SUSTAINABLE WAYS TO FURNISH & FINISH YOUR HOME

If you’re someone who’s trying to transition into an environmentally friendly lifestyle, you may be wondering how to make your home greener. One of the ways you can live an eco-friendlier lifestyle is by incorporating sustainable furniture and features into your home. For those who aren’t sure what this means or where to start, below are a few ideas around sustainable ways to furnish and finish your home.

Invest in sustainable materials
Invest in furniture made of more eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, clay, or cork. You could even choose cupboards and chairs that are made from recycled plastic bottles or reclaimed and recycled/upcycled wood. When you’re picking out your linens, always try to get items made with natural fibres, such as hemp, flax, organic cotton, and wool. These may cost a bit more but they do last longer. Also, be sure to support brands that embrace an ethical and eco-friendly attitude.

Buy your décor handmade or at thrift stores
Another great sustainable way to furnish your home is to choose to repurpose, reuse, or upcycle décor or furniture. Handmade items may be on the pricier side but it’ll save you money in the long run as they tend to last longer than factory-made items. If you choose to shop at a thrift store, the options are endless and you may even find vintage handcrafted items for a fraction of the original price. The beauty of thrifting is that if you’re not 100% set on the design, you’re always able to upcycle it into a unique, original piece just for your home. A bonus of choosing handmade or thrifted items is that you’ll also be supporting your local communities & small businesses.

Try simple sustainable swaps
Going green can be as simple as choosing LED lightbulbs or investing in solar panels and water-saving faucets. When your home needs a fresh coat, try to avoid using toxic paints and opt for low/zero volatile organic compounds or nontoxic paints. Candles are always lovely to have in your home as they add a certain ambience to your environment. To keep things eco-friendly, purchase high-quality soy candles that won’t emit harmful chemicals and last longer, meaning they’ll also save you from buying new candles too often.

Grow some lush indoor plants
Who wouldn’t want some lush ferns and beautiful succulents to add a lively energy to their home? To become even more sustainable, plant and grow your own herb and vegetable garden to avoid having to purchase these (along with all the unnecessary packaging) from the store. Just be careful not to choose plastic pots or chemical-based fertilizers as this can be counterproductive to your cause. Instead, try repurposing your bowls, pans, cans, and even your old teapots as planters.

Sustainable features can increase property value
Over time, it’s likely that homes with environmentally friendly features (such as built-in cupboards made from reclaimed wood, solar panels, water-saving faucets, etc.) will become increasingly desirable. Therefore, deciding to furnish and finish your home in a sustainable way and installing eco-friendly features will not only help the environment but could also add value should you decide to sell your home. If you’re not sure which sustainable features will increase the value of your home, reach out to a real estate professional who can guide you in the right direction.