Everyone’s heard of “green design”-the movement to use natural, environmentally friendly materials to build and decorate our homes. While it’s certainly a worthwhile cause, it’s not exactly easy to follow. Most people think that going green means sacrificing quality and style. But that’s not the case; in fact, a lot of natural materials are also strong and visually appealing. Here are some natural elements that you can use to green up your home.

Wood: Wood is one material that never gets dated. It adds an instant warmth to any home and looks good with just about any theme. Hardwoods such as oak and cherry are great for flooring. For furniture, the most popular choices are cedar, birch, and teak. Just reapply the coat once in a while and it’ll last just as long as most synthetics.

Bamboo: Technically, bamboo isn’t a wood-it’s actually a type of grass. Because it grows so fast, it’s far from being endangered, as is the case with some rare woods. The stalks grow up to 30 feet tall and are very hard, making them ideal for building. Use bamboo for flooring, furniture, or small decorative pieces.

Cork: This is another alternative for those who can’t afford hardwood flooring. Made from wood chips pressed and sealed together, cork floors offer the look and feel of wood minus the hefty price tag. It’s a bit softer than wood, which gives it a lighter, more comfortable texture. A urethane coating is usually added to protect it from dents and stains.

Stone: Here’s another “classic” material that never goes out of style. Stone floors and furniture last pretty much forever and require very little maintenance. The only major drawback is cost: stone floors can cost three times as much as laminate, and a stone chair twice as much as a wooden one.

Making It Last
All natural materials are prone to damage from moisture, heat, and other natural elements. However, a little protection can go a long way in making them last. Most natural surfaces can do with a few coats of urethane, a clear coating that hardens into a shell. The material usually comes pre-coated, so you only have to reapply it every year or two depending on the degree of use.

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