Go Green Indoors

The environmentally friendly green movement has taken off, and it’s no longer just for cleaning products, cars and personal care products. In fact, it has become a popular topic among professional and do-it-yourself interior decorators. Many use home design software to realize their vision. Some people work tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of their indoor environment is ecologically friendly. Others incorporate a sustainable table here, a green rug there. Whether you desire to make green decorating your personal mission or just your hobby with the help of an interior design tool, there are simple ways to incorporate green décor into your furnishings to satisfy both your sense of style and Mother Nature.

Going Green Underfoot
Because traditional wall-to-wall carpeting can trap toxic outdoor chemicals and allergens deposited via your shoes or furry friends, many people are turning to eco-friendly flooring. Options come in all styles and price ranges. Sustainable flooring is typically very durable and sometimes made of recycled materials. There are four popular options: hardwood, cork, bamboo and tile.

When shopping for hardwood floors, look for products that bear the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) seal. It ensures that the wood has been produced in a forest with regenerated trees, among other factors. Cork offers elasticity, which makes it very comfortable for walking and standing. In addition, cork is fire-resistant and hypoallergenic. Bamboo floors are water resistant and also detract bugs and mildew. For a more colorful look, tile floors made of recycled glass are a great option.

Seeing Green
Going green on the walls used to mean sacrificing style and quality. That’s no longer the case. Many manufacturers now offer eco-friendly paint that boasts durability and superior coverage, plus a rainbow of options. The key is, these paints do not have damaging solvents and harmful chemicals. How do you know which paint is safe for your home and health? Be sure the items you purchase have low or no VOC in the colorant and in the paint. You can try on paint colors with an interior design tool, available on many websites, for example, Digital Decorator.

If wallpaper is more your style, you’re in luck. Wall coverings have come a long way in both look and application, and many options are available for non-PVC products. PVC is a dangerous toxin that can leech into the air. Look for wallpapers that are fully vinyl-free and made with water-based inks on organic cotton fabric.

Saving Green
Rather than purchasing all of your home furnishings and fixtures new, why not consider buying second-hand finds? This technique is easy on the environment and your wallet. Shopping vintage avoids a double hit on the great outdoors, cuts down on overconsumption and helps landfills. Suddenly, a couch can have two or more lives, mirrors can be repurposed to suit your taste and counter-tops can be re-imagined to coincide with your décor. When you think recycle, not replace, the options are nearly limitless. Garage sales, online auction sites and vintage stores are brimming with interesting, eclectic finds. If you plan to refinish furniture, look for environmentally friendly products that are water-based and free of toxins.

By incorporating a little green into your style you’ll improve your home’s air quality and reduce the negative impact that your furnishings have on the environment. It’s the most sensible, responsible kind of style, and you can watch it come to life with the help of home design software. Just put your imagination to work.