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Pro Spotlight: 3 Ways to Go Green With Your Interior Design
Learn about sustainable material swaps that make for a stylish home from a Chicago-based interior designer
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Who: Michelle Rohrer-Lauer of Michelle’s Interiors
Where: Chicago, Illinois
In her own words: “My philosophy is sensible, eco-friendly interior design solutions for all homeowners.”
Interior designer Michelle Rohrer-Lauer is a firm believer in combining style with sustainability. The owner of Michelle’s Interiors tells homeowners that even the simplest eco-friendly choices can have a positive effect on both the planet and your overall quality of life without compromising your home’s looks. “You don’t have to go completely green to make a difference,” she says.
Where: Chicago, Illinois
In her own words: “My philosophy is sensible, eco-friendly interior design solutions for all homeowners.”
Interior designer Michelle Rohrer-Lauer is a firm believer in combining style with sustainability. The owner of Michelle’s Interiors tells homeowners that even the simplest eco-friendly choices can have a positive effect on both the planet and your overall quality of life without compromising your home’s looks. “You don’t have to go completely green to make a difference,” she says.
Designing small and large. Rohrer-Lauer’s love of design started as a child, when she was inspired by both her aunt, an oil artist, and hours spent creating play homes for her dolls. “I would turn my Barbie doll carrying case into a house and use hankies for area rugs,” she says. Her creative bent eventually led to a degree in design and a small firm she opened in 1983. After a venture with a children’s boutique and starting a family, she says, she was ready to do more. Rohrer-Lauer opened Michelle’s Interiors in 1994.
Creating homeowner-inspired spaces. Rohrer-Lauer says one of the best things about being an interior designer is the clients she works with. “I love meeting people and learning about their different backgrounds and what’s important to them,” she says. Rohrer-Lauer focuses on creating homes that will meet her clients’ needs and serve as retreats that allow everyone in the family to regroup and be inspired. “You should come home to a place that makes you happy and feel like you’re on vacation,” she says.
Want to add sustainable and eco-friendly design choices to your home? Rohrer-Lauer gives some tips below.
Want to add sustainable and eco-friendly design choices to your home? Rohrer-Lauer gives some tips below.
1. Opt for Sustainable Wood
Choose wood that’s sustainably harvested from plantations or is fast-growing and easily replenished. “Ask how your wood is grown and harvested when you’re choosing materials,” Rohrer-Lauer says.
She chose red grandis eucalyptus for the cabinets, arches and island in this home outside Dallas. “Eucalyptus is very sustainable and renewable and the cabinets are made locally,” she says. The wood has a smooth surface, which takes both stain and paint, but still has some wood grain for interest, Rohrer-Lauer says. She chose a warm gray tone for the cabinets as a starting point. She created some contrast by using a darker brown for the eucalyptus wood that lines the alcoves around the stove, sink, refrigerator and serving counter. The lighter stain on the island completes the color look.
See more of this project
Choose wood that’s sustainably harvested from plantations or is fast-growing and easily replenished. “Ask how your wood is grown and harvested when you’re choosing materials,” Rohrer-Lauer says.
She chose red grandis eucalyptus for the cabinets, arches and island in this home outside Dallas. “Eucalyptus is very sustainable and renewable and the cabinets are made locally,” she says. The wood has a smooth surface, which takes both stain and paint, but still has some wood grain for interest, Rohrer-Lauer says. She chose a warm gray tone for the cabinets as a starting point. She created some contrast by using a darker brown for the eucalyptus wood that lines the alcoves around the stove, sink, refrigerator and serving counter. The lighter stain on the island completes the color look.
See more of this project
2. Seek Out Reclaimed Materials
Find ways to use reclaimed materials such as wood and glass whenever possible. Not only does using reclaimed materials cut down on your home’s environmental footprint, it also adds a sense of character. “It keeps things from feeling too new,” Rohrer-Lauer says.
In the same Dallas-area home, Rohrer-Lauer installed reclaimed wood from a French farmhouse throughout. “The homeowners love authentic and historic details,” she says. She also chose a water-based finish for the floors, which she always recommends. Rohrer-Lauer explains that water-based stains have much lower emissions than regular stain, which is better for the air quality in your home. “It takes more coats of finish to get the final look, but it is much safer for you and your environment,” she says.
Find ways to use reclaimed materials such as wood and glass whenever possible. Not only does using reclaimed materials cut down on your home’s environmental footprint, it also adds a sense of character. “It keeps things from feeling too new,” Rohrer-Lauer says.
In the same Dallas-area home, Rohrer-Lauer installed reclaimed wood from a French farmhouse throughout. “The homeowners love authentic and historic details,” she says. She also chose a water-based finish for the floors, which she always recommends. Rohrer-Lauer explains that water-based stains have much lower emissions than regular stain, which is better for the air quality in your home. “It takes more coats of finish to get the final look, but it is much safer for you and your environment,” she says.
3. Find the Right Fabrics
Look for natural fibers or items made from recycled materials to use in your home. “Recycled materials can be used for rugs, upholstery, window treatments and mattresses,” Rohrer-Lauer says.
The indoor-outdoor rug that sets the tone for the porch of a young family’s Glenview home is made from recycled plastic and is also surprisingly soft underfoot. “It feels so good,” Rohrer-Lauer says. The cushions are made from natural fibers. Rohrer-Lauer also added a sustainably harvested and manufactured teak dining table and end tables plus a recycled top on the coffee table to finish the space.
See more of this project
More: For more information on Michelle Rohrer-Lauer and examples of her work, visit Michelle’s Interiors’ Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Look for natural fibers or items made from recycled materials to use in your home. “Recycled materials can be used for rugs, upholstery, window treatments and mattresses,” Rohrer-Lauer says.
The indoor-outdoor rug that sets the tone for the porch of a young family’s Glenview home is made from recycled plastic and is also surprisingly soft underfoot. “It feels so good,” Rohrer-Lauer says. The cushions are made from natural fibers. Rohrer-Lauer also added a sustainably harvested and manufactured teak dining table and end tables plus a recycled top on the coffee table to finish the space.
See more of this project
More: For more information on Michelle Rohrer-Lauer and examples of her work, visit Michelle’s Interiors’ Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
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