Eco-Friendly Ideas to Decorate and Design Your New Home

Moving into a new home is an exciting time in anyone’s life. Aside from moving in, there is also the extra work in designing and decorating the space.

When we think about designing our home, we often think about running to the nearest department store to buy what we need. But as we work to build a more sustainable world, there are more eco-friendly ways to enhance the design of your home without creating more waste.

Switch To Wood Burning Fireplaces

Sprucing up your backyard with an outdoor fireplace is a great way to utilize the space. What you might not know is that burning wood is considered to be a renewable, carbon-neutral resource.

Therefore, it’s one of the most eco-friendly ways for you to stay warm while enhancing the experience.

Repurpose What You Have

One of the best ways to start decorating is by looking at the items you already have. Many things can be repurposed rather than buying an item new. Plus, it saves you money in the long run.

For instance, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way when sprucing up a room. Once you’re done and the can is empty, you can repurpose the paint can and use it as an indoor planter.

Buy Secondhand

Did you know that shopping secondhand can help reduce the amount of water we waste? Many products require a massive amount of water to create. A cotton t-shirt, for example, uses about 713 gallons of water during production.

This doesn’t account for any dyes used, which then go back into our water source. Next time you go thrift shopping, remember that you’re already doing wonders for your water footprint.

Be Purposeful With Your Rooms

When decorating a new home, you have the opportunity for a clean slate. Each room is bare so you can ultimately decide how you intend to use it. Be purposeful when you start the design process.

For example, you can use the spare room to design a yoga studio to meditate in rather than a lounging den with yet another television.

Swap With Friends

To help save on the extra costs of moving into a new home, reach out to your friends and family. They may have extra items they’re planning to donate you can use.

Or you can plan a fun swap party. This is a chance to get together and exchange items you no longer use but is new to someone else.

Build Using Recycled Materials

You might think building something from scratch is hard to do. But there are many different DIY projects you can do with recycled materials that are quite simple.

An old ladder can be turned into a rustic bookshelf. Old wood pallets from a local store can be remade into a decorative outdoor planter. It’s all about getting creative.

Local Garage Sales

Garage sales are one of my favorite things to do on the weekends. It’s sometimes even better than thrift shopping because you can find quality items at an even more affordable price.

You can even practice the art of bargaining. Most of the time, you can talk someone down in price on quality home decor.

Check Out Salvage Yards

Salvage yards may be off your radar, but you’d be surprised at how many professional interior designers make it their first stop.

Architectural salvage yards are a great place to find larger home items such as shutters or porch columns you wouldn’t necessarily find anywhere else. Go in with an open mind and let yourself be inspired by the possibilities of how to decorate your home sustainably.