You’re likely to have thought of decorating green. But one of these stereotypes might have stopped you. These myths can harm your health. Michelle Kaufmann, a green architect/designer and founder of Michelle Kaufmann Designs, says that there is a lot in our homes that isn’t good for us. Mold in walls can cause migraines, and carpets can release formaldehyde that can irritate the respiratory system and even cancer.
Kaufmann says, “But the good thing is that we are becoming aware of these things.” “It’s only a matter of choosing what options we have — and we will become more aware — it’s only a matter making choices.” You can decorate your home with sustainability in mind, which means you use less energy, water, and non-renewable resource while still beautifying it. This is why green design can be beautiful, affordable and sustainable.
Green design doesn’t have to be expensive.
Kaufmann says, “I’m so tired green stuff that’s so expensive.” It sends the message that green is only for the rich. It’s not true. Green is for everyone! You can find places like Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Kaufmann spray paints white, old accessories from these stores to give a modern twist on vintage accessories.
- Home decor that can be recycled and reused will last for a long time and requires very little maintenance. Ecofabulous.com’s Zem Joaquin is a green blogger. She designed her 1950s home using the cradle to cradle principle: What comes out of the Earth, must return to the Earth.
- Urbanites will be more successful in finding eco-friendly or sustainable stores like VivaTerra and Branch Home. However, most eco-friendly shops are still located locally. Contact your local U.S. Green Building Council or local building department to find them.
It’s possible to decorate in green while still matching your style.
There are many ways to make your home greener, no matter your taste. Joaquin states that a truly good eco-design will be one you can explain. Kaufmann suggests that Shabby Chic is your best choice for a dining room table. You can purchase a table base kit and then visit your local wood salvage yards to find reclaimed lumber for the top.
Kaufmann offers a simple solution to making your home more efficient for any style. A water wall can be created with colorful Mason Jars. It should be placed on a window that receives a lot of suns (preferably to the west). The water absorbs heat and keeps the house cool during the day. It then releases it at night. Another way to decorate the water wall is by using clear glass jars that are filled with food-coloring dyed waters.
Going green will help you understand the materials in your home.
We can see exactly what is in our food by using nutrition labels. Wouldn’t it be great to know what is in the materials in our homes? Kaufmann states that “we don’t think about it” and “it impacts us to a great degree as food because we breathe in whatever off-gassing these materials produce,” such as formaldehyde in the carpet.
If it’s wool, wall-to-wall carpeting is fine. Greg Snowden, the Green Fusion Design Center owner, recommends that modular carpet tiles be used. Shaw Carpet and FLOR offer eco-friendly carpet squares made with recycled materials and non-toxic dyes. Snowden states that carpet squares are an eco-friendly option because they can be made modularly. You can take it to the manufacturer for recycling when you are done. These squares require little labor and are easy to lay. They don’t require any support or toxic padding.
There are incentives for eco-friendly decorating, such as tax breaks.
You could get a tax break if you report eco-friendly home improvements on your yearly taxes. What should you do with the materials you have ripped out after a remodel? Instead of dumping them in the dump, you can contact The ReUse People. They will inspect your refuse for any reusable parts and ship them to their warehouse for distribution. You’ll also get a tax write-off.
