Green home design ideas for your new home

At AnyVan, we're on a mission to be the greenest way to move. As a carbon-neutral company, we balance our emissions by protecting tropical forests in Vietnam. 

But the fight against climate change is not one we should take lightly, and we can all do more. One great place to begin is in our homes.

In recent years, sustainable living has taken on fresh importance for how many live their lives. One of the latest trends for our movers is to embrace eco-friendly interior design. Not only is this good for the environment, but as it grows in popularity, it is now widely available. 

From reclaimed furniture and durable building materials to non-toxic paints, or eco-friendly flooring, we’re shining the spotlight on green home design. This article offers you a variety of ways to up your eco-credentials when decorating your new home.

Invest in durable materials

In all aspects, from renting to buying a house, moving is a chance to turn a blank canvas into a place you can call your home. Everything from your sofa to kitchen counters or the paint on your walls can be refreshed - or bought new.

So, whether you’re planning a major overhaul or just some much-needed interior updates, using durable materials can contribute to a greener home. Using durable materials throughout your space will help reduce the amount of waste further down the line, as these products have a longer life cycle. 

Opting for products that will stand the test of time will bring you one step closer to a greener home whilst also offering you the option to repaint or upcycle them after a few years.

Furnish with reclaimed materials

One eco-friendly way to furnish your home is by investing in reclaimed pieces. With less processing required to produce furniture, reclaimed materials give discarded wood and metal a new lease of life without dipping into precious resources.

On top of that, you can tap into a stunning, unique and rustic style thanks to handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces rather than cheaper, mass-produced items. 

Do you have furniture that you love but requires some attention to bring it back to life? Check out some upcycling style inspiration from Lynne Lambourne. In recent years, we helped Lynne move some upcycled furniture to Grand Designs Live, where she won Interior Designer of the Year for her room set.

Go green with eco-friendly flooring

As green building practises become more mainstream, so does the availability of eco-friendly building materials, including beautiful and sustainable flooring solutions.

From versatile bamboo and cork to recycled glass tiles and reclaimed hardwood floors, there are several ways you can go green with your flooring using sustainable or recycled materials.

Or, if you want something a little softer underfoot, it's now possible to get sustainable carpets. Choosing one made from 100% British wool or recycled fishing nets can be a great foundation to a room whilst also helping reduce your heating costs.

Opt for non-toxic paints

In many cases, a redecoration project starts with the walls, as a lick of paint can be one of the most efficient ways to transform your home. But, some conventional products can contain chemicals harmful to both the environment and your health.

As more people switch to ethical decorating solutions, vast ranges of eco-friendly paints are now available on the market, made from raw organic materials. Earth-lovers can freely decorate with ethical products made with chalk and minerals, free from toxic chemicals and pollutants.

Rely on greenery

Is it possible to live in a greener house without some actual greenery? No matter your level of skill - if you've got green fingers or just a desire for greenery - your home isn't a home without a plant.

Not only do indoor plants offer air-purifying qualities alongside potential health and wellbeing benefits, but they can be a great centrepiece in a home. A living feature wall can offer a unique approach, or maybe you're looking for more subtle green accents with stylish succulents and exotic pot plants? 

Bringing the outdoors inside with house plants in all shapes and sizes can create a charming yet natural feel to your home that benefits both you and the environment.

Regardless of your reason for going green, we hope these helpful hints can offer you some inspiration for an eco-friendly home design - but do your research too. With an endless amount of experts out there, you may be able to get more specific pointers on areas from bloggers and outlets such as Green Eco Friend or Protect the Planet.

Choosing your first (or next) green home project could be a tricky one, but it can leave you with a beautiful new home that positively impacts our planet. If you need a helping hand getting your new items and materials back home or help to move to your new place, get in touch with AnyVan today for a free quote!