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 WoodworkingYou moved into a house that allows you to have an extra bedroom, or maybe the kids have finally left, and you have a spare room, but now what? We would all agree that it is nice to have a spare bedroom, but should it be a guest bedroom, craft room, home gym, or something else entirely? Extra space is a good thing, but if it goes to waste, it has no value. Take the time to evaluate what you need and what could benefit you the most. A good plan yields excellent results and a space that will benefit you now and add value to your home later. Let’s explore some ideas to help get your creative juices flowing.
The master bathroom is considered a special retreat for the owners, a place of relaxation. Over the years, the design has changed from a garden tub and shower combo to walk-in showers and soaker tubs. Some wonder if both are needed or if one is more essential than the other. We want to explore the pros and cons of each and help you know which one is the best fit for you, or if you should have both.
Greenbrook Design Liver mush. Cleveland County is famous for its liver mush and the festival that has celebrated it for the past 30 years. Due to COVID-19, however, our community had to do some quick thinking to enjoy our yearly tradition still safely. This is how the first-ever virtual liver mush festival was born, and we at Greenbrook Design are honored to be one of the sponsors. Individuals were invited to share a video of themselves preparing their favorite way to enjoy liver mush for a chance to win cash and prizes valued at over $1,000.
The bare essentials. That is how some would describe a minimalist design style, one void of color and personality. A house designed with this style will only have the necessities needed to function, but that is not the case. While it is true that the minimalist style lacks the extra fluff and sparkle of other styles, it is still a beautiful choice for those who are looking to create a space with simplicity. Let’s unpack this style to see if it suits your home.
When you think of creating a unique space or finding extra storage, does your mind go to your stairs? Probably not, but there is so much that can be done with this unique space. Let’s explore what you can do with your staircase to get that little something extra you have been looking for.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking