Instead of being green with envy when seeing a friend’s professionally-decorated pad, homeowners can go green with their own interior design.

“Green” design is an emerging trend in home improvement this year, meaning the domestic realm is becoming more eco-friendly, while maintaining a sense of style and comfort.

“Green design, also known as ‘sustainable design’ or ‘eco-design,’ emphasizes the environmental, social, economic and ecological aspects and consequences of design,” says Wendy Croix, Interior Design School Review columnist, in a 2005 article. “Designers of interiors in all branches of commercial and residential design have joined with architects and community planners to form a green movement.”

One of the main focuses of green design is energy efficiency. Green designers study how to heat, light and design in ways that are ecologically friendly and not toxic. Design of walls and floors and their connection to indoor air quality is an important feature of green design.

”The eco trend is still going strong for 2008 and looks like it will continue into the years to come with rising awareness of issues like global warming, depleting and shrinking rainforests, rising gas prices, etc.,” says Raad Ghantous, owner and senior designer at RG&A, a Southern California design firm translating clients’ visions into reality for more than a decade. “This trend used to suffer from lack of availability of usable and aesthetic materials in the past, but that is no longer the case, and designers and their clients who have an attitude of responsibility can now pick from a wide range of ethical sources in their green search for sustainable, recyclable and even appealing materials.”

The eco-friendly “green” trend has certainly grown in the domestic and corporate world. “There are companies in the market that are really trying to make a difference; and even some that allow their customers to return their products, such as furniture or textiles so that they can be refurbished and resold,” Ghantous said. “Additionally designers have their own ethical responsibility to their clients in thoroughly researching eco materials before making suggestions or selections and presenting them to their clients to consider, because it’s easy to just ‘play’ the eco card!”

“Going green” is going mainstream in San Diego this year. The 32nd Annual Spring Home Decorating & Remodeling Show is flying the green flag as its theme for this year: “Green Up Your Home.”

The show, which opens Friday, April 25 will feature more than 400 companies that specialize in home improvement, remodeling and décor. Many exhibitors will feature green products, and show how they are used and their benefit to the home and the environment; other exhibitors will show how their products can make homes more environmentally friendly. For more information, visit www.showsusa.net or call 1-800-999-5400.

“Going green” can help homeowners save money on energy costs, as well as benefit the planet. Environmentally sustainable building has a proven track record of long-term saving and adds significantly to home value.