Tips & Tricks

8 Ways You Can Make Your Home More Sustainable

What is Sustainable Interior Design?

Sustainable interior design is the intentional pursuit of minimizing energy use, emphasizing eco-friendly materials, and creating a toxin-free, healthy living environment. 

From incorporating energy-efficient lighting to choosing recycled furniture, sustainable interior design offers numerous benefits, including improved health, significant cost savings, and a reduced environmental footprint for your home. What’s not to love?

Here Are 8 Easy Design Tips You Can Implement Today to Make Your Home More Sustainable:

1. Switch to Eco-Friendly Paints

A great first step toward a more sustainable home is using eco-friendly paints. These paints release fewer harmful chemicals, reducing indoor air pollution and creating a healthier environment. Plus, they’re less toxic to manufacture, making them a win for both your home and the planet.

2. Invest in Curtains and Blinds

Curtains and blinds do more than just add style to your space—they can improve energy efficiency, too. In summer, they help block out heat from the sun, keeping your home cooler. During winter, they help reduce drafts, keeping warmth inside. This simple change can make a noticeable difference in your energy bills year-round.

3. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting

Swapping out your old incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs or CFLs is one of the easiest ways to reduce energy consumption. These bulbs use up to 75% less energy and can last 25 times longer, saving you money while reducing your carbon footprint. For added savings, embrace natural light to brighten up your space without using extra energy.

4. Use Smart Power Strips to Save Energy

Traditional power strips can waste energy, even when your devices are off. Smart power strips, however, detect when your electronics are in standby mode and cut the power, preventing “vampire loads” that drain energy unnecessarily. It’s a small change that can save you money and reduce your energy consumption.

5. Seal Your Home

Drafty windows, doors, and even electrical outlets can let warm or cool air escape, making your heating and cooling systems work harder. Sealing up leaks with caulk, weatherstripping, and outlet gaskets can reduce energy loss and lower your utility bills. We recommend taking a quick walk around your home to check for any gaps or cracks that may need a fix.

6. Choose Sustainable Home Furniture

When renovating or redecorating, opt for materials that are renewable, recycled, or responsibly sourced. Bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood, and recycled glass are excellent options that bring both style and sustainability to your home. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they also add unique, natural character to your space.

7. Incorporate Natural Textures and Fabrics

Bring the outdoors in by choosing natural fabrics like organic cotton, linen, or bamboo for your bedding, upholstery, and decor. These materials are sustainably sourced and add a warm, cozy touch to your home. Some other sustainable home decor ideas include woven baskets, jute rugs, and wooden accents.

8. Shop Purpose-Driven Brands

Being mindful of where you shop can make a huge impact. Seek out brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. By choosing purpose-driven companies, you support businesses that are reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly products. It’s a small change that contributes to a larger, positive impact on the environment. 

Explore some of our favorite sustainable brands.

Sustainable Interior Design With By Design Properties

Are you ready to start making the change toward a more sustainable home? These 8 tips are a great starting point! However, if you’d like some help implementing these ideas or exploring additional solutions, contact us for a consultation.

At By Design, sustainability and energy efficiency are central to our design and development process. Because of that, we carefully source products and partnerships from those who prioritize creating better solutions. Our goal is to inspire change through design and set a higher standard for responsible real estate development. Learn more about our philosophy.

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