Think eco-friendly decor only works with certain interior design styles? Think again! Here are three tips on greening ANY decor style – using maximalism, glam and industrial as examples.
Sure, decor styles that lean on natural materials like bohemian, vintage finds like rustic and “less is more” styles like minimalism are easy to create using sustainable furniture and decor.
Meanwhile, other home decor styles like glam, industrial and maximalism don’t seem to jive with sustainability at all.
And yet…
Truthfully, all home decor styles can be made more eco-conscious by following a few simple guidelines.
If you just can’t picture a green glam or eco-industrial space, or what sustainable maximalism would look like – read on!
Below you’ll find tips on making any decor style more green. Plus items for three eco-conscious spaces inspired by the modern glam, industrial and maximalist styles.
Hopefully you’ll be surprised and inspired at the same time!
- Watch "Eco-Friendly Decor Guide - How to Green Any Decor Style"
- Common Eco-Friendly Decor Styles: Boho, Rustic, Minimalist
- Eco-Friendly Decor Tip: Shop Handmade
- Eco-Friendly Decor Example: Modern Glam
- Eco-Friendly Decor Tip: Shop Secondhand
- Eco-Friendly Decor Example: Maximalist
- Eco-Friendly Decor Tip: Shop Sustainable Brands
- Eco-Friendly Decor Example: Industrial
Watch the Video!
Common Eco-Friendly Decor Styles
I won’t lie. These boho, rustic and minimalist spaces are right up my home decor alley.
But what if they’re not up yours? Or maybe you like them, but you just want something a little… different?
Like a green glam, eco-maximalist or sustainable industrial space!
Eco-Friendly Decor Tip: Shop Handmade
While I adore handmade furniture and decor, I realize it isn’t for everybody. Especially if you associate “handmade” with decor styles like farmhouse or boho.
But shouldn’t everything we buy be “handmade” to some extent? As in, not made in a huge factory by underpaid workers using sub-par materials?
One of the most sustainable things you can do is know who you’re buying an item from and the materials and processes they used to make it.
This is why I always recommend checking out Etsy. Again, if you’re not into the patched-together, funky-DIY aesthetic you might be like “Etsy?! Umm… no thank you.”
But Etsy is so much more than an online destination for lovers of woven baskets and things made out of barn wood.
To prove it, I’ve used three luxurious-looking rooms as inspiration for a modern glam living space – featuring only handmade items from Etsy!
Eco-Friendly Decor Example: Modern Glam
Polished and lush, modern glam decor is all about luxury. But guess what? It can also be eco-friendly!
The Inspiration
The Items
Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!
Eco-Friendly Decor Tip: Shop Secondhand
Some people love secondhand. Others not so much. (I definitely fall in the first category – are you surprised?)
But if you’re in the second category – as in thrifting and you don’t really jive – I’m here to gently try and change your mind.
I get that rummaging through a bunch of “junk” trying to find treasure can be overwhelming, exhausting and maybe even boring for some of you.
That’s why online retailer Chairish is so amazing. Because they curate everything before they list it. Meaning, you aren’t scouring for secondhand things that are in good condition because Chairish has already done it for you.
If minimalism is the epitome of eco-friendly home decor, then maximalist home decor would be the opposite… right?
Nope!
To illustrate, here are three over-the-top, maximalist rooms and nine secondhand items from Chairish to help you get the look – sustainably.
Eco-Friendly Decor Example: Maximalist
Love animal prints, colour, and lots and lots of artwork? You may lead a “more is more” kind of lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be green!
The Inspiration
The Items
Eco-Friendly Decor Tip: Shop Sustainable Brands
When we buy new furniture and home decor, there’s a tendency to just go for convenience. IKEA, Wayfair and other massive chain stores are either easy to go to or easy to find online.
But that doesn’t mean these are the only options available. And sadly, the largest, most popular decor retailers are not the most eco-friendly. (Although IKEA does have some cool green features.)
The point is – there are so many smaller, eco-minded furniture and decor brands out there. They prioritize their environmental impact, ensure those who make their items are paid a fair wage, and often have other sustainability initiatives such as carbon offsetting.
Burrow, The Citizenry and Made Trade are just three such eco-friendly home decor and furniture brands.
So here’s an industrial living space featuring items from these three companies!
Eco-Friendly Decor Example: Industrial
Industry and the environment don’t always go together. But industrial room decor and the environment? Now that’s a different story.
The Inspiration
The Items
I hope this post has inspired you to dive deeper into the world of eco-friendly decor – no matter what your home decor style is!
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Posted on May 29, 2021
Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!
Former architectural technologist. Current treehugger.
I’m here to help you green your home – and your life.
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