Sustainability is a hot topic in the world of interior design. With so many eco-friendly products like leaf leather, cork, bamboo, and other renewable resources readily available, it’s easier than ever to incorporate sustainability into your work.
But how do you go about doing that?
This blog post will outline what sustainable practices are out there and how to use them in your designs!
1. Choose sustainable materials like vegan leather, bamboo, wool, and hemp
Leaf leather is growing in popularity because of its sustainability. You can use it to cover your furniture, cushions, or to create textiles and curtains for the home.
Bamboo is a renewable resource that makes excellent flooring, cladding, doors, and cabinetry when processed correctly. It’s also useful for making items such as drink bottles and straws. The right processing makes a world of difference for this incredibly sustainable resource.
Wool and hemp fabrics make perfect upholstery fabric choices because they are durable, environmentally friendly, sustainable products with beautiful textures. Many interior designers are using these materials because of their limited impact on the environment, as well.
Hemp has actually been used in clothing production since ancient times, so as you design wardrobe staples like slacks or skirts, consider green options made from this plant-based fiber!
The next time you’re looking for an eco-friendly material to use in your work, try one of these materials mentioned above.
2. Use renewable resources to create your design
A good example of this is using solar panels or living plants for decoration. Designers love to implement solar panels in homes and commercial buildings. Not only do solar panels offer people a way to tap into renewable power, but they also offer a way to show their clients how environmentally conscious they are. This is also about being as efficient as possible in the way we consume and use energy.
Living plants can be used in many ways in design. You can use them as décor on tables or bookshelves, you can grow vegetables inside the home for an organic fresh snack option, and you could even fill your space with succulent arrangements that will thrive indoors!
How you incorporate solar panels, living plants, and other renewable resources in your designs is ultimately up to you. But the benefits of these eco-friendly options will shine through your design.
3. Consider the environment when designing furniture
Many interior designers make the switch from new wood to reclaimed, and it’s easy to see why. Reclaimed wood is an excellent option because it entails using wood that has been salvaged or recycled from a previous purpose. Timber furniture is solid, sustainable and lasts for a very long time. This keeps old wood out of the landfills and gives eco-conscious designers the ability to offer a unique aesthetic in homes and buildings.
Pallet wood furniture is becoming increasingly popular, and with so many pallets readily available, it’s an excellent money-saving strategy when it comes to wood.
Consider using metals like copper pipe rather than steel so you’re not mining fresh raw resources out of the ground every time you need something made with metal. Use glassware over plastic cups since there are concerns about how long plastics take to decompose after they’re tossed in the trash.
Designers should also consider the use of metal, glass, and other recycled materials when designing furniture in order to make a design as sustainable as possible. This is because these natural-looking products have been used many times before without losing their form or function – meaning that they can be easily reused for years!
Reclaimed wood may not be as readily available near you, but it’s worth looking into other materials for sustainability because this helps cut down on waste and saves natural resources.
4. Get energy efficient appliances to lessen the impact on the environment
Energy-efficient appliances are now commonplace in most shops. The days of inefficient appliances are over as the world continues to shift towards greener options!
As you look for appliances, make sure to always look for low-emission levels and energy efficiency. These features will lessen your impact on the environment, making you a more sustainable designer.
Some top brands that offer energy-efficient appliances include Bosch, Miele, and Siemens.
5. Utilize natural light sources throughout your home
To decrease your energy use, use natural light sources throughout your home. This not only saves on energy costs but offers a stunning aesthetic throughout the home.
Add windows in every room if possible and minimize artificial lighting for an authentic natural feel. Some of the best rooms for natural light include kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms.
Take advantage of natural light by placing lamps in areas where they will produce the best lighting for specific activities such as reading or working at a desk.
Natural light is an essential element to any home decorating plan, so make sure you take it into account!
6. Use water wisely by installing low-flow faucets and toilets to conserve water usage
Water waste has become all too common in modern designs. But with so many options to ensure we’re not wasting water, it has become quite easy to ensure we’re minimally using this essential natural resource.
Low-flow faucets are a great way to reduce water usage in the kitchen or bathroom. And when you’re washing dishes by hand, have a bucket of soapy water ready and waiting for use.
While this might sound a bit extreme, it’s not a tremendous effort to save some water.
Last but not least, be sure to install low-flow toilets that are eco-friendly with every new fixture installation! These toilets keep water waste low and save on water expenses.
The second most common way to incorporate sustainability is with the products you use! Keep leaf leather, coffee bean leather, garlic leather, and other eco-friendly leather alternatives in mind!
While traditional leather is standard, we see these green options become even more widespread in interior design as they grow in popularity!