From Guest Blogger Amelia Atkins: Environmentally Friendly Interior Design Ideas

In this day and age when we are becoming increasingly aware of the damage caused to the environment by humanity, and the boomerang effect that has on our health and future, it is essential to start making changes at our own micro level. Furthermore, indoor air pollution caused by the use of toxic chemicals in construction materials, gases and household products, can affect the health of the property’s occupants. This is why it is essential to reconsider how we design our homes, and make a shift toward environmentally friendly interior design. If you are willing to go greener for a healthier future, here are a few eco-friendly design ideas that might change your life.

Start from the ground up

Some flooring materials might emit toxins into the air you and your family breathe. This is especially the case with certain vinyl floors which can contain phthalates. Also, some wooden floors can release formaldehyde into the air, if they are bought from untrustworthy sources or installed long ago. Replacing them with environmentally friendly flooring solutions can impact the quality of indoor air and your life. The green materials you should be considering are cork, bamboo, glass tiles, reclaimed wood, etc.

Move on to the walls

Many wall paints, especially the ones produced decades ago, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds are actually solvents that get released into the air and cause acute symptoms like headaches and dizziness. Fortunately, most paint manufacturers today are aware of this issue, and they have started to produce paints with no VOCs or with low VOC content.

Use green materials for furnishing

VOCs, formaldehyde and other hazardous ingredients can be found in furniture, especially if it’s upholstered or made of wood layered with chemical finishes. Furniture from natural wood is the best way to battle these risks. Since there are not so many trustworthy major companies producing such pieces, you can always choose unique custom made furniture that will fit into your style. If you are willing to make some style sacrifices, you can also opt for reclaimed, repurposed or used furniture you can find at your local flea market.

Opt for organic fabrics

Synthetic materials can release toxins into the air, while many of the non-organic natural products still contain residues of pesticides and other chemicals used in their growth and production. That’s why it is better to opt for certified organic textiles, such as cotton, jute, seagrass and wool. This goes for carpets, drapery, bed covers, bedding, etc.

Make your home more energy-efficient

While all the previous design projects had health and the environment in mind, this one adds another important factor, and that is financial savings. Energy-efficient changes you can make include insulating your home (or improving the existing insulation), installing double or triple glazed windows, and replacing the old incandescent light bulbs with CFLs or LED lights.

Maximize the daylight

Another project with a strong emphasis on future savings, letting the sunlight into your house does so much more. It can affect your mood and make you feel happier and make your home appear more beautiful. You will maximize the amount of sunlight in your house if you remove heavy curtains, install large windows or glass door, and install skylights.

Purify the air – the natural way

You know what makes a great pair with sunlight? That’s right – houseplants. These vibrant little things serve not only as decorative elements (but they do a pretty good job in this area), they can also purify the air absorbing harmful toxins through the pores of their leaves. Some of the plants that are the most successful in purifying the air are Aloe vera, Boston ferns, spider plants, purple waffle plants, English ivy, peace lilies and snake plants. Scatter these green wonders across your home, and you will make sure the interior is much healthier and appealing than it was before.

Though it is highly unlikely that your environmentally friendly home will save the planet, it will definitely improve the health of your family, and be a small step forward that many other people can follow.