Summer’s here, and your getaway spot deserves a refresh. But instead of buying a truckload of trendy decor and fast furniture, why not take a smarter, greener approach?
Sustainable design doesn’t mean boring or expensive. It means thoughtful, efficient, and beautiful choices that reduce waste, lower energy use, and work in harmony with the environment.
Used with permission of Lauren Haskett
Whether your summer home is a beach cottage, lake house, or mountain retreat, these eco-friendly ideas will help you create a stylish space with a conscience.
1. Start with What You Have
Before hitting the store or browsing online, look around. What can you repurpose, repaint, or rearrange?
That wicker chair in the garage? Give it a good clean and a fresh coat of non-toxic paint. Old glass bottles? Instant candle holders or vases. Leftover fabric? Turn it into pillow covers or napkins. The most sustainable item is the one you already own.
2. Choose Natural, Local Materials
Skip the plastic and mass-produced pieces. Go for materials that are renewable, durable, and low-impact—like bamboo, reclaimed wood, linen, cotton, cork, and jute.
Better yet, shop local. Look for artisans or small businesses nearby who use regional materials. Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, it also adds character to your home.
Smart Picks:
Reclaimed wood dining table
Rattan or bamboo light fixtures
Linen curtains that let the breeze through
3. Opt for Secondhand & Vintage
Thrift stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces are goldmines for unique finds. You can score everything from furniture to art to dishes at a fraction of the cost (and environmental toll) of new stuff.
Used with permission of Lauren Haskett
Look for:
Mid-century dressers
Vintage lamps
Classic woven rugs
These pieces have already stood the test of time—plus, they add instant charm and soul to your space.
4. Cool Down with Passive Design
Reduce the need for A/C by making smart architectural choices.
Install light-colored curtains or reflective shades to keep rooms cooler. Use cross-ventilation: open windows on opposite walls to allow air to move freely. Ceiling fans are also more energy-efficient than constantly blasting the air conditioning.
Bonus points for planting trees or tall shrubs strategically to shade the house in the hottest months.
5. Bring Nature Indoors
Let the outside in with natural greenery. Houseplants clean the air and instantly warm up a room.
Choose easy-care varieties like:
Snake plant
Spider plant
Pothos
Aloe vera
Or, create a mini herb garden near the kitchen window—basil, mint, and rosemary thrive in the summer and are great for cocktails or cooking.
6. Use Eco-Friendly Paint and Finishes
When repainting or refinishing furniture, choose low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) or VOC-free products. These are safer for you and the environment.
Also, consider limewash or clay paints for a textured, earthy look that’s naturally breathable and mold-resistant.
7. Upgrade to LED and Solar Lighting
Swap out old bulbs for energy-efficient LED ones—they last longer and use way less power. For the outdoors, solar-powered path lights or string lights are perfect for setting a mood without upping your energy bill.
8. Invest in Quality Over Quantity
Used with permission of Lauren Haskett
Avoid cheap, disposable furniture that ends up in landfills by the end of the season. Instead, buy fewer items made with care and built to last. Think timeless design, solid construction, and pieces you’ll love long-term.
Final Tip: Make It Personal
The most sustainable design is one that reflects your life, not a showroom. Fill your space with things that tell a story—family heirlooms, travel finds, handmade items. When you love what you have, you’re less likely to toss it next year.
Wrap-Up
Sustainable design isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being mindful. These small choices add up to a big difference, for both your home and the planet. And trust us, nothing feels better than relaxing in a space that’s beautiful and kind to the earth.
Want more eco-friendly design tips? Stick around—there’s plenty more where this came from.
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