Easy Green: 6 Must-Answer Questions Before You Buy
Thinking about buying ecofriendly furniture? For a truly environmentally conscious home, ask yourself these questions first
Laura Gaskill
April 27, 2012
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
One of the best principles to keep in mind if you are trying to create a greener home is to choose fewer, but higher-quality and longer-lasting, furnishings and products you love. Even when it comes to sustainably harvested wood and ecofriendly materials, more new stuff still means using more resources, and furniture that may seem a bargain could end up costing you and the earth more in the long run if it simply ends up in a landfill.
On the other hand, by limiting your purchases to well-made pieces that will last a lifetime and cutting down on "disposable" furniture purchases you know won't last more than a few years, you can have a more beautiful home and help conserve the planet's precious resources at the same time. The six questions below will help guide you toward a greener home.
On the other hand, by limiting your purchases to well-made pieces that will last a lifetime and cutting down on "disposable" furniture purchases you know won't last more than a few years, you can have a more beautiful home and help conserve the planet's precious resources at the same time. The six questions below will help guide you toward a greener home.
1. Is it important to you? Rethink your rooms and belongings based on how you really live, and you will find your dollar stretching further and your home becoming more aligned with your lifestyle. For instance, there is no need to invest in a formal dining room and all it entails — chandelier, oversize table, fancy chairs, sideboard and so on — if you never throw dinner parties and your family always prefers to eat in the kitchen. A cushy library with just one perfect chair, a fireplace and all of your most cherished books at your fingertips may be much more suited to your life.
2. Do you really need it? Less furniture and fewer knickknacks means less to clean, less upkeep and generally a simpler and easier day-to-day existence. Minimalism and modern furniture often go hand in hand, but even if your style is traditional, that doesn't mean you can't also pare down a bit.
3. Is it versatile? By choosing highly versatile, classic furnishings you can increase the likelihood you will be able to use a piece even if you move or your tastes change.
Some versatile furnishing ideas to consider:
• Smaller-scale pieces tend to be more versatile than large ones. For instance, a settee can be used as a couch, but it can also work in an entryway or pulled up to a dining table.
• Stools and ottomans can be called into service as tables, footrests or extra seating.
• Lovely little dressers can be used for kids, grownups or even in the living room with a bar on top.
• A daybed can be comfy seating in the nursery now and a bed for your child later.
Some versatile furnishing ideas to consider:
• Smaller-scale pieces tend to be more versatile than large ones. For instance, a settee can be used as a couch, but it can also work in an entryway or pulled up to a dining table.
• Stools and ottomans can be called into service as tables, footrests or extra seating.
• Lovely little dressers can be used for kids, grownups or even in the living room with a bar on top.
• A daybed can be comfy seating in the nursery now and a bed for your child later.
4. Is it your style? Just because a magazine is touting black walls and antlers as the latest thing does not mean you should follow suit if it's not your taste. You know what you like, so just go with it. If you are going to make a major purchase, it should only be for something you truly, madly, deeply love.
5. Is it a smart investment? The glorious thing about purchasing an iconic designer piece is that, unlike most new furniture, it will hold (or even increase) its value over time. That said, there is no point in purchasing an expensive piece of designer furniture unless you truly adore it and can afford it.
Also bear in mind that upholstered and delicate pieces might not wear as well over the years, and you might be faced with costly repairs or reupholstering bills. "Hard" furnishings made from metal, molded plastic and wood are a safer bet.
Also bear in mind that upholstered and delicate pieces might not wear as well over the years, and you might be faced with costly repairs or reupholstering bills. "Hard" furnishings made from metal, molded plastic and wood are a safer bet.
6. Can you live with a smaller footprint? You may not be ready to swap your comfy home for something quite this small (if you are, go for it!), but even a slight downsizing can significantly cut down on your energy bills and upkeep. The beauty of living in a really small space is that once you bring your overall costs down, it can be easier to allocate some funds toward furnishings and finishes that you love.
See the rest of this home
See the rest of this home
Concerned about going smaller? You may not need as much space as you think, just a smarter space. A small home that is open, with good flow and proper furniture placement can actually feel larger than its square footage suggests, so it's possible you just haven't toured the right space for you.
You can also use built-ins and special architectural features to make the most of your space. Before you decide to move to a bigger home, think about what you could do to renovate your current space to make it work. There are many ingenious solutions out there — like this staircase that doubles as a set of drawers — if you only look.
See the rest of this home
Working with a good architect to upgrade your existing home could prove to be more rewarding and cost effective than moving.
More:
Easy Green: Stylish Ecofriendly Furniture
Eco-Easy: Basic Elements of Great Green Design
Easy Green: Weekend Detox for Your Home
See the rest of this home
Working with a good architect to upgrade your existing home could prove to be more rewarding and cost effective than moving.
More:
Easy Green: Stylish Ecofriendly Furniture
Eco-Easy: Basic Elements of Great Green Design
Easy Green: Weekend Detox for Your Home
Dave Fox is a design/build remodeling firm with a customer focused process, an incredible staff and a close knit... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
KA Builders is a dedicated and innovative remodeling company based in the heart of your city. With our years of... Read More
Related Stories
Kitchen Makeovers
Kitchen of the Week: Beer, Shuffleboard and Pizza Bring the Fun
Entertaining features and a warm industrial style create a lively atmosphere in this revamped Craftsman bungalow space
Full Story
Trending Now
The 10 Most Popular Bedrooms So Far in 2024
By Becky Harris
Feather your nest in style with inspiration from Houzz readers’ most-saved bedroom photos
Full Story
Working With Pros
Which Pro Should You Hire for Your Project?
Find out whether you need a contractor, an architect, an interior designer or another professional for the job
Full Story
Bathroom Makeovers
Bathroom of the Week: Accessibility and a Relaxing Vibe
By Becky Harris
A design-build firm uses universal design principles when expanding a family bath
Full Story
Housekeeping
How to Clean Your Windows and Keep Them Streak-Free
Try these tips, tricks and tools to wash your windows so they’re crystal clear
Full Story
Entryways
The 10 Most Popular Entries and Mudrooms So Far in 2024
Get ideas for storage setups, color schemes and special details from the most-saved entry photos so far this year
Full Story
Kitchen Design
30 Bold and Beautiful Range Backsplashes
Get ideas for eye-catching tile and stone backsplashes inside stove alcoves and behind cooktops
Full Story
Porches
Porch of the Week: Catching a Breeze in Austin, Texas
By Becky Harris
The new screened-in space has a beautiful fireplace as a focal point and includes lounging and dining spaces
Full Story
Landscape Design
Before and After: 4 Landscapes That Bring Resort Style Home
Stunning fire pits, luxurious pools, elegant entertaining zones and other relaxing spots give these yards vacation vibes
Full Story
Trending Now
The 10 Most Popular Home Offices So Far in 2024
By Julie Sheer
Get inspired by these stylish workspaces where designers pair comfort with practicality
Full Story
http://www.rotsenfurniture.com