Everything about making your home eco-friendly!
Green interior design is a branch of interior design which is becoming the newest trend and very important. Unlike contemporary interior design, using green designing techniques goes above and beyond the standard stylish and contemporary tends used in homes. As a business, green interior design is about making the customer happy and figuring out the customers ideas of what is stylish and beautiful with keeping in mind what is good for the earth.
A leading authority on green design is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, set up by the US Green Building Council. This program attempts to address five key issues: reduction of CO2 emissions, conserving water, improving indoor air quality, saving energy and keeping the earths natural resources in mind. Green interior design also is about saving money while protecting the environment and peoples health. These three things are not always compatible but green interior design tries to address them instead of being at the mercy of fashion.
Some ways to make your home more energy efficient are to install a programmable thermostat, use insulation, use house plants and purchasing energy saving appliances. Reducing your heating and cooling bills during the winter and summer also helps reduce your carbon footprint.
Water usage is also a major concern when going for a green interior design. To achieve this you can install low-flow faucets and shower-heads.
Materials used in a home also affects whether it is green, these include furniture, carpet and other things which are free of dangerous chemicals. VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals) such as benzene and formaldehyde are present in many paints, carpets and cleaning products and concern should be taken when using these. A good green interior designer will also suggest alternatives to common household ornaments which are VOC free. Using materials which are renewable such as bamboo flooring, cork and coconut are great alternatives to flooring. Using recycled materials also helps with a green design. Some of these are recycled class counters or reclaimed furniture. Synthetic materials should be avoided.
Going for a green interior design is a great holistic approach to making your home more eco friendly.
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