Sustainable Design Ideas That Are Stylish, Smart & Affordable!

Hey everyone!  Are you ready to transform your home into a space that's not only beautiful but also kind to the planet?  Today we're diving into the world of sustainable and eco-friendly design whether you're planning a renovation, updating your decor, or just starting to explore this concept, I've got tips, ideas, and inspiration to help you create a stylish and sustainable home. I’ve incorporated these principles throughout my own home and I cannot wait to show you how you can do it too!  So, let's get started!

Hi!  My name is Shelly, and I am the Director of Armada Design Center in Bellevue Washington. I always get a lot of questions about this topic, so without further delay let's dive right into what sustainable design is. Sustainable design is all about creating spaces that minimize environmental impact while maximizing beauty, functionality, and comfort. It's about using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and making choices that are good for both your home and the planet! Think of it as designing smarter not harder.

If you're ready to start your sustainable design journey, but need a little help, reach out to us today at Armada Design Center.  We'd love to help you plan, design, and create a home that's beautiful, functional, and eco-friendly!  From sourcing the perfect sustainable materials, to designing energy efficient spaces, we have everything you need to make your dream green home a reality!  Contact us today and let's make a positive impact together.

Let's talk about sustainable elements in my home.  Let me walk you through some of the eco-friendly features that I've done.  Reclaimed wood furniture - I love this!  I have so many pieces of reclaimed furniture.  My dining table for example is made from salvaged wood giving it a unique and rustic charm.  I added a sustainable quartz countertop which gave it a modern touch, making it the perfect rustic modern furniture piece which I've done throughout my entire home.  Walk over here with me so I can show you the wine barrel furniture that was handcrafted by my dad okay so let's talk for a second about these gorgeous wine barrel tables.  I actually have three of them in my home.

 

They are made from recycled wine barrels that my dad handcrafted into these gorgeous end tables that I use throughout my living room in my home.  There's so many things you can do with old materials to make them new again!  This is an old reclaimed wood mantle from an old railroad tie that I stained with low VOC stain and beat with chains to add that rustic charm.

Let's talk a little bit about energy efficient appliances.  From my fridge to my double ovens to my dishwasher, and my washer and dryer.  Come take a look at some of my eco-friendly appliances.  Over here you'll see I have my double ovens and I intentionally chose GE appliances that are eco-friendly and sustainable.  Then, you can set the heat from when you're 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or 30 minutes from home and have it ready for you right when you arrive.  Every appliance is designed to save energy and water.  My dishwasher specifically only uses two gallons of water per cycle versus another dishwasher that uses up to 15 or more.  That's significant!  Smart heating and lighting - I have used energy efficient lighting throughout my entire home.  Not just on the inside but also on the exterior lighting as well.  All programmed on timers and dimmers so that light is on only when it's supposed to be.  Additionally my thermostat is on an ecocycle which keeps my home in the optimum temperature to maximize savings!

Let's talk about LVP flooring.  I did my whole home in LVP!  The advancements in this product have come such a long way, and are amazing.  I have decided to put it everywhere on every surface on every floor in my home.  Modern advances with this product have played a pivotal role in reducing the environmental footprint during manufacturing.  One notable aspect of this is the huge reduction in the emissions of VOCs, and if you're not familiar with that term, VOCs stands for volatile organic compounds.  LVP manufacturers are adopting eco-friendly formulations and production processes which contribute significantly to improved indoor air quality and healthier living environments.  And, if that's not enough to sell you on this product?  Innovative recycling programs and initiatives for LVP are totally emerging and cutting edge.  This is promising and it's an avenue for any responsible person to be able to dispose and repurpose the material that they've used in their home!

Let's move on to balancing aesthetics with sustainability.  You don't have to choose between style and sustainability.  Here's how to create the perfect balance.  Natural materials - Let’s talk about that option.  You can use bamboo, cork, raw wood, or stone for a timeless and elegant look.  You can even incorporate this into your own decor.  

Okay!  What's up next?  Eco-friendly finishes!  Choose paints and finishes that are low again in VOCs to keep your indoor air clean.  All of the paint in my entire home, and on the exterior of my home, is low VOC.  It's so versatile because it comes in all colors and sheens, and it's timeless design.  You can invest in classic, durable pieces that won't go out of style reducing the need for replacements.

Let's talk now about some common misconceptions.  Let's bust some of those myths about sustainable design!  I hear all the time "Oh my gosh Shelly, it's too expensive!  I can't do this." Let me tell you -  that's not true!  Many sustainable choices, like energy efficient lighting or secondhand furniture, can actually save you money.  “It's boring!” I hear, No, no, no. No it's not boring!  Sustainable design is incredibly versatile offering everything from sleek modern looks to cozy rustic vibes.  Some people say to me "Well it's only for new builds." That's so not true either!  You can incorporate eco-friendly elements into any home no matter its age!

Let's talk about the long-term impact.  So, sustainable design doesn't just benefit the environment, it also adds value to your home.  Energy saving solar panels, efficient insulation and LED lighting all reduce utility bills!

Let's talk durability.  Eco-friendly materials like bamboo and recycled metal.  They’re built to last and they give you resale value.  Homes with sustainable features are increasingly in demand! 

How about the durable and practical materials that people often ask me about?  Here are some of my top picks!  Eco-friendly materials. Again,  bamboo - it's a fast growing renewable resource that's perfect for flooring and furniture.  Recycled glass - it's stunning for countertops and backsplashes and, you guys, the technology has come so far.  Let's talk about cork!  Cork is great for flooring.  It's also great for walls!  It's soft, it's durable, and it's naturally insulating. Wool and organic cotton - These materials are perfect for rugs, upholstery, and bedding.

Now, let's talk about saving some money with sustainable choices.  I want you guys to know it's so important that sustainable design isn't just good for the planet, it's very good for your wallet too!  Here's some examples that I want to share with you.  Energy efficient appliances lower your utility bills over time. It's so important to take that into consideration when you're buying your appliances.  Solar panels - People often ask about these.  What are they?  How do they work?  Well, the great thing about them is they pay for themselves in energy savings within just a few years and when you take the time to invest in durable materials, you're going to have fewer replacements.  Meaning less spending in the long run!

All right you guys, that's a wrap on sustainable and eco-friendly design!  From reclaimed materials to energy efficient systems, there are so many ways you can make your home sustainable without sacrificing style.  I hope this inspired you to take the first step towards a greener home.  If you're ready to create a beautiful, eco-friendly space, the team at Armada Design Center can help you source materials and create a design plan that's good for your home and great for the planet.  We have all of the expertise and resources to make your sustainable vision a very real reality!