Green - The New Colour of Interior Design

It seems as though you can't flip more than a few channels without stumbling on yet another home improvement show. Over the past few years, interior design has been embraced by the masses. But today's trendsetters are not simply decorating their homes, they are also greening them.

Although a relatively new trend, the concept of green design is one that is timeless. Its principles are simple - conserve and preserve. In your home, green design translates into energy savings, something that both the environment and your wallet will appreciate. So as you spruce up your interiors, keep an eye out for ways to also make them greener.

Greening From Above
Of all things bright and beautiful, lighting is one of the easiest energy-saving changes to make. Make energy-efficient choices by installing dimmers, sensors, timers and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). CFLs use 75 per cent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer.

Greening From Below
Not one to simply be walked all over, flooring can help reduce your home's ecological footprint. Make energy-efficient choices by selecting natural linoleums, biodegradable wool carpets and cork or bamboo woods. Bamboo is the fastest growing land-based plant on earth. Unlike hard woods that need to be replanted and have a typical growth period of 50 to 100 years, bamboo grows back from its roots and can be harvested within five years.

Greening From Around
Windows, walls and doors can be a huge energy drain. Increase your home's energy efficiency by adding insulation and sealing off leaks. Make energy-efficient choices by looking for paints with built-in insulators. Install double-glazed and low-E windows, cover panes in heat-shrinkable plastic, incorporate layered window treatments and use double-sided tape to anchor fabrics to frames.

Greening From Within
Offering much more than just function, furnishings can also help you save energy. Make energy-efficient choices by selecting recycled and refurbished items made from renewable wood sources and fabrics made from untreated, non-dyed and organic fibers. Purchase low-flow shower heads, aerator faucets and ENERGY STAR® electronics and appliances. An efficient front-loading washing machine uses 50 per cent less energy and saves 33,000 litres of water a year.

There is an array of green decorating products out there. To ensure that your design efforts have a positive impact on not only your home, but also the environment and your wallet, look for products with an ENERGY STAR, EnerGuide or EcoLogoM label.