Architectural and interior design trends are often inspired by Pantone, culture, and current events which gives a central character to a home renovation project. As the world becomes eco-conscious, sustainable living and home renovations are gaining popularity. Incorporating environment-friendly remodeling ideas and modern architectural products has become the new norm.
Why Go for Sustainable Home Renovation?
The frequency of tragic weather events including cyclones, floods, earthquakes, and wildfires has led architects and designers to focus on eco-friendly house ideas. The motto here is to challenge climate change and minimize the impact on the environment to save our planet. Therefore, eco home remodeling ideas like mini vegetable gardens in the backyard and clay tile rooftops are being emphasized to build homes that not only protect us but also the environment.
Thinking of a humble abode built from sustainable renovation ideas? Here are the best tips for building a green home:
1. Durable and Stylish Flooring
Think of durable flooring options because the longer it lasts, the lesser sourcing and transporting of materials, thus preventing the impact of harmful by-products that are often generated with these processes. Eco-friendly and stylish flooring options include natural, high-quality stone tiles from sustainable quarries and even imitation tiles such as wood-effect and slate-effect, especially if they are made from recycled material.
2. Chemical-free Walls, Roofs, and Windows
Eco-friendly walls that are sturdy, as well as stylish, need a lot of planning.
If you need to repaint, then look for chemical-free wall paints that are made from raw, organic materials. Insulate a double brick wall using ‘pump-in loose-fill wall insulation’ with a high R-value (greater heat resistance), thereby saving energy.
Timber windows are known to be energy efficient as they do not conduct heat, although they require more maintenance than aluminum windows. Consider installing thermal breaks to minimize the transfer of heat and cold through the windows.
Assess how strong your current roof is – If your home can bear retrofitting, add new trusses on top. If the roof structure is sound but the tiles have gone bad, then replace them with a tin roof. Don’t forget to insulate your roof in an eco-friendly way for those chilly winters.
3. Energy-efficient Appliances
There are many high-performing, energy-efficient home appliances available to help you through a sustainable renovation. You can start with replacing the appliances that have a major impact on the environment and are also financially viable. For example, eco-washing machines, and water-efficient show ahead for saving water. Keep in mind that large appliances like upscale refrigerators require a lot of electricity, so look for energy-efficient appliances including dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, etc.
4. Eco-friendly Furniture Choices
Sustainable furniture options can make a huge difference in saving the environment (and your money). Look for furniture pieces constructed from recycled and renewed materials such a salvaged wood, wood pallets, bamboo, rattan, seagrasses, metal, and timber. Pick vintage or antique pieces because they are often made using fewer chemicals. Few labels and terms that guarantee eco-friendly furniture are CARE, C2C, Eco3Home, FSC, and Green Housekeeping Seal of Approval.
5. Practice Recycling
While renovating, don’t forget to dispose-off old products in the greenest way possible to avoid increasing the burden on landfills. Eco-friendly organizations these days offer innovative carpet recycling facilities along with other plastic waste. Get creative! For instance, you can upcycle old tiles into eco-friendly products for the home like tea coasters, an eye-catching decorative piece on your wall, or a heat-proof top for an old coffee table.
6. Invest In Solar Panels
Solar panels are fast becoming the cheapest and most sustainable source of energy globally. They are easy to install and require very little maintenance, making them suitable for all sustainable home renovations. A typical home solar PV system could save around 1.3 to 1.6 tonnes of carbon per year and generate around 3,700 kWh of electricity! Though you must get a professional installer to tick off all the criteria before you decide to install a solar panel on your roof.
7. Eco-friendly Exteriors and Alternatives
Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to build a green home exterior irrespective of the amount of space you have. From growing native plants or food on the balcony to building stormwater management systems, there are many alternatives available to traditional lawns. You can turn the space into a beautiful and functional place for your family and pets. People are also exploring modern-day green exteriors such as natural pools, urban farming, beekeeping, and solariums. The options are endless!
Apart from contributing to a clean and green environment, sustainable renovations are also great to boost the home value if planned with meticulous interior designing. It is one of the greatest ways to be eco-friendly. Moreover, breathing new life into your home only makes it your own.
We hope you found this blog post about How to Build Your Green Abode with Sustainable Furniture and More useful. Be sure to check out our post Smarter Renovation and Home Improvement Tips for more great tips!
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