Page 18 - GTA Lifestyle Oakville October 2022

Four Tips for a More Eco-Friendly Renovation
By Designer Lisa Kooistra
Lisa Kooistra is the Creative Director and Principal Designer for Lisa Kooistra Design. This multi-disciplinary sought after GTA design firm has become known for creating exceptional well curated interiors and custom builds. www.lkdesigns.ca @lisakooistradesigns
Home renovation trends come and go, but one of them is more than just a passing fad: the push toward
environmental consciousness and sustainable living. As a law of lifestyle and a mantra for many homeowners, “go green” has also become a top priority for designers like myself, renovation professionals, product manufacturers and retailers alike. Here are five simple ways to make your next home renovation more sustainable for the Earth and your wallet!
1. Use low- or no-VOC paint. VOCs are a large group of chemicals that are frequently found in household products. These chemicals are thought to be harmful because they off-gas into the environment, contaminating your home’s indoor air quality and negatively impacting your health. Take note, off-gassing also can be an issue with some furniture materials and finishes. Thankfully most big- name paint brands such as Benjamin Moore, Behr and Sherwin-Williams are offering no- or low-VOC paints, so check the label before you buy!
2. Expand to eco-friendly materials. Long gone are the days where you’d have to choose sustainability or style. Nowadays, you can have it all! To make the biggest
impact in your next renovation, focus of the larger areas of coverage, such as flooring and countertops. Eco-friendly flooring includes cork and bamboo, which are sustainably harvested. Linoleum is another great option, manufactured using organic compounds. To top it off, it’s water- and fire-resistant, durable, easy to clean, and comes in a wide range of fabulous styles. To add warmth, consider layering a floorcovering on top, like a jute mat and or sisal-wool rug.
Page 18 SOUTH OAKVILLE Lifestyle October 2022