Everywhere you look right now, it’s all about GOING GREEN, and the interior design world is no different. From organic fabrics to innovative natural lighting, creating an eco-friendly home is not only stylish, but for some a way of life.
In speaking with my clients, I feel that there’s a common misconception that having a green home translates into living rooms that end up resembling tree houses. This simply is not the case. ‘Going green’ doesn’t mean end tables made out of branches and leaves, but instead means choosing materials that are in a more natural form, devoid of chemical processes and harvested in a way that doesn’t hurt the environment. Whether your style is completely modern, bohemian chic, ethnically influenced or completely traditional, green elements can be seamlessly worked into any aesthetic.
I’m currently a big fan of the new eco-friendly interior paints, which look great but don’t contain all of the hazardous chemicals that traditional paints have. In the past, natural paints were criticized for their lack of available color selections and tendency to fade. However, today’s new versions are just as durable as any other paint on the market and the color choices are endless.
Another simple way I incorporate green elements into my interior designs is using recycled materials. In particular, I love the floor tiles by Flor, a great company whose products are made of all recycled materials. Stores like Walmart and Target are also places that offer a wide variety of affordable green products.
If you can’t be guilted into ‘going green’ out of your own sense of personal responsibility to help save the earth, then at least do it to look trendy and hip.
All the cool people are doing it.
What are everyone else’s thoughts on the green interior design movement? Any tips or recommendations on how to stay both eco-friendly AND stylish?
Cheers,
Chet
