Why is eco-style a new approach to home interior design?

11/2022

A child of the post-industrial era

The eco-style in the interior design of the house refers to the new directions of housing styling, so it has absorbed many components of other styles. It can be safely combined with hi-tech, loft or ethnic. It is not conservative, has no framework, and allows the owner of the house enough space for creative ideas and experiments. 

The critical feature of eco-style is the use of natural materials by designers when decorating premises. However, it is not only about metal or stone, but also more exclusive options of eco-materials: bamboo, vine, reed, etc. In the hands of experienced designers, such materials will become a magical tool for creating a truly cozy, magical, relaxing and ecological living space.

The above may have led you to think that eco-design does not involve using any modern technologies and gadgets. However, in reality, this is not the case. This style was born precisely in the post-industrial era, combining current technological achievements and a respectful, caring attitude towards the environment. The eco-style is intended for those who want to live in harmony with the green world and themselves.

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Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

How the eco-style in interior design was born

It isn't easy to name the date that began the development of such a phenomenon as the ecological direction of interior design. However, it can be noted with certainty that, at first, the eco-style was not an independent style but was an integral part of other directions. So throughout its development, it absorbed various methods and techniques, for example, minimalism, ethnicity or classic English interiors. Eco-design became an independent trend only at the turn of the millennium.

As you know, the most important trends in society directly impact art and design. The world wars impeded the creation of an aggressive style. In the 60s, designers tried to give their products the most incredible possible resemblance to a rocket. 

In the same way, the pollution of nature and increased attention to ecology have become topics for many works of art. This issue gained popularity and received its separate direction in architecture. Alvar Aalto was one of the first to use eco-style in the design of the house. At that time, some organic materials were already used for interior decoration. This Finnish designer made the most significant contribution to creating the eco-style concept.

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A minimum of furniture and a maximum of naturalness

One of the main tasks of this type of interior is to preserve more free space and to create a light and natural atmosphere in the house. To achieve such an effect, the minimum amount of furniture, only the most necessary, is left in the rooms. The ideal platform for implementing an eco-style interior is a room that is not divided into zones.

Specialists use exclusively natural materials to create the interior design. At the same time, interior elements are often created from previously used objects. In particular, small tables or chairs are made from old wooden pallets. Also, an ordinary grocery box can easily be turned into a shelf or mezzanine. As for fabric upholstery, designers prefer textiles made of natural fibres.

An exciting feature is that in rooms in this style, you will only see a few indoor plants. However, the direction involves the use of elements of living nature. Specialists believe creating green areas decorated with home flowers and flower pots is much more practical and effective. For example, a wall covered with creepers will look natural and beautiful. Of course, you ought to do this with the help of a qualified florist. 

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Winter forest or hot savannah?

Using natural tones found in the wild is necessary to make the eco-interior more expressive and attractive. The chosen colors should not be too bright or artificial. Remember that the design's color scheme should inspire a sense of harmony and fusion with the green world. Experts recommend the following shades:

All shades of green, probably, explanations are superfluous here due to the primary color of life, leaves, meadows and fields, so this tone will always be a vital component of the ecological concept.

• White is an excellent neutral background that can emphasize the greenery of indoor plants or the texture of the finish made of eco-materials.

• The blue color is a reflection of the sky and water. It will add volume and light to the room.

• Yellow symbolizes fire and the sun. Designers choose this tone to create accent elements.

• Brown. It is a shade of tree bark. It can be successfully combined with green and create a soft color palette.

Thanks to the correct use of colors, you can fill the living space with shades common in natural landscapes. In particular, if you correctly harmonize white, blue and brown tones, you will get the effect of a wild winter forest.

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What kind of decor can complement eco-design?

As mentioned above, the eco-concept provides a maximum of open space and a minimum amount of furniture and accessories. Due to a large number of small elements, the area is excessively filled and visually narrowed. However, it is also not worth giving up decorative elements completely because the rooms will look uninhabited without them. 

Simply put, you need to find a compromise solution to ensure the optimal balance. It is also worth remembering that the decorative accessories that best match the eco-style are the final touch in the interior design, which will emphasize its authenticity and uniqueness.

So, what decor do experts recommend to use in this case?

• Decorative plants in a clay pot. For example, ferns or palm trees, as well as creeping vines, will look most impressive.

• Also, a wicker container such as a basket or a vase.

• Sea pebbles can also become a significant element of eco-decor if you place them in small quantities on shelves or any other horizontal surface.

• Aquarium.

• Picture or photograph. Designers advise framing them in a frame of roughly planed boards or bamboo shoots.

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