CHAPTER 3: P24

Trove Table Talk: Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Interior Design

Over the last few years, I've become passionate about living a more sustainable, environment-friendly life. I also love decorating and making homes feel inviting, so I thought I would combine these two passions and share some ideas on how to create an eco-friendly interior design. 

Let's start with the simple principle of "less is more". Adopting a minimalist mindset when decorating will motivate you to choose a few pieces you love that will stand the test of time, as opposed to trendy or seasonal decor. Look for furniture or accessories that have been upcycled or repurposed to implement an eco-friendly design. We carry a wide variety of vintage finds at Trove, like our repurposed ceiling tins, reclaimed architectural molds, and salvaged student benches.

If you're interested in trying your hand at some DIY projects, this is a great option for creating sustainable home decor. Incorporate natural elements such as wood, natural fiber yarns, paper, and preserved florals. 

Bringing in live plants is another organic way to decorate your home. Adding greenery is a tried and true way to brighten up a space and make it more inviting. Plants are a biodegradable accessory option and will improve the air quality of your space! If caring for a living plant intimidates you, start with plants that are relatively low maintenance like pothos, air plants, cacti, and succulents. 

When it comes to choosing furniture for your space, consider investing in higher quality items. These pieces will last longer, therefore creating less waste in the long run. Be mindful of how pieces are manufactured and the materials that go into them. At Trove, we are proud to work with vendors who have implemented eco-friendly practices. Many of our upholstery pieces are crafted from environmentally conscious materials like recycled metal, sustainably-sourced wood frames, and seat cushions made partially of soy-based foam. When choosing a fabric, consider a natural fiber such as cotton or linen. 

Incorporating eco-friendly designs might inspire you to go green in other areas of your life! The best way to implement this is to make small changes over time to avoid overwhelming yourself. Check out one of our local favorites, Reuse Revolution, to integrate eco-friendly products into your life! Here are some easy ways to get started: 

• Use reusable shopping bags and produce bags at the grocery store
• Store food in reusable containers instead of plastic bags
• Switch to natural cleaning products 
• Use reusable water bottles and coffee tumblers 
• Look for sustainably-made clothing or shop second-hand

It can be tough to choose between trendy interior design and an environmentally-conscious lifestyle, but we're here to show you how to do both. Stop into Trove sometime and let's chat about pieces that leave less of a footprint, but still fulfill your home design dreams! 

Julie

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