Our homes are our sanctuaries that reflect our personalities, preferences, and values. As such, they ought to be designed in a way that is in line with what we stand for.
With global eco-consciousness on the rise, more residents are making some green changes around their homes as a way of creating spaces that support their lifestyles. Designing a home that is both modern and sustainable can be as easy as implementing a couple of green changes, and these five upgrades are a great place to start.
Living walls and green roofs as stylish and functional add-ons
Few things can breathe life into space the way plants can. Not only are they nice to look at, but plants can also bring a plethora of eco-friendly benefits to your living space and make your home ‘greener’. They act as natural air purifiers by filtering out toxic pollutants and improving air quality, and they’re also known as practical sound absorbers. Whether you opt for a fancy vertical garden or choose to install a green roof, incorporating nature into the home design is an effective way to boost its visual appeal while at the same time providing natural insulation and cooling.
Energy-efficient insulation as a green solution
How effectively you manage to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter will depend on the efficiency of your insulation. A home that is well-insulated will use less energy which will result in lower energy bills. Home insulation is another area where you can go green. There are different eco-friendly insulation alternatives you can use without resorting to fiberglass which contains fibers that can be hazardous to your health. Sticking with insulation materials such as cellulose, cotton, aerogel, or sheep’s wool would be a much safer, healthier, and overall eco-friendlier option. To make your home extra stylish, consider adding wood panels on top of the insulation. It will provide a good cover for insulation while also being a sustainable add-on for your green home.
Solar-powered homes for minimizing environmental impact
Relying on clean, renewable energy to power your home is one of the most effective ways to minimize your household’s environmental impact. Depending on the amount of sunlight your home gets over the year, installing solar panels can be a great way to harness the power of the sun and ensure energy independence. A stable solar system requires high-quality components, so besides investing in solar panels made by a reputable manufacturer, you also want to get add-ons that boost your solar system’s performance such as batteries and charge controllers. Maximizing its efficiency is made easier with the help of a powerful and efficient solar inverter for solar panels. This add-on is essential as it converts the stored energy into one you can actually use to power your appliances. Aside from being eco-friendly, solar-powered homes also look aesthetically pleasing, meaning you don’t have to choose between function and style.
Home appliances that are both modern and eco-friendly
Swapping your old home appliances for their updated versions may seem like an expensive undertaking, but it certainly makes more financial sense in the long run. Older appliances such as stoves and refrigerators require more energy to run, meaning that they’re energy-inefficient and cost you more. Investing in new home appliances that are environmentally-responsible means making a green change that will lower your impact on the environment while also saving you money. Nowadays you can find a number of models that fit with different kitchen styles, from contemporary to farmhouse to coastal. Go a step further and swap out your old lights for energy-saving light bulbs to preserve energy and make your home even greener.
Natural materials for chic and sustainable interiors
Going green at home can also mean making some smaller upgrades that are equally significant for the environment. Whenever you’re shopping for textiles, furniture, clothing, or home decor, make sure that you read the labels. Opt for those that list natural ingredients and eco-friendly materials, such as hemp, linen, organic cotton, bamboo, cork, and recycled wood and metal. They won’t only make your interiors more sustainable but also incredibly chic and stylish. If you want to take things a step further, choose eco-friendly paints to change up the colour of your walls or furniture. These don’t contain toxic ingredients, so they won’t be harmful to the environment or pose a threat to children who get into contact with paint and you also get to beautify your home with zero guilt involved.
Conclusion
Green living is a trend that’s been steadily growing in recent years and it’s being embraced around the globe. It’s all about getting back in touch with nature that we are a part of, and the changes can vary from small ones to big ones. No matter which upgrades you make around your home, it’s important that you start somewhere and do your part in making the future of our planet a bit brighter.
About the author: Mike Johnston is an avid freelance writer and blogger. He is a regular contributor to the Smooth Decorator blog. Mike’s specialties are home improvement and interior design, but he also often covers commercial and residential real estate.