Sustainable design is not just to help out our planet. It can be just as beneficial to us and our households. Whether you are designing your dream home, or looking to make your current home a bit more sustainable, there is plenty you can do, including exploring various ways to be more sustainable in every aspect of your life.
In this article, we will cover 7 simple tips for improving your home and well-being in a sustainable way.
7 Sustainable Design Tips For Your Home
When you focus on sustainability in your home, there are a ton of eco-friendly home options available. Here we will focus on the design aspect of sustainable home design.
Here is what this article will cover:
- Use natural light.
- Incorporate the outdoors
- Consider natural materials
- Use energy-efficient equipment
- Declutter
- Use healthy paint and finishes
- Repurpose and upcycle furniture.
1. Take Advantage of Natural Light
Natural light can transform and space, making it feel more open, inviting, and uplifting. Taking advantage of natural light in your home can enhance the overall aesthetic of your living space while reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Natural light has been proven to improve our mental and physical well-being. It should be on the top of your list for your next design project.
You can increase natural light in your space by strategically placing furniture and décor to maximize the flow of sunlight into your rooms. Consider using sheer curtains or blinds to allow light to filter in while still providing privacy.
If you are designing a new home or renovation, prioritize the placement of windows and consider adding skylights to bring in more daylight.
2. Bring The Outdoors In
Natural elements such as plants, natural light, and fresh air can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost productivity. Consider incorporating potted plants and fresh flowers into your living space, you can create a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.
Research has shown that being surrounded by greenery can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
When possible, you should try opening windows and letting in fresh air can also improve indoor air quality and create a sense of vitality. Also, Incorporating natural materials such as wood and stone can help to create a calming and grounding atmosphere, natural tones are very popular in interior design right now.
Just like in a sauna, greenery could relax your mind and body, all in the comfort of your home.
Consider your view too when working on the design. Whether you can see a mountain range or a field make sure you plan your windows to take advantage of the view.
3. Build Or Remodel With Natural Materials
When deciding to build or remodel your home, using natural materials can greatly contribute to the overall well-being of your living space. By incorporating elements such as wood, stone, and clay, you can create a more organic and harmonious environment that promotes a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.
Natural materials also tend to benefit the curb appeal of your home and will be a timeless design characteristic for future resale considerations.
Natural materials also have the benefit of being non-toxic and environmentally friendly, contributing to healthier indoor air quality and reducing the carbon footprint of your home.
Whether you are considering a modern or rustic design, natural materials can be versatile and adaptable to various architectural styles.
You can use all types of natural elements in your design, like bamboo flooring, reclaimed furniture, locally sourced stone, and even refurbished building materials.
Incorporating natural elements into your home can create a sense of balance and tranquility, fostering a space that is truly in harmony with the natural world.
4. Reduce Your Energy Cost
By implementing energy-saving measures in your home, you not only reduce your environmental impact but also save money on utility bills. By reducing your energy costs, you can alleviate financial stress and allocate those savings towards other aspects of well-being, such as health and leisure activities.
Simple steps like sealing drafts, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, and using programmable thermostats can make a significant difference in your energy consumption.
Installing energy-efficient lighting and using natural light whenever possible can also help reduce electricity usage.
5. Reduce Clutter In Design
Cluttered spaces can evoke feelings of anxiety, stress, and overwhelm. By embracing minimalism and simplifying design, we create a sense of calm and tranquility in our homes.
Clutter-free environments promote better air circulation and reduce the accumulation of dust and allergens, ultimately contributing to a healthier living space. In design, reducing clutter also allows for better functionality and improved usability.
Embracing a minimalist approach to design also encourages sustainability, as it often involves using fewer materials and resources. Now that is not to say you should still include your favorite toy gift here and there, but you can still reduce the volume on display at any given time.
6. Use Low VOC Paints and Finishes
Traditional paints and finishes contain high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can emit harmful toxins into the air and contribute to indoor air pollution. Prolonged exposure to these toxins can lead to a range of health problems, such as headaches, dizziness, respiratory issues, and allergic reactions.
Additionally, it’s worth considering the impact on joint health, like knees, as prolonged exposure to pollutants can exacerbate inflammation in sensitive areas of the body.
By opting for low-VOC products, you can reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals and create a healthier indoor environment for you and your family. Low VOC paints and finishes are now widely available and come in a variety of colors and finishes, so you don’t have to compromise on style or quality.
Not only are these products better for your immediate health, but they also have a positive impact on the environment.
7. Repurpose Old Furniture and Decor
Repurposing old furniture and decor can be a great way to not only save money but also to enhance the well-being of your home. Bringing new life to old pieces, you can create a unique and personalized space that reflects your style and creativity.
You can revamp an old dresser with a fresh coat of paint or turn a vintage suitcase into a stylish side table. Repurposing allows you to give old items a new purpose and a new lease on life.
This practice also contributes to sustainable living by reducing waste and consumption.
Repurposing old furniture and decor can be a fun and rewarding project that gets your creative juices flowing and provides a sense of accomplishment when you see the transformation.
The Wrap-up
Making the switch to a more sustainable lifestyle at home is not only great for the environment, but it’s also great for our well-being. There are countless studies and information out there about how making small changes to our lives can make a big difference in the environment and our physical and mental states.
So next time you are looking to change things up at home, don’t forget to make a sustainable effort.