Eco-Friendly Interior Design Tips
As a Southern California Realtor, I often see the best and worst of interior home designs. Not only is good interior design a great way to feel at peace and comfortable in your own home, but it also plays a very important role when it comes to selling your home. Why, you may ask? Well “staged homes sell 88% faster and for as much as 20% more than non-staged homes”. And who wouldn’t want their home to sell not only fast, but for more as well! Which is why as a realtor I’ve made it a point to explore and understand interior design and current trends.
But when it comes to interior design there can be a lot of impact on the environment. Everything from what a product is made of, the impact of how it's made, and the transportation involved to get it to your home. That’s why I've compiled a list of eco-friendly interior design tips so you can ensure you get the most for your home in a sustainable way.
“staged homes sell 88% faster and for as much as 20% more than non-staged homes”
Use Organic Textiles
Using organic textiles such as linen and wool for your bedding, pillows, curtains, etc. is not only sustainable, but also a huge trend this year. And the best part is organic textiles are often of the best quality, and they usually offer amazing benefits as well. For example, linen is one of the strongest and most durable textiles out there, and it also helps regulate temperature to keep you cool. What’s not to love about that?
2. Treasure Hunt
Thrifting and repurposing is a very eco-friendly option. Hunting for the perfect thrifted piece and reusing what is already out there is always an eco-friendly way to decorate your home. And not only that, but you can get amazing pieces at a steal! And I mean, who doesn't love a great deal, right? So go make a day out of it and have fun! You can visit thrift stores, estate sales, flea markets, and all kinds of places!
3. Grandma Chic
Similar to thrifting, another popular eco-friendly way of interior design is using hand-me-downs. Often you’ll find your Grandma is willing to give away a lot of her things, which makes for what I like to call the perfect Grandma Chic style! Yes, you heard me right, your grandmother’s furniture and decor is back in style! Often all a hand-me-down needs is a little uplift to bring it back to life or current times.
4. Natural Materials
Just like using natural textiles, a great way to stay sustainable in your designs is using natural materials as well. That means reclaimed wood, stone, jute, rattan, ceramic, and all kinds of materials! There really is so many options! And the best part is that not only is this an eco-friendly way to incorporate sustainability into your interior design, but it’s also super trendy this year.
Sourcing from natural materials really is the perfect way to bring warmth and texture to your home. Plus you can incorporate natural materials into so many styles besides the obvious earthy and natural tones. Going for a bohemian look? Use rattan, jute, and linen for the perfect bohemian vibes. Going for a modern look? Use stone and ceramic pottery. Really, I could go on!
5. Reusable Containers
You might be wondering, how are reusable containers stylish? Well you’d be surprised!
In 2021 open kitchen shelves have made it big as a trend. Which means not only can your pretty dishes be on display, but so can your stylish storage containers. They could be glass for a cool transparent look, or even ceramic if you want to go for a little more color.
6. Plants
And lastly an obvious one: Plants. Plants are, of course, eco-friendly. Not only do they bring life (literally) and fresh oxygen into the home, but they also add so much color and brightness. They really can change the entire feeling of a room. And as an added bonus many plants have great fragrance too.
Don’t have a green thumb? That’s okay! There are plenty of low-maintenance plants to choose from that will still look great in your home.
Dana Malm | Realtor | DRE#01350938