Going green with your interior design for spring

Spring is a peak time for home remodelers, and this year it seems that green building materials and decorative accents are bigger than ever. Not only are they good for the environment, but homeowners are finding new ways to make their houses more energy-efficient to help reduce their energy costs, according to The Times Herald.

Green floor coverings have become immensely popular with home designers, as bamboo, cork and recycled carpeting that have little-to-no volatile organic compounds that may effect air quality.

Lighting has become another consideration for homeowners, as the ease of use with compact fluorescent bulbs as well as LEDs have become more widespread. These can help to cut down on energy usage as well as bulb replacement costs due to the increased life span.

The most cost-effective way to make your home greener for the warm weather is with the incorporation of window blinds and shades. Honeycomb cellular shades feature a unique cell lining that will help increase insulation. They are available in many colors and styles and will control air leakage in homes, which will lead to lower utility bills.