Are you looking for ways to make your home more energy efficient? Did you know that the interior design of your property plays a major role in how much energy you consume on a daily basis? You can make simple changes such as using energy efficient light bulbs throughout your home or adjusting the thermostat but your interior design has a major impact on how much energy you use. Therefore, it’s something that you need to consider right from the beginning before you build or remodel your home.

The Planning Stages

If you have plans to build a new home or planning a major remodel, hiring an interior designer can help ensure you end up with a stylish home that is also energy efficient. Careful planning goes into creating a design that uses less energy while still maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. Therefore, both time and patience are needed to create the perfect design that is energy efficient and that meets your individual needs.

During the planning stages, the interior designer looks for ways to implement energy savings techniques that you may not even think of. For example, did you know that light colors such as beige and tan reflect heat and warm colors like red and orange will absorb heat? Even the type of flooring that you choose and the way you position your furniture will affect how much heat your home retains, so the expertise of a professional designer can make a big difference in helping you create an energy efficient design.

A good energy efficient design plan will also address energy and water consumption by implementing ways to cut back on how much you use, while still maintaining a fully functional and comfortable home.

Reduce Energy and Water Consumption

Part of having an energy efficient home includes using the right appliances so your designer will help you choose a stove, dishwasher, refrigerator and a washer/dryer combo that’s energy efficient but that’s not all. There are many ways to conserve energy and the method you choose will depend on how much you want to invest in your energy efficient home but it also depends on your location.

For example, if you live in a cold region, designs that include large windows to let natural light and heat in are very popular. However, if you live in warm areas like Miami, Florida then the opposite is true. You need to reduce the amount of heat the sun produces within your home, so you can lower the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.

This is where you’ll need a trained interior designer to create a floor plan that utilizes natural light as much as possible but that also allows you to shut out most of the heat in the summer. A good design will also include ways to insulate the home to maintain a comfortable temperature while providing a good ventilation system that will keep the air clean. Including solar panels to your design is another option you can discuss with your designer to see if it’s right for you.

Conserving water simply requires installing low-flow showerheads, faucets and toilets throughout your home to help reduce the amount of water you use. A designer can help you find the perfect styles to compliment the rest of your décor.

These are just a few of the energy efficient interior designs for homeowners that an experienced interior designer will address. You’ll be able to go over other options and discuss some of your ideas during the planning stages to ensure you have a both design you’re happy with and one that is energy efficient.