Sustainability is the trending buzzword on the tips of tongues. From storm-felled trees refashioned into market benches to councils investing in greener homes, there’s a shift in priorities. As consumers, we demand more and expect better — and that extends to our home interiors.
When reimagining interior designs, what are the sustainable swaps to make? It’s easy to fall into the trap of associating sustainability with stylistic sacrifices or a lack of comfort, but that’s not actually the case. In fact, embracing an eco-friendly interior can create a beautiful aesthetic and even save your hard-earned money. These features might be crafted from carbon neutral or recycled materials, or they might be energy efficient, reducing the environmental impact.
Ultimately, sustainable interiors are the gifts that keep giving. Whether it’s storage solutions or thoughtfully sourced furnishings, eco-consciously shaping your home yields fantastic results. And with that in mind, here are some simple adjustments you can make inside your home.
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1. Sustainable storage solutions
Storage is a make-or-break addition to your home. We’ve all seen the impact of lack of smart storage on the average home — it quickly accrues clutter. It can even cause wastage, from frequent breakages and reduced lifespan of items. Proper storage, be that for your jars of spices or your entire wardrobe, is a vital interior investment.
Sustainable storage solutions are one of the most effective adjustments to make inside your home. The simple act of savvy storage immediately limits waste and protects your belongings. But you can go further by choosing storage crafted by eco-friendly companies and materials. Think:
- Bamboo
- Recycled plastic
- Reclaimed wood
- Organic cotton
Another important consideration is genuine eco certifications. Amidst the onslaught of greenwashing (where brands falsely promise eco-friendliness to attract consumers and profit), these accreditations are reassurance that items are the “real deal.” Look for labels like the following:
- FSC-certified
- Fair Trade
- GOTS-certified
Investing in sustainable storage is a great place to start, whether it’s fitted living room furniture that lasts or repurposed glass jars for your kitchen shelves.
2. Second-hand and vintage pieces
Sourcing items is an all-important first step. There is always a temptation to buy newer items, especially in flashy sales or when faced with a peace-of-mind-inducing warranty. However, buying used furniture is an excellent way of protecting the environment through your interior home design. Second-hand shopping leads to reduced waste and a lower carbon footprint — two major wins.
There are many places to source these used items: check Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, and garage sales. It doesn’t mean accepting furnishings in a sub-standard state, either. Upcycling or refurbishing pieces is a clever way to extend their lifespan and triple the quality of your investment. It’s incredible what a little bit of love can do for a faded-and-jaded item.
Speaking of value, don’t overlook the uniqueness of vintage objects. These goods tell stories and add character to your home’s interior. Do some research beforehand, and second-hand shopping can become like panning for gold.
3. Low-VOC paints and natural finishes
That paint you’re happily slopping onto a countertop? It might be toxic to the environment. Where possible, always invest in low-VOC paints or natural finishes. VOC stands for volatile organic compounds and essentially refers to chemicals that carry an element of risk to people, plants, and animals. That’s why certain paints suggest application in ventilated areas. Scary, right?
Aside from ventilation, choosing paints and finishes with minimal VOC is key to protecting yourself and the environment. Milk paint, VOC-free paint, or plant-based wood oils are all great places to start. According to The Evening Standard, even Megan Markle used vegan paint on her nursery walls — you’re not alone.
4. Eco-friendly textiles
Textiles just add something special to a space. Whether it’s a shaggy rug on a living room floor or heavy floor-to-ceiling curtains, choosing gorgeous textiles is central to designing a home’s interior. Aesthetics aside, though, this process is somewhere that it’s easy to make sustainable swaps. For a start, prioritise the following materials:
- Organic cotton
- Hemp
- Linen
- Recycled fabrics
Similarly to toxic paints, it’s worth considering what dyes the textiles have used. For instance, non-toxic or natural dyes have a reduced environmental impact, while toxic dyes can also have lingering effects on you. In particular, homeowners should avoid Azo. This dye causes skin irritation, worsens allergies and asthma, and isn’t easily biodegradable.
Once you’ve chosen an eco-friendly material? The work doesn’t stop there. Research the specific care required and invest in regular maintenance and cleaning. There’s nothing sustainable about a material that only lasts for a quarter of its possible lifespan, is there?
5. Energy-efficient lighting and appliances
Lights are some of the biggest sappers of energy. Not only does this rocket your monthly bills but also hurts our precious environment. If you’ve not yet invested in LED lighting? You’re — quite literally — burning valuable money and contributing towards destroying the planet. It’s a simple switch but yields significant results.
Purchasing LED bulbs imparts a stylistic aesthetic to your property. However, they also last five times longer and use approximately 80% less energy than outdated halogen bulbs. It really is a win-win. Next time your halogen bulb blows? Replace it with an LED.
One proactive way of managing lighting is with smart systems. For instance, remote controls (for those days when you can’t bring yourself out of bed and back downstairs) or timers can be used to reduce energy use. Another option is sensor lights, which time out in certain areas after inactivity. Get creative and push the limits with lighting and appliance management. There might be a strategy that works best for you.
Ultimately, don’t let the naysayers put you off tackling a sustainable home environment. It’s not only an achievable mission but potentially very stylish. With upcycled curtains, vintage furnishings, and LED lights, prepare to live a life of eco-friendly luxury. The trick is to start small: add a change here and a swap there. Your home will be transformed before you know it.