Going green with your home’s interior design is an excellent way to reduce your environmental impact and create a healthier living space. As green interior designers, we have compiled our top eco-friendly design tips to help you embark on your sustainable home makeover journey. Implementing even a few of these ideas can make a big difference. Read on for our expert advice on creating a stylish and eco-conscious interior.

Choose Sustainable Materials

When selecting materials for your home renovations and furnishings, opt for products made from renewable and recycled resources. Here are some of our top picks for sustainable interior design materials:

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is a rapidly renewable grass that makes a great eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. It has a similar look but grows much faster, making it more sustainable. Bamboo flooring comes in various plank styles and stains.

Recycled Glass Countertops

Using recycled glass aggregate in concrete countertops gives them an eye-catching shimmer. This material is durable, easy to clean, and diverts waste glass from landfills. There are even some mixes that incorporate recycled mirrors for extra sparkle.

Natural Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum is composed of linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, and mineral fillers such as clay. It is biodegradable and does not emit VOCs like vinyl flooring. Choose natural linoleum made with jute or hemp backing for maximum sustainability.

Organic Cotton Furniture Upholstery

Opt for sofas and chairs covered in organic cotton, which is grown without pesticides. This breathable and hypoallergenic fabric comes in great prints and colors.

Reclaimed Wood Furniture

Whether it’s a rustic dining table made from old barn wood or a mid-century credenza crafted from antique lumber, choosing reclaimed wood prevents new tree harvesting. Massive slabs or accent walls using urban milled wood are also trendy options.

Natural Cork Wall Tiles

Sustainably harvested cork tiles lend warmth and texture to walls and ceilings. Cork is naturally moisture and mold-resistant, and it helps regulate interior temperature and acoustics.

Choose Eco-Friendly Paints and Finishes

When it’s time to add color through paints, stains, and other finishes, look for options with low or no VOCs. Here are some of our top choices:

Milk Paint

This zero-VOC paint has a soft velvety texture and comes in natural earth tones. It is made from milk protein, clay, and natural pigments. Best for walls and trim.

Natural Beeswax Wood Finish

Protect wood surfaces with food-grade oils and beeswax. This natural finish enhances the wood grain while avoiding VOCs from varnish or lacquer. Oils like tung and linseed polymerize as they dry.

Plant-Based Polyurethane

For a tougher natural finish, opt for bio-based polyurethane made from plant oils. It rivals traditional polyurethane for durability but emits fewer VOCs as it cures.

Clay Wall Plaster

Clay plaster adds natural color and texture to walls without using VOC paints. Different clays produce unique earthy hues, and plasters like lime or gypsum are also low-VOC options.

Milk Paint

This zero-VOC paint has a soft velvety texture and comes in natural earth tones. It is made from milk protein, clay, and natural pigments. Best for walls and trim.

Incorporate Eco-Friendly Insulation

Proper insulation is key for energy efficiency and interior comfort. Use these green options instead of fiberglass:

Recycled Denim or Newspaper Insulation

Keep walls warm and quiet using recycled paper waste or old denim. This eco insulation contains no chemical binders and can be safely composted later.

Natural Cork Boards

Cork is naturally insulating and moisture-resistant. Use large cork panels for walls or combine smaller boards for a decorative accent wall.

Cellulose Insulation

This insulation is made from recycled newspaper, cardboard, or other plant fiber waste. It is treated with non-toxic borates for fire and pest resistance.

Hemp Batt Insulation

Hemp fiber insulation contains no chemical irritants, dyes, or fungicides. It is mold resistant and ideal for insulating walls, floors, and attics.

Install Energy Efficient Windows

New windows can drastically improve your home’s energy efficiency. Look for the following eco-friendly options:

Double or Triple Pane Glass

Multiple panes trap air and insulate better than a single pane. Opt for double or triple pane windows with gas fills like argon for optimal insulation.

Energy Star Rating

Choose windows that carry ENERGY STAR ratings to ensure they meet strict energy efficiency standards for your climate zone. Certified windows must pass thermal testing.

Low-E Coatings

Low-emissivity coatings on glass reflect infrared heat back into your home during cooler weather and dissipate heat outside during hot weather. This technology reduces seasonal energy transfer through windows.

Recycled Aluminum or Composite Frames

Recycled content aluminum window frames have minimal maintenance and last a long time. Composite frames made with wood, vinyl, and fiberglass are also durable options with insulating properties.

Shading Exterior Overhangs

Position new windows to utilize shade from overhangs, awnings, and landscaping. This passive solar design blocks excessive heat gain and glare.

