As the world continues to fight it's way through the current pandemic and we spend more and more of our time at home or in nature....never before have we had more of an appreciation our green spaces and our interior spaces.
Today is World Environment Day 2020, and to celebrate it, we'll explore ways you can make the space you live in more greener.
Whether you live in an apartment or a home, when it comes to decorating your space, being environmentally conscious doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style and price. Here we'll look at simple, cost effective and versatile ways to decorate your home and introduce greener and environmentally friendly décor, whatever the size of your space.
Introduce natural materials
When buying furniture or furnishings for the home, go for natural materials. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they add texture and character to your decor.
Some of the most eco-friendly fibers will be bamboo or hemp. Organic cotton, hemp, silk, wood...all are natural, renewable materials.
Shop vintage
The simplest way to positively affect the environment with your home decor choices is to buy pre-used. Some people even prefer a more wear-and-tear or 'distressed' look. Not to mention, vintage decor is chic and costs way less than buying new.
Buy handmade
Buying handmade items is a great way to decorate your home. Even though it may be a bit more pricey up front, you’ll save money in the long run because hand-made things tend to last longer than factory-made items. Plus, when you buy from artisans you’re more likely supporting someone’s livelihood.
The Elephant Head's charity made cushions in the making.
Give reclaimed wood a go
Reclaimed wood has the unique ability to blend into a variety of aesthetics while maintaining its individuality. Each piece is different and that’s what makes it special.
In fact, it’s the imperfections, the individual markings, and knots that make reclaimed products unique.
Reclaimed or repurposed products all come with certain imperfections, flaws that suggest a story, a life, and a sense of belonging to a period in time when things were made by hand.
Also by adding reclaimed wood items through furniture, flooring or accessories we bring in a feeling of warmth to a space, and ever so subtly connect our homes to nature.
Shop reclaimed wood accessories and mirrors.
Introduce Plants
Real living plants are an excellent way to keep things green in your space. You can ask your friends or family members for clippings or cuttings of their own plants to grow your own plants affordably and use a variety of different containers as pots. Try using bowls, pans, and even old coffee pots as planters. If you’re worried about keeping them alive, go for cacti and succulents as they are easier to care for.
Shop handmade Blue Pottery pots and planters.
Invest in timeless styles
One of the biggest problems with home decor is changing trends. A type of furniture or style may be in vogue one year and out of style the next. That leaves trendy homeowners with the options of either getting rid of their decor or repurposing it in order to keep up.
Investing in sturdy, timeless designs will ensure that your home decor never goes out of style and you get plenty of use out of it before it needs to be altered or donated.
Recycle and Redecorate
If your home is feeling dull and in dire need of an upgrade, sometimes just a simple change of scenery can make all the difference.
Perhaps you can paint a wall, or accessories like picture frames and mirrors in your favourite colours, or collect some natural material on your walks and make something of them. Maybe you can get creative with your plants and use recycled boxes and trunks to display your pots and plants. Pinterest is always a great resource for creative ideas.