Decorating Green

Decorating Green is a conscious choice that can be stylish and unique. Recycled timber, restored furniture, decoration made from sustainable resources and products that have a low carbon footprint are all ethical and green options for your home.

Lindy Evans from Windemere Interiors says there are many ways to decorate green in your home and flooring is one place to start. "There are many green flooring options, particularly with timber. Bamboo floating floors look fantastic and are a easily renewable resource. There is also sustainable timber flooring available created from forests that have been responsibly managed," she said.

Recycled products are not only environmentally friendly, they can also fit perfectly into particular decorating themes when they are used in their original state. Vintage furniture looks fantastic in retro or industrial themes and products can be easily sourced from op shops and antique stores and garage sales for a truly unique look.

Recycled furniture and goods also suit modern and contemporary themes when they are restored or remade into new products. "Upcycling" is the art of taking old or unwanted furniture and turning it into something of better quality and value. Furniture made from old railway sleepers and old crates made into bookshelves are a classic example and the look is new with the depth and character that only comes from aged timber.

Decoration is another area for green choices. Products made from recycled materials such as rubber from recycled tyres or products made from easily renewable resources such as bamboo towels are all ethically responsible choices for decoration.

Ideas for Decorating Green

• Switch to energy saving bulbs for lights and lamps.
• Use natural and organic fibres such as cotton, linen, hemp, rattan and wicker.
• Consider painting with eco friendly paint that contains less chemicals and toxins.
• Upcycle rather than throw out. An old chair can be sanded and repainted or stained.
• Buying locally uses less
• Choose water saving options for taps.
• Use living plants rather than cut flowers or fake flowers.