We read and hear a lot about government, buildings and big companies joining the eco-friendly movement so it should come as no surprise that the realm of interior design has also become more environmentally conscious. As more and more people are becoming aware of the need to reduce our carbon footprints they then look at all the aspects in their lives where they can be more eco-friendly. The home is of course the first place they would concentrate their efforts on. This is one of the reasons why the demand for interior designers who are experienced with green or eco-friendly design is increasing.
This trend is a positive sign for our planet however what does eco-friendly interior design entail? Eco-friendly or what some call eco-conscious design is not only concerned with an excellent output style wise but also has to incorporate ways in which to reduce our home’s carbon footprint. This goal is achieved by incorporating not only building materials, furniture and accessories that are renewable, salvaged or recycled but the design plans also have to be energy-efficient. These eco-friendly initiatives may also include the use of paints that are non-toxic to our environment. Furniture should be responsibly and sustainably designed and made as well as finished with environmentally-friendly paints or stains. Eco-conscious cerifications like the Greenguard and MBDC Cradle 2 Cradle certifications assure that the furniture was created responsibly.  “Green” designers also choose renewable resources when using building materials like bamboo, Kirei board (made from reclaimed sorghum stalk fibers), and reclaimed lumber to name a few. Incorporating items that do not harm the environment or impacts it minimally like using organic and sustainable fabrics in the home like cotton, hemp, wool and jute for  curtains, decorative pillows, bedroom linens and others. The finishes used on walls, furniture and cabinets should not contain volatile organic compounds or VOCs. These materials are said to cause harmful effects to our environment like damaging the ozone layer and smog creation. Reducing our home’s carbon footprint by using less electricity is a major design concept incorporated in a majority of eco-friendly designs. Maximizing natural light and the utilization of energy efficient appliances are examples of how to achieve this concept. All in all eco-friendly designers are not only making our homes safer by lessening the toxic substances we are exposed to, they also help us become more energy efficient and in the long run save more money.