ECO URBAN TRENDS

Going green no longer means going out on a limb. Almost everywhere we look today, enviro savviness is the new hip lifestyle trend, as the green design movement jumps mainstream. Not only is environmentally aware design attractive to homeowners, but a growing number of clients are choosing a sustainable renovation, rather than building a new home.

Why the rapid shift to ecological alternatives for our homes and our lives? Some folks want to save money on energy costs. Others may have health concerns with allergies or children in the home, while the health of the planet is also on most people’s list.

Eternally yours.

While I was in India this summer researching new design inspirations, I discovered how the locals live simply, and nothing goes to waste. As Westerners, we have a tendency to draw our attention to all of the new styles and products as we fall into the never-ending cycle of updating.

For eco-chic-ness, smartly reuse the existing space with efficient use of materials, by employing the least invasive means to achieve function and fashion. This equals less waste to the landfill, while less energy and money are used in the process. Shun disposable products like wall-to-wall carpeting and opt for durable flooring like reclaimed hardwoods and other hard surfaces. One can also recycle household fixtures that no longer serve them, while benefiting others, like Habitat for Humanity or vintage shops.

Avoid the trap of the ‘latest and greatest’ and pass up trendy commitment colours and patterns. When renovating your home, stay within indistinct styles that will stand the test of time. Happening colours of the moment don’t always last. Know your own tastes and styles, which will carry you over the years, and be conservative when renovating to sell.

“The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing which stands in their way.” ~William Blake

Seek repurposed products

When finishing and furnishing your home, minimize your environmental impact with salvaged art pieces, anywhere from furniture to coasters made from reclaimed items like old street signs. Even conked out fluorescent light tubes are being re-engineered into decorative lights, using LED bulbs. Look for cast-off materials that have been reformed into beautiful and original art pieces for your home.

Come to the rescue with recycled glass as an example of a reprocessed substance that can be reformed into anything from kitchen backsplash tiles or tabletops. The good news is that it can be reprocessed a never-ending number of times.

“To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug.” ~Helen Keller

Make a splash

Water conservation will save money and our valuable resources. Low flow toilets, shower heads and energy efficient appliances all add up in the big picture. When going for the ‘reno gusto’, practicing grey water course-plotting gives you additional environmental gold stars.

A breath of fresh air

Indoor air quality can be hampered when using toxic substances like paint. My favourite discovery this year is edible, food grade paint by Anna Sova. It’s also boasts aroma-therapeutic qualities, so when you paint your room a fresh lemon, you will actually smell the colour!

Sustain and maintain

As an agent for social change, I offer clients alternative choices when it comes to redecorating. Choose and use solid woods with water based lacquers, whereas compressed woods are known to emit chemical gases that harm indoor air quality, plus breakdown faster.

Products that have a superior account of being rapidly renewable are a better choice than just buying blindly. Bamboo, a weed, is recognized as the fastest growing wood alternative. For other wood decorative options, look for the forest certified label (FSC). Ikea sells many things with this reliable badge.

Cork floors are a big hit with my clients as they provide a luxurious alternative to deforestation. Despite the rumour that cork is endangered, cork oak trees are harvested every decade. The floors are soft, warm and acoustically sound. Look for stunning stains in graphite blue and olive green.

Fantastic fabrics can be organic cotton sheets, or towels made from bamboo fibers, soy and hemp. I fell to my knees and kissed the ground when I saw all of these at Linens n’ Things.

"…sustainability refers to the ability of a society, ecosystem, or any such on-going system to continue functioning …without being forced into decline through the exhaustion or overloading of key resources …” - Robert Gilman

Get plugged in

Energy Star labeled appliances and home products are a safe bet. Think twice about those handy space saving mini-beverage coolers that surprisingly add to global warming. They may sell for less than the amount they consume in energy per year (approx. $125 CDN). The best gadget in your home is your mouse- surf the web for eco-friendly products ordered right to your door.

Although there are many winners and sinners when it comes to home design, deciding what suits you and your family best is always the right answer. Budgets, timelines and other factors may come into play, but considering our earth and your own physical wellbeing, along with energy savings, will always be rewarding in the end. For more eco-chic inspirations, I will be sharing additional design ideas at the Edmonton Home & Interior Design Show September 28-30^th.

Elissa Scott is a Home Design Expert, Staging Professional, Columnist and Speaker, specializing in renovation and new construction. For all of your design needs, please visit: www.gruuvyroomz.com or call: (780) 484-6880.