ECO FRIENDLY HOME DECOR IDEAS

As we reconsider our relationship with our planet, it is essential to adapt eco-friendly decoration ideas to our lifestyle, including our homes. Natural elements are in; providing inspiration, balance, and a way to feel grounded throughout the day. Here are ways to embrace biophilic design and weave it into your home decor style.

BIOPHILIC DESIGN: WHAT IS ECO-FRIENDLY DECORATION?

As "the urge to affiliate with other natural forms of life", biophilia, is one of the key ideas behind nature-inspired trends in interior design and sustainability. In his book, The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness, renowned psychologist Eric Fromm argued that it was essential for human beings to develop their love for other living beings to maintain a harmonious relationship with the environment.

The concept became more prominent after the release of American biologist Edward Wilson’s book Biophilia, in which he writes that humanity’s affinity to nature and other forms of life is genetic. Thus an eco-friendly home welcomes designs that preserve an environmental balance and use resources and materials sustainably such as the handwoven 100% cotton decorative pillows and throw blankets from Senegal or the woven pendant lighting that is specifically designed so that when aligned, the layers can be flat packed for shipping. making the lighting an excellent choice for sustainable home decor.

USE SMALLER ELEMENTS TO CREATE NATURAL SETTINGS

One eco-friendly decoration idea to incorporate biophilic design in the house is by decorating rooms with furniture that evokes the vibrancy of nature like this timeless Djembe table made from recycled wood offcuts from forests in Ghana.

“I love this little side table. It's high quality, which is why I spent this much on a side table. It's one of those tables that isn't just a table, but also an art piece. It's absolutely beautiful. I love to run my hands over it, feel its smoothness, the strength of the wood, and smell the scent of freshly cut timber too. I couldn't believe I could still smell it, considering that it's obviously been cut and treated and shaped into a table, and transported across multiple geographical boundaries, but yep, I can smell the fresh timber. I love to look at this table from across the room, in the same way I love looking at beautiful art. Its very existence in my space brings me a small sense of joy and beauty. And, yes, it's functional; sturdy, no wobbling." - Lucienne P., 54kibo customer

“It's one of those tables that isn't just a table, but also an art piece. It's absolutely beautiful.”

BRING THE OUTSIDE INSIDE

Another principle of biophilic design is merging the indoors with the outdoors. Eco-friendly decoration ideas such as big windows, open spaces, and terraces are often not an option so it is important to fill your home with light, plants, and colors of the forest through textiles, furniture, and decor. Interior designer Nina Barnieh-Blair has the following recommendation: “Bring nature inside your home. The idea of bringing nature into homes is particularly important to city dwellers like ourselves, especially as we’re spending so much time inside, focused inward. Hence using colors that promote peace, well being and in touch with nature: blues, green, earthy tones, tactile, soft and comfortable layers.”

Some practical eco-friendly decoration ideas include contrasting textures of stone, wood, natural textiles, and fibers to create a refined and elegant look. Add house plants to bring more greenery and tranquility to your rooms. Highlight wooden surfaces with pieces in green, gray and white accents like this striking handmade coiled cotton bowl from South Africa.

ADD NATURAL ELEMENTS IN THE KITCHEN

Make your kitchen more environmentally friendly by using recycled and sustainable materials to create kitchen surfaces. Use repurposed wood and old tiles to create kitchen floors. Refurbish countertops with recycled glass and non-toxic components like quartz and limestone to give your kitchen a sustainable finish. Fruits and vegetables placed in exquisite handmade ceramic dishes such as this Binga serving platter add color and invigorate the space or consider these locally sourced eco-friendly Ethiopian cotton kitchen towels and napkins.

CONCLUSION

From bringing the outside inside to utilising small pieces, there are many ways to integrate nature into your home. Let our eco-friendly decoration ideas inspire you to nurture more environmentally sustainable indoor spaces. Read more about the importance of sustainability in home decor.