Transform Your Home Decor Sustainably for the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, many are seeking innovative ways to refresh their home decor without overspending. A growing trend emphasizes sustainability, allowing individuals to revamp their spaces by upcycling old furniture and incorporating eco-friendly materials. Debra Phillips, the proprietor and senior designer at SG Geneva Scentimental Gardens, shares her expertise on how to achieve a stylish home while being mindful of the environment.

Phillips recently assisted a young couple in furnishing their first home, guiding them on the benefits of repurposing vintage and antique items. “We discussed how to fit found treasures into today’s environment,” she explains. Upcycled furniture often boasts superior craftsmanship compared to contemporary options, frequently coming at a lower price—and sometimes at no cost. For example, reclaimed wood can be transformed into new furnishings, with wood pallets serving as a popular choice for creative projects.

One of Phillips’ recommendations is to breathe new life into older pieces such as a knotty pine chest. Applying lacquer or chalk paint, or simply stripping and waxing the wood can create a fresh look. Adding new hardware also enhances the piece’s appeal. “There’s satisfaction in creating something ‘new’ while preventing it from going into the landfill,” says Phillips.

To inspire creativity, Phillips encourages individuals to think outside the box when considering what items can be repurposed. She recounts how she transformed an eel cage from an antique show into a striking chandelier. For those without inherited treasures, exploring local antique shops, secondhand stores, flea markets, and estate sales can yield unique finds that can be turned into personal treasures.

Upholstery is another critical aspect of sustainable decor. Phillips emphasizes the importance of knowing how upholstered furniture is manufactured. “Good upholstery should be stuffed with down or cotton, rather than foam, which contains chemicals,” she advises. She also suggests opting for organic fabrics over synthetic materials like polyester and recommends furniture held together with screws instead of glue or staples for a more sustainable choice.

Mixing new pieces with vintage finds creates a collective look that enhances a home’s character. Phillips also advocates for the use of natural materials in window treatments and decorative pillows. Old grain sacks, wool rugs, cane, wicker, iron, wood, and leather are excellent options. “Organic, natural materials really make a room,” she states.

Another emerging trend is the use of zinc, noted for its soft gray-blue hue, which can be found in side tables, lamps, and large pots for faux indoor plants. “What makes for an interesting home is not everything purchased brand new,” Phillips concludes. “It’s about the collective look that speaks to you, emphasizing sustainability over instant beauty.”

The combination of creativity, sustainability, and personal expression allows homeowners to not only beautify their spaces but also make environmentally conscious choices. As the holiday season approaches, taking the time to revamp decor sustainably can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for family and friends.