Adding a Little Spring Décor

Tips for Making Your Home More Energy Efficient Through Interior Design

30 July 2015 by Melinda Collins

From purchasing the latest, and most expensive, appliances to investing in an upgraded thermostat, when it comes to making your home more energy efficient, there are many popular options available. However, did you know that making a few simple interior design changes can help you cut down on your energy consumption even more? Here are a few simple interior design tips that can help you maximize your home's efficiency:

Choosing the Most Energy Efficient Colors

According to EPA, darker colors absorb more light and heat, while lighter colors reflect more light and heat. The same principle applies to the color of your walls, which is why if you're considering repainting your kitchen, bedrooms or den, the most energy efficient option is to choose a lighter color. The lighter colors will allow you to use fewer fixtures to light the room, which will cut down on your consumption.

If you're not sure which colors will provide you with the most savings, look for a higher LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, on the paint can. The higher the LRV, the more the color will reflect light, which can help cut down on your energy consumption.

Energy Efficient Furniture

Believe it or not, the type of furniture you choose for your home and the way in which you arrange each piece can have an impact on your energy bills. For example, chairs and couches with skirts and higher backs can actually cut down on any drafts in your home, which will make the room seem cooler.

Arranging your furniture with energy efficiency in mind can also help reduce your consumption, and bills. Here are a few simple ways arranging your furniture more thoughtfully can help your home be more energy efficient:

• During the winter, arrange your furniture so it faces the window, but is not near the window. This will help you feel the sunlight during the day, but you won't feel the draft from the wind.
• Keep the furniture away from your heating or air conditioning vent. Although the hot air will feel good in the winter, and the cool air in the summer, arranging your furniture in front of the vent won't allow the air to circulate throughout the room.
• Move your television, lamps or anything that produces even a small amount of heat away from the thermostat or your window air conditioner. Even though the heat produced in minimal, it can cause the thermostat or air conditioner to turn on more than necessary.
• Utilize design elements that can also act as extra insulation. For example, hanging a decorative tapestry on the wall or arranging tall cabinets or bookcases against the wall can add a little extra layer of protection against the elements.

Consider Concrete Flooring

If you live in a cooler climate, you know that installing carpeting or tile is the best way to keep your toes warm all winter long. However, you might be seeking other options that will work in every room of your home and on a limited budget.

One option you might not have considered that is both environmentally-friendly and cost-effective is concrete. Concrete is as very porous material that can actually absorb the sun's heat, which can keep your feet warm in the winter.

In addition, concrete is a surprisingly versatile material. It can be stained or embellished with glass or stamped, which provides you with a custom look.

Investing in the latest energy efficient appliances or even installing solar panels can greatly reduce your energy consumption, but these two options aren't in everyone's budget. If you want to make your home as energy efficient as possible and don't have a huge budget, contact interior designers to discover the changes you can make without spending too much.

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