Tips for Maintaining an Environmentally Conscious Approach in Interior Design
Writer / Kristen Pawlak, DDCD, Owner and Interior Designer, KP Designs
Photography Provided
“It’s not easy being green.” So says world-famous Muppet, Kermit the Frog. But actually, in today’s environment, with so many products and design options available, being green can be a relatively easy and environmentally beautiful design option. 
From paint, lighting and accessories to fabrics, furniture and wall coverings, becoming eco-friendly has become an extremely high priority for many home furnishings manufacturers.
Let’s take a look at a few of these exciting options.
Furniture
Natural fibers found in rattan and plantation-grown woods (rather than depleting forest-grown woods) give homeowners a wide variety of styles, textures and designs. Also consider materials such as bamboo, abaca and government-certified hardwoods. If purchasing eco-friendly furniture for your home is a priority, you might check to see if your furniture manufacturer is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council. If you’re seeking furniture that seamlessly blends style and sustainability, Copper & Tweed is a noteworthy choice to consider. Embracing the principles of eco-conscious living, Copper & Tweed offers a wide array of furniture options crafted from responsibly sourced materials. From chic designs to timeless classics, their collection caters to diverse tastes while prioritizing ethical practices.
Lighting
Not only have LED lamps been all the rage for the past few years, but they are also a boon to energy savings, as are the wide variety of energy-saving light bulbs available in the marketplace. In addition, many of today’s decorative lamps have been designed in wrought iron, allowing for an intricate detailing and design variety.
Fabrics
Believe it or not, gorgeous decorative fabrics are being made from recycled plastic water bottles, recycled polyester and recycled paper. Oftentimes these eco-friendly fabrics are treated and finished with only water-based or environmentally approved dyes.
Wall Finishes
Paints now feature low odors, faster drying times and stronger durability, all by maintaining environmental codes. If repainting is in your future, be sure to ask if the paint you’re considering has a low rating for volatile organic compounds, so you can continue your environmental stewardship. Natural grass cloth wall covering is another way to add warmth, beauty and texture to your wall decor, while maintaining your green focus.
And let’s not forget the importance in design of the color GREEN!! Yes, it may not be easy being green, but this long-desired
shade can be found in almost every design scheme. Whether you incorporate green in plant foliage displayed in your room’s design, or you make this shade predominate, usually any green shade will add a bit of the splendor of the great outdoors to any decor.
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