Home living gets green!

Make your home living worthwhile by going green!

Home interior of popular environmental advocates

Over the years, society has become more and more environmentally conscious.  Such events led to a rise in the consumption of eco-friendly products like organic foods, reusable food storage bags, non-disposable water bottles, compostable cutlery, and bowls, non-toxic skincare products, biodegradable dental floss, and many more. Consumers’ love for the planet didn’t stop in patronizing such products -- they even extended it in their abodes by ensuring that their house interiors represent their advocacies. With the advent of the pandemic, their love for mother nature inspired many people to emulate their works seen through their social media platforms. There are notable influencers who maximize those ideas in their living spaces, some with millions of followers. To catch a glimpse of those ideas, check out the photos below:

Most of the photos share one common ground; they include plants. Anyone who goes green always makes sure to have plants in their home furnishing. Plants do a lot of wonders in one’s house. Continue reading to discover those wonderful indoor plants and the type of wonders they do in one’s home.

Indoor plants that work wonders

In the 1989 report published by NASA in association with ALCA, high concentrations of indoor air pollutants such as cigarette smoke, organic solvents, and possibly radon can be reduced significantly through air-purifying plants. The following plants are mentioned in the study: Areca Palm, Snake plant, Gerbera Daisy, Chrysanthemum, Chinese Evergreen, Rubber plants, and Poinsettia.

When placed strategically inside a house, these plants could bring out the perfect look for any home design. An example is the plants from the modern kitchen overlooking the patio as featured below.

With added creativity, some plants can even be used to accessorize home furniture like the perfectly-placed eucalyptus on a round mirror below.

Eucalyptus doesn't just provide beautiful embellishment to home furniture; its leaves, once dried, are known for being a great source of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which can protect our body from oxidative stress and free radical damage, according to Healthline. The oil of eucalyptus can also relieve stress because it contains eucalyptol which has been found to possess anti-anxiety properties. Another plant that provides a refreshing scent that can lighten anyone's mood is Lemon Cypress, AKA Goldcrest. The branches of this plant exude a powerful lemon scent when you brush against them or crush their foliage. Lemon Cypress has subtle and lasting yellowish-green leaves that make the plant appear cute and relaxing to see. These plants are best placed in your working area or sleeping room. However, take note that the latter requires a substantial amount of sunlight. Full sun to partial shade outdoors or direct sun indoors that lasts from five to six hours are needed (The Spruce).

Due to pandemic, most of us spent 8 - 10 hours on the computer and you may consider adding these types of plants near your working area: 

1. Aloe Vera
2. Asparagus Fern
3. Cactus
4. Mustard Green
5. Rubber Plant
6. Snake Plant
7. Stone Lotus Flower

These indoor plants absorb harmful radiation, which is beneficial to work-from-home professionals. Make sure to keep at least those plants in your area to mitigate the risk of cancer and other related diseases. 

 A small word of precaution: not all of us have a green thumb. Also, some plants may contain allergens, and soil may expose you to harmful pathogens, so make sure to conduct some research to save yourself from unnecessary effort and keep you and your family safe as much as possible.

If you're from Tampa, Lutz, Dunedin, or Clearwater, try to check some more alternatives which are present in your area. Your renovator may know some more indoor plants based on their experience, so try asking them as well. :)

Go green without plants on the scene

 There's not much need to worry for those who have trouble with plants because being eco-friendly is not limited to having them at home. If you want to keep up with this trend, here are some more ways to get you started: 

 Look for durable products 

"...so products don't end up in a landfill in five years" 

-- based on a statement made by Sheree Vincent, certified Green AP by the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) (Furniture Lighting & Decor)

Use natural materials 

As a certified Green AP,  Sheree Vincent highly encourages the usage of materials like wool, linen, organic cotton, formaldehyde-free glues, and finishes, and LED lighting. Aside from having plants, these products have green attributes that make one's interior eco-friendly.

Choose low VOC products as much as possible

VOC or Volatile Organic Compounds are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids such as paints and stored fuels. VOCs include various chemicals that can cause eye, nose, throat irritation, shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and skin problems. Exposure to higher concentrations of this compound may negatively impact the lungs, liver, kidney, or central nervous system. (HealthLinkBC)

Buy less but buy the best pieces!

This is a recommendation made by Anita Lang, principal of IMI Design, in her interview with Iconic Life. According to her, the idea of people carrying their possessions as a curated collection reflecting their life's journey is not only better for the Earth because it also makes the design better and more interesting. Lang seeks to preserve her clients' belongings by repurposing, repainting, or reupholstering them.

Final thoughts

 Whether you are seeking to home more indoor plants or employ the tips mentioned above, make sure to seek their best possible use to optimize your home living in 2021. Integrating these tips into your interior design does not only make your house looks fresh and modern, but it also creates a better and healthier environment for you and the people around you.

Considering the current situation of our world today, this trend is definitely worth a try! Contact your general contractor, custom home builder, or renovator to see how they can help you find ways to make your home suitable for this style as well.

This post is the second in our four-part series about interior design trends in 2021.

This article was last updated on Apr 18, 2024