Looking through the pages of Vogue Living, I see nothing but stunning fixtures and fittings like marble, chandeliers and herringbone floors. Yet I think to myself, can having all the bells and whistles really turn a house into a home? As a girl who has a love affair with all things classy and elegant, you might think that I live in a place decked out with the most exquisite furniture and a walk-in-wardrobe just for my shoes. Although those things all sound like living in a dream – I always try to find stylish home pieces that are sustainable and biodegradable. Why?
Eco-friendly materials have taken the house and interior decorating industry by storm – not just because these products are gentle for the environment, but also because they’re caring for our health and wellbeing. The possibilities and styles are also endless, turning a once ordinary house covered with white walls, into a home that has its own unique character and natural energy. So without further adieu, here are three of my favorite eco-friendly materials to style your home.
Wool
Keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer has never been easier, thanks to the comfort of wool. This white and fluffy fiber shorn from sheep is 100% natural and sustainable, making it shear genius. Its brilliance doesn’t stop there. The other woolderful thing about this fiber is that its hypoallergenic; gone are the days of sneezing early in the morning and waking up before my phone alarm!
And your friends are sure to flock like sheep when they see your wool quilts and wool rugs. I particularly admire about the Australian brand MiniJumbuk with the way they package their magnificent wool quilts. Their new bag made from reusable woven canvas not only makes it ideal to store my quilt and extra linen, it’s also a chic and green carrier I can use to pack blankets or clothes for my adventures.
Bamboo
From bamboo flooring and blinds to outdoor wall facades and furniture, it doesn’t get anymore versatile and eco-friendly than bamboo. Recognised as a fast-growing grass that is stronger than steel and is more durable than most quality woods, it’s safe to say that bamboo started of with a BAM in the construction and manufacturing industry.
If you’re looking to increase the sustainability in your patio area, building a bamboo fence for that Balinese touch or a cool wall façade can add interest and visual statement to your backyard. And instead of using a heated towel rack, you can bring the bamboo theme indoors by creating a bamboo towel rack or an indoor partition. Not only will it be sustainable, you’ll also feel like you’re in a tropical paradise every day! Awesome fact: Bamboo also absorbs more carbon dioxide and creates more oxygen than trees, helping to fight global warming with each bamboo shoot we plant.
Coconut Shell Tiles
Call me the coco-nut lady. If I had to choose an all-time favorite fruit, it would have to be the coconuts. Coconuts are delicious in our palate; coconuts are great for our skin; coconuts are great for our health; and coconuts make for a stylish and biodegradable house material too! Typically, left over coconut shells are chucked away, contributing to excess waste and air pollution. But sustainable company Kirei, like to think a little bit differently. By using the discarded coconut, Kirei makes one of a kind textured coconut shell tiles, adding a glorious hotel-style touch to any bathroom or laundry area. Each tile is finished with low-VOC resin, making it an eco-friendly (and glamorous) feature for your home.
Are you going to give your home interior a ‘green makeover’? Save & pin this – you’re welcome!
The Eco-friendly Home Checklist
♥ Support your local manufacturers – Not only are you helping the environment, you’re also helping the economy.
♥ Consider the disposal or reuse of the item before purchase.
♥ Look at how the item is packaged before you make your decision.
♥ Purchase fair trade items if possible.
♥ Consider how the materials were produced when you make a purchase.
♥ Consider the color palate – just because you’re going green, doesn’t mean you can’t add a bit of spice!
♥ DIY and upcycle any pre-loved furniture or go shopping at local op shops
♥ Think about energy-efficiency and water conservation when it comes to the maintenance and cleaning of these materials.
So tell me Dear Reader, did any of these eco-friendly home materials leave you growing with ideas? Which materials did you just put in your Christmas wish list, or do you have others you’d like to share? Let’s get the conversation started in the comments below.
Until stay time, stay green.