Times are changing and these days we are compelled to rethink the things we buy.
No longer are items made of wood or synthetic materials considered to be the status quo as before.
Now, it is all about protecting the environment and using reusable materials wherever we can.
Let's take a closer look at the eco-friendly home, also known as the "Green" home.
A good way to start off is to look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or any other appropriate environmentally safe mark on furniture you intend to buy.
Buying an item with this mark means that the materials used to make this product have either been recycled or "upcycled".
Upcycled refers to products made from materials that would otherwise have been discarded during the manufacturing process.
Ideas here include lampshades made from recycled paper, chairs made from left-over cork or wood, containers made from rubber that were used during the manufacturing of shoes.
But we know, that is easier said than done.
After all, the difference between shelves made from the finest mahogany or oak and their "Green" counterparts made from recycled plywood is rather immense.
So what do you do? Ever walked past an antique shop or even a second hand furniture shop? You'll agree that those items are more often than not worth a second glance and in many cases quite modestly priced.
Buying something that has been used before will save a couple of trees as opposed to buying a new item and creating a demand for more of that type of product.
Right, moving on to the next obstacle: Even though you would like to do your bit to save the environment, there are just some things you want to buy new.
However some of the new products branded with the FSC mark or any other environmentally friendly mark just won't go with your mahogany shelves.
What's the solution? Ever heard of a transitional rug? It's a normal area rug that has the sole purpose of ensuring that all the different items and ideas in a room blend in together smoothly.
It will usually contain elements of both or all of the ideas or motifs of your decoration, finished off with a touch of contemporary design to bring everything together.
Rugs like these can be used as focal points or just as a practicality to aid in the ambiance of the room in question.
But perhaps one of the best things about a transitional area rug is that it can be bought both new and second hand without having to worry about the effect it might have on the environment - this is of course only the case with those made out of wool.
Why wool? Quite simply because the sheep it belonged to will have a fine new fleece in no time, which means that the environment wasn't harmed in any way during the making of your transitional rug.
Choosing the correct rug will mean that your room will be a seamless work of art where new and old has been used together.