2010 Idea Home: Smart Ideas for Eco-Friendly Decorating

Idea Home: The clean lines and soothing colors of the master bath make this a retreat worth getting out of bed for. But its smart use of resources is a wake-up call to how great looks and eco-friendly choices work together. Dual sinks are made of concrete and recycled toilet porcelain; cabinets are FSC-certified wood; a dual-flush toilet saves as much as 25,000 gallons of water a year; and low-flow faucets and showerhead cut water consumption by 30 percent. The marble flooring was salvaged from renovation of a Chicago building. Even our wallpaper is green, with real dried magnolia leaves creating the pattern.

Your home: Install aerators on faucets to reduce water flow; this is a change just about anyone can execute. Even a small change like turning off the water when brushing your teeth saves 4 gallons of water each time.