Green and sustainable building have gathered wide acceptance, but green is slowly moving into interior design. While green building means resource efficient and environmentally conscious, sustainable design is based on three areas; energy conservation, indoor air quality, and resource conservation. Sustainable renovation and earth-friendly materials make green decor a no-brainer.
-Look for all flooring and furniture to be Formaldehyde-free. These vapors and smells from these can linger for years. They are used in adhesives to construct just about everything. And in making carpet pads and some fibers.
-New biodegradable yarns can create fabulous fabrics for supports and drapes. Available in a wide variety of colors for todays looks.
-Wood bowls are a great friendly accent. Look for abstract shapes and unusual woods.
-Shop for paints that emit low or no toxic fumes. Consider new paints and stains that use henna and clay for as the base for wall finishes.
-Organic wood products are being adapted as wall papers. Barkskin and bamboo are the most popular.
-Locate furniture that is made from sustainable hardwoods such as bamboo. Woods such as oak and maple take many years to re-harvest.
-Don't overlook organic cottons for fabrics and wall coverings. With many new styles and patterns that say today and not hippie-chic.
Mark Nash is the author of "Fundamentals of Marketing for the Real Estate Professional", "Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate", "Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Marketing", and "1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home". Mark is a contributing writer for: Realtor (R) Magazine Online, Broker Agent News, Real Estate Executive Magazine, Principal Broker, and Realty Times. He contributes residential real estate analysis to Business Week, CBS The Early Show, CNN, HGTVpro.com, The New York Times, and USA Today.
View his books at http://www.1001RealEstateTips.com