Designer Tips for Creating a Sustainable Home

Nature's Interior Design is leading the way in creating healthy, non-toxic, sustainable homes throughout northern Georgia. We want to share a close-up look at the sustainable design choices in our residential projects. From specifying FSC certified wood to Zero-VOC paints, we share a variety of ways to make your home more eco-friendly and healthy.

We decided to use one of our most eco-friendly homes, the Chateau Renovation, as a case study, illustrating the green choices made in two main rooms of this home – the primary bedroom and living room. This prefab home already had a jump start on the sustainability scale, as prefab homes greatly reduce the amount of construction waste compared to traditionally built homes.

The living room features a custom, non-toxic sectional which was fabricated locally using FSC certified wood frames and natural latex wrapped in organic wool. Zero-VOC paint was used throughout the home to ensure healthy indoor air quality. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short and long-term adverse health effects. Most interior paints sold now are low or zero-VOC, but you should always inquire before purchasing.

Incorporating vintage furniture and accessories is one of our favorite ways to re-use products while adding personality to a home at the same time! We used vintage ceramics on the coffee table and hung artwork on the wall that the clients purchased from their travels abroad.

We created a cozy retreat in the primary bedroom, with a mix of natural textures and organic materials. The bench is made from reclaimed wood, which is the most sustainable type of wood aside from FSC certified wood or other sustainably harvested wood. To learn more about the sustainability of wood furniture at various retailers check out the Sustainable Furnishings Council Wood Scorecard.

The light fixture was designed and fabricated here in Georgia. Sourcing furnishings locally reduces the carbon footprint of each item and helps support local designers and fabricators – win, win! We opted for a handmade rug made from 100% wool – the most durable and easy to clean choice for rugs. Not only is this a natural product, it’s inherent durability ensures that the rug will last for many years and avoid a premature trip to a landfill. The bedding is a mix of organic cotton and linen, adding additional layers of texture and softness to the space. Organic cotton and linen are grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. By purchasing organic textiles you can help conserve water, support biodiversity and healthy soils, and eliminate hazardous toxic pesticides from our environment.

Head over to our Green page to find the sustainability initiatives we support. Plus, we donate 100% of our consultation fee and match your payment upon signing a contract.