From Guest Blogger Derek Lotts: Top Five Ways to Use Eco-Friendly Materials in Bathroom Design
We honestly can’t remember the exact moment bathroom design came into focus and turned into one of the top fixations of every household interior design but we do know we’re obsessed with it. With the gradual upgrade of interior design came the upgrade of bathroom design as well, and we have now moved from “regular” materials to eco-friendly options – where possible, that is.
To all of you who have been taking environmental issues seriously and introduced eco-consciousness into your lives and homes, here are some of the options we’ve selected to help you re-decorate your bathroom in an eco-friendly manner.
Eco-friendly flooring
In terms of eco-friendly flooring, materials like concrete, linoleum, and bamboo are the most common choices. This time around, we’re picking out bamboo green flooring as our favorite. We just love the way bamboo oozes that natural, eco element.
As one of the most popular eco materials on the market, bamboo is not only beautiful but super firm as well. Not many people know that this seemingly fragile wood actually makes for one of the toughest and fastest-growing plants out there, and that includes popular hardwoods like maple and northern red oak. Bamboo is resistant to both water and mildew, which is one of the key qualities for a long-lasting bathroom. Do keep in mind though that bamboo can potentially disfigure and swell if water (i.e. a burst pipe or overflowing toilet) seeps into it. Humidity may damage it, too.
Sustainable vanity units
The fact that your bathroom is looking to get an eco-friendly makeover doesn’t mean it should decrease in its aesthetic value, to the contrary: these days, eco designs lack nothing in their design, style, and functionality compared to the “regular” ones, and eco bathroom vanity options are sole proof of that.
The environmentally conscious furniture designers are predominantly turning to the “old ways” of making furniture – they handcraft high-quality sustainable materials, using their creativity, skill, and craftsmanship to ensure each piece lasts for generations. This applies to both home and bathroom furniture, and there are now plenty of gorgeous options to choose from. From tradition-inspired to eclectic and modern, eco-vanity units are now designed for everyone’s tastes. The leading artisans designing superb bathroom vanities in Sydney are for sure breaking the mold with modern eco-designs while some slightly traditional vanities can be seen further west.
Water conservation
Giving your bathroom an eco-friendly makeover predominantly means that saving water must become a paramount of the household, from that moment on. While most water-waste is to be attributed to bad habits, there are still a few things to do in order to save up.
Installing water-saving bathroom fixtures and repairing leakages are steps as important as sticking to eco materials only. Here’s what to do:
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucets
- Fix leaks immediately after you spot them (i.e. leaky toilets, faucets, etc.)
- Set up a gray-water system; it will collect water from the shower and sink and feed the toilet and the garden
- Don’t leave the tap open while brushing teeth, shaving or doing anything else in the bathroom
- Take shorter showers
Install better ventilation
It’s not just the smell but the mold and bacteria, too. Along with the horrible odors, damp bathrooms make for perfect surroundings for bacteria, mold and nasties alike to breed and take over your bathroom. The way to prevent it? Adequate ventilation! With a solid airflow, your bathroom will stay dry and clean, and it won’t smell bad. Still, a bathroom fan isn’t always enough to release trapped heat and moisture. Make sure your fan expels air out of your home; consider a unit with a motion sensor, timer switch or humidity sensor.
Energy-efficient lighting
Whether we are talking about a larger space or a small bathroom remodeling (ad)venture, the right lighting can tremendously cut down the energy use. LED lights and low-wattage lighting systems are the best possible options for both your home and the bathroom, given they emit less heat, last longer than regular bulbs and use very little electricity. Although they do cost a little more initially, they pay off in the long run. Replace all the lighting fixtures in your bathroom with LEDs and you’ll see a difference on your electric bill for sure. Plus, you’ll remain eco-conscious in the process! It’s a win-win, isn’t it?
We do hope our tips above helped and that you’ll find the best solutions for your home. Let us know how things went!
Derek Lotts is a regular contributor at Smooth Decorator and writes about décor, gardening, recycling, ecology and everything related to home improvement. He thinks all of these topics fall under the self-improvement category. He believes in the power of sharing ideas and communicating via the Internet to achieve betterment.
