Green Home Design Is About More Than Color

"Going green" has been a popular phrase for years, but what does it mean for home design? Beyond natural cleaners and organic food, there is a lot you can do in your home to keep your family and the environment healthy.

Healthier Materials

Research on how home materials affect health keeps evolving. Paint and flooring makers now offer more low-VOC options. Volatile organic compounds can affect indoor air quality and health.

Sustainable Flooring

Oil-finished hardwood is gaining popularity as an alternative to polyurethane. Other sustainable choices include bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood, wool carpet and recycled glass or stone tile. They reduce chemicals in your home and have less impact on the environment.

Energy Efficient Appliances

Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying appliances to lower energy use and your utility bills. See more ways to save in tips to reduce energy costs.

Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures

• Low-flow and dual-flush toilets use less water.
• Air-infused showerheads feel like higher flow while using less water.
• Shower fixtures with a pause setting stop the water while you lather.

Quality Windows

Green design applies outside too. Windows with Low-E glass reduce the effect of outdoor temperatures on your home and protect curtains, furniture and floors from fading. Learn more in let's talk windows.

Recycled and Reclaimed Materials

Recycled glass countertops and tile work in kitchens and baths. Reclaimed wood makes beautiful floors and accents on walls, fireplaces and islands. Shop antique and consignment stores for pieces to repurpose, and when you remodel, donate cabinets, countertops and furniture to a consignment shop or a charity like Habitat for Humanity to keep them out of landfills.

LED Lighting and Solar Power

LED bulbs now come in many brightness levels and color temperatures, even vintage Edison styles, and use far less energy than incandescent bulbs while giving off little heat. Solar panels are also becoming more common in the Southeast. They cost more up front but can pay off for your wallet and the environment over time.

Start Small

You do not have to do everything at once. Even swapping frequently used fixtures and light bulbs makes a difference. Learn about our sustainable approach to remodeling, then call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us online.

This article originally appeared in the April 2022 edition of Lakeside on Lanier.