Being eco-chic is taking over home design. With the current state of our environment, designers and architects are taking steps to ensure we keep our planet healthy by reducing our carbon footprint through eco-friendly features. Creating an eco-friendly home is the process of producing an environmentally sustainable and resource efficient space. Whether you are building your home from the ground up or incorporating eco-friendly details into your space, we are giving you design tips for executing a beautiful luxury home without harming mother earth.
Use Natural and Organic Materials
If you are going for an eco-friendly design, you have to incorporate natural elements. Get rid of the particleboard, chromed metal, and plastic. Choose components like wood beams, river rocks, reclaimed wood, ceramic tiles, bamboo, stone, and cork. Combining these materials will not only make your home eco-chic but also will last longer as they are extremely durable and add a robust feel. Materials used to create your exterior walls should absorb solar heat and have low water absorption. Using bricks made of sand, lime, and cement are great options, and they are fire resistant. For an elegant look, try using ceramics for a low maintenance alternative.
Opt for Small Batch, Water-Based Textiles
Small batch, hand dyed, water-based textiles don’t produce toxic waste and create a unique look for your home. There are many eco-friendly brands and most support artisans from communities around the world. Incorporate these items by choosing pillows, curtains, blankets, baskets, and pottery.
Pick Power Saving Technology
There are many great options when it comes to energy saving technology. A couple of possibilities include shifting your outdoor lights to solar powered lighting and inserting bioethanol fireplaces instead of the wood burning or gas choices. The clean burning fireplaces are chimneyless and use ethanol as their fuel.
Employ Solar Panels
Applying solar panels to your roof provides a source of electrical energy. Place your panels from east to west to obtain as much solar energy as possible. If you are building your home, and haven’t constructed the roof yet, use a heat reflecting material.
Use Earthy Interior Accessories
When it comes to accessorizing, source materials made out of clay, stone, and glass and incorporate wicker baskets and foliage. If you love to be surrounded by nature, an indoor plant wall is a great addition to an eco-friendly home.
Strategically Place Your Windows
Energy saving is essential when being mindful of the environment. Cutting down on your air conditioning use can have dramatic benefits. Living by the coast, we are blessed with the ocean breeze. Utilize this breeze by facing your windows towards its general direction, which will create ventilation throughout your home. You can also apply overhangs, roof canopies, or awnings to the roof to shade your home from excessive heat.
Choose an Open Layout
Most eco-friendly homes have an open-floor plan to reduce the amount of construction required during the home building process. This open design also creates a natural flow of air and light throughout the space, cutting energy costs while creating a beautiful sun splashed and breezy interior.
With the incredible resources available, it is easy to create an abode that supports the environment while remaining luxurious. You don’t have to sacrifice aesthetic appeal to reduce your carbon footprint. Whether you are building or redesigning, the options are endless, and the environment will thank you.
