Creating a healthier space does not mean sacrificing your style and comfort. It only requires you to incorporate decorating practices and materials that give a beautiful, functional space while reducing environmental impact.

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However, as environmental consciousness becomes a concern, implementing the best interior makeover ideas can be challenging. If you want the easiest ways to enhance your home’s sustainability, here are the top five ideas to try.

1. Go For Friendly Materials

Your material choice is the first step towards creating an environmentally friendly interior space. Responsibly sourced materials are renewable and often biodegradable, making them healthier and promoting a friendly environment while reducing your home’s negative influence on the planet. Using sustainable materials also adds a unique touch of charm and style to your space, making it look luxurious on a budget.

Top friendly choices include bamboo and cork floorings, which are easily harvested without harming the trees. Going for upholstery and curtains made from organic cotton, hemp, or recycled polyester reduces water usage during cleaning. These fabrics are also made using fewer chemicals, reducing the emission of harmful substances in your home. When revamping your living room, be mindful of the sourcing methods or manufacturing processes. You should look for certifications to ensure they are fit for your home.

2. Use Paints with Low VOCs

Most paints contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that impact indoor air quality. These compounds evaporate at room temperature once the last coat dries. Prolonged exposure to the chemicals results in long-term health risks. Fortunately, there are friendly alternatives with zero or low VOCs, making them a healthier option for interior makeovers. 

Low or zero-VOC paints are available in a wide range of colors and textures. You can choose from clay, lime, or milk protein for a unique texture and visual appeal. These natural paints are also biodegradable and have pleasant, earthly scents, making them ideal for your indoor environment. Investing in these harmless paints means creating a safe space for your kids, pets, and other individuals with allergies. However, always check for low-VOC or zero-VOC labels and buy only from reputable brands.

3. Incorporate Reclaimed or Upcycled Furniture

Furniture is significant in redefining the character of your living room. Choosing appropriate furniture means getting unique pieces that complement the interior decor while highlighting your unique style. By incorporating reclaimed or upcycled furniture, you are not only saving resources, but also adding unique stories to your decor. These pieces have numerous benefits, such as conserving raw materials and reducing waste.

Some ideas include retrofitting the existing structures in your living spaces and reclaiming old pieces. For example, you can turn old pallets into coffee tables or planters. You can also reupholster old chairs with new sustainable fabrics as textiles, adding a layer of warmth to your home. Moreover, if you prefer new furniture, you can shop for best-rated shops and online platforms such as Kasala. Here, you can get all kinds of furniture made using aesthetically appealing and easy-to-clean fabrics.

4. Choose Energy-Efficient Lighting

The right choice of lighting enhances the ambiance and energy efficiency of your house. Using energy-efficient lighting solutions enables you to lower your carbon footprint and manage electricity consumption significantly. For example, LED bulbs consume at least 75% less energy than incandescent options and can last up to 25 times longer. They are also available in various designs, allowing you to choose what fits your task lighting or decoration needs.

You can maximize natural light using sheer curtains to allow more daylight during the day. Strategically placing mirrors to reflect natural light can also brighten your living space, reducing overreliance on indoor lighting. Installing innovative lighting systems allows you to control lighting levels and save on energy bills. For fixtures, go for sustainable and durable materials such as mambo, metal, and glass.

5. Add Indoor Plants

Indoor plants are a simple yet effective way to improve your interior space’s sustainability. Adding organic design principles enhances air quality by removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels. This makes the home healthier for your family and pets. Popular options include snake and spider plants and peace lilies.

If you have limited space, you can hang or place potted plants on tables and shelves. You can go for modern, sleek, and minimalist pots or a more rustic feel with woven baskets. Exploring different designs allows you to style plants based on your unique aesthetic needs. However, remember to place plants with similar light and watering needs together for more straightforward maintenance.

Endnote

Creating a sustainable living space is a lifetime opportunity to enhance your home’s functionality, style, and environmental consciousness. Trying different ideas allows you to design a space that reflects your style. That is true whether using sustainable materials, investing in energy-efficient lighting solutions, or adding indoor greenery. When creating a space that shows your commitment to the planet, always remember that every step counts, and buying items from eco-friendly brands is vital.

, Top 5 Sustainable Living Room Makeover Ideas, Days of a Domestic Dad