Is your home in need of a makeover? Do you want to create a lovable living space without compromising your green ideals? In this article, we share 5 home decorating ideas that will help you update your home without damaging the environment or jeopardising your own health.
Non-Toxic Paint
Conventional paints contain substances known as volatile organic compounds (or VOCs). According to the Environmental Protection Agency, these can damage the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. There are a range of eco-friendly paints available, however, some of which are zero-VOC. These include clay and milk based paints, for example.
Natural Rugs
In rooms with hard floors, a rug will help add form and comfort. Some synthetic rugs also contain VOCs, however, and many are treated with chemicals. By choosing a rug made from natural fibres, such as one of these jute rugs, you will ensure that it was manufactured using renewable materials, which means it will also be biodegradable. Natural rugs have a number of other benefits too – they’re hard-wearing, stain-resistant and extremely versatile.
Scavenged Objects
There’s no more environmentally-friendly way of decorating your home than using objects that you simply find lying around. From seashells scavenged at the beach and pine cones picked up in your backyard, to old railway sleepers from your local salvage yard, the possibilities are endless.
Restored / Refinished Furniture
Got some furniture that’s seen better days? Put down that Ikea catalogue and take another look. A bit of sand paper and some wood stain or a lick of paint could well work wonders on your old armchair or dilapidated dining table. Restoring or refinishing your old furniture will give your home a level of character and personality that you’ll never get with that mass-produced, flat-pack rubbish.
Repurpose / Upcycle
It’s not just your old furniture that has untapped potential. There are so many things you can repurpose or ‘upcycle’ in your home. From sticking flowers in old jam jars to hollowing out a vintage television and storing your books inside, it’s all about using your imagination and doing something unique.
