Guide to Eco-Friendly Materials & Decor for Sustainable Homes

Nishant Sinsinwar, Founder Homiie Studio & Projects Makers

In today’s era of thriving construction and high demand for smart and sustainable interior design, a wave of eco-friendly interiors have become a hot property. A sustainable home is more than just an energy-efficient appliance installation. There are many organic materials that contribute to no negative environmental impact. This rising wave of creative materials is making designing a stunning yet environmentally responsible home simpler than before.  Before we dive deep into the lush green concept, let’s first understand what sustainability is.

All About Sustainable Materials

Materials that can be replenished by nature more quickly than they can be extracted are considered sustainable. Additionally, they ought to come from ethical sources, meaning that they should be extracted without the use of hazardous chemicals or environmentally unfriendly methods. Materials that are not produced or processed efficiently are not even considered green materials.

Natural and Recycled Materials

Bamboo: This fast-growing grass boasts incredible strength and versatility. Bamboo is no less than a boon as it can be used for flooring, furniture, and even wall panels. A rapid renewable resource that reduces dependence on deforestation.

Cork: This naturally occurring material offers excellent sound and thermal insulation. Cork flooring is not only stylish but also comfortable and durable. Plus, cork trees are harvested without cutting them down, allowing for regrowth.

Rattan: Environmentally friendly materials also happen to be among the newest and most popular materials. In terms of its long-term advantages, Rattan is comparable to bamboo. It grows quickly, requires little treatment and processing because it is made with less energy and waste, and is recyclable and biodegradable because it is a natural substance. Rattan is most frequently used in furniture, chair covers, wall cladding, joinery, and screens since it is lightweight and quite flexible.

Polished Plaster: The popularity of interior design is growing. It is an absolute achievement to attain a concrete look without the negative environmental effects of a concrete wall. The four finishes to watch out for are Clay Plaster, Tadelakt, Micro Cement, and Lime Wash. These incredible materials add warmth and soothing texture to a room that cannot be replicated with any other material. These finishes are non-allergenic and created organically.

Reclaimed Wood: The term “reclaimed wood” encompasses both wood that has been used previously and wood that has been discarded. The astonishing thing about recovered wood is that it saves on the need to cut down fresh trees. Reusing the salvaged wood that might otherwise be burned, or disposed of in a landfill, is a way of giving respect to these amazing sustainable powerhouses.

Mycelium: The root structure of mushrooms, mycelium is a promising new building material. It’s fire-resistant, lightweight, and can even be grown in molds, allowing for customized shapes.

Natural Stones: Natural Stone is a timeless material that has been used in home decoration and construction for centuries. Disseminating a luxurious look while maintaining the greens is the perfect advantage of using natural stones. Natural stone materials are just that – natural stones- derived from the ground. Natural stone is a popular option for home remodeling and restoration. Natural stones are aesthetic and incredibly strong and resilient. Years of exposure to weather cannot deface the beauty of natural stones. Granite, marble, travertine, sandstone, bluestone, slate, limestone, onyx, and basalt are a few types of natural stones.

Necd For Natural Housing 

Sustainable homes have grown in popularity in recent years. These homes are looked at as a more conscious and responsible infrastructure and not just a place to live. Sustainable or eco-friendly homes act as a means of improving living conditions for everyone in the neighborhood, not just its residents.

With the growing global pandemic, the significance of environmentally friendly and sustainable housing has increased. In addition to wanting a place to live, people also choose more energy-efficient homes that cut down on energy usage

 Eco-Friendly Home Checklist:

• Energy Efficient: Reducing the amount of energy used in the house can be achieved by using energy-saving measures such as installing solar panels, sealing air leaks, using energy-efficient lighting, and more.
• Eco-Friendly Furniture: The house can become more ecologically friendly by adding sustainable furnishings and ethical home décor.

• Home Insulation: Utilizing as little energy as possible for home insulation is one of the most important aspects of creating an environmentally friendly home. Maintaining the natural heat might also result in significant cost savings.

Green Construction Goals & Eco-Conscious Practices :

In addition to efficient Interior building solutions, gypsum wallboards and ceiling boards is another widely used sustainable practice in residential and commercial buildings. This material is effective due to its cost-effectiveness, fire resistance, and versatility in application.

Another ideal solution is dry walls. Drywalls are also regarded as one of the greenest options because of their little water consumption, which saves 99% of water, having quick turnaround times, etc. In addition, the product has recycled materials and earns points for LEED, IGBC, and GRIHA ratings.

Because of their great availability and low carbon footprint, they are therefore a well-linked substitute for sustainable building.

There are also things beyond materials that can have a great impact on sustainable housing and interiors. Look for smart thermostats and lighting systems that can help you reduce consumption without cutting on your comfort. Start installing living walls for the aesthetic look of the house. Living walls are basically vertical gardens. They add a verdant sphere to your home, improve air quality and even act as natural insulation.

Following eco-conscious practices, look for certified products like Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for wood or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for fabrics. These certifications ensure responsible sourcing. Start opting for locally sourced materials to reduce transportation emissions and help the local community as well.

Remember building a sustainable home is not just an investment but a promise to oneself. It should be done with perfection and innovation. You can create both luxurious and responsible living spaces all together. That is when you call it, “decor with a difference.”