If your home was built before the eco-design craze, you may be wondering how you can contribute to the “green movement” without energy-efficient architecture or 100% organic building materials. In fact, there are many ways for homeowners with older residences to develop environmentally sound practices within their homes. Improving your sustainability doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming either; there are many quick and cheap solutions that make a big difference.
Simple changes, such as swapping regular light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs, are not only more environmentally sustainable, but also more economical. Likewise, making sure to fix major drafts in doors and windows will save energy and money on your bills.
Whether you have an older home that needs constant attention or your home only requires occasional repairs, careful thought should be given to any renovation project, large or small. Before starting the job, plan every detail involved in the design aspects as well as the materials to avoid failures that could waste time, energy, and supplies.
Check online resources to determine which products have the fewest environmental impacts. If you are subcontracting any work, assess the builder’s familiarity with sustainable design and construction. For DIY projects, make sure you don’t overestimate your experience because having to completely restart the job is also wasteful.
Decoration and interior design are also important factors to improve the sustainability of the home. Because “organic” and “green” have become fashion changers, make sure you’re not being fooled by misleading marketing. The fact that a product’s packaging is green does not make it a green concept. When it comes to decorating sustainably, the options are endless. Today, you can find organic or eco-friendly alternatives for almost every item in your home.
Investing in sustainable home décor can be an important decision, as most furniture, lighting, and accessories tend to have a long lifespan. If you’re not ready to buy a large item like a sofa or dining table, accessories like natural fiber rugs can be a good first step toward sustainability. Like any remodeling job, research is equally important when making interior decorating decisions.
Natural fiber rugs can be found very easily at points of sale and in online stores. The name suggests an earthy and simple design; however, there are also refined styles of very high quality. Living interiors with any composition can be enhanced with the addition of a natural fiber rug.
Rugs vary in material and include sisal rugs, wool rugs, seagrass rugs, and jute rugs. Fabrics vary in softness, with some accentuating the texture of the fiber while others tend to hide it. Area rugs made from refined stacked jute have a softer feel and more sophisticated contemporary styling. Seagrass rugs found in the Fibreworks Botanical Blends collection emphasize beautiful natural materials. With style names like “Garden Grove,” “Spring Twine,” and “Summer Lace,” you can imagine these accessories perfectly on a sunroom, screened-in porch, or patio.
A potpourri look can be found in rugs with a mix of different natural fibers. This option portrays a traditional country feel that would warm a kitchen or family room floor. While subtle, neutral tones are the norm for natural fiber rugs, you can also find varieties in vibrant colors to match any room’s accents.
Whether you’re just starting to “green” your living space or already well on your way, consider natural fiber rugs when making new home décor decisions.