An updated wreath is now the perfect color for this salmon door. Photo by Suzette Fox

Put treasured decorations in a new spot every year. Photo by Suzette Fox

Smart Design with Suzette

Today launches the first of a series of columns on design. I’ve been in the design world since 1985 when I worked for an architectural firm in Florida known for their modern office buildings. A lot has changed since then. My love of interior design has blossomed into a passion for ‘green’ living.

I am an Eco-Designer. For me, it is imperative to search for new design and building solutions that are environmentally friendly and lead to a reduction in the consumption of materials and energy.

Eco-design, or sustainable design, looks to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, minimize waste and create healthy, productive environments. My design philosophy balances sustainability while creating an environment that is aesthetically pleasing and stands the test of time.

I’m writing this column to share what I’ve learned with you so you can make an informed decision when it’s time to remodel your home. Whether it be remodeling a kitchen or bath, replacing a countertop, flooring, painting, organizing your home, or just changing out the light bulbs, the possibilities are endless when designing your next project.

It is important to me to educate others with alternative strategies that provide return on investment. These strategies involve reducing energy and water use, reducing waste, reduce-reuse-recycle, improving indoor air quality and reducing your carbon footprint.

The benefits of sustainable design:

• Energy cost savings – save money, energy and resources;
• Healthier environment – better quality of light, improved ventilation, healthier indoor air quality that address health issues or chemical sensitivities;
• Increased property values; and
• Health of the planet – help restore health while protecting natural resources.

Being ‘green’ is about the health impact of what we do and the products we use and the interaction with our surrounding environment. It’s not just thinking about what kind of car you drive. Every decision we make impacts the environment.

Let me give you some suggestions when redesigning your interiors. These are simple choices you can make to rethink your past decisions. We have lived too long in a throw away society. We need to return to the ways of our past when our parents and grandparents were young. They always thought about saving things, reusing them, fixing them, etc.

Ready for the holidays. Older decorations look new in a fresh location. Photo by Suzette Fox

1. When replacing holiday lights, recycle at the Los Alamos County Eco Station. All you need to do is bring them to the metal recycle bin. Then update with LED’s. LED lights will last up to 10 years.
2. Upcycle old decorations. For instance, update an older wreath just by adding a few new pieces to coordinate with your current design style. Hang it on a brightly colored front door that says “Welcome” to friends and neighbors. I did this with my old wreath on my salmon colored door for a pop of color. It looks brand new!
3. Move things around. Give your home a fresh look for the holidays. Change your furniture arrangement and don’t put the same decorations in the same spot year after year.

This will do wonders for your home, your emotional health and your pocket book.

We can do so much to help our town become more ‘green’ and sustainable.

Feel free to contact Los Alamos Interior Designer Suzette Fox to suggest specific design topics or for help with your home. For more information, find her on Facebook at facebook.com/SuzetteFoxInteriorDesign and on her website www.suzettefoxinteriors.com.