"Making Your Home Right"
If you love a beautiful home but don’t want to sacrifice style in the name of sustainability, you’re in the right place.
Inside this guide you’ll find simple, design-forward ways to make more eco-friendly choices for your home—without feeling overwhelmed, giving up what you love, or settling for décor that doesn’t feel like you.
I created this guide for people who both care about how their home looks and what goes into it. Consider it a roadmap to making thoughtful decisions that elevate your space while aligning with your values—no perfection required.
My hope is that this guide inspires you to see sustainability not as a limitation, but as an opportunity to create a home that feels intentional, personal, and beautiful.
Enjoy,
Michele
HomeRightOnline
Simple, Stylish Ways to Create a More Sustainable Home Without Sacrificing Design
Introduction
Like many of us, there is a lot of frustration when looking for stylish decor that also feels personalized and right for our environment. No worries, it can easily be done by following a few simples rules, no matter what your style is.
For over 25 years I've worked in the design world with a host of five-star hotels and hundreds of individual clients. The secret to my success lies in delivering quality and unique items that elevate the space and that are not easily found on the mass market.
As you know, the focus on sustainability and meaningfulness is growing substantially in interior design as it should. However, before you can really add eco-friendly and intentional pieces, it is important that you first define your overall design preference. Here are 6 major ones to choose from:
TRADITIONAL
Rooted in European history. It features ornate detailed rich furniture, rich colors and a sense of elegance and timelessness.
INDUSTRIAL
Furniture and accessories inspired by warehouses and lofts. Includes materials such as exposed brick, pipes, wood and metals for a rustic edgy look.
MODERN FARMHOUSE
Combines rustic country elements with clean modern lines. Focuses on natural textures and wood.
ECLECTIC/BOHO
A curated mix of different styles, eras and textures that create a personalized and cohesive space. Vibrant colors and artisan pieces are showcased.
COASTAL
Designed to look light and airy for an ocean feel. Prominent colors are white, blue and sandy. Lighter woods and natural fibers are favorites.
MID-CENTURY MODERN
50/60's simple shapes, often glam, geometric, art deco and some Scandinavian. Warmer colors or a modern take on black and white incorporated.
What “Eco-Friendly” Really Means (and What It Doesn’t)
Mixing eco-conscious pieces with what you already own is encouraged.
- Eco-friendly ≠ all-natural or all-new
- It can mean:
- Thoughtful materials
- Refurbished items
- Ethical production
- Longevity and craftsmanship
Sustainable Home Accessories and Decor Ideas
Choose Vegan & Low Impact Materials
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Vegan leather pillows (made from polyester, cork, cactus, crop wastes, or recycled PU) offer the look of leather without animal products.
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Opt for organic cotton, linen, hemp, or bamboo for pillow covers, throws, and curtains.
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Look for OEKO-TEX or GOTS certifications to ensure lower chemical use.
Tip: Use removable covers so you can refresh your look without replacing inserts.
Decorate with Greenery (Real or Quality Faux)
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Low-maintenance plants like snake plants, ZZ plants, or peace lilies improve air quality and aesthetics.
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Use propagated plants from friends or cuttings instead of buying new.
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If faux plants are needed, choose high-quality, long-lasting versions to avoid frequent replacements.
Sustainable bonus: Display plants in reused ceramic jars, baskets, or secondhand planters.
New & Refurbished Furniture
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Shop thrift stores, estate sales, online reseller sites, and antique shops.
- Look for new vegan or crop-based leather collections in furniture styles increasingly available.
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Refurbish with low-VOC paints, natural wood oils, or beeswax polish.
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Mix old and new for character—vintage side tables pair beautifully with modern accessories.
Impact: Extending furniture life reduces landfill waste and avoids new manufacturing emissions.
Upcycle Everyday Objects
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Glass jars → vases, candle holders, storage
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Wooden crates → shelving or plant stands
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Old textiles → pillow covers, wall hangings, table runners
Upcycling adds uniqueness and reduces consumption.
Use Natural & Handmade Products
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Pillows, clay pottery, stone bowls, woven baskets, jute rugs
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Handmade décor from local artisans supports small businesses and often uses fewer industrial processes.
Mindful Color & Trend Choices
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Choose neutral, timeless colors that won’t feel dated quickly.
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Avoid fast-decor trends that encourage frequent replacements.
Materials That Are Better Choices (Without Feeling Rustic)
These materials can feel modern, warm, and elevated when used intentionally
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Organic cotton & natural fibers
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Vegan leather
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Handwoven & small-batch textiles
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Reclaimed or refurbished elements
How to Spot Greenwashing (Quick & Practical) Beware if it sounds too vague.
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Buzzwords without specifics
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“Eco” claims without material details
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Disposable trend-driven décor
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Extremely low prices on “sustainable” items
Start Small - High Impact Eco-Friendly Swaps
How to Mix Sustainable Pieces Into Your Existing Décor This is HUGE value.
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Use eco-friendly pieces as accents, not replacements
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Let texture do the work (woven, stitched, natural variation)
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Neutral doesn’t mean boring
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A sustainable home doesn’t have to look curated all at once.
Caring for What You Own = Sustainability
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Washing textiles gently or spot cleaning
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Repairing instead of replacing
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Choosing quality you’ll keep
Real-Life Examples of Work We Do
Looking out the window of my work space in Albany, California, a stone's throw away from the Oakland-San Francisco shoreline, I feel such a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to share over 25 years of professional experience to help provide spaces that are thoughtful, unique and beautiful.
As I work with handpicked fabrics and materials my goal is to always create home accessories that are special and produced in the most responsible and reflective way possible. In keeping with this, we often create designs of images drawn from storied pieces honoring culture, history and individual connections -- just like us.
Be sure to check us out at HomeRightonline.com and let us know what you think.
Happy Green Shopping
