Green interior design is all about the conservation of natural resources and protecting your health while trying to achieve the best aesthetics. Although the scent of a new carpet or fresh paint can be exciting, redesigning your home can be threatening your health in a percentage that you may not be aware of.

VOCs also known as volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and other forms of chemical substances are commonly found in paints – these can seriously pollute your home’s air. The good news is, you can reduce your family’s exposure to such pollutants by intelligently planning your home’s interior design.

The green interior design approach means using low VOC products, energy star appliances, recycled materials and renewable resources. Using such can have a great positive impact on Mother Earth.

If you are one of those with an existing home that is not eco-friendly, it is time that you seriously consider how you can alter your interior design.

Recycled Furniture

One way to make a positive impact on your environment is to pick up an old side table at a garage sale somewhere. Update your room with a hand-me-down shelf or a prized vanity table heirloom piece.

Most of the time, dull-looking furniture can look stunning once again with just a fresh coat of low-VOC paint.

Recycled Design

Look for furniture and products that are made of recycled materials such as ceramic tiles, carpets with recycled contents and reclaimed wood. The color choices and styles may not be as numerous as the usual furnishings that you have; nonetheless, there are a good number of choices to look at.

Recycled rubber flooring can also be a wonderful addition to your home.

Have you also heard of recycled glass tiles? These are now widely used in shower surround and kitchen backsplash. The mosaic-style ones look absolutely gorgeous.

Renewable Resources

You can still have a trendy interior design even if you consider materials that are renewable. For instance, you can choose bamboo or cork for interior design applications. These are sustainable materials and they are less costly, too.

Your flooring will look great with such materials. Cork can be harvested then re-harvested over time. This means you can say goodbye to forest destruction.

Bamboo is also sustainable and durable; it also looks great in any interior application.

For softer floor covering, find wool materials that you can use. Unless you have persistent asthma, wool is a great choice for underfoot covering.

For people who choose to say goodbye to traditional flooring, concrete is a wise choice. Just like bamboo and cork, concrete is also a sustainable material that is quickly becoming a popular flooring option.

If your home is built on the concrete slab, then this can become a great opportunity to go eco-friendly in your interior design. Concrete floors offer a variety for decorative treatments that can add character to your living space.

When it comes to draperies and upholstery, choose fabrics that are made with natural fibers. Say yes to the greener alternative by saying no to synthetic materials. Silk, linen, cotton, and wool are textiles that can help you avoid VOCs.

Apart from the design components, you must also be aware of the decorative items that you need to buy to achieve a greener home. Look for interior design sources that offer eco-friendly products.

Green interior design may be difficult to accomplish at first but with your steady efforts, this is a goal that is definitely worthy of pursuit. Respect your planet and let your health be your chief concern. While going green may also mean spending a bit more, the benefits far outweigh the cost.

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