T here are few things more exciting than getting your home ‘festival’ ready. The little joys in cleaning up, adding colour and crafting nooks and corners for the upcoming festive season is quite like none other. While traditionally this meant meant giving the house a new coat of paint, buying new furniture and splurging on decorations, today festive décor has a whole new meaning in the light of sustainability and the focus on being environmentally friendly. Given the current ecological conditions we live, being conscious of consumption and practising a minimalistic approach has never been more relevant. Here is a look at some eco-friendly festive décor ideas.
Try recycling
It is a good idea to make an assessment of what you already have before committing to buy something new. Existing brass utensils, candle holders, trays and bells can always be reused to add cheerful vibes for the festive season. “When you’re thinking festive, think metallic. Well-designed copper or brass lamps, urlis and centrepieces add a royal touch to any space. Brass is sturdy and low maintenance. Just a little bit of polish and a dip in warm water can have it looking brand new for decades. Basic and simple designs are in this season, and they are easier to clean” says Anvitha Prashanth, founder of Bengaluru-based organic café and lifestyle store, Go Native.
Instead of painting the entire house, consider doing up just one wall as an accent wall using toxic free paint. Eco-friendly wall paper is yet another option. There are several wall papers available in the market that are vinyl based, use recycled paper, water-based ink and are manufactured sans chemical waterproofing.
For furnishings
When it comes to furnishings, avoid conspicuous consumption and consider using your old ‘zari’ saree, that you tucked away in the cupboard for years, as a statement piece. Using silk and cotton sarees as drapes not only add elegance and class but exude warm and cosy vibes in the house.
Existing cushion covers, rugs and carpets too can be made as good as new by simply giving them a makeover through painting, embellishing or even cleaning. Old furniture can be refurbished to something stylish and chic, think old trunks to coffee tables and the like.
When it come to lighting, repainting and upcycling old diyas /lamps is a good idea rather than buying new ones. “Recycled glass is back in fashion in a big way, substitute your glass vases and votives with this eco-friendly alternative. Back in vogue in a big way, this trend is here to stay” says Ishaan Sarna, CEO of Sammsara, a New-Delhi based home décor site.
Think green
There are several ‘ozone friendly’ and ‘less polluting’ options when it comes to festive décor. “Thanks to a sudden boom in interest for fragrant candles, there is no dearth of options. But if you are looking for a ‘greener’ alternative, opt for the soy candles. Many of them come in lovely reusable glass and metal jars” adds Prashanth. Go in for natural materials like jute, cotton, bamboo, rattan, seagrass and wicker when it comes to furnishings, furniture and accessories.
When it comes to the rangoli or kolam use flowers, rice or even pulses to design patterns. These are biodegradable and needless to say an ecologically sound option. Use flour instead of artificial colours that are jarring and very often contain chemicals.
No piece on sustainability is complete without the mention of plants that have a quintessential appeal. Indoor plants like palms and the snake plant add an element of charm and life to any space.
Plants form for meaningful gifts too. “Add more plants or even terrariums with plants in your décor. They not only soak harmful toxins and pollutants but also add to the style quotient of the room. This festive season, add a terrarium a house plant to every room,” suggests Sarna.
