From low-VOC paint to the best house plants for better air, bringing sustainability home is easier than you think.
The rush of home renovations and redecoration projects that began during covid shows no signs of slowing down. Also on the increase is interest in sustainable decor, energy-efficient appliances, non-toxic materials, and even indoor air quality.
A recent survey found new home buyers want sustainability throughout their home builds and renovations. This includes everything from solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations to paints, and furniture.
It’s not just homeowners looking for eco upgrades. Exorbitant home prices coupled with low inventories have put homeownership out of reach for many Americans. In 2019, about 36 percent of the 122.8 million U.S. households were renters, according to the Census Bureau.
Apartment living certainly has its perks: renters don’t have to pay maintenance fees or repair bills. They also don’t have to pay property taxes. Plus, depending on the apartment they choose, renters have luxurious amenities at no additional cost, such as a pool, spa, and gym.
Of course, renting does have its drawbacks. Namely, that renters are unable to make major changes to their dwelling, so having solar panels or green roofs installed may be out of the question. And a lack of yard space means you won’t be able to install that greenhouse or garden you’ve always wanted. But whether a homeowner or renter, there are a number of ways to incorporate sustainable upgrades — from eco-friendly furniture to upgraded window treatments.
Sustainability at home
Every bit helps reduce your home’s carbon footprint. Some homes are even being built with recycled metal and cement, FSC-certified wood, and designed to reduce heating and cooling costs.
When renovating your space, opt for premium materials that will give the luxury finish you’re after. For example, if you’re updating the kitchen, you could choose beautiful quartz countertops, porcelain tiles, and stainless-steel handles. High-quality materials will withstand the test of time, helping your space look its best for years to come.
Investing in custom, handcrafted metalwork for kitchen or bath renovations also aligns with a sustainable, “buy it once” philosophy. CopperSmith products, such as the bespoke range hoods and artisan sinks, are designed to be heirloom-quality and represent a commitment to durability and avoiding the cycle of disposable trends. These pieces, often built with recycled materials and traditional methods, become permanent, beautiful fixtures in your home.
You can also use glass throughout your interior design to maximize the natural light and make the space feel bigger. This could be elegant glass separator walls, glass atriums, or skylights. You could also install bi-folding doors with full-height glass panels that offer the ultimate indoor-outdoor living.
Consider your storage options as well, especially if you want your home to feel super luxurious. It’s essential to banish the clutter. As part of your renovation, create clever storage solutions that will keep the mess at bay and ensure your space feels both sleek and welcoming.
There are many ways to do this, such as installing bespoke understairs storage that can hide away shoes, coats, and bags, using beautiful pieces of fitted furniture to store toys or books, or making the most of vertical space with contemporary shelving. The key is to make your storage complement the overall interior design, using colors and materials that create a luxurious look and feel.
Here are some other easy swaps you can make.
Low-VOC paint
When choosing paint for your home, look out for low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are chemicals that can off-gas into the air and cause health and environmental problems. Low-VOC paints have come a long way in recent years, and there are now many great options available that don’t sacrifice quality or color.
Paint is one of the easiest ways to change the look of a room, so it’s a great place to start when you are thinking about sustainability. However, there are many other sustainable painting practices, such as using recycled paint or choosing paints with natural ingredients like clay. These alternatives can be more expensive than traditional paint, but they are better for your health and the environment.
If you want to take things a step further, you can even look into zero-VOC paint. This type of paint doesn’t off-gas at all, making it a very safe option for your home.
Furniture choices
When you are furnishing your home, start with secondhand or vintage pieces. You will be giving new life to an old piece of furniture and you will also be saving it from ending up in a landfill. “Even if you have a new house, put in a vintage piece — there is a soul there — craftsmanship that we don’t have anymore,” Designer Erin Lokitz told Ethos.
Can’t find what you need used? Then, try to choose pieces made from sustainable materials like bamboo, certified wood, bamboo, rattan, or recycled plastic. These materials will help you reduce your carbon footprint. Another excellent option for sustainable furniture is to buy items that can be used for multiple purposes. For example, a coffee table that doubles as a storage ottoman is a great way to get two pieces of furniture in one. And, a daybed that can be used as both a sofa and a guest bed is another useful option for small spaces.
Opt for energy efficiency
Eliminate energy loss by resealing windows with caulk or opt for upgraded window treatments like blackout curtains that can insulate your home against heat, cold, and light. They can also block out noise up to seven decibels. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs (they can save you about $225 in energy costs each year!), and energy-efficient appliances — and be sure to unplug all unnecessary appliances when you’re not using them. Also look at smart home devices that can self-regulate, such as home thermostats and air purifiers. These devices can shut down when needed to help save you money as well as energy.
Upgrading appliances when it’s time is no small task. There are scores of options out there at all price points. There are a few key things to keep in mind. First, look for Energy Star appliances. This means they’re reducing their energy use and will save you money while also reducing the impact on the grid and the environment. Also, look for companies that highlight their sustainability efforts that go beyond just the Energy Star rating. Increasingly, appliance brands are using recycled metals, reducing shipping materials, and working to reduce emissions overall.
Conserve water
Did you know that the average showerhead uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute, according to the Environmental Protection Agency? Live with a partner? Try showering together sometimes. Not only can it reduce your water use, but it can boost intimacy, too. Live alone? Saving water by showering together may be out of the question. But you can still conserve water by reducing the amount of time you spend in the shower.
There are other easy ways to reduce water use, like switching to low-flow fixtures, turning off the faucet while you brush teeth or wash your hands. Another easy practice is to catch excess water, such as the cold water while the shower heats up, and use that to water plants.
Eco-friendly fabrics and bedding
We spend a third of our lives in bed, but they can be some of the most toxic and unsustainable parts of our homes. Beds can contain known carcinogens including formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds that can cause a range of health issues.
Sheets, pillows, and comforters can often be just as toxic, made with synthetic materials or cotton that’s been heavily sprayed with herbicides and pesticides, some of which are linked to cancer. Opt instead for clean, organic, and eco-bedding that makes your home more sustainable and may even improve your sleep.
Look for natural fibers like cotton, linen, bamboo, or hemp. These materials are all biodegradable and will break down over time, unlike synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon. These plant-based fibers require less water and energy to produce than conventional fabric options. And when washing your fabrics, be sure to use eco-friendly laundry detergent and hang them up to dry whenever possible. This will save energy and help your clothes last longer too.
Houseplants
Houseplants serve double, and sometimes even triple duty. They’re an easy way to spruce up a home or apartment. Plus, they can purify the air. And, if you’re growing any edible plants such as herbs or fruits, you’ve reduced your monthly food bill and likely improved the taste of your meals, too, with the freshest ingredients.
If you think you’re likely to kill a houseplant, opt for easy greenery like pothos, succulents, or snake plants.
Let in the light
Take advantage of natural light by keeping your windows clean and using light-colored window treatments. This will help brighten up your home and reduce your need for artificial light. During the daytime, open your curtains or blinds to let in the sunlight.
An open layout can help. Some of the most luxurious homes in the world feature open-plan layouts where you can entertain and enjoy family time. Not only do open-plan areas offer a luxury look, but they are also highly practical and can add value to your home.
According to a 2021 study, creating an open-plan living area can boost a property’s value by as much as 15 percent — making it a no-brainer when it comes to renovating. If possible, incorporate open-plan areas into your home’s design — whether that’s a large open living and dining area or a sprawling kitchen with a snug TV.
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