Are you starting to become a conscious consumer?
If so, you’ve probably heard about sustainable or green interior design. It’s not just a passing trend. It’s here to stay. And contrary to what others may think, making interiors eco-friendly doesn’t have to be costly. This practice can even pay for itself in the long-run.
Regardless of your budget or the size of the project, there are fun ways to reduce waste and lessen impact to the environment. For your new dining table, for example, wood is a great idea, but we must make sure that no endangered tree was harmed or destroyed to produce it.
That brings us to choosing materials and adopting practices that are considered earth-friendly.
Sustainable Materials
Are there pointers you can consider to know if a material is sustainable? For a start, think of durability and longevity.
Reclaimed wood and recycled glass are popular examples. You don’t have to spend on ‘new’ decor. Going for recycled, thrift, or second-hand furniture means no new materials were spent to update your interiors. And, sometimes, these pre-loved pieces are even more durable than brand new ones in stores. Not to mention, they lend a unique character to a space.
As for textiles, lab-grown cotton and leather alternatives allow for responsible fabric use. You can also turn old clothes into pillow shams, art pieces, or displays. The key is to try buying less but better when refreshing your home or place of business.
Eco-Friendly Practices
Incorporating eco-friendly interior design practices is just the beginning. This approach must be carried out daily, so you can further appreciate its benefits.
- Install low-impact lighting. Switch to energy-efficient lighting fixtures and welcome as much natural light as possible for everyday tasks. This can also help minimize reliance on heating equipment.
- Conserve water and energy. If you must invest in new appliances, always look out for energy efficiency ratings. They consume less power, helping reduce electricity bills. The same goes for technology that uses water, such as washing machines, toilets, and shower heads. Choose water-efficient options to reduce your home’s consumption.
- Think of timeless designs. Over time, your taste might change. You might no longer like how your interiors appear. For your next renovation, consider adaptable designs that you can quickly swap out or breathe new life into. Instead of applying bright paint colors, consider neutrals as they work well with a wide variety of shades. Look into furniture that can be used in different areas or can serve multiple purposes. Avoid hopping on trends that may only look cool now.
- Try to use what you already have. You don’t have to bring in new items each time you’re redecorating. With creativity, we can make old items feel and look like new. Furniture can be repainted or swapped between rooms. Old chairs can be reupholstered.
- Choose quality over quantity. In making interiors more sustainable, we also seek to reduce waste. Always think about your existing decors and furniture before investing in new ones. Avoid duplicates and items that will only be left unused. Reduce clutter and ensure intelligent use of space.
Designing interiors for sustainability doesn’t mean buying expensive ethically-sourced pieces. It’s more about prioritizing long-term use. Designers would not ask you to buy more for the sake of introducing something new. Updates can consist of old, unwanted pieces for others, but are useful and stylish additions to your space.