Houseowners with economical energy consumption habitually incorporate these 5 aesthetic enhancements within their homes, significantly elevating room aesthetics.
Transforming Your Home into an Energy-Efficient Haven
In the quest for a sustainable living space, experts recommend a harmonious blend of strategic window treatments, maximized natural light, integrated plants, and smart lighting controls to create an energy-efficient home.
Window Treatments
Embrace energy-efficient blinds such as cellular (honeycomb) shades, reflective blinds, or motorized blinds that adjust automatically for optimal efficiency. These innovative solutions reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, lowering heating and cooling needs significantly [4].
Natural Light
Maximize daylight to reduce reliance on electric lighting, but control excess heat by combining window films, insulated blinds, or curtains. Properly placed windows and skylights can brighten interiors while minimizing heat gain, improving comfort year-round [4][5].
Plants
Indoor and outdoor plants play a crucial role in an energy-efficient home. Indoor plants improve air quality and can provide slight cooling via transpiration. Outdoor trees and shrubs can shade windows and walls, reducing cooling loads in summer [2]. Anna Vasiltsova, founder of Anna Design, suggests placing plants with broad leaves near windows or sunlit areas to act as natural shades, reducing heat penetration.
Smart Lighting Controls
Install smart lighting systems with sensors and timers to automatically adjust lighting based on occupancy and daylight availability. Pairing LED bulbs with smart controls maximizes energy savings and convenience [4][1].
General Expert Tips
Ensure good insulation (loft, walls) and sealing of air leaks around windows and doors to prevent energy waste [1][5]. Upgrade to energy-efficient windows like double or triple-pane with Low-E coatings to maintain indoor temperature stability [4]. Use smart thermostats to optimize heating and cooling alongside smart lighting controls [4][1].
Additional Measures
Washing in cold water, as suggested by Ben Soreff from H2H Organizing, is great for the energy bill and the environment. Heating and cooling a home is the primary factor affecting energy bills. This includes lighting, water heating, and large appliances such as dishwashers and tumble driers.
Robin Olascoaga, principal designer at RMBO Studio, recommends maximizing south-facing windows in the Northern Hemisphere to maximize sunlight and reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day. To further enhance natural light, Anna Vasiltsova suggests adding skylights.
Consider investing in energy-efficient plants such as the Braided Benjamina Ficus Tree ($78.95), the Feng Shui plant ($199), or the lush rubber plant ($59). These plants can thrive in various lighting conditions and provide additional insulation and cooling benefits.
Together, these measures reduce energy consumption, enhance comfort, and lower utility bills while promoting sustainable living.
In the realm of interior design, incorporating energy-efficient elements such as cellular shades, motorized blinds, or skylights can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your kitchen, living room, and other spaces in your home-and-garden. Planting broad-leaved plants near windows or sunlit areas, like the Braided Benjamina Ficus Tree, can act as natural shades and insulation, contributing to a trendy, eco-friendly lifestyle. By maximizing natural light and optimizing smart lighting controls, you can create a harmonious blend of sustainability and artistry in your home's interior design. Additionally, consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows and investing in smart thermostats to further boost your home's energy efficiency.
