Top Sustainable Home Design Trends to Look for in 2019

Despite continuous trend shifts, some home designs tend to exist much longer due to not only aesthetic values but also functionality and philosophy behind them. Applying eco-friendly standards in architecture and home improvement has become a home design with an agenda, therefore, considering circumstances and growing awareness of climate changes, sustainable home design is becoming a desirable mainstream. It is an evolving style that is here to stay for decades that come, and here are a few basic design trends that any highly sustainable home should have as leading features.  

Maximize the amount of natural light

Although bright and airy homes are always trendy, many homeowners look for ways to make the best out of natural light by including more windows, skylights, and statement glass elements like sliding glass doors. Eliminate light blockers like ceilings and walls. Opt for pitched roofs and open plan living rooms that will instantly become brighter and more spacious. High ceilings are ideal for warm climate since they allow air circulation, while they release stale and hot air. Also, rooms with high ceilings trap more sunlight and reduce the need for artificial lights.

Reclaimed and recycled materials

Giving new life to building materials or a piece of furniture is a sure way to integrate sustainability into your new home. Reused material does not mean compromising the overall look of your home, nor does it have anything to do with low quality. Almost every building material nowadays has a recycled alternative that is proven to be as durable and of high quality as conventional materials. Use recycled and innovative materials where ever possible, whether it is roof material, insulation or tiling.

Energy conservation

Conserving energy and reducing waste is a core idea of sustainability, so applying these standards in your home will lower your carbon footprint and make your home eco-friendly. There are plenty of ways to conserve energy in a household, starting with replacing old appliances with more suitable and energy efficient alternatives. Always opt for LED light instead of incandescent light bulbs and look for certification mark on energy saving products, like Energy Star. Also, reduce your cooling and heating bills by investing in the proper roof and wall insulation.

Make your home water efficient

Fresh and clean water is one of the many resources that are limited, so sustainable home design assumes water efficiency as one of its leading features. There are water conserving methods powered by water efficient design elements like tankless water heaters and water saving showerheads and faucets. Collecting and storing rainwater is always a good idea for the garden and indoor plants. However, when purchasing water-saving appliances, make sure to look for products with WaterWise logos or Smart Approved WaterMark.

Include more greenery

Think beyond the garden since it is not the only place where you can enjoy nature. Welcome it in your interior and create a healthier and more sustainable home. Embrace idea of living walls and roofs and vertical gardens on your balcony. These features, aside from the fact that they purify the air and look marvelous, are highly energy efficient and will significantly lower your heating and cooling bills. Still, having greenery requires maintenance and watering, so use water-saving equipment from certified manufacturers like Hoselink to reduce water waste to a minimum.

Create a healthy and safe environment

Due to the growing trend of material transparency, it is fairly easy nowadays to ensure that your home is free from toxic chemicals that can be found in building materials. When building or remodeling, make sure to check ingredient labels as well as to focus on products that have no VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). Same goes for the rest of home decor, including items that we use on a daily bases, whether it is kitchen utensils, clothes, bed linen or mattresses.  Also, good air quality is of utmost importance, so make sure to have good ventilation and plenty of greenery in your home.

Embrace smart technology

Home automation is becoming a norm when it comes to sustainability since it allows you to monitor and control devices along with temperature, light, and security. Integrate advanced technology in your home since it will make your life much easier and consider the transition to all-electric homes.

Conclusion

Creating a sustainable home is more affordable than ever. In addition to that, green homes are a long-term money-saving option comparing to expenses in conventional homes. Sustainability has become a mainstream, so go with the flow and enjoy the benefits of going green.

Author
Stella Ryne is an art historian, traveler, conscious consumer and a proud mother. When she is not trying to improve the things around her (and herself, for that matter), she likes to lose herself in a good book. She’s deeply into green practices, cherishing the notion that sustainable living and sustainable travel will not only make us far less dependent on others regarding the dwellings we inhabit and what we eat, but also contribute to our planet being a better place to live on.

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