I am a firm believer in the quote – home is our safe place. A place where we feel nurtured, secure and can be ourselves. And my definition of a home is a place that is simple yet charming; a space that is filled with greenery, natural materials and one that is stylish yet sustainable. In the light of the present scenario of the world, where global warming and the climate crisis have adversely impacted all our lives, it is crucial that our homes are designed and decorated in ways that minimize the impact on our environment.
Conscious Choices
As I moved into the bare shell of my home, the first step was to give it a lick of paint. I chose a muted palette of off white, beige and cream and opted for non-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paint. This greatly helps reduce outdoor and indoor pollution and is devoid of harsh chemicals. When it came to furniture, I chose to go for pieces that used natural materials and pieces that have been sourced and manufactured both sustainably as well as ethically. Think jute rugs, sofas upholstered in recycled velvet and armchairs using hemp fabric. Sabai Design is a great brand which is committed to offering customers affordable, chic, comfortable and sustainable furniture. They have some exciting furniture bundles as well as a comprehensive ‘repair, don’t replace’ program. So, if your sofa legs are damaged or your pet chewed up your cushion, they have the perfect solution. Further, you can choose to buy used furniture pieces as well which is a great idea to curb conspicuous consumption.I also chose to reuse most of the furniture I already had for my dining space and bedroom. Few pieces like old doors were upcycled into tables and windows as statement pieces on the wall.
Furnishings in breathable fabrics like handloom cottons, khadi etc are a wonderful way to make your home feel earthy as well as ecofriendly. I chose to use the products from House of AMU given their pleasing block prints, soothing colours and comforting textures. Most of their products are made from natural fibres like cotton and wool and their block prints use Azo free dyes. Ethically sourced, these handcrafted products are made mainly by women.
Kitchen and Garden – the Heart of a Home
There is little doubt that the kitchen is the heart and soul of a home and mine is no different! While I reused my old cast iron pans and griddle, for newer products, Our Place was a great find. Most of their products are made of recycled aluminium, have safe non-stick quoting and their glasses are made from recycled glass and natural sand. The best part is that their packaging is sans plastic and is totally biodegradable.All my cleaning materials including dishwash soap, cleaning liquid and laundry detergent are natural and do not contain harsh chemicals. This makes sure it is safe and easy on both my home and the planet.
No house is complete without greens and I make sure that my home is filled with plants that lend it a vivacious vibe. Most of my planters are slightly damaged ceramic mugs, old metal cans and even discarded bottles. Painting them gives them the much-needed makeover and then they are as good as new! I love plants like pothos, spider plant and the snake plant as they help purify the air and keep the indoor air quality just great.
Energy efficient lighting options including LED bulbs are a great choice to keep your energy consumption and bills under control. Evenings are meant for relaxation and there is nothing more calming than lighting a pleasant-smelling candle and enjoying the essence of a home curated with nothing but love. I always choose vegan soy wax which is non toxic and those that come in reusable jars. Check out the range from AyurLight Candles and Kishmish for the perfect scented candles and diffusers.
Well, as they say,home is not a place but is a feeling. And when it is curated consciously it is a place that you always want to come back to.
