Green is still a developing trend for interior design. Many people want what they want and be damned if it’s green.
However, there are many reasons why green design makes sense and a couple of them are dwindling resources and poor indoor air quality. One is for the health of the planet and the other is for the health of our families. Eventually they become the same issue. The most significant thing we can do to be green is to stop building massive single family homes. As an interior designer I have seen some of the biggest and I would always opt for smaller and better designed. Personally I have always hated that echo sound that comes from huge vaulted rooms. So lets think small and beautiful.
Here is what smaller can offer.
A smaller footprint and a larger green space, perhaps room to throw in a beautiful vegetable garden like the Obama’s.
The respect of your neighbors No one likes the family that builds the behemoth next to your normal size home.
Smaller energy bills It takes ALOT of energy to power a large building.
Higher quality finishes Quality finishes make a big difference in the beauty of your home. It costs less to use high end products if your not covering acres of surface.
Less toxic products Spend a bit more for less toxins, such as no VOC paints, low VOC glues and non formaldehyde building materials (plywood and insulation)
Better quality furniture Less building means more money for finer furniture that can last generations.
Locally made Buy custom pieces made by local crafts people. This cuts the carbon footprint of shipping from China and you can have a “one of a kind”! Buy locally, it also helps the economy where you live.
Great Ideas Scott – Love that you are now posting about Green issues.