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Sustainable Style: Building with Purpose
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items Building or renovating your home sustainably doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here’s what I’m bookmarking, from reclaimed materials to low-impact systems, to keep my future build planet- and wallet-friendly.
Sections
4
Plans to get inspo
Eco-Materials
Systems & Energy
Sustainable Finishing Touches
Plans to get inspo
Every great home starts with a clear vision: these tools help you imagine one that’s kind to the planet and your wallet.
Like this design for things like good insulation, air sealing, and passive solar design (great roof for solar panels)
26’x36’ Lean Cabin Architectural Full Set Plan,Modern Cottage Construction Blueprints with Porch
Another option to maximize natural light and heating in winter, and shading to block heat in the summer.
Affordable Tiny House/ADU/Cabin - 715 sq ft - instant download plans
Great layout, allows for solar options and rain water retention buildouts.
25x32 Modern Cabin Plans PDF - 2 Bed, 1250 SqFt With Loft - A-Frame Cabin Blueprints - A Frame House Plans - Modern Cabin Plans
Kits sent directly to you, ready to be assembled. Great option for building on a budget.
Cabins - Arched Cabins
Coops don't have to be complicated. This is a cute option.
Walk In Chicken Coop Plans with Run | DIY Chicken Coop with Enclosure | Hen House Design for 10-15 Chickens | Backyard Coop Build
My in-laws recently built this plan, it's an amazing space, with plenty of room. The garage is a nice addition.
26’x30’ 2 car ADU Garage Apartment Architectural Build Plans 1 Bed, 1,5 Baths, 805SF Living Area, (46- Detailed Pages)
Get creative with spaces. This is a great option for storage and living space. Cool yet functional.
2-Car Garage Plans with Loft: 22x32 Workshop, 1 Bed/Bath (PDF & DWG) - Detached Garage - Real Projects Built by Real People™
Eco-Materials
Reclaimed wood, mineral-based paints, recycled insulation, and sustainable flooring. Using what already exists saves money & resources and adds timeless character.
Affordable bamboo flooring, renewable material, sustainable certifications.
sPremium Bamboo Flooring For High-Impact Residential & Commercial Projects
Use for interior painting, creates a cool almost textured finish. Adds warmth to the space without all the chemicals.
Vasari Flat Refined Gold #5 Interior Paint ( 1-gallon )
Materials like bamboo are a great alternative as bamboo is fast growing and an affordable, renewable material.
Solid Autumn Hazelnut Strand Woven 125mm Click BONA Coated Bamboo Flooring 2.29m
Look for reclaimed lumber, we used reclaimed barn wood in our last house as shelves.
Premium Vintage Reclaimed Barn Wood Bundle (10.2 sq. ft.)
A budget friendly option for bamboo flooring.
Jeedeson 40.15 in. L x 5.11 in. W Prefinished Tongue and Groove Solid Bamboo Flooring, Light Honey, 2-Pack (2.86 sq. ft./Case) JDS-B02G30-2P
Always check for salvaged items. This is the thrifty treasure-hunt part: doors, windows, and beams with history that cost far less than brand-new.
Earthwise Salvage
Budget friendly options for low VOC interior paints.
Non-Toxic, Zero-VOC Wall and Ceiling Primers | ECOS Paints
Systems & Energy
Simple systems like these reduce your footprint, lower bills, and build independence.
A great resource for more information on affordable solar insight
Cheap Solar Panels: 2025 Guide to Affordable Solar Panels
A great option for those who are just gettin started with rain barrels. Great for gardening.
FreeGarden 55 Gal Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot – EWC-10 | Home Depot
For something more robust, this is a great solution to start capturing more rainwater.
Good Ideas 50 Gallon Rain Barrel & Reviews | Wayfair
I love this because it includes the diverter system.
EarthMinded RainStation 50 Gal. Rain Barrel with Diverter System in Granite Color PRN1051
My tech background makes me excited about solar; this bundle is an entry point without the premium price tag.
Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel Bundle Kit with 100W Solar Panel,30A Charge Controller
Exploring off-grid readiness—this kit is affordable and aligns with my long-term land goals.
Grape Solar 100-Watt Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit GS-100-KIT
Turning our kitchen scraps and yard leftovers into soil? Yes please—building towards a full-circle property
Composting Kit
Raised beds to start growing your own food. Compact size using galvanized steel for longevity.
VEIKOUS 8 ft. x 2 ft. x 1 ft. Galvanized Raised Garden Bed 9-in-1 Planter Box Outdoor, Pearl White PG0102-09CW-4
Sustainable Finishing Touches
Sustainable design is about intention: adding pieces with story, comfort, and connection.
Affordable luxury—soft sheets made consciously. I want our future bedroom to feel this calm
Organic Crinkle Matelasse and Percale Bedding Set
You can definitely sleep well sustainably without spending a fortune.
Miryana Washed Organic Cotton Sheet Set or Pillowcases
Look at recycled products to help soften your space. This rug is made from recycled plastics.
Flatweave Outdoor Rug, 100% Recycled P.E.T., Multicolor - Horseshoes
Adding jute to your space is great to design on a budget, they are made from a fast-growing, renewable plant that is 100% biodegradable and requires minimal water and chemicals to grow.
Jute Braided Rug | Natural
Fill your new home with handmade ceramic dishware. Made in PDX and will add a modern touch to any kitchen.
Wolf Ceramics
We've used Hue bulbs in our homes for the past 6 years. We have them every where and cannot live without.
Hue White and color ambiance Essential starter kit: 2 E26 smart bulbs (800 lm) | Philips Hue
For under cabinet lighting, think kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms. Creates such a soft glow.
OmniGlow 3m micro LED Strip Light RGBWWIC | Philips Hue