Sustainable interior design: what is it, why do we need it, and how can you use it as your biggest strength in creating unique spaces that bring your clients’ visions to life?

It’s no secret that our consumerist society and the current systems to support it are detrimental to the health of our beautiful planet. Effectively tackling this problem is an all-hands-on-deck situation. Sustainable interior design is just one of the hands that we can lend to creating a more sustainable society for the generations to come.

The use of sustainable interior design techniques shows a sincere dedication to environmental preservation. Essentially, sustainable interior design is all about meeting the design needs of the present without compromising the general needs of the future. It involves the use of sustainable materials, yes, but it goes beyond that.

The design method is refined at every level to minimize environmental impact. From conception to production to completion, each step is planned with minimal impact on the environment, as well as having resource, waste, and pollution reduction in mind.

Sustainable interior design could be your biggest strength as an interior designer as it becomes a part of your unique style and is a major selling point for clients looking to reduce their environmental impact.

The Benefits of Sustainable

Interior Design

No matter the size or theme of a project - be it designing a home office or putting together a Bohemian decor style room - incorporating sustainable interior design has a host of benefits.

1. Environmental Benefits

Sustainable interior design reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills as well as the use of natural resources. It also promotes the use of eco-friendly materials that are biodegradable, recyclable, pre-loved, or made from renewable resources. By choosing sustainable design elements, we can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the amount of energy needed to power our homes.

While the basis of sustainable interior design lies in being environmentally conscious, the benefits don’t stop there.

2. Economic Benefits

Sustainable interior design can also have economic benefits. A big problem with production systems in design is the focus on output rather than quality. While these solutions may appear “cheaper” on the surface, they don’t stand the test of time the way sustainable methods do.

Additionally, this form of production often relies on cheap labour to keep the price of the products down, which negatively impacts our economy. By using sustainable materials, we can reduce the long-term costs associated with maintenance, repairs, and replacements while minimizing our contribution to corporations that make use of cheap labour practices.

Sustainable design elements such as energy-efficient lighting and appliances can also help reduce our energy bills and save money in the long run.

3. Social Benefits
There are many social benefits to sustainable interior design. By choosing materials that are non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals, we can create a healthier living environment for ourselves and our families. Moreover, we can help the local economy and cut down on transport-related carbon emissions by making the decision to use locally-sourced materials and goods.

Sustainable design elements such as natural lighting and indoor plants can also promote mental and emotional well-being. The climate crisis stirs up anxiety in our society, as it feels like a massive problem that no one is doing anything about. By simply committing to sustainable interior design practices, we can begin to alleviate some of that anxiety.

Don’t underestimate the butterfly effect. While one business alone cannot reverse the climate crisis, being an example of someone promoting and practicing environmental consciousness does a lot for society as a whole.

Making Use of Sustainable Materials

So, how can you take steps to lower your ecological footprint? Let’s look at the source… Sourcing sustainable materials is essential in sustainable design. Sustainable interior design uses materials that are eco-friendly and promote sustainability.

Some of the most popular sustainable materials used in interior design include:

1. Recycled and reused materials This one is a no-brainer. Making use of recycled materials - such as glass, metal, and plastic - as well as used materials that can be repurposed and upcycled is the best way to reduce the amount of waste that you contribute to the environment with your designs.

2. Bamboo Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that is robust, renewable, and long-lasting. It can be used for a variety of purposes, can handle high temperatures and humidity, and is resistant to swelling and shrinking. This makes it especially handy when designing a kitchen or bathroom.

3. Cork Cork is a recyclable and biodegradable material that is actually antibacterial! Did someone say good riddance mould issues? Dust and pollutants are also kept at bay thanks to its anti-static surface. In the home, cork can endure up to 50 years.

4. Reclaimed wood Reclaiming wood greatly lessens deforestation, as no trees need to be cut down for salvaged wood. Another win is that it prevents the wood from going into our landfills, and who doesn’t love a feature of support beams, wooden ceilings, or rich wood flooring in their space?

5. Natural stones Natural stones come in a wide range of colours and sizes and offer a calming sense of being in nature. Not to mention the classic beauty of stones such as granite, slate, or sandstone.

6. Organic linen Due to its durability and biodegradable nature, linen is environmentally friendly. However, organic linen goes one step further because it is produced without pesticides and artificial fertilizers. Did we mention that it's anti-static and odour-resistant? Hello to the perfect curtains!

**How can I source sustainable materials? **

Sourcing sustainable materials can be challenging, but it is becoming easier as more companies are adopting sustainable practices. When sourcing materials for your home, do your research! Ask around and talk to people who have recently undergone house renovations; they may be able to recommend certain vendors based on their own experience.

Be patient and consistent in your search. Ensure that the manufacturers or suppliers you engage with hold similar values to your own and can demonstrate that they obtain their resources sustainably. Look for certifications such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) to ensure that the materials are responsibly sourced.

Let’s Talk Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is an important aspect of sustainable interior design that can help reduce energy consumption and lower your energy bills. Here are some energy-efficient design elements to consider:

1. Designing for Energy Efficiency

Designing for energy efficiency involves maximizing natural light and ventilation, using energy-efficient appliances, interior glass, a modern HVAC system, an effective water heater, and incorporating insulation into your home.

Additionally, LED lighting is an excellent alternative to traditional lighting options. LED lights use less energy and last longer than traditional light bulbs.

2. Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology has the potential to not only make your clients’ lives easier but also reduce their energy bills and emissions. Smart thermostats, lighting, and other home appliances are incredibly energy-efficient because they will adjust the space’s settings automatically to meet changing energy requirements.

Additionally, they can spot inefficiencies to reduce unnecessary use of power, water, and gas. Did we mention that they feel super slick and future-focused? Because they do!

Furniture to Support Sustainable Interior Design

One sustainability practice interior designers can make use of is sourcing used and vintage furniture. Not only is this great for lowering your environmental impact, but it also adds a certain je ne sais quoi to any space.

When designing with sustainability in mind, it’s important to look for furniture that is durable. If an item is built to last, it won’t need to be replaced, so it won’t contribute to landfills or require more resources to be used to replace it.

Another important thing to consider is a more minimalistic style. The best way to decrease the amount of resources we’re using is to simply buy less - when ours or the client’s vision allows for it, of course.