Thursday, November 24, 2011

Hello! I hope all of my US readers enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving today.

I'm happy to have Kelly of refresheddesigns on the blog today writing about something that is near and dear to my heart.  Kelly is a decorator and professional organizer based in Calgary and has a very pretty blog.  So without further ado, here's Kelly...

I'm thrilled to be guest posting today for Vanessa here at decor happy, one of my all-time-favourite design blogs. I'm writing about a subject I am passionate about - sustainable design. When people hear the term "sustainable home" they usually think of a new home built with green materials for high energy efficiency, energy-efficient appliances, and materials like bamboo flooring. This is all good stuff, if you can do it, but what about the average homeowner who is in an older home or in a condo or apartment? What can those of us who aren't building new do to make our homes sustainable without spending a lot of cash?

There are lots of things, but the simplest is to reuse, reclaim and re-purpose. When you want to update or make a change to a room, take inventory of things you have in other parts of your home that could be used differently in this room. Could the trunk at the end of your bed become a coffee table or side table?

via Design Sponge
via

What about using old sweaters, scarves or curtains to cover existing pillows?

 via
via
via
You could take existing frames with art that you no longer want and put vibrant fabric inside the glass for a fresh new look.
via
from Elle Decor
Find an old dresser on Craigslist or Kijjjii and repaint it, put new hardware on it and use it as a sideboard in your dining room or entry.
via
via
House to Home 

And bring in natural materials. Use branches as art or hang barn boards as shelves.

Re-nest
Apartment Therapy
Elle Decor
There are so many ways to redecorate your home with very little consumption of new materials. I hope these ideas will inspire you to get creative and make your home more sustainable. For ongoing tips, hop on over to my site at www.refresheddesigns.com. Thanks so much Vanessa for having me here today!

No, thank you for all of the great tips Kelly! Please make sure you stop by her blog to say Hello.

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