‘No major construction required for a green home’: Budget-friendly tips for an eco-friendly space

Add indoor plants

Plants not only uplift aesthetics but also improve indoor air quality naturally. Saraf suggests incorporating greenery as a simple yet impactful upgrade.

Upgrade to LED lighting

Lighting plays a key role in energy consumption. “Using LED light bulbs will also improve air quality by reducing the amount of electricity required,” he notes.

Tips for a budget-friendly home decor (Photo: Freepik)

Restore, don’t replace furniture

Instead of buying new, inexpensive furniture, consider restoring existing pieces. “The look of outdoors can be refreshed by polishing the wood of the furniture and decor instead of buying cheap, new, disposable furniture,” Saraf advises.

Choose local & handmade decor

Supporting local artisans reduces carbon footprint and promotes sustainable craftsmanship. “Local artisan decor is socially responsible and has an improved design,” he adds.

Balancing aesthetics with sustainability

A green home doesn’t have to compromise on style. In fact, Saraf believes sustainability enhances aesthetics. “Materials such as solid wood… bamboo, cane, jute, and terracotta are rich in warmth… while being responsible,” he explains.

He also advocates for a minimalist approach. “The minimal style urges living sustainably by combating excess consumption.” By choosing fewer, high-quality pieces, homeowners can create spaces that feel “authentic, grounded, and aesthetically rich.”

Common green decor mistakes to avoid

While eco-conscious living is trending, Saraf warns against falling for superficial choices. “Most people… think that if a product is labeled ‘eco-friendly,’ all of their choices will be sustainable,” he says.

He highlights key pitfalls:

• Overconsumption driven by trends
• Buying low-quality items that need frequent replacement
• Choosing fake plants, which adds to plastic waste

“True sustainability is about making choices that take less consciousness over a long period of time rather than continuously buying sustainable items,” Saraf emphasises.