Interior designing refers to the art of making our home functionally beautiful and elegant.
Now, in today’s world, it has become equally imperative to think about the environmental impact created due to the design of our homes. Sustainable interior design is no longer just a trend but an extremely responsible one that ensures our living spaces will not harm the planet.
The Core: Sustainable Materials
At the very core of green interior design is the sustainability of the materials used. This means either choosing renewable products, utilising recycled material or those that are not contributory factors to harming the environment. Look for pieces made from certified sustainable woods, bamboo, or reclaimed materials in the realm of furniture. Besides being anti-deforestation, they give your home that special rustic touch.
Others, which are also eco-friendly flooring options, include cork, bamboo, and reclaimed wood. These provide daily durability but add a touch of natural warmth to the house. A good example is cork, which is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. The bark is able to regenerate very quickly, which, therefore, makes it an extremely renewable resource.
Green Furniture
Where furniture is concerned, the choices we make could be very devastating or highly ameliorating to our carbon footprint. Look for pieces made from recycled or upcycled materials. Alternatively, opt for vintage or second-hand furniture; it reduces demand and decreases waste.
Reupholster a sofa or chair with natural fabrics, such as organic cotton, linen, or hemp. Such materials are decomposable and could have been grown without toxic chemicals. Filling made from natural latex, wool, or kapok is much preferable to synthetics.
A conscious selection of TV entertainment units can combine functionality with sustainability. Reclaimed wood-made or recycled material units not only perform their function but also narrate a story of sustainability.
Energy Efficiency
The other interior design sustainability characteristic that is greatly important is energy efficiency; hence, improving energy efficiency in your house should be an added advantage. First of all, pay attention to the lighting in your house. LED bulbs consume much less energy compared to old-fashioned incandescent bulbs and also last longer. This could be furthered by the use of dimmer switches to reduce energy consumption.
Invest in energy-efficient appliances. Look for Energy Star ratings to ensure high performance while ensuring lower energy consumption—all, from refrigerators to washing machines and dishwashers.
A large chunk of energy used in the house comes from heating and cooling. To counter this, ensure your house is properly insulated. Double-glazed windows, insulated walls, and draft-proof doors can actually cut energy use way down.
Conserving Water
Water conservation is probably one of the least thought-of areas with respect to sustainable interior design. Adding fixtures that reduce water consumption, such as low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets with a two-flush option can ensure your home doesn’t use excessive amounts of water.
To you, these might be small adjustments, but they will make a huge difference in water conservation over time. Add some indoor plants to your interior design that require minimal watering. It will bring in a touch of nature but is also one of the best means of purifying the air within your space.
Paint and Finishes
The paints and finishes that we use in interiors can have a very telling impact on indoor air quality. Most of the conventional paints emanate volatile organic compounds, VOCs, which are detrimental to the environment and our health. One should instead use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints, which pose no harm to the environment and don’t emit any harmful gases.
Natural finishes such as beeswax, tung oil, or shellac go a long way as excellent options for conventional varnish and polish. Not only do they provide good finishes, but they are also non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals.
Multi-use Spaces
Given that most of the urban settings have minimal space, it would be prudent to create multi-functional spaces that maximise utility, yet minimise the use of many resources. Consider investing in modern beds that have storage solutions or can be transformed into seating areas. This cuts down the number of furniture pieces the user has to buy; hence, materials and space are saved.
Indoor Air Quality
Good indoor air quality is essential to a healthy home environment. Add plants to your interior design and use them as natural air purifiers. These include spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies, which are known for cleaning the air.
Let your house have proper ventilation to prevent indoor pollutants from building up. This can be through proper ventilation from natural sources along with supplementary mechanical systems, which may also include an exhaust fan and air purifiers.
Sustainable Décor
Less is more when it comes to décor. Adopt minimalist principles to give you fewer, finer items that you will look at and love for years to come instead of mass-produced stuff. Such items would eventually be seen as waste products.
By purchasing handmade pieces, you support local artisans and businesses. Handmade items tend to have a lower carbon footprint than those off an assembly line, and they bring an added layer of personality into your home.
It’s absolutely possible to create beautiful, functional spaces with as little environmental impact as possible, simply by making thoughtful choices and being committed to sustainability. We can create interior spaces that are pleasing to the eye and also friendly to the environment by opting for eco-friendly materials, optimising energy efficiency, and living by minimalist principles.
Sustainable interior design is the art of responsible choices, not a trend, but consideration for the future and well-being of the Earth. So the next time you design your home, remember every little decision you make can help towards a more sustainable world.
