Homeowners can mulch with grass clippings or switch to energy-efficient appliances in an effort to reduce, reuse and recycle.
But few household updates are more “green” than repurposing or “upcycling” old stuff instead of trashing it. That was a common theme at the 10th annual Interior Redesign & Staging Industry Specialists’ (IRIS) conference held in Golden Sept. 24-26.
“We really concentrated on new approaches to utilizing redesign services,” says IRIS executive director Sandy Dixon. “Now we like to create green scenes for homes using what’s already there. People love that because they think in this economic environment, they can’t afford to do anything. They are amazed by how their things can look.”
Traditionally used to stylize show homes and sale properties or glam up luxury residences for the holidays, IRIS members are expanding their service offerings in an attempt to provide more economical choices, Dixon says.
They are helping seniors and retirees downsize from family homes, making over unused rooms for guests or home offices, doing one- time, low-cost tablescapes for special occasions, providing color consultations, and rehabbing old furnishings or family heirlooms.
“You can afford a fresh new look when you use what you already have,” Dixon says.
With roughly 800 members nationwide, IRIS is the country’s largest interior redesign trade group. To locate an IRIS stager/redesigner in your area, visit . And watch these pages in coming weeks for do-it-yourself holiday projects from IRIS members.
Elana Ashanti Jefferson
