Creating a Sustainable Home
Here at Collector and Curator we are big proponents of reusing, recycling, and repurposing. It goes hand in hand with using vintage in our home and our design projects. Furniture is not made the same way it was made in the past and as often as possible we use pieces from the past. Reduce your home’s need for maintenance by choosing durable and long-lasting materials and products. This will create a home that stands the test of time and is manageable financially over the long term
This is not just a trend. It is really important to be strategic and purposeful when we as consumers buy anything. We can take it a step further by considering who we buy from as well as the process and materials used to make these items.
Here are a few things to think about in how we can make simple changes in our home.
Buying furniture that is made with Sustainable Materials:
Furniture that is considered sustainable may be recycled or re-purposed. It can be made from materials that were previously used for something else but then are reused to make new furniture. For example, repainting over an old dresser and changing the hardware to better suit your aesthetic is one way.
Alternatively, furniture that is sustainable is made from materials that are easily renewable such as bamboo. Furniture that is made with safer materials such as low VOC also are considered sustainable.
Bring Green into the Design:
Plants not only filter the air but help cool your home. Green plants create a natural and warm look, while adding a textural element.
Drapery Choices are not just design decisions:
Know how the sun moves and design your home to respond to it. Keep your home cool in the Summer with shading, and draw back the curtains in the winter to let the sun’s warmth inside.
Smart Lighting:
Plan for energy-efficient lighting. Savvy interior design can incorporate windows and skylights to maximize the use of daylight and minimize artificial light. When artificial lighting is needed, LEDs, halogens and compact fluorescent light bulbs not only save energy but last longer. Today’s smart technology in our homes has made energy efficiency easier to do often from the touch of your phone
Let us know if you need help selecting more sustainable options for your home? Contact us and let us know how we can help?
Choosing the Right Color:
Make selections for your interiors that consider the indoor air quality, use paints without toxic substances. This means choosing a color without volatile organic compounds (V.O.C.) and take the first step to sustainable interior design.
If you’ve converted to the KonMari Method, then you are already a step closer to creating a space for sustainable design. The lifestyle choice of simplifying, organizing and decluttering, offers a shift from storing to choosing possessions mindfully. The next article we publish we have some helpful suggestions on how to get started.
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