Eco-Friendly Interior Decorating Idea

When it comes to interior decorating, green is the way to go. I'm not referring to the color of the drapes or furniture, but to an earth friendly approach to design. Whether you are starting from scratch with a new place or just looking to re-do your existing home I've got some great places to start.

Start fresh. A new coat of paint can change a room like nothing else can. Unfortunately, most commercial paint is not very friendly to the environment or the household. It releases what is known as Volatile Organic Compounds which not only contribute to air pollution but can cause a host of health problems as the fumes are released. Today companies recognize this danger and many produce low or even no VOC paints that can be found in your local home store. Benjamin Moore's line of no VOC paints called Natura come in a large array of pretty colors and will be available Nationwide in the Spring of 2009. Check out www.benjaminmoore.com for details and to find a location near you.

Wooden Furniture. This natural option has been a beautiful choice in home design for years. The problem with some designs is that they are made from endangered wood and actually harm the environment. To solve this problem and be sure you are buying from a sustainable source is to require that the furniture you choose is approved by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC). The website www.thefind.com has some really unique and beautiful pieces that have earned the FSC label. Pricing varies depending on the piece but starts at around $135 for a stylish coffee table.

Recycle it. Furniture made of recycled items is a wonderful way to embrace green interior design. These pieces can be stylish and functional as well as give new life to old things. The company Reestore takes everyday items and turns them into functional works of furniture art. If you are looking for something truly unique and extremely earth friendly then check out their website at www.reestore.com. You won't be disappointed!

Look out below. Do you love the look of wood floors but worry that they are destroying beautiful forests to dress up your home? Worry no more. Just as in the wooden furniture industry you can find flooring that is made from sustainable sources and carries the FSC label. Visit www.buyleedlumber.com for a large selection and find the responsible flooring of your dreams.

Don't forget the window dressing. Nothing pulls a room together like window treatments. But, where to find a green option that also has the style you crave? Look no further! Hunter Douglass offers a line of designer shades that are PVC free and recyclable. Visit www.hunterdouglass.com for more information.

Now you have the tools to turn your home into the masterpiece you have always wanted it to be and do it in a way that is earth friendly at the same time. And just think... in no time you will be relaxing in your new, green space!