Interior design today is all about going green, sustainability and above all, comfort. The “in” flooring is cork, bamboo, reclaimed hardwood, or recycled-content carpeting. Walls are treated with low- or non-VOC paints with natural bases, such as those from Green Planet Paints or The Real Milk Paint Company. Eco-furniture can be found to fit nearly any style from contemporary to traditional. Decorator items such as cushions, curtains, and throw rugs are made from organic wool, silk, and often the product of Fair Trade practices.

Southern living evokes images of sun-drenched verandas, white-washed walls, gardenias in bloom, and that famous hospitality. The Southern home should have a relaxed atmosphere and understated dignity. There are several ways to pair this ideal with the trend of eco-decorating.

Southern design takes color cues from nature, such as cool shades of green, azalea pink, and sky blue. A traditional coupling of turquoise and cream, calling to mind sand and sea, can be very modern and is easily achieved by updating walls with old fashioned milk paint—which creates a velvety texture and a naturally mottled appearance—then adding punches of turquoise in the form of raw silk drapes, hand-woven throw rugs, or recycled glass tiles.

Vintage pieces are both eco-friendly (because nothing new needs to be produced) and easy to incorporate into nearly every décor. The trend of “shabby chic” uses vintage finds, from furniture to cabinetry, to create an interior environment that is relaxed, cool, and family-friendly. Architectural salvage yards carry reclaimed design elements such as mantels, stained glass windows, doors, lighting fixtures, and much more. Buying salvaged materials is not always cheaper than buying new, but it is good for the environment and also a great way to insure individuality in home design.

Southern hospitality also plays a large part in interior design. Spacious dining areas, comfortable seating arrangements, plenty of places to relax with a good book, and don’t forget the porch. Throw down a hand-woven jute rug and a couple of cushions made from upcycled kilim rugs. Turn on some zydeco, whip up a pitcher of mint juleps, and call your friends… in the South it might not always be summer time, but the livin’ sure is easy.