As more people become increasingly aware of the effects of our energy consumption on climate change, homeowners are choosing to adopt more sustainable design solutions. Creating a welcoming, stylish home is now as much about putting thoughtful care into responsibly sourced furnishings as it is about picking pieces that suit you and your family’s needs. Conscientious, sustainable interior design is all about balancing these impulses—it’s about making smart choices for the environment without having to sacrifice beauty or function.

Traveling is about more than finding relaxation and getting away from it all—it’s also about connecting with a new place and striking a balance between adventure and serenity. With the advent of eco-luxury travel, which prioritizes environmental sustainability while maintaining a standard of high-quality experiences, there’s never been a better time to engage with the world’s history and culture. Belize has become a top spot for eco-conscious travel, in large part due to the country’s efforts to protect the Caribbean coastline
and the Belize Barrier Reef.

Toronto architect Brian Brisbin wanted to look behind the curtain on one of the world’s buzziest buildings, Milan’s Bosco Verticale, two towers that are widely acknowledged as the world’s first vertical forest — green buildings designed specifically to counteract the smog and heat of a city.

Strong design is a delicate balance of form and function. Homes need to reflect more than just our aesthetic principles—they need to suit our values as well. As global concern for climate change grows, so too do the number of “green” homes on the market. The challenge becomes finding an environmentally-conscious home where the luxury experience is not lost. Here are six eco-homes that manage to be both mindful and magnificent.

With fresh rains heralding the arrival of spring, renewed greenery and blooming trees remind us that our planet is filled with things worth protecting. 

Eco-conscious trends in home design and construction highlight how we can tread lightly on the planet and blend in seamlessly with elegant, low impact homes. From rainwater recovery to green roofs, here are some of this spring's top eco solutions.