Energy Efficient Interior Design Tips

With the cost of gas, oil and electricity on the rise, it only makes sense to wonder about alternative energy sources for your home. When equipping your home with an Energy Efficient Interior Design, you will not only be doing your part in helping keep the environment clean, but you’ll also notice your wallet doesn’t have to open up quite so much when it comes to paying the utility bills.

An Energy Efficient Design isn’t a new concept, however, there are new products, ideas and methods of conserving interior energy that come out daily. Most of us know about choosing smarter light bulbs, the use of solar panels, and of course, utilizing ceiling fans – but that is just a small start to creating an Energy Efficient home.

It’s Never Too Late

A true Energy conscious interior design comes during the planning stages of the home. For instance; increasing the number of windows on the south side of your home to collect heat will make a huge dent in your heating and cooling bills. It doesn’t stop there either, there many other tricks that builders can use to help you conserve energy during the designing process.

However, once the home is built, it’s never too late to consider energy conserving ideas that are readily available in today’s market. Implementing just a few of these techniques will result in reducing your Energy consumption without sacrificing your designing style.

Energy Efficient Techniques

• Color: Who knew your paint choice could help you conserve energy? But, it’s true. Lighter colors, such as; beige, creams, tans, and off whites, will reflect heat from other objects or walls that retain heat – such as; the ceiling, a brick fireplace, or furniture pieces. Choose warmer colors like reds, oranges, or yellows that will absorb heat to help you and your home feel warmer without having to touch the thermostat.
• Window Treatments:: Go with a denser covering for your windows instead of something light like sheers. Blinds are a perfect choice and will put the sunlight in your control. With all the different styles, shapes and colors on the market today, they will also be a fashionable fit into any interior design style.
• Flooring: Concrete, believe it or not, will absorb and retain heat and store it – until there is a temperature drop and then the heat is released. There are many beautiful styles of stamped and patterned concrete available, you won’t have to sacrifice your decorating style. Consider area rugs to soften the room a bit, as well as providing comfort.
• Fireplace: What the hearth and mantle are made from are just as important as what is burning inside. Use bricks, ceramic tiles, or another hard surface such as rocks for the exterior of the fireplace. Heat will become trapped in these surfaces and released when the room cools down.
• Lighting Fixtures: Your interior Lighting Design plays a huge role in Energy Efficiency. Fluorescent bulbs should be considered to replace any incandescent fixtures found in your kitchen, bathroom, utility room, etc.
• Furniture: No matter your style of interior design, your furniture can also play a role in a Energy Efficient home. Using furniture that has a high back, or a skirt on the bottom, will help reduce drafts in the room. Proper placement of the furniture will also serve to protect the room from cooler areas of the house, as well as from outside.

Save the Frustration … Hire a Pro

There are literally hundreds of Energy Efficient ideas you can implement into your home, whether you are in the construction phase or you’ve lived in your home for years.

Save yourself some time and frustration by consulting with an Energy Efficient Interior Designer – you’ll be assured you are getting the most out of your home by combining designing style with Energy Efficiency.

For more information on designing your home to reach it’s maximum benefits, please visit our Interior Design Ideas and Photos page. While you are there check out our Interior Designer Directory where you’ll find highly qualified, professional design firms for all aspects of your home, office and business.