Sustainability is becoming more of a priority, as 46% of respondents note that a home that cuts down on environmental impact “is important to their personal wellness,” data released in 2023 by the America At Home Study and Kantar revealed. However, those who wish to bring unique and sustainable style solutions into their home may find the task to be a challenge, especially when mass-produced decor has become the norm. Whether the goal is to liven up the home with greenery, revive old furniture pieces, or embrace a DIY endeavor, there are several worthy options to explore for a unique and eco-friendly home.
The undeniable power of plants
Green thinking can go a long way in the creation of a stylish home design, especially when the goal is to infuse sustainability throughout the home. A Better Homes & Gardens post by Jenny Comita explores several expert tips as to how one can successfully decorate with houseplants, which are given by author, interior stylist, and plant enthusiast Hilton Carter. Among his advice include the incorporation of plant life in the dining room (even as a centerpiece), and a vertical display for a visual engagement on the patio. Using plants as decor in places where they’re least likely to be expected can also make for an engaging display — even when put on a shelf or bar cart. “They make a space dynamic,” Carter remarks. Plants can help to clear the air by naturally absorbing harmful pollutants, releasing fresh oxygen, and creating a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.
Carter also points out the importance of plant choice for different rooms throughout the home. For instance, plants that need plenty of water may thrive in the kitchen, while plants that can stand temperature changes may work better in the entryway. It’s worth mentioning that when functionality is incorporated, home decor that is centered around greenery can become even more beneficial to both the environment and the home. For example, a kitchen herb garden can simultaneously bring the outdoors in and serve as the perfect solution for an avid home chef. In the bathroom, plant life can bring color to a space that can often feel cold, though the type of plants brought indoors can bring to light even more benefits. For example, eucalyptus leaves can be hung in the shower, and present a variety of potential benefits — eucalyptus oil has been shown to reduce stress, provide pain relief, and benefit respiratory health.
DIY projects with a purpose
Home decor isn’t cheap, especially for those who like to maintain an up-to-date look — in fact, Americans were revealed to spend an average of $1,599 on home decor each year, according to one Opendoor survey. While the purchase of new decor can be appealing, however, it can be costly and will undoubtedly lead to unnecessary waste — especially if you have perfectly good materials to create your own at home. While repurposed jars can be used to create decorative terrariums, jute or scrap fabrics can be utilized to create a hand made rug fit for any room in the home. Macrame plant holders and eco-friendly soy candles are additional ideas that can elevate your home decor in a DIY way, especially when repurposing old pots or jars in the process.
Wall art can be expensive, and can often contribute to unnecessary waste when a painting doesn’t work out. The use of old photos, on the other hand, can serve as an eco-friendly and creative decor project for anyone who wishes to add a personal touch to the home. Online print and frame resources are essential for those who wish to display their memories with ease, especially when the goal is to achieve professionally dry-mounted images. After your photos are uploaded, online print and frame platforms will prompt you to choose the mount and frame. With a variety of colors and styles (such as single vs. multi-photo displays) to choose from, you can be sure you’ll end up with a professional result that’s customized to your preferences.
A sustainable spin on furniture
When the purchase of new furniture is necessary, certain options can prove to be more eco-friendly than others. How furniture is produced is just one major consideration — one NY Times article explores the environmental impact of furniture that is mass-produced, also known as “fast furniture.” While fast furniture can appeal to homeowners due to the inexpensive price tag, it can lack in terms of quality and durability and can wind up in the landfill more quickly as a result. As such, second hand furniture from a friend, thrift store, or consignment shop is a great way to go, especially if you’re in search of cost-effective solutions. While there are some safety considerations to keep in mind (such as proper sanitization), this can be a great way to keep perfectly good and unique pieces out of the landfill. To better mold a piece of furniture to your home’s unique style, upcycling is the ideal way to fully customize a piece. Stained or hand-painted wood, custom hardware, and even reupholstery with a favorite fabric are just a few ideas that can put a sustainable spin on any room.
A home that features eco-friendly decor is a great way to embrace an environmentally friendly lifestyle, and it doesn’t have to be a challenge to achieve, either. From the value of eco-friendly furniture to how you can create your very own upcycled aesthetic creations, a sustainable home can be created in smart and simple ways.
