Eco-Friendly Green DIY Decorating

Eco-friendly is no longer a fad or a way to be cool. It really should be something we all endeavor to be because of the serious consequences not being eco-friendly is having on our environment. Even people who do not have children are concerned about preserving our planet for future generations. And, that's a good thing. I know the thought of being eco-friendly can seem overwhelming, but, even small changes in the way we live will go a long way in contributing to the preservation of our planet.
As an interior decorator, I am also concerned about doing my part even when I'm decorating a space for a client and so can you. Believe it or not, you can be stylish and eco-friendly, too. Here are just a few things to consider when tackling an eco-friendly green DIY decorating project.
* Replace the bulbs in track lights with LED lights. They have a low voltage and can last up to 10 years before having to replace them.
* Use low energy compact light bulbs in lamps.
* Resist the urge to use an air conditioner and use a ceiling fan instead. Ceiling fans take about 10% off an electric bill.
* Look for appliances with energy efficient seals.
* Reuse, repurpose, and recycle where possible instead of buying new items.
* Choose natural fiber fabrics like organic cotton which doesn't contain any bleaching or chemicals, and materials like hemp which is actually made from a weed.
* If you have to purchase furniture, purchase wood veneer furniture. Solid wood furniture requires the destroying of too many trees. And, seek out furniture that is upholstered with soy based foam.
* Select a carpet that is made of 100% recyclable materials.
* Consider installing window treatments made of fast growing grass, like bamboo.
* Always use paint with little or no VOC.
Well, I hope you are convinced that eco-friendly decorating is definitely doable. Sure, it might take a little extra research but the effort is worth it when you look at the big picture. Try one or all of these eco-friendly green decorating tips for a space that has big decorating appeal with low environmental impact.

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5 Great DIY Decorating Projects For the Home

There are many homeowners who like to do their own decorating projects themselves. Doing your own decorating projects is a great way to ensure that your own style and personality come through the decorating. Here are 5 great DIY decorating projects for the home.
1. Paint the Walls
Painting is by far the easiest yet most effective way to give a room a new look. The color of the walls is going to influence the decor of the whole room. Be sure that when you decide to paint the walls that you do it properly and prepare the walls as needed. This may mean filling in cracks and then sanding them down so that the wall is crack-free and smooth. It also involves a coat of primer and may involve a few coats of paint depending upon the color and the saturation of the wall.
2. Install Molding on the Walls
Molding is a great way to add a new touch to the walls. It can add some interest and appeal to an otherwise boring wall. You can install molding at the top of the wall such as crown molding or choose to go a different route and install a chair rail in the middle of the wall. You always want to paint or stain the molding before nailing it to the wall. You can always go back and touch up the nail holes with paint afterwards.
3. Personalize the Lampshades
If you can't find the exact kind of lampshade that you want or you just want something that shows your style, then design your own lampshade. An easy way to do this is to take a white or cream colored lampshade and cut out figures or designs with dark paper such as black or red. Tape the paper to the inside of the lampshade and you have a designer lampshade that reflects your own personal style. You can also add items to your lampshade such as embellishments and ribbon to personalize it as well.
4. Make Your Own Artwork for the Walls
Even if you can't draw or paint very well, you can still come up with your very own artwork for the walls. You just need to get creative and use items that you have. You can look for photographs, postcards, and book images to hang on the wall. Collages of items found in nature also work well for artwork pieces. An easy way to create your own artwork is to take a frame or blank canvas and wrap it in a patterned fabric to fit the style of the room. You can choose 2-3 different patterns and different sized frames and hang them in a cluster on the wall.
5. Make Your Own Window Treatments
There are many different non-sewing techniques to make your own curtains if you are not handy with a sewing machine or a needle and thread. Take a long silk scarf and drape it over a window curtain and you have instant interest around the window. You can also use such things as placemats and tablecloths for instant window treatments. If you do sew, there are plenty of patterns that you can find to make your own window treatments from whatever fabric you like.
A DIY decorating project doesn't have to be difficult. These are just 5 of the many different projects that you can take on to decorate your home in your own personal style.

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