HGTV’s Dave and Jenny Marrs have built careers around restoring rather than replacing, and they say the most sustainable home is almost always the one that already exists.
Why is renovation and reuse such a powerful sustainability choice for homeowners today?
Renovation and reuse are powerful sustainability choices primarily because they dramatically reduce environmental impact compared to new construction. Building new requires extracting raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, and often demolition of the old structure, all of which generate significant waste. Renovating preserves the energy already invested in the existing home, avoids landfill contributions from demolition debris, and minimizes new material demands.
What are the most impactful sustainable decisions homeowners can make during a renovation that don’t necessarily increase the budget?
The most impactful sustainable decisions during a renovation often save money long-term. A few to prioritize:
- Improve insulation and air sealing. Adding or upgrading attic insulation (such as recycled cellulose or denim) and sealing drafts around windows and doors can cut heating and cooling costs by 20 to 30 percent with relatively low upfront costs.
- Switch to LED lighting and smart thermostats. LEDs use up to 75 percent less energy and last far longer. Programmable or smart thermostats can optimize usage for savings of 8 to 10 percent on bills.
- Install low-flow fixtures. In bathrooms and kitchens, these reduce water use by 30 to 50 percent without noticeable performance loss.
- Prioritize deconstruction over demolition. Salvage and reuse existing materials like doors, cabinets, and flooring, or donate them to avoid waste.
- Seal existing windows or add weatherstripping.
How do you balance sustainability with functionality and aesthetics, especially when working with older homes?
Balancing sustainability with functionality and aesthetics in older homes requires thoughtful integration rather than wholesale replacement. The key is respecting the home’s character — historic features like original millwork, hardwood floors, or architectural details — while upgrading for modern needs. Choose natural, durable materials that age gracefully (such as reclaimed wood or natural stone) to maintain timeless appeal. Functionality comes first. Ensure layouts support daily life, then layer in sustainable tech subtly through hidden smart systems or efficient HVAC. In older homes, this often means blending old and new seamlessly, like pairing vintage fixtures with modern, low-impact finishes.
What materials or design choices do you consistently return to because they stand the test of time both environmentally and stylistically?
A few materials and choices stand out:
- Reclaimed or responsibly sourced wood offers unique character, reduces demand for new timber, and ages beautifully.
- Natural stone (local or recycled) provides thermal mass for passive heating and cooling, is incredibly long-lasting, and brings timeless elegance.
- Neutral, earthy palettes with textured, organic fabrics like linen or wool create calm, adaptable backdrops that evolve with the home rather than following fleeting trends.
These stand the test of time because they are rooted in nature, low-maintenance, and versatile across styles.
Sustainability isn’t just about products; it’s also about people and places. How do your family values shape the way you approach sustainability at home?
Sustainability extends beyond materials to people and places, and family values profoundly shape our approach at home. Prioritizing longevity and thoughtful choices reflects a commitment to stewardship — creating spaces that support health, connection, and future generations. This means involving family in decisions, like choosing durable pieces that grow with kids or foster shared spaces, supporting local artisans through sourcing, and focusing on healthy indoor environments for well-being. It’s about building homes that nurture relationships and a sense of place, where reuse and care honor both heritage and responsibility. Ultimately, it’s living intentionally. A home that’s kind to the planet is also one that feels deeply personal and enduring.
