Eco-conscious interiors: How to bring more sustainability into home decor
Anyone can follow and implement these tips for more sustainable interior design.
With the increased exposure to news and content, facing complex sustainability issues can send many people into a state of paralysis. We look at the full scope of the climate crisis and it becomes too overwhelming to process.
But, we can’t bury our heads in the sand. Interior design, an industry that fuels consumption, is turning over a new leaf and looking for ways to play its part in the great sustainability movement. As individuals, there must be a growing consciousness and knowledge of what we can do to add to the positive effect.
Sustainability is everyone’s responsibility and it goes beyond the providence of materials or carbon footprint. It also calls for consideration of ethics as well as societal impact. Design exists to offer solutions that help us achieve intentional living.
Now, it must also include conscious decisions that balance environmental health with the client’s well-being and wishes. As sustainable interior design continues to gain traction around the world, it’s important to look at what we can do to create beautiful and eco-conscious spaces.
Spend smarter
Make your interior design budget work smarter and not harder by considering these options:
Invest in key pieces so you buy less but get far better quality. This means the piece will have a much longer lifecycle which is more environmentally friendly.
Buy secondhand to extend the lifespan of key pieces. There is absolutely nothing wrong with antique, vintage, or thrift purchases - great for the budget and your environmental impact reduction.
Reupholster before you replace. A piece of furniture with excellent construction can last generations with a simple upholstery update. Classic styles get a new lease of life with exquisite upholstery fabrics such as FibreGuard Recharge.
Get closer to nature
Sustainable design encourages better harmony with nature and there are easy ways to achieve this:
Plants! Indoor plants improve air quality and plants have proven to improve mental well-being by reducing anxiety, improving focus and boosting memory.
Let more natural light in. Open drapes and windows and find ways to increase the amount of natural light in spaces as this can reduce energy consumption.
Create an outdoor space. Even if it’s a small balcony or a luxurious poolside patio, outdoor spaces offer a connection to the natural environment and they can be a fun space for relaxation and entertaining.
Choose your products wisely
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to home products and these small changes can make a big difference in sustainable interior design:
Change to energy-efficient LED light bulbs. Great for reducing overall energy costs and is kinder to the planet to boot.
Choose Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint. There are great environmentally friendly paint options available now that can also eliminate health concerns arising from VOC products.
Go for eco-friendly materials. Whether it’s choosing natural materials like wood or organic cotton, environmentally friendly materials have the added benefits of a longer lifespan, reducing waste and the possibility of being recycled again at the end of use. FibreGuard’s Naturama is a perfect example of a great product choice for interiors. Woven from 55% recycled polyester yarn and 45% organic cotton, along with the stain-repellent technology of FibreGuard, Naturama is not only planet-friendly but easy to care for busy humans as well.
Need more reasons why?
If you’re questioning the benefit of going the route of sustainable interior design, consider the following:
Designing with sustainability in mind means creating spaces that can improve health for both people and the natural environment. There may be a slightly increased investment, depending on design choices, but the spending is amortised easily with a reduced carbon footprint. Some choices could save money like lower energy bills and having stain-resistant upholstery fabric meaning no expensive cleaning required. Eco-conscious products last longer and, once they’ve reached the end of their life, it is far easier to recycle or break the product down in a more natural way. Finally, there’s the ethical benefit of sustainable design. It’s creating jobs, supporting better working conditions, helping small businesses grow and contributing to preserving the planet for future generations.
Let’s do this!
If you have a specific project with sustainability requirements, contact Home Fabrics for guidance on fantastic product options that are durable, and beautiful and offer a great variety of choices to suit any style and design brief.
