In my household, we love decorating almost as much as we love our homemade java. We even get giddy when it’s time to paint – well, not the actual act of painting, that can be boring. We get excited over the endless possibilities and the fresh new look. We’re huge fans of eco-friendly paint, so the next time you’re thinking of taking on a redecorating project, here’s everything you need to know about finding the right type of paint for your project.

Buh-Bye VOC’s

VOC’s, the solvents used to make standard paint are fumey and gag-worthy, not to mention a proven health hazard. Fortunately, companies like YOLO Colorhouse, Benjamin Moore and Freshaire Choice have come up with VOC-free paint that’s less harmful to the environment and far better for people and animals. In fact, we’ve named low VOC paints as one of the top 20 greenest materials on the market.

If it’s spray paint you need for smaller projects, there are a few lower-toxicity ones out there if you dig around. They’re not completely risk-free, but they’re far better than what you’ll find in a standard can of the spray stuff.

Can I Have Cookies With That?

Milk paint is a big favorite around here. Originally made from milk, lime and earth, and used in cave paintings, milk paint has been around for centuries. There are many different ways to make your own, including a super-simple method that uses just two ingredients: nonfat dry milk and water. Of course, you can always spring for a pre-made batch from green businesses like The Real Milk Paint Company.

Painting Frenzy

There are a ton of ways to use your eco-friendly paint around the house. Color an accent wall, decorate mirrors and glass, or spruce up the entire place before putting it on the market. No matter what kind of project you tackle, check out some color tricks you can use to make the most out of your rooms.

Images: Photocapy, Mess of Pottage, redeye, and lejoe

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One of our favorite design mediums is clay because we’re in awe at what an artist can create out of clumps of earth and a little water. Of course, there was also that scene in Ghost that makes us love clay even more… but we digress.

Here are five of our favorite clay designers that we think you’ll love, too.

Hippiekingdom

How can you not love this chunky beaded bracelet made from forest green natural clay? There’s even matching earrings and a necklace if you want to get all coordinated. Besides coming up with awesome clay-based jewelry, this designer also creates neat stuff out of paper, so be sure to check out the entire shop.

American Clay

When it comes to interior design, it’s hard to beat the look of walls covered in environmentally friendly, non-toxic earth plaster. Available in several colors and textures, American Clay’s approach to wall coverings get high marks from us for their beauty and the way it can be used from the most contemporary to the most traditional design schemes.

One Dream Design

Speaking of interior decorating, get a load of these handmade basin sinks. They’re just stunning and come in all kinds of shapes, colors and sizes to match your bathroom’s decor. This company also makes whimsical vases, bowls, and pots, like this 36-inch high vase with human-shaped ears for handles.

Atelier NL

Home design blog Dwell spotted this amazing line of clay kitchenware called Polderceramics. Each piece is made from clay taken from farms all around the Netherlands, then shaped into bowls, jugs, carafes, and other beautiful ceramics. It’s a gorgeous approach to tableware that makes us hope they create product lines for other rooms in the home.

Echo of Deco

If you’re a fan of art deco, you’ll go nuts for designs in this British pottery gallery. For example, take the line of darling glazed animal-shaped figures above. It’s called the “Ark Deco” line – get it? Ha! All the other pieces in the gallery are just as clever and reminiscent of the 1920’s and 1930’s jazz era and are just too cool for words.

Image: Atelier Clay Service

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