Eco-Friendly Home Refresh: 5 Budget-Friendly Sustainable Decorating Tips
In the era where ‘more is more’, transforming a house into a home using sustainable means can seem like it comes with a hefty price tag. However, with creativity, a little extra time and effort, you can create a new space without breaking the bank. Here are my top five tips for a budget-friendly home décor that not only saves you money but also lends your space an eclectic charm that puts life first and is deep-rooted in community.
1. Incorporating Plants
The beauty and serenity that plants add to your interior are incomparable. From towering fiddle leaf figs to charming succulents adorning your window sills, each adds a unique touch of life. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, they purify the air and boost your mental well-being. One of my personal favourites are philodendrons. They require little care and you can create new plants with cuttings by placing them in water until roots grow and then plant them. Who knew? Hunt for these indoor plants at your local nursery, or even better, propagate cuttings from friends and family to start your green journey.
2. Repurpose Existing Furniture
Every piece of furniture has a story, and sometimes, all it needs is a fresh chapter. Before you consider buying new, glance around; that old coffee table or antique dresser might just need a touch-up. Sanding, painting, or simply changing the knobs can transform and give it a whole new life. It’s cost-effective and adds a personalized touch to your home.
3. Buying Second-Hand
We recently found a unique client sideboard for a dining room on Facebook marketplace, a piece with character and history. With a coat of low VOC paint, it's now a statement piece that ignites conversations. Second-hand stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces are goldmines for such treasures. They offer a blend of quality, uniqueness, and affordability that’s hard to find in mainstream stores.
4. Using Natural, Biodegradable Decor Items
Earth has given us materials that carry the essence of the natural world. These items are made from wood, stone, and other natural items that will biodegrade when disposed of. These items can include, elegant bamboo tables that blend modern design with traditional elegance, stone bookends that are as sturdy as they are stylish, and more. These materials are not just eco-friendly, but their timeless appeal ensures that your décor never goes out of style.
5. Buy from Local Artists
Imagine adorning your walls with art that carries the soul of your community. Local art festivals are your go-to destinations to find pieces that resonate with the locale’s spirit. Buying locally not only supports the artisan community but also significantly cuts down on packaging and transportation footprint. Every piece comes with a story, adding depth and narrative to your space. The fall is a great time to check these festivals out and around the holiday season. One of my favourites to attend is the One of Kind Show just before the holidays!
Finding sustainable home décor to suit your taste and needs is a journey that intertwines your personality, aesthetic preferences, and lifestyle. These budget-friendly tips are some of my go to’s for some of our interior design clients, and are both kind to a budget and put life first. Each piece, be it a revived second-hand sideboard or a plant that’s grown from a cutting, adds a layer of soul, tells a story and turns your house into a home that you can feel good about. Have fun with it and happy decorating!