When it comes to renovating a home, there is often such a great deal of things to consider that prioritising an eco-friendly décor may not be an option. This said 2017 is certainly a year in which we need to take environmental impacts a lot more seriously.
It’s no longer just a case of choosing the most eco-friendly materials; we have to take long term effects into account. Particularly harsh cleaning materials can be extremely detrimental to the environment, so remember this when choosing our renovation décor options.
Critical Considerations
With some many considerations to make, being eco-friendly is more than likely to take a back seat. Luckily there are ways in which you can create a sustainable living space without pouring too many thinking hours or cash into it. With every decision you make regarding your renovation, mull over the following factors:
- Construction: Has the fixture of feature you’ve chosen been constructed with the environment in mind? A heavy manufacturing process can be extremely detrimental to the environment and so should ideally be avoided.
- Maintenance: As previously mentioned, the use of harsh chemicals can also have a damaging effect on your local eco-system. For this reason, think about how you plan on maintaining your décor and whether or not it will require a harsh cleaning regime – this will save you a lot of effort down the road too!
- Removal: Although it may seem strange to consider the removal of your renovation additions, it’s an important step to protect the environment in the long run. Can your floor tiles be recycled? Can your cabinets or cupboards be rehomed?
Once you’ve considered these aspects, it’s time to get shopping and transform your home into an eco-friendly haven. Finding suitable materials, furniture and appliances is no easy task, but as long as you’re looking out for the right features, you can create your dream home without any hassle.
Flooring
Flooring plays a pivotal role in both the theme of a room as well its functionality. A floor should be both strong and durable, with the ability to withstand a great amount of everyday usage before signs of wear become visible.
A popular option is travertine. Travertine floor tiles are naturally constructed, easy to clean and also look fantastic in various areas around the home. Available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and finishes, you can feel rest assured that there is the correct travertine tiling out there to suit your purpose.
Wall Paint
One of the biggest threats that the paint industry poses is the use of VOC paint. Volatile Organic Compounds result in localised air pollution, potentially causing direct damage to our respiratory systems. The best way to combat this is to opt for VOC free paints or low VOC paints. These products allow you to create the same beautiful finish whilst saving the environment.
Furniture
Furniture is perhaps one of the more confusing areas to think about when trying to be eco-friendly. Ideally furniture should be able to last the test of time, and as well as this, be available for re-use once you’re done with it. This means investing a little extra cash in order to make this possible, as high quality wooden furniture is often the best choice.
A combination of the above features as well as a carefully considered maintenance plan will ensure your décor remains as eco-friendly as possible for the long run. Check out Travertine Direct today to browse the extensive range of travertine tiles available, guaranteed to transform your décor without harming your local environment – they can even be recycled!
Photo Credit: Sitka Projects LLC
