The Rising Popularity of "Green Design" & Sustainability
Green design is a term that has gained a lot of attention in recent years, and for a good reason! Businesses, consumers, and even homeowners are constantly looking for newfound ways to reduce the negative impact their actions have on the environment.
As it relates to homeowners’ efforts, green design has become an essential part of developing your living space. Green design is the use of environmentally friendly materials and practices in interior design. The question still remains– why is it important? How do I get started?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how green design can be incorporated into your home’s layout, aesthetic, and functionality.
Storytelling is at the core of interior design. What one homeowner chooses to do with their house is completely up to them. Tell a story you can be proud of with green design at the forefront of your interior design plan!
One of the primary benefits of green design is that it can help reduce the carbon footprint of your home. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, green buildings and green homes reduce an estimated 30% of energy use, 35% of carbon emissions, and generates cost savings of 50 to 90 percent for property owners.
You might be thinking to yourself: “Okay, it’s clear that green design seems like a good thing for the environment, but how will it make my home look better?” With green design, it’s not like you’re sacrificing good for bad– it’s sacrificing good for BETTER.
If you’re interested in incorporating green design into your home’s design plan, there are a plethora of ways you can do so. Here are some recommendations for homeowners who want to embrace green design:
Source sustainable materials
Look for sustainable materials that are renewable, biodegradable, or recycled. Cork, recycled glass, bamboo, reclaimed wood, wool, hemp, linen, and natural stone are all great alternatives for breathing life into your space. Something as simple as terracotta tiling is a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to incorporate warm, earthy tones to contrast their bright, upscaled kitchen and dining room areas.
Look into energy-efficient lighting
If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs which are proven to use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs. Elevate your lighting game one step further and consider installing dimmer switches to reduce your energy consumption even further and give your space a more intimate, sophisticated look.
Choose eco-friendly products and accessories
A lot of consumers lose sight of the importance of green design when it comes to choosing products for home consumption or everyday use. One growing trend in eco-friendly products is using bedding made from organic materials such as cotton or bamboo. Green-forward products make your living space stand out and are great accent pieces to compliment the rest of your room’s décor.
Use the natural elements
When possible, use the natural elements to help illuminate your home with elegance, luxury, and authenticity. Natural light is a great way to reduce energy consumption and improve the overall ambiance of your space without sacrificing precious space or design commitments. Another great element to include in your design efforts is water, which can help enhance the sensory experience of your home, creates a sense of clam, and adds a focal point for wandering eyes.
In conclusion, green design is the future of interior design, and it can have a long-lasting impact on the way homeowners buy, decorate, personalize, and sell their home.
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Are you looking to incorporate green design into your living space? We’d love to help you out! Get in touch with Hudson Blau Designs and schedule your discovery call today: https://www.hudsonblau.com/contact-us
