Eco Decorating Tips

Eco-Friendly Interior Decorating Tips

Here are some tips to be more environmentally conscious when decorating your home or office – Remember to shop locally if you can! 

Need new window coverings?  How about blinds made from bamboo, or roman blinds made from hemp or organic cotton?  Draperies can also be made from blends of hemp/silk, hemp/linen, hemp/cotton, or even fabrics made from recycled products.  From sheers to heavy, insulating weights, there are many fabrics to choose from. When having window coverings custom made, ask for organic or eco-friendly fabrics.

Hemp roman blinds with hemp/tencel pleated drapes, made by NikkiDesigns 

Need new furniture?  Why not slipcover instead?  Keep those old couches out of the landfills and have custom slipcovers made in an eco-friendly fabric.  Washable slipcovers are a practical, affordable alternative to buying new.  There are many upholstery weight “green” fabrics available.  Ask your local designer or browse online.  Here are a few websites to try:  www.kravet.com, www.hempbasics.com, www.indikaorganics.com, www.nearseanaturals.com, and www.picknatural.com

Hemp/cotton Slipcover made by NikkiDesigns 

Your bedroom is another smart place to choose organic fabrics.  Why sleep in sheets made of conventional cotton, which uses many chemicals in its processing, when there are so many beautiful organic sheet sets available? They are kinder on the environment and better for your health.  Duvet covers, rugs, and bench cushions can all be made from green fabric choices too.  Rugs made out of sisal, seagrass, hemp, coir or recycled materials are all good choices. 

In the Dining room- Are you still using paper napkins? Over 3 million tons of tissue are thrown away in the U.S. each year.  Napkins made from organic cotton, linen or hemp are a much better choice.  They are long-lasting and look beautiful!  Coordinating tablecloths, placemats, and table runners are all becoming more readily available. Check out these websites:  www.nikkidesigns.etsy.com, www.rawganique.com, and www.hankettes.com

Hemp/Tencel napkins made by NikkiDesigns 

In the Bathroom – Did you know that plastic shower curtain liners, made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) emit carcinogens that can get into your lungs and skin while taking a hot shower?  They are also non-biodegradable.  A good alternative is using a hemp shower curtain.  Hemp is grown without pesticides, is biodegradable, and naturally resistant to mold and mildew.  Both Rawganique and Nikkidesigns carry shower curtains made of hemp.  Low-odour plastic shower liners are also available.

Hemp/Cotton Shower Curtain, made by NikkiDesigns 

Another thing to remember when decorating your home or office is to shop locally.  If you have to buy new, look at your local decorating shops first.  Try to buy items made locally or from local materials.  Better yet, re-use!  If you are a DIYer, shop your local Thrift store for items that can be rejuvenated.  Even your basement may hold some hidden treasures! 

Written by:

Nikki MacCallum

Nikki's DSG Portfolio and; Nikki's Website

 

DesignStyleGuide.net has a selection of the recycled home accessories and furniture - simply search for "recycled".To browse our complete catalog, click here: http://www.designstyleguide.net

See also:

• Eco Green Design Styles

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