Creating a gorgeous home is a bit like choosing the right ingredients for a recipe. But nowadays, we want our homes to not only look good but also be kind to our planet. It's like having a cool secret - you can make your home look amazing and help the Earth at the same time!


When we choose what goes into our home, like furniture and decorations, we can opt for things that don't harm the Earth. For instance, we can use wood that comes from special places where they grow trees the right way, without hurting the forests. Or, we can select things made from fast-growing plants like bamboo, cane and rattan, which is not only trendy but also grows quickly, so we're not using up too much.


Here are some tips to decorate your homes during Diwali and yet stay eco-friendly.


Tips To Use Eco-Friendly Decor Items:


Decorating responsibly with eco-friendly materials is a wonderful way to embrace sustainability and cut cost by recycling the old decor in a new fashion. Ankita Sharma, who is the principal designer and founder of Design Alma listed out a few ways to use eco-friendly decor items this Diwali:




  • Incorporating clay kulhads and plates as decor not only add a rustic charm but also reduces plastic waste.

  • Handwoven jute decor items lend a natural and textured feel, accentuating the beauty of sustainable fabrics.

  • Enhance your space with a flower garden, creating a lush and colourful atmosphere that looks posh and elevated.

  • Play around with lighting using diyas, floor lamps, and fairy lights, harnessing the magic of low-energy but aesthetically appealing options.

  • Upscaled plants as decor breathe life into your interiors.

  • Traditional rangolis and origami artwork seamlessly infuse creativity and tradition into your design.

  • Additionally, reusing plastic bottles and cups for DIY crafts transforms waste into a beautiful and functional work of art.



Eco-Friendly Lighting Tips:


Pranav Agarwal, who is the Founder of Ledure Lightings pvt ltd said, "When we talk of lightings, Sustainable Lighting has not only come to play a pivotal role in creating a festive atmosphere, but also in contributing a great deal to the environment. It is also an area where eco-friendliness can ‘shine’. LED lights are an excellent choice for eco-friendly home decoration during the festive season and year-round. Their energy efficiency, longevity, minimal heat emission, versatility, dimmability, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes make them a sustainable lighting option that can enhance the beauty of your home by bringing a premium chiaroscuro effect in the indoor while reducing the impact on the environment."


Tips To Revamp Your Home In An Eco-Friendly Way This Diwali:

 

With festivities around the corner, most of us are amidst the exciting chaos of planning, cleaning, and preparations. The to-do list is endless, from our outfits and food menu to guest lists and home décor. While we soak in the festive fervor, one thing that often gets overlooked is sustainable products. But it is not too late to act responsibly and integrate sustainability in your home, especially in the interior and décor aspect. 

 

In this regard, Lalitesh Mandrekar, who is the General Manager, Design, at Godrej Interio listed the following:



  • Plants make your home cool and fresh! They don't just look nice; they also help you stay focused. Try to keep plants to make your home feel like paradise!

  • Furniture crafted from reclaimed wood offers a remarkable appeal, akin to inviting nature into your living space. These materials boast captivating textures and contribute to the well-being of our planet. Moreover, they impart an elegant touch to your home without straining your budget. By incorporating natural hues and tasteful ethnic decor, you can transform your living space into a serene and aesthetically pleasing oasis of tranquillity.

  • Additionally, it is advisable to steer clear of thermocol and non-recyclable plastics, opting instead for sustainable and renewable materials such as cotton and jute. Furthermore, one-time-use items should be biodegradable and compostable, promoting environmental responsibility.




In addition to him, Palash Agrawal, who is the Founder / Director of Vedas Exports, suggested the below tips. 



  • Place metallic tea light candle holders across the house


We all have those antique tea light candle holders, passed from generations, that finally seem to be back in trend. Festivals are the best time to get them out to light up the entire house without losing a sense of aesthetics. They are visually appealing, durable, and easily maintained at home using metal cleaners. You can enhance this setup by tinting one of the candle holders with a pop of shade and colourful beads.  



  • Say goodbye to thermocol plates, introduce metallic platters 


Platters come in a variety of patterns, shapes, and sizes. You may use them as a center-table décor piece filled with flowers or light snacks to munch on. 


Lastly, Nishith Gupta, who is the Managing Director of Sapana Carpet-Mats, also shared the following tips:



  • Replace plastic chairs with chatai mats 


The traditional baithak setup is back in trend, and it is the perfect time to get rid of your space-occupying plastic chairs. If you like this classic concept, you can complement it with chatai mats and floor cushions to host guests and create a warm environment. From playing cards and reading books to binge-watching or sipping coffee, you can do it all by relaxing on the chatai mats without worrying about falling short of space to sit. The best part is that chatai mats do not need high maintenance and come in various colours, prints, sizes, and patterns.    



  • Don’t ignore the flooring


Don’t ignore the floor of your house; festivities are the best time to invest in good carpet for the living room, door mats for the entrance, which have intricate designs, and kitchen runners and bathmats. The bolder and more vibrant colours, the better it makes the house look. 


So, this festive season, allow your creativity to shine and celebrate each occasion with sustainability in mind. Refer to some of these ideas to make your festivals economical and environmentally friendly!