How to Create a Healthier and Happier Home

When you think about being eco-friendly, you think about reducing plastic waste, taking your re-usable coffee cup to the shop or making sure you are putting your waste in the right bin. These are all great ways to contribute to helping the Planet, not to mention save you money.

There are so many more things you can do to reduce your footprint and create a more conscious home. And let me tell you now: They are easy to implement, they are great design tips, and they will save you money.

I mean, what more do you want?!

If you are looking for ways to build your house more sustainably, make sure you read about The Storybook House!

Here are 5 simple steps you can implement now to start moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle that will benefit your life whilst saving the Earth (No biggie)

1. Plants are your friends

Plants have so many benefits! They improve the air quality, purify the air by removing toxins. They also help reduce stress and create a feeling of well-being. Cherry on top: they create the connection with nature we tend to lack in our home, especially in urban areas.

Plants can be a great way to replace a piece of décor that could have been not so eco-friendly. You can put plants on walls or hang them from the ceiling. You also get the satisfaction of caring for them and watching them grow.

2. Second- hand furniture

As tempting as the idea of a trip to your favourite furniture shop to pick something new sounds, consider buying second-hand furniture. Gumtree, Craigslist, eBay, Facebook are all great platforms to find decent cheap pre-loved furniture and homeware. Also consider selling yours for cheap to a crafty someone who will give it another life. What if you bought something you could upcycle?

3. Energy saving

A slightly more technical way to create a more conscious home to by reducing your energy bill is easier than it sounds. Whether you own your home or rent, you can start by changing the bulbs to LED. They last longer AND are more efficient. Washing your clothes in cold water will also help reduce your energy consumption. When you must buy new appliances, pay attention to the star rating of appliances, they are technically a bit more expensive but will consume less energy, hence reduce your bills. Other habits you can introduce is turning off lights and power switches when not in use, it does not sound like much, but it all makes a difference!

4. The art of shuffling

We all, at some point, get tired of our home looking the same and want to give it a bit of a makeover. Before jumping in your car to go shopping, try to move things around. Moving furniture means your brain needs to get used to doing things differently and go different ways, which will make you feel like you are in a new space. You can also move homewares around (which I like to do a lot). Have a box full of candles, vases and other pretty things. When you feel like a change, remove everything from the room, put it all together on a table, and redecorate. Assembling different items together and putting them in a different spot is a very effective way to give your home a quick easy and cost-effective makeover.

5. Think Minimal

“Tidying your physical space allows you to tend to your psychological space”.Marie Kondo

I am guilty of wandering through departments store and putting every cushion or picture frame I found cute in my basket. Now I ask myself: Do I need it? What is it going to bring to my home? Am I going to love it forever, or do I like it just because it is cheap?

Consider decluttering and living with less. Realising you don’t “need” can be liberating.

Take the time to go through your things, give some away, sell or donate. Review what you have and consider what you want. You’ll be helping yourself and others, all while creating a more conscious home.

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