4 sustainable ways to add life to your home
If you're trying to live a more eco-friendly life, it can be hard to know how to redecorate and add personality to your home in a sustainable way. But don't despair as there are plenty of ways to inject character into your interiors without harming the planet
Homes without art feel empty so make sure you've got pictures and photographs around the house. And you can use your own photos to make great art by having them printed onto aluminium or canvas as well as paper
On your sustainability journey it's important to remember no one is perfect, so don't beat yourself up if you slip up! What you're doing is super worthwhile and will have positive long-term impact. So get started on making a more environmentally-friendly and beautiful home.
Up-cycle old furniture
If you feel your current space doesn't reflect your style and are looking to overhaul things, you might think that means investing in new furniture. However, that definitely shouldn't be your first thought - especially with the current cost of living crisis. So instead of buying new, why not have your old furniture reupholstered? Choosing a quality hard-wearing fabric, such as a heavy linen, will totally transform a tired chair or sofa and give it a new (and long lasting) lease of life. And if your sofa is a simple color and you want to jazz it up a bit, then add throws and cushions (choose wool, organic cotton, hemp, not synthetic fibres) to your heart's content. These accessories will totally change the look of a piece of furniture.
Buy or swap locally
If you're certain you need something new to complete a room, it's a good idea to see if you can buy or swap shop for it locally. One person's trash is another's treasure after all.. If you have an item that's still in good condition, go online and see if anyone in your neighbourhood fancies a swap. That way, you both get something new without spending a penny or harming the environment. Alternatively, head to online forums like Marketplace that give you the opportunity to shop second-hand locally. It means money saved, items in circulation being used, and fewer delivery costs- which is a win for you and a win for the planet.
Surround yourself with memories
..but not in a mawkish living in the past way of course. If you're looking to add personality to a room, having great photos that remind you of happy times is no-brainer - but how those images are presented will make the difference between having a stylish home and one that's dated and inward looking. So opt for a large wall canvas, framed photos, images printed onto aluminium for hanging on the wall, or even have special photo books made and leave them on the coffee table for everyone to peruse at their leisure. Letting memories breathe in an art format is a great way to let your personality shine through.
Take stock
While charity shops,, community swaps and buying locally are all great ways to mix it up and add more life to your home in an eco-friendly and sustainable way, before you do anything, it's a good idea to take stock. Often our homes get so full of stuff it's hard to know what we already have. So before you get started on a project, have a huge clearout! You might even find some items you want you already have. De-cluttering your home is also a simple way to breathe fresh life into a space.
