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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.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
Walker WoodworkingWhile the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.
Greenbrook DesignYou have just waved goodbye to your last child as they head out to college. While you adjust to not having kids in the house, you also begin to realize that you now have more space, but you’re not sure what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, expand existing spaces, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the design possibilities available to you.
In the second of our three-part series on selection tips, we want to focus on tile. Backsplash, shower walls, and flooring are just a few of the many uses for tile since it is beautiful, durable, and timeless. Sometimes considered a small part of the design, it has the potential to make a big impact on the design. Here are some helpful tips when choosing tile.
While cabinets tend to be the focal point of the main spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is the details that add the final touch to the design. The selection process can be one of the highlights of the design phase, but it can also be overwhelming with multiple styles, colors, and options. In this three-part series, we want to give our best tips for the top three categories of selections and help make this as enjoyable and simple as possible. Our focus today is hardware.
Greenbrook Design 
Walker Woodworking