The average person already spends 87% of their time inside – and in the winter, this only gets higher. The dark days and wet weather make us all want to just snuggle up inside. If you’ve been out and active over summer though, you might have been neglecting your home a little and only just realising it. Small projects – or big changes – to your interior space are a great hobby for winter; and there’s plenty of options which tick the eco-friendly boxes too.
Bring the outside in
If you’re looking for a quick way to spruce up your home, think about the concept of bringing the outside in. Select natural materials for your furniture and accessories, and get a few potted herbs for your kitchen – functional as well as stylish – or some hardy succulents for the bathroom. If you have suitable evergreen foliage in your garden, try your hand at making wreaths or garlands to help bring the greenery inside. They have a classy traditional vibe, especially heading into the holiday season, and are great for the environment too; unlike plastic decorations, real foliage will simply rot away on the compost heap.
There’s plenty more options for home-made handicrafts, which are a good way to occupy yourself during dark evenings and wet weekends. Why not try turning wine corks into a bath mat or brightening up your flowerpots with fabric and paper mache?
Let there be light
There’s nothing cosier than snuggling up by the fire with loved ones or a good book. If you’re not lucky enough to have an open fire, you can still create the mellow lighting tones by switching off your electricity and getting out a few candles – especially if the candles are renewable, biodegradable, and nontoxic. If you’re after any new lighting, whether specifically for the holidays or just regular use, be sure to opt for energy-efficient and low-impact LEDs, which even come in various tone shades to keep that warm glow.
Furnishing touches
It’s also important to consider the impact of bigger changes – new furniture or repainting a room come with their own environmental impacts. Opt for water-based paints with low toxicity, and make sure the company is environmentally responsible in their manufacturing processes. Likewise with furniture, research the manufacturing and resourcing to make sure that the materials and processes are sustainable. It’s also a good excuse to get creative, and choose second-hand items and given them a new lease of life with a coat or paint or fresh fabric.
Like all aspects of green living, decorating your home in an eco-friendly way might require a bit of extra thought – but it can produce some beautiful and cosy results for you to enjoy this winter.
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