Going green is becoming increasingly popular – and increasingly important. It’s a trend that’s here to stay not only because it’s better for the environment but also because it makes your home more energy-efficient and comfortable. It’s also very versatile, so you can combine it with any style. It goes especially well with the nature-inspired theme, and it’s not hard to see why. With all that in mind, if you’re looking for ways to transform your home into an eco-friendly and nature-inspired oasis, here are a few tips that should help you out.
Reclaimed flooring
If you’re thinking about green flooring options, you should definitely opt for reclaimed flooring. Reclaimed means that it’s been made of materials that have been used previously. In other words, no trees would be cut to make reclaimed wood flooring. Moreover, it would still be just as shiny and beautiful as any other “new” floor, but it would also have some extra character due to its previous “experience”. Aside from wood, you can also find reclaimed stone and terracotta tiles, which would look great in your kitchen, bathroom, or garden.
Plants
Probably the best way to introduce some nature into your home is by adding more plants. Besides being a timeless decorative element, plants also purify the air inside your home. Research has even shown that plants can do a better job at purifying the air than some HEPA filters, which can be quite costly too. Moreover, there are many different types of plants, from simple flowers that can you can place anywhere to climbing plants that can turn your home into a gorgeous paradise. Some of them, like ficus, can even reduce noise. All in all, it’s a simple way to make your home more pleasant and green.
Insulation
In order to truly make your home eco-friendly, you need to make sure it is properly insulated. Your home’s insulation can greatly affect its energy efficiency. For example, if it’s not well insulated, you’ll need to use more power to heat up your home in the winter. Similarly, you would also need more energy to cool down your home during summer. So, no matter the season, having good insulation would definitely pay off.
Bathroom details
Your bathroom offers you plenty of opportunities for going green and introducing some nature into it. For example, you can use eco-friendly materials, like bamboo and the above-mentioned reclaimed tiles. Also, there are many plants that thrive in humid areas, so you should have no problems turning it into a relaxation paradise. Furthermore, there are many water-saving fixtures that you should consider if you’re looking to create a truly eco-friendly home. Finally, if you’re aiming for something a bit more minimalistic, there are many elegant freestanding baths that can fit any style.
Natural light
Many people forget to introduce some sunlight into their homes, even though it’s both free and healthy. Plus, it can make everything inside your home look more lively and colorful. Additionally, allowing as much natural light as possible can help you save some money and energy on artificial lighting and heating. Natural light can improve people’s mood too, which is another reason you should let more of it in. Just don’t forget to install window coverings as well, so you don’t overheat your home during the warmer months.
Natural colors
Another great way to introduce nature into your home is by painting it in nature-inspired colors. You can never go wrong with different shades of green, and they go well with yellow, white, blue, and brown hues. All those colors can improve the natural warmth of your home. Just make sure to choose zero-VOC paints, so as to make sure your home is free of any harmful toxins. Finally, if you don’t really feel like repainting your entire home, you can always add a couple of pillows or accessories in the mentioned colors and achieve a similar effect.
Green wall
Introducing lots of plants is a must for an eco-friendly, nature-inspired home. However, in case you want to go one step further, consider installing a green wall in your home. Having an entire wall made of plants is guaranteed to emphasize the nature aspect of your home. What you should keep in mind, though, is that such walls can get heavy, and they are a bit more complicated to maintain. However, the benefits make it worth the effort it takes, as a living wall in your living room would definitely transform your entire home.
Creating a green and nature-inspired home can not only save you money in the long run but also make your home much more pleasant to live it. Moreover, it’s a great way to do your part in the preservation of the environment. So, consider these suggestions, and apply them to your home in order to make it more energy-efficient and comfortable.
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