Incorporate Eco-Friendly Lighting

Energy efficient lighting saves electricity and money while reducing environmental impact. Here are some top green lighting tips:

LED Light Bulbs

Switch all your bulbs to LEDs which use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Choose ENERGY STAR-rated bulbs.

Natural Lighting

Maximize free natural light through larger windows, skylights, sun-tubes, light shelves, and reflective paint colors. Proper natural lighting improves interior comfort.

Occupancy and Daylight Sensors

Install occupancy sensors, timers, and daylight sensors to ensure lights are only on when needed. This eliminates waste from lights left on in unused spaces.

Task and Accent Lighting

Use targeted task lighting where needed instead of brightly lighting an entire room. Accent lighting adds charm while reducing overall wattage needs.

Dimmer Switches

Use dimmer switches to lower light levels when bright illumination is unnecessary. Dimmed LEDs consume even less energy.

Ventilate Naturally

Improper ventilation can lead to the buildup of indoor air pollutants. Follow these tips:

Operable Windows

Choose windows that open to let in fresh outdoor air. This dilutes and replaces stale indoor air which contains VOCs from furnishings and building materials.

Bathroom and Kitchen Fans

Properly ventilate bathrooms and kitchens where humidity and cooking odors originate. Run fans during and after cooking or showering.

Whole House Fans

A whole house fan is a powerful ventilation system that pulls in large volumes of fresh air through open windows and expels inside air through attic vents when operated.

Passive Solar Design

Allow natural breezes to flow through your home by carefully positioning windows and doors. Utilize cooler northern winds to naturally ventilate your home.

Indoor Plants

Decorating with leafy green plants boosts air purification. Some top air-purifying plants are peace lilies, English ivy, Boston ferns, and aloe vera.

Choose Sustainable Furniture

When furnishing your eco-friendly interior, search for quality pieces made from natural and recycled materials. Here are some of our favorite green furniture options:

Organic Mattresses and Bedding

Replace old mattresses with organic cotton, wool, latex, or other natural versions. Look for organic sheets, comforters, and pillows as well.

Wicker and Rattan Furniture

These are traditional green furnishings options constructed from woven agro-waste grasses or vines. Most are sustainably made today.

Upcycled and Antique Furniture

Choose secondhand vintage, antique, or upcycled furniture to save these quality pieces from landfills. Look for charming restorations or repurposed designs.

Bamboo Furniture

Bamboo can be pressed into flat panels for furniture construction. It is lightweight yet quite strong and durable. Bamboo rapidly regenerates without pesticides.

Modular Designs

Modular sofas, shelving units, and desks allow you to reconfigure pieces as needs change. This reduces waste from replacing entire furnishings.

Reduce Water Use

Conserving water is an important sustainability goal. Try these tips to reduce your indoor water usage:

Low-Flow Fixtures

Install EPA WaterSense labeled faucets, showerheads, and toilets that use at least 20% less water than standard models without sacrificing performance.

Greywater Reuse

Reuse relatively clean greywater from bathroom sinks, showers, and laundry for flushing toilets. Installing a greywater system significantly cuts water usage and bills.

Rain Barrels

Collect rain runoff from your gutters in barrels to use for irrigating landscapes. Installing a rain barrel is simple and can save thousands of gallons per year.

Native Landscaping

Choose native flowers, shrubs, and grasses that are naturally adapted to the climate and require very little extra watering once established.

Leak Detection

Detect and repair any leaky pipes, valves, faucets, and fittings to avoid losing water through drips. Small leaks can waste thousands of gallons monthly if left unfixed.

Reduce Waste

A zero-waste lifestyle minimizes unnecessary consumption and landfill contributions. Here are some kitchen and interior waste tips:

Reusable Bags and Containers

Pack lunches, store leftovers, and transport bulk foods using reusable bags, jars, boxes, and bottles rather than disposable versions.

Compost Food Scraps

Compost vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, and more to produce rich soil amendments instead of trash. Compost can be used for gardening.

Recycle Electronics and Batteries

Responsibly recycle old electronics, appliances, and batteries which contain heavy metals. Many retailers offer free drop-off programs.

Buy Used

Shop at secondhand and consignment stores for quality used furniture, decor, and clothing to extend the lifecycle of these items. Purchase reusable vintage pieces instead of cheaper new fast fashion.

Quality over Quantity

Minimalism is in. Avoid clutter and focus on a few higher quality multifunctional pieces rather than lots of poor quality items that take up space and get disposed of quickly.

