Sustainable home decor is important because it’s the way of the future. As the conversations surrounding ozone layer depletion and global warming increase, it’s important to find ways to sustainably create lifestyles for the health of Mother Nature and the next generations. This even includes the way you decorate your home. If you don’t know where to get started, consider eight home decor ideas that are sustainable.
Invest in Well-Made Pieces
If you’re purchasing coasters, the last thing you want is for them to be ineffective. This is why it’s wise to avoid cheaply made items. Sure, it might be cheaper to buy simple coasters. However, when you purchase high-quality modern coasters, you’re getting finely-crafted, effectively absorbent options that will last a long time. Plus, they’ll provide the sustainability you’re looking for.
Start with Second-Hand Options
The thrift store and online second-hand retailers are the first places you should visit. For starters, you’ll secure unique, well-made pieces for a fraction of the cost you’d pay in a regular furniture store. Plus, many online second-hand retailers provide auctions and the ability to make offers. When people move, they often donate a ton of items they don’t want to bring with them. This means you can easily get your hands on designer pieces, high-end furniture, and long-lasting quality.
Pay Attention to the Materials
Materials matter when you’re looking for sustainability. Consider how the items were made and the materials. When items are made with natural materials such as wood, wool, and stone, you already know you’re getting quality craftsmanship. When you invest in quality, you’ll get the most out of your newly-acquired items.
Don’t Be Led by Trends
Instead of focusing on trends, you’ll want to cultivate your own style. This is mainly because trends change constantly. By the time you spend thousands on your entire home decor set-up, the trends will change two more times. Even though everyone loves the monochromatic look right now, it’ll change quickly.
Rehab Older Items
Before you throw away that old couch, consider how you can revive it. Is it old because you don’t like the color of the couch anymore? All you need to do is get a couch slipcover as a quick fix. As a permanent fix, consider getting the entire couch reupholstered. Pick out a lovely color for fabric, pull up a YouTube video, and DIY the process. You can also call a reupholsterer to take care of the process for you. This allows you to give furniture new life and save money in the process.
Repurpose Before Tossing
If you love to burn candles that come in glass jars and vessels, you don’t have to simply recycle them when you’re done. Keep the jars and vessels for new purposes. Depending on the sizes, they can be used as vases for small flower arrangements throughout your home. Use a candle jar as a chic pencil holder. Find new uses for items that would typically get tossed.
Less is More
Do not overcrowd a space with a ton of clutter. Oftentimes, it’s said that your living space is a reflection of what’s going on in your mind. If your home looks cluttered, chances are your mind is cluttered as well. In order to streamline your look and obtain a semblance of peace, focus on getting pieces that can make a big impact. Instead of purchasing many little items that feel cluttered and get tossed eventually, focus on less.
Be Patient
It’s not uncommon for people to love instant gratification. Consequently, they end up buying the entire department store in order to have every option at their disposal. Instead of purchasing a ton of items that you’ll eventually return, take your time with the process. Pay attention to the space as you live in it. Notice what it needs. If you find yourself wanting a dinner tray, a catch-all for your keys, or space to place your books in a specific room, this will steer you in the direction of the items you need to purchase.
Conclusion
Decorating a home is a large undertaking. Whether you live in an apartment or a large single-family home, it’s easy to feel the pressure of getting everything right. Then, adding the sustainable concept can be understandably intimidating. Thankfully, when you implement these tips, you’ll be able to create a home environment that honors the need for sustainability yet remains pleasing to the eye.