Go Shorty, It’s Your Earth Day!
It’s Earth Day! It might not be a holiday full of candy, tradition, and magical characters but who says you can’t decorate for it? No, I’m not suggesting you cover every surface in globes (though I do love a good globe) but there are many ways to be Earth-friendly in your decor year-round.
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Biophilic design is the concept of connecting a resident with nature. This can be achieved through the use of more substantial methods such as the use of natural materials, adequate indoor/outdoor flow, design which mimics natural phenomena (e.g. fractals, Fibonacci spirals, etc.), and passive energy or through such simple means as house plants and imagery of the natural world.
Fibonacci Spiral staircase from Beer5020/Shutterstock.com
Coastal design typically centers around calming colors that allude to the ocean and materials and textures that are relaxing and comfortable. By bringing these natural elements indoors, it helps connect you with your surroundings - not to mention it’s just beautiful! Looking for simple ways to incorporate biophilic design into your home? Try bringing in things such as seagrass baskets, natural fiber rugs, and pampas grass accessories. And open the blinds!!
HOUSEPLANTS
If you have taken an elementary school science class, you know the benefits of plants. Obviously having them in your home helps provide cleaner air but did you know they can also reduce feelings of stress? So go get a houseplant - it will make you feel better!
Of course some of us are better at keeping houseplants alive than others (and by “us” I mean, I’m not the president of the Green Thumb Society…or even a member) and light conditions play a big part in successful plant growing but there are a few plants that are essentially fool-proof. Looking to start your houseplant journey? Try starting with Golden Pothos or a snake plant. They don’t require a ton of light and are very forgiving if you aren’t the most diligent waterer.
Other than having plants in pots around the house, one of my favorite ways of adding greenery is on the wall. Have a gallery wall that feels incomplete? Add a plant. Small space that won’t accommodate furniture but needs something? Add a plant! They add visual interest, texture, and color. And if you change your mind about the space, you can always move them around!
THRIFTING
Another great way to be kind to Mother Earth when decorating or designing is through thrifting. Our society has really latched on to the idea of fast fashion in both clothing and home decor. Want to change up your coffee table? Go grab a particleboard masterpiece from your local box store and throw the old one away! That piece of flat pack furniture you bought 2 years ago? Put it out next to the trash can for the next pickup! Don’t get me wrong. I have NO room to judge here! I am as guilty as the next person (probably more so) and as I look around while writing this I can tell you that I have a long way to go before I can claim to be an expert on sustainable decor.
However, one sustainable thing I have done a fair amount of in my life is thrifting. Finding a piece that is solid and has a story can be so exciting! Getting it for a bargain? Even better! Antiques are very trendy at the moment but I encourage you to find something that you really love, not just something that is old. Don’t like the color? Paint it. Think it’s a little too ornate? Change out the hardware or legs to make it more modern. I can guarantee you that that thrifted piece will be more of a conversation starter than the MDF end table that cost twice as much.
Thrifted accessories add history and interest. Consider sourcing art/frames, vases, and books. Older frames have patina and character. If the art itself isn’t your style, paint over it. Remove it. Make it funky. Look for vases that have a shape you like, even if the finish isn’t your style. There are tons of youtube tutorials on how to transform decorative objects into something that might be more to your liking. Buying an antique doesn’t mean you have to keep it forever. You can still change things up down the road while making sustainable choices.
If you find yourself struggling to find something that resonates with you at your local thrift store, look on Instagram and Facebook for local vintage dealers. Many have a wide variety of styles and often have live video sales where you can grab the piece of your dreams if you are quick on the draw. Many auction houses also have online auctions that sell everything from small tchotchkes to furniture sets. Looking for high-end one of a kind pieces? Try chairish, onekingslane, and 1stdibs. And of course there is always eBay for literally anything you could ever think of.
This vintage Chinese “coolie” hat is 1 of 3 I got from one of my favorite online vintage dealers and is one of my favorite thrifted items.
What are some of your favorite Earth-friendly design tricks? Any favorite online vintage dealers? What is your favorite way to celebrate Earth Day? Let me know in the comments and go hug your Mother!