Make Eco-Friendly Cleaning Easy

Clean green by replacing harsh chemicals with these simple non-toxic ingredients:

Baking Soda

Baking soda naturally scours and deodorizes without dangerous fumes. Make into a paste to scrub surfaces. Leave an open box in the fridge to absorb odors.

White Vinegar

The mildly acidic white vinegar cuts grease, removes grime, and disinfects naturally without chemicals. Mix with water to make an all-purpose cleaner.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice removes stains, bleaches surfaces, and cuts grease. It also leaves a fresh citrus scent. Mix with baking soda for more cleaning power.

Castile Soap

Plant-derived castile soap is biodegradable and versatile. Use for floors, dishes, laundry, and more. Peppermint castile soap also repels insects.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is effective for disinfecting and whitening surfaces. Make sure to properly dilute concentrations over 3%.

Final Thoughts

Implementing green interior design requires carefully choosing sustainable products and making eco-friendly improvements to your home. However, you do not have to overhaul everything at once. Making gradual upgrades over time can have a big cumulative impact while staying within your budget. Focus first on easy swaps then work your way up as finances allow. The most important tip is to get started! Follow this expert guidance to create a healthier, more environmentally friendly home interior for you and your family to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Interior Design

Green interior design incorporates sustainable principles into home decorating and renovation while minimizing environmental impact. Here are answers to some common questions about creating an eco-friendly interior space:

Why should I choose green design?

Green design reduces your carbon footprint through energy and resource conservation. It promotes better indoor air quality and protects the environment through the use of non-toxic products and materials. Adopting green principles also teaches children valuable sustainability lessons.

How much more does green design cost?

Going green doesn’t necessarily mean spending more. Implementing some changes such as swapping light bulbs or buying Energy Star appliances costs about the same. Bigger investments like solar panels can pay for themselves over time through utility savings. Prioritize changes that provide the most bang for your buck.

Where can I buy sustainable products?

Many major home stores now carry green options including low-VOC paints, recycled glass tiles, bamboo floors, energy efficient windows, and WaterSense fixtures. You can also find green suppliers online. Search for terms like “sustainable home products” or “non-toxic building materials” to find eco-friendly options.

Should I renovate or build new?

Remodeling your current home is usually the greener option since it reuses existing materials and infrastructure. When building new, aim for an efficient small footprint, passive solar design, and a location close to work, schools, and amenities to reduce transportation impacts.

How does green design promote better health?

Green design choices like better ventilation, less toxic materials, and entryway shoe removal zones improve indoor air quality. Abundant natural daylighting boosts mood and quality sleep. Reduced exposure to VOCs, allergens, dust, and mold creates a healthier interior environment.

What are the best plants for air purification?

Some great air filtering plants are aloe vera, English ivy, peace lily, ficus, bamboo palm, rubber plant, golden pothos, and snake plant. Place them in rooms where you spend the most time. Groupings of different plants work better than just one.

Should I get green certification for my home?

Getting LEED, Energy Star, or NGBS Green certification can provide third party validation of your sustainable efforts. However, green upgrades alone are worthwhile even without the official distinction. Focus first on making impactful changes rather than pursuing credentials.

How can I convince family members to go green?

Shift the conversation to issues your loved ones already care about – saving money, leaving a better world for the kids, or health. Point out when green options are cheaper, healthier, better performing, or more durable than conventional counterparts. Green is going mainstream, so no need to force drastic lifestyle changes.

How can I decorate sustainably on a budget?

Some budget-friendly green decorating ideas are: using your existing furnishings creatively, making your own art, frames, and decor from recycled materials, upcycling or repurposing furniture, shopping secondhand stores, planting potted greens, and making your own non-toxic cleaners. Get creative!

Conclusion

Creating an eco-friendly and healthy home interior is a wise investment for both your family and the planet. By implementing even a few of these green interior design tips, you can reduce waste, conserve resources, cut utility bills, and make your home safer and more comfortable for inhabitants.

Remember to look at the big picture. View green upgrades as long-term improvements rather than short-term costs. The more sustainable changes you make, the bigger positive impact your home will have.

Do your research and look for quality and durability when choosing materials, appliances, and furnishings. Higher initial price often leads to better performance and longevity which saves money and hassle over time.

Be creative and have fun with the process! Incorporate green living principles into your interior design in ways that reflect your unique sustainable style and sensibility. The options for stylish eco-friendly interiors are plentiful.

Each green upgrade brings you one step closer to your ultimate vision – a highly functional, healthy, environmentally friendly dream home that aligns with your values and enhances your family’s quality of life for years to come. What changes will you tackle first?