Taking care of the environment is a responsibility we should all share, and creating sustainable, eco-friendly homes are becoming more and more important to us and our clients. A common misconception is that eco-friendly design is unattainable, that unless you have solar panel roofs, and 100% recycled furniture then you’re not making a difference, and this is simply not true, even small changes in the way your home is designed and maintained can make massive savings on energy consumption.

Adding insulation to your doors and windows can improve your home’s energy by 20-30%. Thermal shades block the sun, thereby reducing the need for energy-guzzling air conditioning. Install sensors in your lighting system that turns the light off when people are not in the room, cutting your energy consumption and bills at the same time. Similarly dimmer lighting uses less energy while being a perfect mood enhancer.

Low-flow showerheads can save between 15-25 gallons of water per day, and you’ll hardly notice the difference. You can also get low-flow toilets and aerators in your taps.

When you’re decorating your home, only use non-toxic paint with lower VOCs in the home to minimise air pollution. When it comes to furnishing your property, try and incorporate as many sustainable, natural textures and materials as possible. Sisal flooring adds a rustic touch, while responsibly-sourced wooden furniture can last a lifetime. Recycle and upcycle unwanted furniture items. New life can be breathed into most furniture items through new upholstery or a paint job. For new items, set yourself the challenge of finding everything in the UAE to cut down your carbon footprint – use regional materials and craftsmen to support local industry and be more informed about the materials you have in your home.

See also:

Feng Shui in Interior Design

How to select an interior designer

How to buy a property in Dubai