The issue of sustainability is becoming an increasingly popular topic with more awareness being made about the impact of industry on our planet. When it comes to designing your home, sustainability should be an important factor but the idea can feel a bit overwhelming and with so many products and ideas on the market it can be hard to know where to start and ‘eco alternatives’ are often viewed as being more expensive. When I work with clients I always try to keep sustainability in mind, whether it’s regarding the ecological impact of the materials being used, the companies I source from or simply how long the design will last. Interior design is so personal and while it’s fun to follow trends and fashion, it’s important that your home is a space that you find beautiful and works for your lifestyle both now and for years to come. Any changes, no matter how small, towards a more sustainable design are good changes in the right direction. Here are some tips for sustainable interior design for you to keep in mind next time you make changes to your home.
Reuse, recycle, repurpose
The most sustainable products are the ones you already own. As an interior designer, people often assume that I’ll want to get rid of everything and replace with new but that is not always necessary. Before you ditch any pieces that aren’t working for you, consider whether they might work in another room or if a bit of creative upcycling could give it a new lease of life? That console table could function as a slim desk or dressing table, a small coffee table could be used as a bedside table, a dated wardrobe could be turned into a stylish contemporary piece with some paint, new handles and wallpaper on the inside. If you really can’t reuse it, try to find a way to recycle it or at least parts of it, or consider giving it to charity or selling it. Sending to landfill should be the very last resort.
Shopping sustainably
If you do need to buy new furniture and accessories, take a bit of time to research where to buy from to find sources that are sustainable and ethical. The easiest way to shop sustainably is to buy second hand. This can mean preloved items on sites such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace, charity shops, car boot sales, vintage and retro stores, reclamation yards, sellers of refurbished pieces or antique shops and markets. The range of styles and price points is vast and there really is something for everyone. For new products, find small businesses that make their products in the UK and promote ethical matters. Supporting small and local businesses is a good thing for many reasons and the shorter the supply chain, the easier it is to check things are above board.
Source sustainable materials
For renovation work in your home, you may need to source materials for part of the project. Aim to use natural materials where possible and look for certifications of sustainability such as the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council®) certification and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 on textiles. Recycled materials are a great way to keep things sustainable such as reclaimed wood and recycled plastic, metal and glass. Other eco-friendly materials include bamboo, cork and jute that can all be produced sustainably with low impact on the environment, as well as eco-friendly paints that are water based with low VOCs. Switching to energy efficient LED lighting is another way to boost the eco-credentials of your home interior. There are some beautiful LED lighting options such as industrial style exposed lightbulbs, recessed lights, and lighting strips for subtle, concealed lighting.
Value for money
It can be tempting to always go for the cheapest option, especially when your budget is tight but this can be a false economy. I would always suggest going for the best quality you can afford and to take into account the value of a product rather than just the cost. Better quality products and materials will look better and last longer, which inherently makes it more sustainable as it won’t need to be replaced as often as it reduces waste as well as saving you money in the long run.
Be inclusive
Inclusive design is an important issue that I believe should be considered as a main factor in home design with as much significance as energy efficiency. Designing a home that is as inclusive as possible for everyone who may live or visit your home helps to create a space that is comfortable for anyone to use and protects your design for the future. This can include keeping thresholds level, designing an effective lighting scheme, including or allowing for the addition of accessible services, and making it easy to install smart technology either now or at a later date.
Design for longevity
The key to sustainability is longevity. I already mentioned buying the best quality you can afford and making the effort to take care of your home and furniture will prolong their life and reduce waste. Like any design industry, each new season brings new trends and concepts but if you can find your personal style and stick to it, your design will stand the test of time and ultimately be more sustainable. If you understand your style, you can confidently purchase your more expensive, longer-lasting pieces and build upon that to create your perfect home. For example, a good quality sofa or bed frame should last a lifetime (or at least a very long time) and these can cost more money, as do bespoke items such as fitted joinery, custom made window treatments and kitchens.
Don’t take risks with these items as you don’t want to have the replace these items when they are no longer fashionable. That doesn’t mean everything needs to be neutral if that’s not your bag but for big ticket items, make sure you really love it before purchasing it. If you adore yellow and bright colours, you can go for a yellow sofa because you know you’ll never fall out of love with it. Over time, if your tastes evolve, you can accessorise it differently with cushions and rugs that need replacing more often. Paint colours are the fastest and cheapest way to transform a room and walls need redecorating periodically anyway so this is a simple way to experiment and change things up. That yellow sofa will look completely different against a dark blue, a cool calm grey or a vibrant green. Learning to find your personal style and sticking to it is the best way to create a home that’s designed sustainably.
Designing a sustainable home doesn’t mean everything needs to be boho style, made of hemp and run off solar power (although if that’s your thing then go for it). The three main points of advice I have are limit your waste, source ethically, and make your design last. Taking these tips, you can create a beautiful home that doesn’t cost the Earth.