There are a lot of things homeowners can do to make their interior design more sustainable. From making small changes, like using less water when cleaning, to choosing furniture and accessories made from sustainable materials, anyone can make a difference. Here are ten easy ways to get started!

What makes an interior sustainable?

Any discussion of sustainability must begin with an understanding of what the term means. In general, sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. When applied to interior design, sustainability refers to the use of materials and resources that can be renewed or reused to minimise environmental impact. One way to create a sustainable interior is to use recycled or reclaimed materials whenever possible.

Recycled materials are those that have been used before and would otherwise be destined for landfill; examples include glass, metal, and certain types of plastic. Reclaimed materials are those that come from a source that would otherwise go unused; examples include wood from old buildings or furniture and fabric made from recycled textile scraps. Using recycled and reclaimed materials helps to reduce the need for new resources, which in turn helps to protect the environment.

In addition, sustainable interiors often incorporate features that help to conserve energy, such as energy-efficient lighting and appliances. By using sustainable practices, interior designers can create spaces that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
10 sustainable interior design ideas

1. Source used furniture and decor

Sustainability is important in all aspects of life, including interior design. When furnishing a home or office, it is important to consider the impact of the products on the environment. One way to create a sustainable interior design is to use recycled or refurbished furniture and decor. For example, instead of buying new furniture, try shopping at charity shops, vintage stores or online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. You can find some great deals on gently used furniture that someone else is no longer using.

2. Repair don’t throw away

Our landfills are overflowing with perfectly good furniture, appliances and other household items that have been cast aside in favour of something new. While it can be tempting to simply get rid of an old item and start fresh, this wasteful approach to interior design is not sustainable in the long run. Not only does it add to the growing problem of landfill pollution, but it also takes a toll on your wallet. A much better approach is to repair items whenever possible. This sustainable approach extends the life of your belongings and saves you money in the long run.

Whether you are dealing with a broken lamp or a ripped upholstered chair, there are plenty of ways to repair common household items. A quick search online will reveal a wealth of helpful tutorials that will walk you through the repair process step-by-step. In some cases, you may need to purchase a few supplies, but these will be a fraction of the cost of buying a brand-new item.

3. Buy high-quality homeware that will last

A home should be a reflection of its owner’s personality. It should be a place where they can relax and feel comfortable. For many people, the thought of décor and design can be daunting. This is where the importance of sustainable interior design comes in. Sustainable interior design takes into account the environment and the planet, looking for ways to reduce waste and conserve resources. When done right, sustainable interior design can be both stylish and eco-friendly.

One way to achieve sustainable interior design is to buy high-quality homeware that will last. Mass-produced items are often made with cheap materials that fall apart quickly, creating waste and causing people to replace items more frequently. Instead, invest in a few key pieces that are well-made and will stand the test of time. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will also help to reduce your impact on the environment.

4. Maintain your existing furniture and homeware

In our fast-paced, consumer-oriented society, it is easy to get caught up in the cycle of buying new things. But when it comes to interior design, sustainability should be a top priority. Fortunately, there are many ways to create a stylish and sustainable home without resorting to disposable furniture or trendy (and often tacky) throw pillows. One of the best ways to achieve a sustainable interior design is to simply take good care of the furniture and homeware you already have.

Regular dusting, vacuuming, and polishing will help your furniture last longer and look its best. And when it comes time for a change, do not be afraid to get creative with DIY or upcycling projects. With a little effort, you can easily breathe new life into an old piece of furniture and give your home a fresh look without breaking the bank - or the planet.

5. Learn to use salvaged materials

The average person generates about four pounds of rubbish every day, and a large percentage of that waste ends up in landfills. However, there are ways to reduce the amount of waste we generate, and one of the most effective ways is to learn to use salvaged materials for sustainable interior design.

Salvaged materials are those that would otherwise be destined for the landfill, such as old furniture, construction debris, or even clothing. By learning to use these materials in new ways, we can give them a new lease on life and reduce our impact on the environment. Sustainable interior design is all about creating a space that is beautiful and functional while minimising our ecological footprint.

6. Incorporate energy-efficient lighting throughout your home

Lighting is an important aspect of any interior design. Not only does it provide illumination, but it can also set the mood of a room and make a space more inviting. However, traditional lighting sources such as incandescent bulbs are very inefficient, wasting a lot of energy in the form of heat. This not only raises energy bills but also hurts the environment. Energy-efficient lighting is a sustainable alternative that can help to reduce your carbon footprint.

LED bulbs are up to 80% more efficient than incandescent bulbs, and they also last much longer. As a result, making the switch to energy-efficient lighting is a great way to create a sustainable interior. There are many different styles of LED bulbs available, so you can still find the perfect lighting to complement your décor. In addition, energy-efficient lighting is becoming increasingly affordable, making it more accessible than ever. So if you are looking to create a sustainable interior, incorporate energy-efficient lighting throughout your home.

