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.
Walker Woodworking Too much clutter can detract from your home’s wellness and leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and even depressed if it sticks around long enough. It can also make it difficult to concentrate, which can affect the entire family. It’s important to set about decluttering in an eco-friendly way to ensure that you aren’t throwing out things that could be put to good use elsewhere. With so many landfills already overflowing, it’s imperative for us all to do our part and keep recycling.
Keep reading for some great tips from Greenbook Design on how to declutter your home in an eco-friendly way.
Greenbrook DesignWarmer weather is just around the corner, meaning we can finally spend more time outside doing what we love, like grilling, swimming, and sitting around fire pits. One thing that all of these have in common is that they can be done in your own backyard. Outdoor spaces are trending this year and for good reason, since they provide a change of scenery for homeowners without having to drive somewhere, plus they add more usable space to your home. Enjoy fresh air, cool summer nights, and time with family all within the safety of your own home. Here are a few reasons and benefits to adding or upgrading your outdoor space.
Greenbrook DesignColor. It is what gives our world variety and speaks a language all its own. It is a versatile element that is used in various professions such as art, entertainment, and even cooking. Interior designers thrive on color to express their client’s personality and tell their story. Color is also the common thread that ties other elements, like texture and pattern. Woven together, they create a sense of unity and influence the mood. It is fairly common knowledge that each color implies a mood, such as blue is calm, green represents growth, and yellow expresses happiness. The colors you select for your home can have an effect on the atmosphere, and more and more homeowners are looking to add a little comfort with color.
Walker WoodworkingThe kitchen sink is probably one of the most important elements in the kitchen, since it’s where we wash dishes, rinse food, and wash our hands. There are so many options, such as stainless steel, porcelain, and ceramic. Then, of course, there are multiple styles and sizes. At Greenbrook, we are always looking for new items that will meet a need for our clients, and sinks definitely are one of them, which is why we are an authorized dealer for the Karran Sinks.
Walker Woodworking Old meets new to create a blend of something beautiful, which is one way to summarize grand millennial style. While minimalism is still a popular trend, many millennials are finding comfort and freedom of expression from their beloved family heritage. Grand millennial is a combination of the new with things of the past, like that old wingback chair from grandma’s attic, and breathing new life into it through reupholstering it. This style also pairs perfectly with many people’s desire to recycle and reduce waste by repurposing existing materials. Let’s unpack this style a little more and find out if it is right for you.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking