In recent years there has been a considerable shift in society towards building a more sustainable future. The ways we live, work and shop have been shaped by our preferences for more products and lifestyles which have a smaller impact on the environment and the world at large. One of the ways that sustainability can be incorporated into everyday life is to design homes and living spaces around low-impact materials and using technologies to make the home more sustainable.
Designing an eco-friendly home is both an appealing and practical approach to interior design, allowing homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment. This is because a sustainable home will use materials which are low-impact, and will incorporate building techniques designed to insulate the home well, recycle water, improve energy efficiency and more.
Sustainable interior design involves making conscious design choices that prioritise environmental stewardship and will make the smallest impact on the planet. By selecting sustainable materials and implementing strategies that minimise negative impacts, an interior designer can create a genuinely sustainable living space while providing numerous benefits for both the homeowner and the planet.
When it comes to sustainable interior design, choosing the right materials is crucial because some are sustainable and eco-friendly, and others have a much more damaging impact. For example, there are many sustainable flooring options that include renewable alternatives such as bamboo, cork, or reclaimed wood.
These materials not only offer a good aesthetic appeal but also minimise the depletion of natural resources, and are safe to use in the home. Additionally, opt for low VOC (volatile organic compound) flooring materials, as they reduce harmful emissions from flooring materials and promote better indoor air quality.
Many people will want to choose furniture made from responsibly sourced wood or recycled materials, as this promotes sustainable forestry practices and reduces waste. Carefully selecting materials is especially important if a homeowner or designer is set on buying new furniture. Interior design elements like a cantilever stone staircase or furniture made from managed woodlands are good examples.
Another option is to consider second-hand or vintage furniture instead, which not only adds character to your space but also reduces the demand for new production and is better for the environment. When selecting upholstery and fabrics, opt for organic or recycled textiles that have undergone minimal chemical processing. Natural fibre alternatives like hemp, organic cotton, or linen are known for their durability and sustainability.
Sustainable home design doesn’t only extend to what the home looks like on the inside; a sustainable home also needs to have a low-impact exterior. From the cladding to the garden, there are lots of opportunities to make the outside of a home more eco-friendly. To maintain a sustainable exterior, explore natural and non-toxic paints that have minimal environmental impact and choose these for your fence, gate, cladding, or garage, or anything else that needs a lick of paint.
These paints are free from harmful chemicals which means they are not going to cause environmental pollution and are generally less harmful to manufacture. Another alternative is to consider wall coverings made from recycled materials or plant-based materials, which can add texture and visual interest to your walls while reducing waste.
You can also make the outside of your home more environmentally friendly by planting a wildlife garden. Plants which encourage a healthy ecosystem in the garden by providing a source of food and shelter will soon become a haven for insects, birds and mammals and the effect is increased when you include a source of water such as a small pond.
A crucial aspect of sustainable interior design is lighting. Energy-efficient LED technology has long been in use and has become a standard feature of homes in the UK. They consume less electricity and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs and other, older types of lighting.
Additionally, incorporating natural lighting into part of the home design, such as maximising the use of windows and skylights, allows a homeowner to reduce reliance on artificial light during daylight hours. Not only does natural light make it possible to reduce use of artificial light, it’s also good for your mental health and acts as a mood booster.