With the total eruption of Pintrest, the virtual pinboard site which allows you to share images you love, architecture has been in forefront of my mind. (The site is an awesome platform for sharing room and house designs). This got me thinking about a few things, the first being, how many of you use Pintrest? Secondly, what are the latest in green architectural and interior design trends? Let’s investigate.

Let’s start with building trends. Have you ever noticed how much unused spaces are in cities? Whether it be apartments above storefronts, kiddy corner allies or unused office spaces there is movement towards filling these spaces to create more living units. Called Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), these are living spaces that can be easily integrated into the architectural design of a building, no building necessary. Also, multi-family homes and units, especially the newer ones, tend to be more energy efficient because they incorporate LEED certifications and energy efficient appliances to reduce energy and water use.

Energy audits are becoming the new trend. These will check out how much energy your home is using and how you can reduce your energy use. It could be as simple as switching out old light bulbs or as complex as remodeling your kitchen. Tell your parents about the Certified Residential Green Appraiser to get a more accurate appraisal.

Want even more green building trends? Check out this awesome slide show on the Huffington Post.

Alright, now on to the fun stuff: eco-interior designing! Here are some cool tips about how to fashionably green up your space:

Decorate your walls with rocks, corks, old pieces of wood and bark, dried leaves… anything that you find in nature! These materials don’t emit any nasty chemicals and are totally unique.

Cut up old magazines and make super awesome collages. This is the definition of reducing and reusing.

Make a terrarium, which is a tiny landscape that is totally self sustainable and living!

Have your own green interior design idea? Tell us! Email Gaby at [email protected] to be a guest blog poster!