Life, Styled
“Going Green” and “Eco-friendly” are two popular terms used today, especially in the design world. People want to know that the products they place in their home are better for the environment and their family’s health. Green homes or even choosing green options have other benefits, such as lower electric bills, which is why we have partnered with companies that care about the environment and are eco-friendly. Here we share some ways to include “green” into your home.
Trash With Class
We agree that trash is one of our least favorite topics, but we would also have to say that recycling is an essential and necessary part of going green. Each year, we add more and more to our already full landfills, but by changing a few things at home, we can reduce our contribution. Here are some items that can be recycled in your home:
- Paper: This can be cereal boxes, old papers that don’t need to be shredded, egg cartons, or even cardboard.
- Canned or plastic bottles: Milk jugs, soda pop, and old juice cans
- Glass: Old spaghetti sauce jars and glass bottles
As great as recycling is, it is not always as simple as it sounds, which is why we recommend Rev-a-shelf, an innovative approach to organization. They have several products that make recycling a breeze, such as their recycling center waste system, which allows you to easily sort and recycle your items, all neatly tucked inside your cabinets. This is the perfect way to create a space for going green without disturbing the look of your design.
Eco-Friendly Countertop
When it comes to choosing an eco-friendly countertop, granite has been named the top choice for several decades, but quartz is becoming a popular choice for several reasons.
- Unlike granite, which needs to be sealed with harsh chemicals, quartz does not.
- 90% of the product is made from a material that would be discarded, making it a true eco-product.
- When compared to other countertop materials, it has a longer replacement life.
While granite is a natural stone, the process of mining and preparing it for sale requires more resources than quartz, and its easy maintenance and resistance to bacterial growth give it more selling points on the green scale. Quartz also comes in various colors and patterns, meaning there will be something that perfectly complements your design scheme.
Letting The Light In
Nothing says going green like natural sunlight, and it comes with many benefits, including a better mood for you and your family. It also creates a warm and inviting place for everyone to gather. When designing your space, think about how natural light can be incorporated, such as:
- Skylights – They are also a beautiful way to enjoy the nighttime canopy of stars.
- Add an additional panel or window in the room.
- Replace solid doors, like the back door, with solid glass or even sliding doors.
Allowing more sunlight inside can also help with your electric bill. Natural sunlight is a great way to reduce heating expenses and is better for the environment since it reduces the need for electric heating. Of course, in the summer, that can produce the opposite effect, which is why we recommend Graber, a company that creates efficient designs for window treatments. Their cellular shades insulate your windows and can reduce this loss by as much as 64%. Visit their website to learn more.
We use it every day but hardly pay any attention to it, yet it can impact the overall design of the home. We are, of course, referring to your flooring, and its importance should not be overlooked or underestimated. It is the largest design element in the home, which means it tends to serve as the foundation of the look and feel in the room. It has the ability to make or break your space and is subconsciously the first thing we notice in a room. Since it is used consistently, it must be durable and functional for the particular area, whether slip-resistant or waterproof. Flooring should also complement the overall design style you choose and be carefully considered before finalizing your choice. Here are some aspects to remember when making your selection.
The kitchen backsplash tends to be overlooked during the planning session for a renovation, but it has a big impact on the overall look of the design, and it should not be underestimated. To many, it may seem like such a small element, but it has the power to bring style, class, and protection to the heart of the home. When walking through a model home or flipping pages in an interior design magazine, the kitchen always has a backsplash that often draws our eye. Coming in multiple sizes, styles, and shades, the kitchen backsplash has come a long way from being a simple surface to creating a glamorous highlight that immediately draws the eye.
Walker WoodworkingThis deficiency has led to a readjustment of space, a call to renovate the home, and to provide a more functional design for everyone. There are also other reasons motivating homeowners to reevaluate their current living situation, such as greater flexibility at home, an open concept, personal space, and plenty of storage. While kitchens and bathrooms are still among the most renovated areas in the home, new emphasis is being placed on four additional sections in the home, which we want to highlight today.
Walker WoodworkingYou love your home, but there are some areas that are no longer working for you, if they ever did at all. You have made the big decision to renovate your kitchen, to give yourself the space you have always envisioned, but it feels overwhelming. How do you know which layout will work best for you? Which style best represents you, and what wood type will pair perfectly with certain colors? The kitchen can be a more difficult renovation because it involves multiple facets, such as plumbing and electrical. Adding in the appliances, lighting, and cabinets decisions can be enough to make your head spin. Planning is a critical part of a kitchen renovation, making it a key area of focus, which is why an experienced designer can help you accomplish your dreams on time and on budget.
James Martin Vanities has not disappointed us but provided many of our clients with a bathroom vanity that suited their unique needs, and the shorter lead times have allowed them to get the upgrades they needed within their timeframe. Our goal will always remain to provide our clients with the best possible products that fit their project, whether that is a custom, semi-custom, or predone option like the James Martin Vanity. We are here to assist you in finding the vanity that works for you, which is why we offer a variety of options. Are you ready for a change? Come visit our showroom where we have multiple vanities available for you to browse, and if you like one, you can take it home with you.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking