Eco-Chic Design
The terms “eco-friendly” and “eco-chic” did not used to belong in the same sentence. Now you don’t have to sacrifice style to incorporate care for the environment into your home design! More and more eco-friendly materials are available on the market and more furniture companies are specializing in eco-friendly design or are incorporating sustainability into their products. Whether you are an eco-friendly design novice or are ready to dive in headfirst, we have something for everyone!
If you’re just starting to wrap your head around going a bit more eco-friendly in your home design, start with your lighting! Energy efficient lighting is very eco-chic because LED bulbs last about 10 years (less waste) and use much less energy than incandescent bulbs, which helps the planet and saves you money. You can also look at replacing your appliances with energy-efficient ones that save water and electricity and, again, are good for the environment and your bottom line! You can also make sure that your paints are low- or no- VOC (volatile organic compounds). When you’re done painting, don’t forget to dispose of your paint properly! Très, très eco-chic!
If you’re jumping headfirst into sustainable design, let’s talk furniture! Dozens of furniture stores specialize in eco-friendly furniture if you are looking to buy new! Other furniture companies will have pieces that are labeled “sustainably sourced” or “organic.” If a fabric is organic, this means that from the farm through the factory, no harmful chemicals have been used on it. If a wooden piece is labeled “sustainable,” this means that it should have come from a registered, responsibly managed forest. Of course, reclaimed materials and anything vintage is very eco-chic. We recently had a gorgeous wingback chair that was perfect, except for the zebra print that was covering it. Thankfully, we know a great upholsterer and for a few hundred dollars, we have a new chair! A win-win for the earth and us!
The great thing about home design is that it is your home, so you get to determine how eco-chic you want to be—a lot or a little! This design movement is so important, is very practical, and fits into any aesthetic.