound (VOC) paints. Low-VOC and non-VOC paint reduces harmful emissions and improves your indoor air quality. You’ll also breathe easier for another reason — non-VOC paints have a less intense smell.
When it comes to furniture and other home décor, pick products made with reclaimed, recycled, or sustainable materials. Because consumers are interested in preserving the planet and making less of an environmental impact, more retailers and manufacturers are making eco-friendly products available. Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel have environmentally friendly sections on their websites, while Hunter Douglas makes a number of window treatments with sustainable materials, including bamboo and naturally downed wood.
Ask for Environmentally Friendly Options
Companies respond to consumer demands. If you’d like more “green” choices, ask your favourite companies to provide them. And when you’re purchasing a new item, ask about environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and whether recycled materials were used to make the product. That way you’ll keep your home green and gorgeous.
