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What is it?

Sustainability encompasses a wide variety of practices and is essentially the same concept as “being green.” It includes recycling, and using recycled products as well as using renewable resources for products. Today the sustainability mindset exists in many industries and has become a major trend in the Interior Design world.

Sustainable Homes

Recently many homes have been incorporating sustainability into their designs. This can be achieved in many different ways.

The one way that most people immediately think of to make their home “green” is by installing solar panels. This can greatly decrease energy costs in the home, especially here in sunny Colorado.

Solar panels have become more aesthetically pleasing, but they do have a certain “look” that not all people enjoy. In Colorado, where the majority of roofs are pitched, it would be unavoidable to have the panels seen. This makes it essential to include them in the design planning of the home instead of adding them as an afterthought.

The only other possible negative of solar panels is the initial cost of installation. While this cost will be made up in following years, it can be a deterrent in the decision to install.

 

Green Materials

This bathroom makes use of a technique that is not only sustainable, but it is also beautiful and cost effective.

The counter top is made of cement with pieces of glass mixed in. The product is then polished to create a beautiful and unique finish. Many times products such as this incorporate recycled glass from bottles or even broken windshields. This product is considered to be one of the most sustainable on the market.

The floor in this image uses a similar technique by using cement mixed with pebbles which can be much more cost effective than using other specialty flooring.

The wood used on the cabinets under the sink is another sustainable material that not many people consider. These cabinets are made of bamboo. Bamboo is a highly renewable resource because bamboo plants reach maturity in 2-4 years as opposed to some hardwoods that can take decades. Bamboo can be stained a variety of colors and can be used on floors as well as cabinets.

 

Sustainable Products

Hunter Douglas window coverings are a great way to add an element of sustainability to any home. Specifically Hunter Douglas focuses on insulation, solar heat control, and daylighting so that electricity does not have to be used during the day when the shades are down.

 

The most energy conservative product that Hunter Douglas has to offer are the Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades. The cell within a cell construction forms three air pockets which makes it the best window covering for saving on heating and cooling costs.

 

 

 

Hunter Douglas offers many other products that are top performers for insulation, solar heat control, or daylighting. These include the Silhouette ®, Luminette ®, and Vignette ® which offer a different look than a typical honeycomb shade. While they do not have the extreme benefits of the Duette ® Architella ®, they are still an option in making a home more sustainable.

These Hunter Douglas window coverings and many more can be found in our showroom and we would be glad to help you make your home more sustainable.

By: Sandra Fontani