8 things to replace if you want your home to feel more high-end and eco-conscious

We tend to think of “luxury” and “sustainability” as being on opposite sides of the spectrum.

One’s about indulgence, the other about restraint. But what if the most sophisticated homes today are those that quietly do both?

As Ilse Crawford once said, “Good design is more than the way it looks. It’s about wellbeing and making life better - not just for us, but for others and the environment.”

That quote stuck with me. Because when you think about it, our homes are extensions of ourselves, reflections of what we value and how we live.

And if we’re chasing a life that’s more intentional, thoughtful, and yes, a little elevated, then our spaces should reflect that too.

Here are eight things I’ve swapped (or am in the process of swapping) to make my home feel more high-end and eco-conscious without needing to overhaul everything.

1. Synthetic fragrances

Scent is powerful. It can change how you feel about a room in seconds.

But most of those “fresh linen” candles and plug-in air fresheners? They’re often loaded with synthetic chemicals that pollute indoor air and can trigger headaches or allergies.

When I ditched them for natural alternatives like soy candles, essential oil diffusers, or even simmer pots with citrus and herbs, it completely changed the vibe.

The scent feels gentler, more authentic, less like a chemical disguise.

Plus, natural fragrance options usually come in reusable or recyclable containers, which means less plastic waste. Small upgrade, big difference.

2. Plastic kitchen tools

Here’s one I resisted for a while. I used to have drawers full of plastic utensils and containers.

They were convenient, sure, but they stained easily, warped with heat, and never really felt elegant.

Upgrading to wooden spoons, stainless steel utensils, and glass storage jars instantly made my kitchen feel more refined.

There’s something satisfying about opening your pantry and seeing glass instead of cloudy plastic.

And from a sustainability standpoint, it’s a win. Glass and stainless steel last decades.

Plastic, on the other hand, breaks down into microplastics that can end up in your food or worse, in the ocean.

3. Cheap textiles

I learned this the hard way. I once bought a cheap polyester throw blanket because it looked nice online. It arrived feeling scratchy, static-prone, and after one wash, pilled like crazy.

Now, I stick to natural fibers like linen, organic cotton, or wool. They breathe better, age beautifully, and give a tactile sense of quality that synthetic fabrics can’t.

Good design, after all, should engage all the senses. Texture, warmth, softness - these subtle cues make a home feel grounded and intentional.

4. Fast furniture

“Fast furniture” is the home equivalent of fast fashion, cheap, trendy, and destined for the landfill.

I’ve been guilty of this before, buying a particle-board shelf because I “just needed something.”

But when you step back, that constant cycle of buying and replacing creates clutter, not comfort.

As Albert Einstein said, “Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

I started looking for pre-loved or handcrafted pieces instead. Not only do they last longer, but they often have more soul.

A reclaimed wood table or a vintage chair with a bit of wear tells a story that new, mass-produced items never could.

5. Harsh lighting

Lighting might be the most underrated element of a luxurious home. You can have stunning furniture and art, but if the lighting’s cold or uneven, it ruins the mood.

For years, I relied on bright overhead LEDs that made my space feel like a supermarket.

Then I learned the power of layering light, mixing warm bulbs, floor lamps, and candles to create depth and softness.

It’s amazing what the right glow can do. It changes how your food looks, how your skin looks, even how you feel at night.

And swapping to LED bulbs that mimic natural light means you use less energy too.

6. Mass-produced art and décor

You’ve probably seen it, the “Live Laugh Love” signs, the generic landscapes, the prints everyone on Instagram seems to have.

I get it, decorating can be expensive. But what makes a home truly feel high-end isn’t price, it’s personality.

When I started replacing generic décor with art from local makers or travel finds, my home suddenly felt more me.

Even a small piece from a street artist in Lisbon carries more meaning than a mass-produced canvas.

It’s also more sustainable, supporting small creators and reusing materials whenever possible keeps your walls full of stories, not just stuff.

7. Toxic cleaning products

If there’s one area where “eco” and “luxury” align perfectly, it’s cleaning. Harsh chemical cleaners might promise to kill 99.9% of germs, but they also leave behind fumes that aren’t great for your lungs or the planet.

I’ve been experimenting with vinegar-based cleaners, biodegradable detergents, and reusable cloths instead of paper towels.

Not only does my home smell fresher, but I no longer get that eye-stinging sensation after scrubbing the counters.

High-end living, at its core, is about quality of life, and that includes the air you breathe every day.

8. Impersonal spaces

Finally, let’s talk about the emotional side of home design. A place can look stunning but still feel cold if it doesn’t reflect who you are.

Environmental psychologist Sally Augustin said it best: “Your home is not only an echo of who you are now, but a tool you can use to become what you want to be in the future.”

That idea changed how I approached my space. I stopped trying to make it look like a Pinterest board and started asking, what kind of energy do I want here?

Now, I surround myself with reminders of experiences and values I care about, a photo from a trip that inspired me, a plant I’ve managed to keep alive, a stack of books that challenge how I think.

In the end

Recently, I’ve been reading Rudá Iandê’s new book, Laughing in the Face of Chaos.

His insights hit home for me, especially when he says, “When we let go of the need to be perfect, we free ourselves to live fully - embracing the mess, complexity, and richness of a life that's delightfully real.”

That quote reminded me that creating a high-end, eco-conscious home is about authenticity.

It’s about aligning your space with your values and being intentional with what you bring into it.

A truly beautiful home isn’t the one with the most expensive finishes.

It’s the one that feels calm, inspiring, and alive, the one where your environment supports who you’re becoming, not just who you’ve been.

So maybe don’t think of these swaps as “upgrades.” Think of them as gentle shifts, toward simplicity, towards sustainability, and ultimately, toward yourself.