7. Use sustainable materials like cork, bamboo and recycled glass

Designing a sustainable home does not have to mean sacrificing style. There are now several sustainable materials that can be used to create a beautiful and unique interior. Cork is a sustainable material that can be used for flooring, walls and even furniture. It is durable and easy to clean, and it can add a warm, natural touch to any room. Bamboo is another sustainable material that is becoming increasingly popular in home design. Bamboo floors are beautiful and hardwearing, and bamboo furniture can add a stylish and eco-friendly touch to any room.

Recycled glass is another sustainable material that can be used in a variety of ways in the home. Recycled glass worktops are a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom design, and recycled glass tiles can be used to create stunning accent walls or backsplashes. By incorporating sustainable materials into your home design, you can create a stylish and eco-friendly space that will stand the test of time.

8. Do your research on sustainable brands

A sustainable interior does not only take into consideration the physical products and materials used in space but also the ethical and ecological impact of those products. A truly sustainable interior design must be based on a foundation of transparency and accountability, with all involved parties working together to create a healthier, more sustainable built environment.

The first step to creating a sustainable interior is to do your research and identify brands that align with your values. There are many sustainable furniture brands on the market today that offer high-quality, eco-friendly products. By investing in sustainably produced furniture, you can help reduce the environmental impact of the furniture industry while also supporting companies that are working to create a brighter future for our planet.

In addition to choosing sustainable furniture brands, you can also support sustainable interior designers by hiring an accredited professional who has been educated in eco-friendly design principles. When you work with a certified sustainable interior designer, you can be confident that your space will be designed with the health of our planet in mind.

9. Take a minimalist approach to your interior

For many of us, our homes are our sanctuaries. They are places where we can relax, recharge, and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, our homes can also have a significant impact on the environment. The materials we use, the furniture we choose, and even the paint on our walls can all contribute to environmental degradation. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce our impact without sacrificing comfort or style. One approach is to take a minimalist approach to interior design.

By choosing sustainable materials and furniture with a simple design, we can create an inviting space that is also eco-friendly. In addition, using less stuff can help to declutter our lives and simplify our routines. As a result, minimalism not only benefits the environment but also our mental and physical health. So next time you are considering a new home renovation, think about going green with a minimalist approach.

10. Shop local whenever possible

When it comes to design, we often think about what goes into our homes, but we do not always think about where it comes from. With the rise of fast fashion, it has become easier and cheaper than ever to buy mass-produced items from large retailers. However, this comes at a cost to both the environment and the communities where these products are made.

Sustainable design is all about making choices that will help protect our planet and its resources. Shopping locally is one way to do this. When you buy from local businesses, you can be sure that your money is going back into your community. It also drastically reduces the number of miles your homewares need to travel. By shopping locally, you can help to create a more sustainable interior for your home.

Conclusion

No matter what your style, there are ways to make your home décor more sustainable. By making a few simple changes, you can reduce the amount of waste your household produces and help preserve our planet’s resources. We hope these tips have inspired you to take action and make your home more environmentally friendly. What will you do to make your interior design more sustainable?

FAQs

Which materials are most eco-friendly for a home?

When building or remodelling a home, it is important to consider the environmental impact of the materials being used. Some materials, such as concrete and glass, are very energy-intensive to produce and transport. Others, such as wood, can come from sustainable sources but may not be recyclable. The most eco-friendly choice for material will depend on the specific circumstances of the project.

For example, if a home is being built in an area with a lot of trees, using wood from those trees for the frame and floors could be a very eco-friendly option. The trees would otherwise have been cut down anyway, and using them for the home would eliminate the need to transport other materials from far away. If concrete is necessary for the foundation or other parts of the home, using recycled concrete could be a good option. It is important to consider the whole life cycle of a material when making decisions about its environmental impact.

What is biophilic design?

Biophilic design is an approach to design that seeks to create spaces that connect people with nature. The goal of biophilic design is to reduce stress and promote well-being by incorporating natural elements into the built environment. There are three main strategies for achieving this goal: direct experience, indirect experience, and connectedness to nature.

Direct experience strategies seek to create opportunities for people to directly interact with nature, such as through the use of plants, water features, and natural materials.
Indirect experience strategies seek to create a sense of nature by incorporating visual or auditory cues, such as windows with views of nature, images of nature, or the use of natural colours and patterns.
Connectedness to nature strategies seeks to create a sense of connection with the natural world, such as through the use of green space, daylighting, and views of nature. Biophilic design has been shown to have numerous benefits, including improved health and well-being, increased productivity, and decreased stress levels.

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