More and more people are awakening to the benefits of eco-conscious home decor, and the rise in popularity of green furnishings is interior design pushing frontiers forward at full speed. Still, introducing sustainable elements into your home in line with peak functionality and aesthetics is easier said than done: from material combinations and stylish designs to chic colours and proper sizes, there are many things you should take into account if you want to stay on the suave side of decor. The good news is you can avoid falling into the trap of slapdash impressions by sticking to tried and tested design formulas – and if you don’t know where to find them, try the ones below.

Reclaimed timber for a vintage feel

Happy Earth Day everyone! Make this day last as long as possible! #dbodhi #reclaimedfuniture #recycledfurniture #teakwood #reclaimedteak #teak #teakfurniture #ecofurniture #eco #earthday #earthday2017

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‘dbodhi’ will exhibit at the upcoming Decor + Design, co-located with  2017 AIFF

There’s something inimitably chic about furniture made from reclaimed timber. Eco-friendly and cost-efficient, upcycled wooden pieces and palette furniture will infuse your nest with a vintage-rustic vibe.

If you’re in the mood for a more colourful backdrop, however, you can touch salvaged wood up with a fresh paint coat to dial up the appeal of timber pieces with a generous dose of contrast and visual interest.

Recycled materials are here to stay

South African lighting designer Stephen Pikus is on a mission to transform the way we see waste through his design studio Stephen Pikus Design. Based in Johannesburg, the designer and his team re-purpose discarded materials by harnessing the most environmentally and socially friendly processes possible. Working closely with recycling agencies and established NGOs, their unique design approach is always aware of the wider world.  He will be at New York Design Week this May and we are delighted that he will be showcasing his work at Australia’s No.1 Interiors Event, the Decor + Design show (co-located with AIFF) in Melbourne from July 20 – 23.

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Another simple update you can try if you want to go green in your home, recycled materials will reduce your household’s environmental impact without compromising your day-to-day comfort. Apart from reclaimed wood, you can use scrap steel, aluminium and fibreglass to make furniture that will last you decades. To get the biggest eco-friendly bang for your buck, swap classic home textiles for their sustainable counterparts.

Sustainable, affordable, and stylish

In case you don’t want to hassle with antiques or spend days overhauling worn-out pieces, turn to décor elements crafted from renewable materials such as bamboo, hemp, and sustainably sourced wood.

You can also look into the offer of furniture available with sustainable retailers, but be sure to double-check green certificates and shop from brands verified as environmentally friendly to avoid greenwashing ploys.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNf46pBg6i7

BEC DUFF aka Kambamboo will showcase at WALL ST  – A featured platform of  Decor + Design 2017; co-located with AIFF.

Farewell to household health hazards 

Common health hazards found in most homes such as mould, allergens and toxic paint also play a role in your nest’s environmental impact.

To stay on the green side of decor agenda, it may be a smart idea to swap standard for an eco-friendly memory foam mattress which you’ll top with bedclothes made from sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp fibre, or recycled polyester.

Shed green light on sustainable decor

Lamps made from sustainable materials such as bamboo and salvaged wood are all the rage in the world of interior design these days, and they fit the eco-friendly bill like a glove.

Great styling of DARLIN driftwood and lanterns @cooee_home_decor #darlinaustralia #driftwood #lanterns #stylingideas

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DARLIN will exhibit at 2017 Decor + Design Show co-located with AIFF

To max out on sustainability, you can outfit green lamps with CFL bulbs and cut your home’s environmental impact and utility bills by a single blow. For an extra dose of eco-safety, you can dress the floors with rugs made from rope, jute, or recycled banana fibre in either natural colour or eco-safe paint coat.

Environmentally friendly paint-wise

A material isn’t the only aspect of furniture that can make or break the environmental footprint of your household. Paints also have a hand in the safety of furnishings for both your family’s health and the planet as a whole. To get the greenest bang for your furniture buck, opt for pieces that rock a low-VOC paint number or use non-toxic paint to update furnishings on your own. If you’re unsure as to whether the pieces you’re about to buy are truly sustainable color-wise, it would be best to consult the producer or educate yourself about different types of eco-friendly paint prior to the purchase.

Introducing sustainable furnishings into your home isn’t as difficult as it may sound: simply stick to the tips above and double-check labels before buying pieces advertised as eco-friendly. Learn more about conscious design at AIFF 2017 International Seminar Series.

Disclaimer

This is a guest post by Chloe.