3 Simple Ways To Be Earth-friendly When Re-designing Your Space

The Jax table by Jory Brigham Design. Image Source: Jory Brigham Design

As you may have heard, today is Earth Day.  One of the best ways to celebrate is to look for ways that we can all be more earth conscious in our everyday lives - not just today. A great opportunity to do this is when refreshing the look of your home.  Whether you’re sprucing up your space for spring or gutting your place and starting from scratch, here are 3 truly simple ways to be environmentally-friendly in your re-design. 

Choose sustainable furniture brands

Finding new, sustainably-sourced, environmentally friendly furnishings is easier than ever.  Many large retail brands (including Crate + Barrel) now carry FSC–certified lines in addition to their traditional furniture lines.  Plus, there are a plethora of local and online retailers that offer exclusively sustainable furnishing options.  Try Brooklyn-based Urban Green Furniture, CA craftsman Jory Brigham, made-in-USA Lee Industries or family-run Copeland Furniture... or visit http://www.sustainablefurnishings.org for a lengthy list of sustainable furniture brands. 

The Mid Century Modern Couch via Urban Green Furniture. Image Source: Urban Green Furniture

The Catalina Dining Collection via Copeland Furniture. Image Source: Copeland Furniture 

Purchase previously-loved furniture

Whether your budget calls for high-end furnishings or wallet-friendly finds, there are tons of opportunities to buy fabulous second hand furniture on-line. Not sure where to start?  Try this list:

Viyet: Here you’ll find pre-owned, high-end designer furnishings for 50-80% off retail, all available for immediate delivery. 

AptDeco: Based in NYC and promising a positive buying and selling experience for its users, AptDeco.com now delivers pre-owned furniture to Boston, D.C., and Philly as well. 

Etsy: A solid go-to for vintage and refurbished furniture, Etsy has many shops devoted re-selling used furniture and, in many cases, it comes revamped with beautiful modern fabrics and paint treatments that bring these vintage pieces back to life.

eBay + Craigs list: These two standbys still have a wide variety of furnishings available at all price points.  For example, we found this fabulous, gently used midcentury couch and chair set from Kelly Hopper by Century on Craigslist.  (Hurry and get it! For Earth Day!)

HD BUTTERCUP COWHIDE CHAIRS via Viyet.  Image Source: Viyet

LAZZONI L SECTIONAL SOFA BED IN GREY via AptDeco.com. Image Source: AptDeco

Refurbish what you’ve got

Sometimes a coat of paint, new feet or some decorative touches like new knobs or overlays will make a world of difference to your old pieces. Reupholstering chairs and couches or sometimes just  adding new decorative pillows can really transform a piece as well. 

Let us know how you choose to add some eco to your home’s update!  In the meantime, we will be busy shopping….

Cheers!

E + M