Eco-friendly considerations are becoming increasingly important as individuals and businesses begin to think about lessening their environmental impact and embracing sustainable options. Many companies and industries are now highlighting their commitment to sustainability and choosing more ecological materials, and the interior design industry is no different in its attempts to go green. International Designers are assisting their clients in making home interior choices that are Earth healthy and help reduce carbon footprint. Rita Chraibi, one of Miami’s top interior designers, encourages people to take responsibility for helping our Earth by making positive changes in our homes that will extend out to positively impact the world at large. The well-being of our environment has been a source of inspiration for some of Rita’s very own pieces of artwork as she incorporates recyclable materials into her unique and beautiful sculptures. She hopes to inspire a deeper connection with nature through her beautiful creations and artfully designed interiors so that we can take care of the home in which we all share—Earth.
One way the interior design world is making the shift toward sustainability is to rethink furniture choices. For example, it’s beneficial to choose furniture that will hold up in the long run and have not been treated with harsh chemicals. There are many organic options available on the market that can be incorporated into design plans. Natural latex, organic wool, and wood (teak, oak, maple, walnut) provide quality possibilities when it comes to furniture and textiles. Sustainable hardwoods also offer the added benefit of lasting longer in your home, whether you are looking to spruce up your bedroom interior design or come up with different living room design ideas—thinking about different materials is critical. Salvaged wood can be made into different pieces of furniture, and recycled bricks can add some interesting and eye-catching pieces to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Silk is another fabulous organic material that can add a touch of elegance, as well as add to the feeling of luxury living.
Another thing to consider when going green in your interiors by design is to think about using water-based paint, if possible. Natural, water-based paints often bear the label “low odor” and will, therefore, decrease the chemical smell that tends to linger after a paint job. Another bonus is that these paints are often available in any color you wish to use on your walls and interiors.
Air quality is an important factor to consider when trying to implement environmentally friendly interior designs into your home. We are surrounded by air pollution from cars, industrial facilities, and agriculture activities, especially if your home is part of a growing neighborhood, or within a booming city, like those who own a piece of sunny Miami Beach real estate. While we might not be able to control the level of air pollution we face outside our homes apart from doing what we can to lessen our impact (ride-sharing, walking, etc.), there are certain things we can do inside our homes to improve the air we breathe in daily. One simple thing you can do to improve the air quality inside your home is to remember to change the air-conditioning air filters, as well as the air filters on household appliances, like vacuums, kitchen vents, and on the clothes dryer. Additionally, many air pollutants, like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde come from the kitchen interior due to the use of gas stoves. When using the stove, it’s important to turn on the vent. While electric stoves may still emit pollutants (mostly in the form of particulate matter), they are still a better and safer option for reducing emissions.
You can also prove your commitment to Mother Nature through design choices by bringing a connection to nature into your indoor spaces. Plants are not only lovely to look at, but they can also help improve air quality. Many houseplants are low maintenance and may not require much direct sunlight or frequent watering. For example, the English ivy can thrive in either shade or sunlight, has the ability to fit into many different spaces, and cleanses the air by removing harmful toxins. Even gorgeous flowers, like the gerbera daisy, can clean the air while adding beauty to any space. This flower prefers warm environments and therefore makes a great addition to Miami décor. Although the peace lily looks like a delicate plant with its soft white petals, it is a powerful air cleaner that can purify indoor spaces of such chemicals like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Despite the amazing benefits of keeping the air clean, incorporating plants into your indoor spaces can also enhance your mood and improve your well-being.
We can all try to lessen our negative impact on the environment by thinking about the lighting in our homes. Natural sunlight is always the best choice, and there are a multitude of benefits around letting in the sunshine. Rita and the interior designers at International Designers create design plans that incorporate more natural light to highlight luxury interior décor, make a room more comfortable, and so that clients can reap the health benefits associated with sunshine. While modern living has made it so that we also rely heavily on electrical light sources, some options are more environmentally friendly than others. For example, some light fixtures incorporate recyclable materials in an aesthetically pleasing way. Also, be sure to think about what type of bulb you are using in your homes. LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are a favorite among eco-conscious consumers because of their efficiency and ability to last longer than other bulbs (up to five times longer than comparable bulbs). LED lightbulbs can reduce energy consumption, using about 80% less electricity than some other light options.
Whether you find inspiration in Architectural Digest, Interior Design magazine, or your neighbor’s house, there are environmentally friendly options to fit your style and vision for your home interiors. We can all make an effort to go green, beginning in our homes.
