Environmentally friendly products are trending and that includes the design world. More and more homeowners are looking for ways to lessen their carbon footprint and companies have risen to the task by providing a large selection of products. Our showroom offers a variety of products sourced through multiple companies that allow you to get exactly what you need for your home while keeping mother nature safe. Let’s talk about some of the latest eco-friendly trends that are now available to you and your family.

Bamboo products

Considered a sustainable material due to being such a renewable natural product, it is a popular choice for those who want to be eco-friendly. Bamboo also has a wide variety of uses making it perfect for the home and has a number of benefits.

• UV protection: having built-in protection against the sun makes this a great choice for window treatments which is why Graber utilizes bamboo in their natural woven shades. Learn more here. 
• Hypoallergenic: bamboo fabric is naturally hypoallergenic and is perfect for those with sensitive skin. Choose it to make your next decorative pillows or curtains.
• No Chemicals: because bamboo is grown without the use of pesticides it results in products that are safe for the whole family.

Interior designers enjoy weaving bamboo into the home since it not only is a natural product but also brings nature indoors so elegantly. Consider using it in your home.

• Furniture: from tables to chairs, bamboo is a steady material that serves multiple areas in the home as well as purposes all while looking amazing.
• Plates: bamboo’s smooth surface is a lovely addition to any tablescape or place setting.
• Artwork: wallcoverings from bamboo can create layers and dimensions to any room.
• Accent pieces: decorative bowls, headboards, and even lamps are a great way to add bits of warmth and serenity to any area of the home.
• Countertops: if a butcher block is on your wish list for your new kitchen countertop, consider bamboo. It is smooth, unique, and durable.

Bamboo is a versatile material that brings a lot to any design and when you include the additional benefits it seems to be the clear choice for those who want to have eco-friendly options in their home. Talk to your designer about products you can choose for your new design or home renovation.

Eco-friendly decor items

We hear the reports of how much Americans are guilty of being wasteful and many are encouraging individuals to consider items that have been sustainably sourced or reused. This is one of the reasons we love being an authorized dealer for companies like ETU Home that handcraft their products from reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and honest materials sourced responsibly across Europe. Their beautiful and unique pieces add instant charm and warmth to any room in the home. Some of our favorites include

• Cutting boards: a beautiful cutting board is not only a practical item in the kitchen but is great for decor. Now available in multiple colors.
• Dough bowls: their uneven dips and varying lengths make these a great piece in the home whether holding snacks for a party or filled with decorative items and placed on a coffee table, both are lovely.
• Glass accent: clear and smooth, this is a nice decor element and can serve multiple purposes such as a cake dome, pitcher, or vase.
• Rugs: made from natural fibers, they can be a wonderful way to add texture and color to a room.

And it doesn’t stop there, here are some more decor ideas for the eco-friendly homeowner.

• Repurpose: consider going to a local antique shop or even flea market, many vendors are taking old pieces and turning them into something that is brand new and functional.
• Greenery: houseplants are not just natural, they have many health benefits such as cleaning the air. They also create a more relaxed environment.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new or different things. You can also check out places like Pinterest to discover more ways to be more eco-friendly in your design choices.

Natural products

When considering becoming more eco-friendly, materials are at the top of the list. Now more than ever before manufacturers and designers are partnering to create options that are sustainable. There is an ample supply of products and materials for you to use to create the perfect atmosphere and style in your home. Here are some to get your creative juices flowing.

• Cork: with a unique texture and versatility, cork is quickly becoming a popular material to use for items beyond the bulletin board including flooring and common items such as lampshades. You can also color it making it easy to add some color to a room.
• Glass: forever recyclable, this is a material that will remain timeless and at the top of eco-friendly choices. From elegant showpieces to tabletops, glass has stood the test of time. When doing cabinets, it is a great way to reduce the amount of wood used by choosing to have your door fronts and even bathroom shelving made from glass instead. It is also a great option for showcasing some of your favorite pieces in the kitchen as well.
• Reclaimed wood: this is a popular feature in many of HGTV’s renovation shows, taking wood from the original house and incorporating it into the design. There are many ways to do this including wrapping a kitchen island in the reclaimed wood, building a specific piece of furniture or cabinets out of it, and creating an accent wall. There are lots of options with reclaimed wood. See a project we completed using some of the reclaimed wood from the 200-year-old farmhouse. 
• Stone: from kitchen countertops to specialty tops in the home, natural stone remains a popular option including marble and granite. Both of these are great eco-friendly choices and blend with several design styles.

There are so many sustainable choices available now that your designer will have an easier time locating options for you to choose from that allow you to get the style you need while leaving a soft carbon footprint behind. 

One step at a time

While sustainable design is trending it does not mean you have to do it all at once, choosing to become more eco-friendly can be a step-by-step process. Don’t ever feel that you have to throw out everything that may not match the list of sustainable products. Start with something small, like an accent piece or an energy-efficient lamp. Consider choosing products that have been made from recycled items or natural materials. We can all do a little to reduce our carbon footprint and together make an impact for good.