Spring/Green Bathroom Updates
Now that spring has arrived, it’s a
great time to update your home. If you are looking to re-vamp the look of your
bathroom, here are some simple ideas to refresh your space and also keep the
project “green”.
Keep your bathroom looking clean and
elegant by using natural materials in neutral colors; instead of opting for a flooring
such as vinyl, which is a synthetic man-made material, choose instead a natural
flooring such as linoleum, bamboo or ceramic tile.
Because
bathrooms are small spaces, you are able to experiment with bright or exotic
paint colors or eclectic design ideas. When decorating your bathroom, opt for sustainable bamboo as a source for textiles and accessories
such as toothbrush holders or trashcans. Consider placing a houseplant in your
bathroom to enhance the space, or supporting a local business when purchasing
art to decorate.
You may also want to invest in a
natural fiber shower curtain, rather than the vinyl/PVC variety. Hemp is a
mildew-resistant option, and a natural fiber shower curtain can be washed and
reused many more times than the vinyl variety. If you do opt to purchase a
vinyl shower curtain, you may wash it in cold water when it is dirty to lengthen
its life. Washing can be repeated several times with a vinyl curtain before it
has to be replaced.
When choosing a paint for your
bathroom, considering purchasing low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compound)
paint, such as Benjamin Moore Natura® or Sherwin-Williams Harmony®. VOCs are
unstable compounds that readily vaporize into the air. Inhaling some VOCs has
been linked to cancer, and as paint dries it releases VOCs into the air of your
home at approximately 10 higher than normal, outdoor levels. Wet paint may emit
VOCs up to 1,000 times higher than normal, outdoor levels.
For information on bathroom remodeling
call Kruse Home Improvement at 860-877-0775.
Sources:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/everyday-myths/how-long-does-it-take-for-plastics-to-biodegrade.htm
http://www.shower-decor.com/
