Sustainable Interior Design Tips When Living in Houston Apartments
February 8, 2023
Living in an apartment can be a great way to save money, but it also has its own unique set of challenges when it comes to interior design. One of the biggest is sustainability. With limited space and resources, how can you make your apartment sustainable? Here are some sustainability options and tips for making your Houston apartment sustainable and beautiful.
What Is Sustainable Interior Design?
Sustainable interior design is more than just a trendy new way of decorating. It’s a complete approach to apartment living that emphasizes minimal environmental impact. In Houston, this style of affordable apartment living presents an exciting opportunity to create green spaces while appreciating the city’s vibrant culture.
Sustainable interior design often involves designing with reused materials, reducing energy consumption, and using natural light sources—all while creating cozy interiors that are also aesthetically pleasing. This eco-friendly approach to apartment living improves indoor air quality and provides residents with healthier lifestyle options. With sustainable interior design, Houston apartment dwellers can provide a positive example for their community and beyond!
Making Your Houston Apartment Sustainable and Beautiful
Sustainable interior design is good for the environment and can make the space more livable and reduce energy bills in the long run. These tips will help you make your Houston apartment sustainable while still making it look beautiful.
Choose Natural or Recycled Materials Whenever Possible
Opt for natural and/or recycled materials whenever possible when decorating your Houston living space. Natural elements such as wood, stone, and bamboo provide a beautiful look while reducing environmental impact.
For an extra touch of character, look to thrift furniture and decor pieces to upcycle—your elegant furnishings can have a unique story that’s uniquely yours. With natural and recycled materials in the mix, you can create stunning décor with eco-friendly flair!
Look for Eco-Friendly Furniture Alternatives
Eco-friendly furniture is becoming increasingly popular and widely available. Look for pieces certified by organizations like Rainforest Alliance or FSC Certified Forestry. These certifications mean the products were made with sustainable materials and practices.
In addition, check out local secondhand stores or online marketplaces such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, where you can find used furnishings at discounted prices! You can find classic and vintage furniture pieces that you can spruce up without breaking the bank.
Avoid the Plastics and Stick to Natural Fibers
If you’re apartment living in Houston, avoiding plastic should be your top priority when it comes to furniture. Not only can plastic cause environmental harm, but it also has a short lifespan and is often uncomfortable to sit on.
Natural fibers like jute and bamboo are excellent sustainable alternatives that offer comfort and durability. They may be more expensive initially, but they will last much longer than the alternative – reducing the need to replace them over time. Making the eco-friendly choice now is better for your wallet and the planet!
Reduce Energy Consumption
Reducing energy consumption is an important part of Houston apartments for rent. Swapping out regular bulbs for LED light bulbs, investing in a programmable thermostat or smart appliances, and using natural light are all excellent ways to reduce your impact.
LED lightbulbs use significantly less electricity than incandescent ones, and leaving the curtains open during the day allows you to take advantage of free sunshine – definitely two small changes worth making! Investing in sustainable interior design for your Houston home can help save you money in the long run by reducing your energy bills and protecting your environment at the same time.
Use Low-VOC Paint and Eco-Friendly Cleaners
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemicals in many commercial paints and cleaners that can be hazardous to your health. Low-VOC paint is available at most home improvement stores and is a much better choice for indoor air quality.
Similarly, choose eco-friendly cleaning products whenever possible. Natural cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda are effective at cleaning without releasing noxious fumes. These small changes can greatly impact the health and sustainability of your Houston living space.
Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you’re looking for ways to save on energy costs and reduce your environmental impact, investing in energy-efficient appliances for your Houston home should be at the top of your list. ENERGY STAR-certified models use at least 10% less energy than regular models, so you will save monthly money on your utility bills while keeping your environmental footprint at the forefront of your Houston living. Energy efficiency is within reach – just remember to look for the labels when shopping!
Choose Eco-Friendly Lighting Options
Try out LED or CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs to replace traditional incandescent bulbs. These bulbs are more energy-efficient, longer lasting, emit less heat, and use less electricity than regular bulbs. You can also use natural light by adding window treatments such as curtains or blinds to adjust the light in a room.
Decorate With Plants
Decorating with plants can significantly boost apartment living in Houston. They make a beautiful addition to interiors, come in an array of sizes and varieties, and won’t break the bank. These vibrant green features bring life and color to any room decor and help with fresh air initiatives to purify the air by filtering out toxins and creating a more tranquil atmosphere.
With the wide variety of potted plants readily available on the market today, there is something for everyone! From small succulents to trailing ivy and dramatic palms that add an exotic feel—incorporating greenery into apartment complex decor is practical and affordable.
Invest in Multi-Functional Pieces
One of the best ways to save space in a small green apartment is by investing in multi-functional pieces that serve multiple purposes. Consider pieces like ottomans with storage inside them or foldable desks that occasionally double as dining tables.
Moreover, plenty of space-saving furniture solutions available on the market today can help you make the most out of your square footage while still allowing you to decorate in an eco-friendly fashion. Investing in these types of items means you’ll get more use out of each piece without having too much clutter around your home!
Get Into Sustainable Living By Choosing AOK Apartment Locators
Following these tips can make your home more sustainable and eco-friendly. It’s important to take small steps towards green living features, as even the smallest changes can greatly impact the environment. From reducing energy consumption to investing in multi-functional furniture pieces, there are plenty of ways to make your apartment more sustainable.
AOK Apartment Locators is a full-service Houston apartment locator that can help you find the perfect eco-friendly apartment of your dreams. Our team of expert locators will help you find the perfect safe and green apartment searches that fit your budget and lifestyle. We take pride in helping our clients make ethical choices while living their best lives. Start making small changes today and help create a better tomorrow. Contact us today to learn more about our services!
