1. You can start by conserving energy; look into purchasing major appliances with an Energy Start rating and by adding timers and automated thermostats to control usage. Add more natural lighting with additional windows or skylights.
2. It would be beneficial to install low-flow shower-heads and faucets.
3. When painting your interior, use water-based paints, finishes and sealants.  There are also milk-based paints available, also.
4. Your carpeting, rugs, and other textiles should be made from natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, that are untreated and free of toxins, such as pesticides or chemical cleaners.
5. Request flooring products made from rapidly renewable resources, such as bamboo or linoleum.
6. Choose solid woods for furniture or cabinetry, rather than pressed woods or composites that may contain formaldehyde or other chemicals that may be toxic.
7. In particular for outdoors, reuse materials, such as brick, stone, glass, tile or metal, in new and interesting ways.  Old wood also can be safely treated and used for accents.
8. Find wall coverings that are made of paper or natural fiber, rather than synthetic materials, and printed with natural inks.
9. Think about your purchases and when they will no longer be useful to you as well.  Are they made of materials that can be reused or recycled when the item eventually wears out or is not longer needed?

If you own a luxury home. you can afford to be green with your choices and keep our environment as healthy as possible.

Feng Shui is an ancient art and methodology that has developed for over a thousand years in China to balance and harmonize the energies in a space, which helps to enhance health and good fortune.

Many people in the West are now using Feng Shui methodology within their homes & business offices as well as seeking Interior Designers that have training of the Feng Shui methodologies to enhance their lives.  This is mainly due to all the success stories written describing the fascinating experiences of how Feng Shui has helped many not only with health but many other areas of their lives. Much of Feng Shui is based on similar principles as Traditional Chinese Medicine of balancing yin and yang and the 5 Elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. When these elements are balanced then good good health and well being is the result.

Though a home library would likely complement and merge with the high end design of the home, the luxury home library would likely offer features such as:

• Rich wood shelving to sustain years of book storage.
• Wood flooring covered with collectible Persian Rug.
• A small table in between a couple of reading chairs.
• Lamps that work with the theme of the luxury home library.
• A desk with a computer
• Stereo equipment to set the mood you are in while enjoying this room.

Interiors are your canvas.  The tools you utilize to decorate this canvas come in a wide variety of color palettes, furniture styles, room shapes and many other factors. One should chose carefully when planning.  From minimalist expressions to lavish decadence, high end interior design is about expression of one’s own persona, aligning with a sense for fashion, elegance and charm. Much like art, it is an expression of the artists  (designer) creativity and ability to combine your personal preferences with the brushstrokes of artistic intuition.  A joint effort truly inspires and dazzles the imagination, leading to your work of art.

However given this is your luxury space, we can just pick any plant.  We have to veer our eyes towards particular plants that will compliment your space and be noticeable without being a distraction.

Medium sized plants that are relatively low maintenance and easy to shape are the key.  No, do not get a cactus.  Pick a plant that fills a space nicely and is adaptable to your designs.  Some plants are more conditioned for rooms with a lot of light, while others can thrive in darker areas.  Be sure to investigate which variety fits best for your decoration, both in the nature of growth and how it will add to your living quarters.

Large Ferns or small palms can add a nice touch to a living room decor.  Ficus plants with their long and graceful leaves, are also a great idea and they come in dozens of varieties.  If you have plenty of space and need ideas for the outside, you may even consider a banana tree, for an island exotic flare.

Particularly if you have a lot of white space in your place, or simply need some extra features that are not necessarily furniture; plants can add color,variety and literally life, for the perfect accent to your home.