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Redesigning a room in your home is no longer just about aesthetics and practical functionality. With climate change a real and concerning crisis, we have a responsibility to ensure our homes are as environmentally friendly as possible. This also has the potential to benefit the homeowner, as an eco-friendly design should mean less money spent on water and energy and could even increase the value of the property. Of course, it is also important to balance style with sustainability, but there are plenty of great ways to do so.
If you are remodelling your bathroom, here are five steps to an eco-friendlier design.
A big consideration in your bathroom design should be the toilet, shower head, and taps that you choose, as they will determine how much water your home uses. For example, a low-flow showerhead and a dual-flush toilet will perform in the same way as standard models (you won’t notice any difference) but use as much as 50% less water. There are also sensor taps on the market that stop themselves automatically when not in use to save water.
LED lighting is a great choice for an eco-friendly bathroom. They are much more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs, last 40 times longer, and produce more light (always useful for self-care). However, if you can, include a window or skylight in your design to let as much natural light in as possible, as this will reduce your need for artificial lighting during the day.
One of the biggest decisions you will be faced with is what flooring to choose for your bathroom. There are several options out there, including several that are eco-friendlier. Your flooring will be subjected to water, chemicals, and plenty of wear and tear, so it needs to be durable, but it also has the power to completely transform the look of the room, so style is another top priority.
A great choice is a wooden bathroom floor as it is made from renewable materials, is hardwearing, and adds both warmth and character to a room. We have a great selection at woodstonebathrooms.com. Other eco-friendly options include terrazzo (a composite of different materials which does not emit volatile organic compounds), recycled glass tiles, and natural stone.
From your bathroom mirror, vanity cupboard, and storage to the towels, bathmats, and shower curtains, consider your choices carefully. For example, you might choose a wooden vanity that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or take an old piece of furniture and turn it into storage for the bathroom to reduce waste going to landfill. Fabrics should be made from organic cotton or bamboo, and your shower curtain should be non-vinyl.
Most stores now sell natural personal hygiene and home cleaning products, and they are just as effective as the ones that contain harsh chemicals. By using products that are free of toxic chemicals, you will reduce the number of pollutants being added to our ecosystem and will also protect your family from potentially harmful toxins in favour of products that are cleansing but also soothing and gentle on the skin.