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SUSTAINABLE LIVING
“Sustainable design thinking is a simple philosophy – use materials, energy, solutions and building practices that minimise the impact on the environment.”
Eco-friendly interior design thinking helps to reduce waste as well as encourage the use of sustainable materials.
From utilising energy efficient lighting to conserving natural resources, there are plenty of ways to make your space more eco-friendly. But when it comes to interior design, people don’t often take into account one important factor: sustainability. Incorporating sustainable options into your home not only helps with reducing waste but also gives off a pleasing aesthetic that speaks of good stewardship towards the environment. Read on for tips on creating a more eco-friendly interior.
Sustainable Living
Sustainable interior design starts with understanding the core principles of sustainable living. This includes selecting materials and products that are environmentally-friendly, ethical, and of good quality. The central tenet of sustainability is to reduce our environmental impact and carbon footprint while creating healthy, efficient, and aesthetically appealing spaces. To achieve this you will need to consider furniture construction methods, assess insulation levels and ventilation systems, choose energy efficient lighting solutions, select eco-friendly fabrics, carpets, and upholstery options, research green wall coverings or paints that are low in toxic chemicals, and source sustainably-got materials. By taking all of these factors into account when creating a sustainable interior design plan you can create a space that is both fashionable and ecologically sound.
“With a little creativity and commitment to sustainable living, you can make sure that your design is both stylish and eco-friendly.”
Adopting a sustainable lifestyle
By making small changes such as investing in energy-efficient appliances, selecting furniture and decorations made from natural resources, or upcycling materials for DIY projects, you can create a beautiful and conscious space that will help to ensure the future of our planet.
“The first step in creating a sustainable interior is to understand the core principles of sustainability: reducing consumption, reusing materials, and recycling waste.”
Choose materials with minimal environmental impact
When choosing materials for your interior design project, opt for those that are sustainably sourced or recycled. Making responsible decisions when selecting materials means selecting durable items that require minimal maintenance. This could include furniture made from reclaimed wood or bamboo, or rugs and cushions created with organic cotton and hemp fabrics. Natural fibres such as jute, sisal, and coir are also great options for floor coverings and wall hangings. Whether it is rattan, bamboo, or wool rugs, there are many attractive pieces that can be purchased made from renewable resources to contribute to a more eco-conscious environment. Moreover, some pieces may be made from recyclable materials such as up-cycled wood or metal. Using a combination of these materials can not only help you create an environmentally friendly interior design aesthetic, but also give your space an interesting, rustic feel.
Using low-VOC (low volatile organic compounds) paint for your walls is a great way to reduce toxic emissions and create an airy, fresh atmosphere in your home. Low-VOC paints have virtually no odour, which means they don’t contribute to indoor air pollution. Additionally, they are often made with natural ingredients such as plant oils and minerals, which are safer for humans and the environment.
By choosing recycled and natural materials, you can reduce energy consumption and emissions related to manufacturing. Sustainable design also benefits from understanding the source of materials; buying locally sourced materials helps to reduce emissions related to transportation needs. Finally, choosing materials made out of compostable or recyclable components is an extremely effective way to keep your design conscientious of the environment.
Utilise renewable energy sources and natural lighting
Energy efficiency is another key factor to consider when looking at sustainable interior design options. LED bulbs use less electricity than traditional lighting. Installing solar panels or wind turbines can also help you take advantage of renewable energy sources. Additionally, investing in Energy Star appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines will help you save money on running costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
Incorporating natural lighting into your home is a key element of sustainable interior design. Strategically placed windows, skylights and glass doors let fresh air and natural light in to brighten and warm up your space with minimal energy waste. Using sunlight can also help you save on your electricity bills as the daylight can not only provide lighting but also help improve the overall atmosphere of your home.
Reuse existing materials for DIY projects and upcycling
Many manufacturers now offer furniture made from recycled materials such as plastic bottles, furniture made from reclaimed wood, or upcycled pieces such as old tables or chairs. Learning how to create a sustainable design yourself is not only an environmentally-friendly choice, but it can also save you money. Reusing existing materials is an excellent way to achieve this. DIY projects and upcycling are great options for furnishing and decorating a space while reducing your environmental impact. From old bookshelves made with pallet wood, to mason jar storage units, there are countless ways to reuse items in creative and unique ways that will save you money and help reduce your carbon footprint.
You can browse blogs and Pinterest boards to find the perfect project that fits you and your lifestyle. Whether you simply repaint an armchair or start from scratch on a larger piece, reusing materials is one of the best go-to solutions for effective sustainable design.
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design is an innovative approach to architecture and interior design that seeks to reconnect humans with nature. It involves using natural elements such as plants, water, natural light, and textiles to create a sense of harmony between the indoors and outdoors. Additionally, biophilic design can include features such as green walls or roof gardens, natural ventilation, and natural materials like wood or stone.
By incorporating biophilic design into an interior space, you can create a healthier and more vibrant environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly.
the capsule home concept and sustainability
The Capsule Home concept is another innovative way of living sustainably. By carefully considering the size, shape, and features of a capsule home, you can create an efficient space that reduces your energy usage and carbon footprint. The idea behind capsule homes is to create small, multifunctional living spaces with minimalistic furniture and energy-efficient appliances that can be easily moved and transported. Additionally, many capsule homes incorporate sustainable materials such as bamboo or recycled fabrics to ensure that the space is both stylish and eco-friendly.
“Sustainable interiors should favour natural elements over synthetic ones, source locally-grown and produced materials, and avoid products containing toxic chemicals. It is also important to ensure that all products used in your home are recyclable or biodegradable wherever possible.”
Sustainable interior design is an incredibly important concept that everyone needs to understand and apply to their everyday lives. By understanding some of the core principles of sustainable interior design such as choosing materials with minimal environmental impact, incorporating natural lighting into your home, utilising renewable energy sources, selecting furniture and decorations that are made from natural, recyclable materials, and reusing existing materials for DIY projects and upcycling, you can create a beautiful space that reflects your personal style while reducing your overall ecological footprint.