Interior Design Strategies for Creating a More Eco-Friendly Home

Sustainable living has become less of a lifestyle choice and more of a responsibility for homeowners. More people are beginning to recognize the importance of making smarter choices in how they live to help reduce their environmental impact. 

As a result of this, interior design principles are also changing. There is now a significant shift toward creating living spaces that focus on eco-friendly living and waste reduction. This priority on sustainability is already evident in the way many new homes are constructed. 

However, it also presents new opportunities for homeowners when considering certain renovation projects they want to take on.

Choose More Sustainable Materials

All homeowners have their own unique tastes when it comes to their living spaces. However, many don’t think necessarily think about the evnironmental impact of their choices. Take most furniture, for example.

Sadly, most furniture today is produced in large factories and made up of multiple materials. This is an active contributor to major environmental problems like deforestation and added air pollution.

While finding a solution for this global issue might seem overwhelming, your interior design choices can start making a difference in the right direction.

Here are some eco-friendly options you could consider during your next interior design project:

Repurposed Furniture

Reusing wood is a great way to give your home a more unique and rustic look. You can find old furniture, like tables and chairs, at antique stores or salvage yards. These locations will often have a wide selection of furniture to choose from that’s made from repurposed materials.

There are also a number of major retailers that specialize in older furniture selections. Explore as many of these options as you can before deciding to purchase something brand new. 

Renewable Materials

Another option you can explore is using renewable materials. Bamboo, for example, is a sustainable alternative to traditional hardwoods. Unlike many trees that take decades to grow, bamboo reaches maturity in just a few years. Its strength and durability make it suitable for many different applications, from flooring and furniture to cabinetry and even textiles.

Cork is another great option to go with. The bark is carefully stripped every nine years, allowing the trees to regenerate without being felled. Cork is lightweight, naturally antimicrobial, and has excellent sound-absorbing and insulating qualities, making it the perfect choice for flooring, wall coverings, and furniture.

Prioritize Energy Efficiency

Energy consumption in homes is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are many different ways homeowners can reduce their own carbon footprint and make better use of natural lighting rather than requiring the constant use of electricity in their homes.

Below are some different ways to incorporate energy-efficient design principles into your living spaces:

Window Positioning

Sunlight should be a major factor when deciding where to put new windows. Having south-facing windows is great for getting lots of sunshine, especially in winter. 

East-facing windows are perfect for catching the morning light, so they’re ideal for kitchen remodels or breakfast nooks. West-facing windows are better for afternoon sun, making them a good choice for living rooms and bedrooms.

Understanding how window placement can help you maximize lighting throughout your home will help you make smarter choices in how they’re used.

Bringing In More Natural Light

There are multiple ways to bring more natural light into your living spaces. One option is to install skylights. Skylights can help to brighten up a room and make it feel more open and airy.

Another option is to use light tubes. Light tubes are tubes that are installed in the roof of a home and channel sunlight down into the living space. They can be used to direct sunlight into specific areas of the home, such as a kitchen, bathroom, or office.

Mirrors can also be useful for improving natural lighting in a home. By strategically placing mirrors throughout your home, you can reflect sunlight into darker areas and make the space feel larger and brighter. For example, you can use mirrored tiles on a kitchen backsplash or mirrored closet doors in a bedroom to help distribute light throughout an area.

Creating Open Spaces

Another way to improve the flow of natural light is to remove interior walls. By opening up the space, light can travel more freely, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

For example, you could think about combining the kitchen and dining area, creating a single living and dining space, or removing a wall to connect a hallway with a room next to it.

Save on Water Use

Water scarcity still affects a considerable portion of the world’s population. With increasing pressure on freshwater resources, it’s more important than ever to reduce water waste in our homes.

Your interior design choices can play a significant role in helping to conserve more water. Whether you’re planning a complete home renovation or simply updating a bathroom, here are some smart design choices that can make a real difference:

Upgrading Water Fixtures

Bathrooms are a great place to start when looking for ways to reduce your water consumption. For example, if you’re planning a bathroom renovation, think about replacing old showerheads and faucets with low-flow models. 

These fixtures use less water without compromising water pressure. Another water-efficient choice is to install a dual-flush toilet. This allows you to choose between a low or full flush setting depending on your needs instead of always using the maximum amount of water pressure.

Using Efficient Appliances

Appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers are another common source of water waste. Instead of using older models, consider upgrading to those with better water-efficiency ratings. Most modern appliances use a combination of advanced engineering and new technologies to reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance.

Setting Up Greywater Systems

Another possible approach to consider is using a greywater system. This type of system collects gently used water from showers, sinks, and washing machines and filters them for reuse in applications like toilet flushing or garden irrigation.

Although these water sources aren’t potable, this recycled water significantly reduces a household’s reliance on freshwater sources.

Design a More Eco-Friendly Home

Our homes are more than just a place we sleep, they can also express to others what types of values we have, including our commitment to sustainability. By incorporating eco-friendly materials, prioritizing energy efficiency, and practicing water conservation when designing spaces, you can create a home that’s both beautiful and kind to the planet.

Author Information

Author Name: Rebecca Denis

Author Bio:

Rebecca Denis, Head of Design at Revive Real Estate, is an accomplished and highly creative interior designer with over ten years of experience in the industry. With a passion for transforming spaces and a keen eye for detail, she has successfully completed numerous projects ranging from commercial spaces to custom show homes.