Eco Friendly House And Garden

Lighting your home for low energy consumption is an important part of modern eco living.

But don’t forget that it is also very important for all your other hoursehold activities too - like reading, entertaining and general safety.  So do think about these when trying to change your lighting for the better.

If you don’t plan for the correct number of light fixtures in your rooms – or bulb brightness; then you may end up having to make adaptations to the room, or changing room uses – which could all be avoided with better planning.

For example, if the lights are not bright enough in your lounge, you may want to read and use your laptop in the kitchen instead, where seating is usually more uncomfortable - and you may have to keep moving out of the way for others to eat.  And why heat the front room if noone ever really uses it anyway?

But then what if your kitchen is open plan to the hall, the stairs or the conservatory – heating that space is going to cost you more money and energy than having fitted a suitable light in the lounge in the first place!

No Need To Compromise:
Planning for a greener home doesn’t mean you have to ask for less stylish fittings - and you can still take advantage of contemporary designs like modern alessi Designs or AXO’s avant-garde approach in your home.  ‘Eco Friendly’ doesn’t have to mean ‘boring’ – just plan ahead and choose the eco options where possible, for example fittings that work with low energy bulbs and lighting that makes a room in your home fit for the purpose you want to use it for. 

I mean, you can still have glitz and glamour in your home – but make sure it is with a purpose: like some delicate chandelier lighting in the dining room!  If you have a dining room that you want to glam up for special occasions – then go for it!  Energy-efficient light bulbs can be used for most fittings these days – and you still get to enjoy that special treat for yourself without having just a boring single lampshade in your room!

And, as you use it regularly for entertaining – it will be fit for purpose and so make better use of that space, those fittings and your energy choices.  It can also help to keep that room ‘kid free’ so it stays as a special place for grown-ups or special events.

Planning Ahead For A Night In:
Another idea is to have 2 sets of independent lights in a room – for 2 different purposes.  Take your lounge: day to day living for the family, or quiet night in for the grown-ups? 

If you are like me and want the lounge only lit with low light while watching an evening movie – then consider a pendant light – or three.  Rather than leaving the bright kitchen or hall way lights on to create that ambiance; why not light the room with low wattage (and low energy) tiny lights – maybe with colored covers for some warmth. 

And don’t forget – keeping the lighting in the room you are actually in means you can close the door and keep the warmth inside in the winter – rather than it all leaking out of the open hallway door!

So, plan ahead – way ahead – and make sure that the time and energy you spend on planning your new light fittings will fit with your hopes and uses for each room. 

No more having to sit somewhere stupid just because it’s brighter, no more having to move the furniture around to fit in a new lamp – and of course no more compromise on having an eco friendly house!

If you can help others to make small changes, you could spread the word…..

Working from home can take on a whole new meaning if you are interested in interior design – and have an eco friendly twist.  By helping others to make little changes in their homes, you can have a larger influence on your local environment and small businesses.

We all know that you can get more eco friendly furniture and fittings, but many people just don’t have the time to find these alternatives – and many assume that they will be more expensive in the first place.  So if you were in the driving seat of their home changes – and had a link to all the big interior design suppliers like Colefax & Fowler - you could find all the best options on their behalf - leaving them free to enjoy their new home.

Getting Your Supplies:
If you are new to the business, or you are having trouble finding suppliers for small scale operations, then why not contact someone who has already got the large contracts – and buy through them.  This way, you don’t need to worry about meeting minimum orders and weights – this larger firm will be buying enough to reach everyone’s requirements.

Take a company like Idolum Design Resources.  They have all the large design and material suppliers working with them – all you need to do is add your order to the orders of all their other small designers and hey presto – the order is a whopper and everyone gets their stock on time – and the best prices!

They can even offer sample books for consultations and offer all the services you will need as you are expanding your business and are easy to access online – so saving on travel time!

Never Compromise Again:
Whether it’s upholstery for a sun lounger or curtain poles for bay windows, they can get it for you.  You never have to worry about compromising on what you really want for your designs because of supplier restrictions.  If you want it – just order it!

All your eco design dreams could come true for your clients and your own home if you started taking a keener interest in the eco friendly alternatives (or just avoiding the ‘baddies’).  And with a network of great designers, suppliers and manufacturers at your finger tips, you are well on your way to improving your eco lifestyle!

Enjoy Your Designs!!!