Contractor Tips Blog

Feb
28

Design Ideas for a Greener Home

Posted in Interior Design

Green living is not just a passing trend. Nowadays, more and more homeowners are investing in green solutions for the home, from eco-friendly building materials to energy-efficient lighting. Eco-sustainable interior design results in living spaces that are healthier, distinctive, and interesting. Here are some techniques and products to bring out the ‘eco’ in your decor.

1)      Eco-friendly countertops

There are now a wide range of choices for environmentally-friendly kitchen countertops. Countertops made from recycled glass have a stylish, mosaic-like appearance and include vetrazzo, fuez, and BottleStone. You can also consider bamboo-based countertop materials like EcoTop or Teragren. Other options include Paperstone made from post-consumer, recycled paper, and Durpalm made from reclaimed, non-fruiting coconut palms.

2)      Nontoxic finishes

Nontoxic lacquers, varnishes, and paints are a smart choice for the health-conscious, eco-aware homeowner. They reduce indoor air pollution and you can achieve the same stylish, high-quality surface finishes as with traditional products. Standard paints have VOC (volatile organic compound) in them, a man-made compound which has been shown to have adverse immune, respiratory, and allergic effects on humans. Eco-friendly finishes on the other hand, have low VOC levels or use colorants that are VOC-free. Examples include Yolo Colorhouse exterior and interior paints, and Benjamin Moore’s Natura line of paints. There is also the option of using natural, organic furniture polishes and wood finishes. These contain no toxic hydrocarbons or other biocides and can be either commercial or homemade.

3)      Green flooring

Today, there are green flooring solutions to fit a broad range of budgets and tastes. Cork is an excellent eco-friendly and rapidly-renewable flooring material harvested from cork oak trees. A stylish alternative to traditional hardwood flooring, durable, sound-absorbing cork flooring is available in a wide number of colors and styles. Another option is sustainable bamboo flooring which adds beauty and serenity to any interior.

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