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Sustainable Design Trends

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 sustainable design trends that are now available to you and your family.

Bamboo Products

Considered a sustainable material because it is 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 offers several benefits.

  • UV protection: Built-in sun protection 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 is not only 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 purposes and areas in the home while looking amazing.
  • Plates: Bamboo’s smooth surface is a lovely addition to any tablescape or place setting.
  • Artwork: Wall coverings from bamboo can create layers and dimensions in 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 the 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 responsibly sourced materials 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 practical in the kitchen but also great for decor. It is now available in multiple colors.
  • Dough bowls: Their uneven dips and varying lengths make them 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 a flea market. Many vendors are taking old pieces and turning them into something brand new and functional.
  • Greenery: Houseplants are not only 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 make eco-friendly 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 to help you 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 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.
  • 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 reclaimed wood, building custom 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 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; becoming 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 a positive impact.

Making the decision to open our own showroom was not done overnight. It began as the answer to a need for our clients. They needed a place where they could come and explore the possibilities that awaited them for their home renovation. It was important to our owners, Travis and Stacey Walker, that their clients could see and feel the products, enhancing their design experience. As the idea became a reality, the Walkers realized the added benefit of having more than just cabinets featured in the showroom. Greenbrook Design is proud to be an authorized dealer for not just four lines of cabinetry but multiple home furnishings and decor companies like Europe 2 You and Moe’s. Get a peek inside the showroom here and listen to Stacey share her vision of the showroom.

We have all witnessed the transformation this past year, bedrooms become offices, kitchen tables become classrooms, and your basement doubles as a home gym. The problem is that most of these spaces were not ready to accommodate double duty. Multifunctional means one area of the home can handle multiple duties, while this sounds great, no one wants it to look like it’s a three-in-one, which is where good design comes into play. Selecting furniture pieces that can serve several purposes or planning a layout that can fulfill multiple needs is key to creating a home that suits your family’s unique lifestyle and routine. Let’s discuss what goes into designing these spaces and how you can make the most of the space you have.

Design is more than just creating a layout that is functional and beautiful; it is about turning a house into a home that has an atmosphere just right for you. A functional home is good, but a home where you feel at home is best, which is the end goal for every designer. One way to have a welcoming environment is to draw inspiration from nature, which is a trend that is gaining momentum in the design world.

When you think of a closet, you envision a space within a room that opens with a door. For some, it means enough room to hang up clothes or store larger items. It has, however, evolved to become much more than a mere stash and go-to spot for necessities. From hall closets to pantries to linen and bedroom closets, they serve multiple purposes. Today, it can be a mini dressing room, a place to keep all the kids’ sports equipment, and even a place of meditation ( really, it’s a thing). It is a great way to gain extra storage in the bedroom for personal items and is considered an extension of the home.

Are you feeling like something needs to change inside your home? Tired of the same old decor pieces greeting you when you come home? Maybe your taste in style has changed, and you’re looking for a little update? The good news is you don’t have to do a full-blown renovation to achieve your goal; sometimes, it takes a little freshening up to update your home.