Green interior design

In the present economic climate and with every day bringing new evidence of the climate crisis, green interior design just makes sense.

“Green interior design” is about reducing or eliminating a negative impact on the environment through skillful, sensitive design decisions:

• Quality over quantity – a well-designed and well-made piece of furniture has the potential to last several lifetimes, whereas if ‘you buy cheap, you buy twice’. Furniture made from good quality materials will acquire value, character, and patina over time. So buying things that don’t have to be replaced is one of the greenest game plans you can have.
  

• Reducing consumption – just like “fast fashion” in the clothing industry is going out of fashion, so is “fast furniture”. Classic designs and furniture pieces are well made, withstand trends, and can be handed down from generation to generation. Modular furniture is a similar example as it’s dual functionality means longer periods of use, as well as higher resale values. Re-using, repairing, or re-purposing what you already own or have salvaged is a key tenet of sustainable design as is doesn’t involve using virgin resources or generating additional carbon emissions. For instance, reupholstering a sofa or armchair will not only ensure that it complements the new décor but be cheaper than buying a new one - and you can enjoy it for years to come. If something simply won’t fit in the new décor or colour scheme, then it can be sold or donated instead of becoming landfill.
  

• Ethical production - consider where the items are made, and how materials to produce them are sourced. Cheaper goods generally rely on an underpaid workforce and poor working conditions, and/or materials being sourced and manufactured through non-sustainable manufacturing processes. Seek out pieces that are certified fair-trade and carbon-neutral, opt for organic fabrics, furniture made from certified FSC wood (Forest Stewardship Council).
  

• Sourced locally - consider how far the materials and other items need to be transported from production to your site. As all modes of transport rely on fossil fuels, it is best to select local products from local suppliers where possible.
  

• Natural and Organic - since so much of our time is spent indoors, it is important to consider the materials we are bringing into our homes and workspaces. Organic, renewable, and recyclable products have little or no harmful effect on our health. For example low VOC paint is less likely to trigger asthma or allergies.

If you are planning your next renovation, contact us to find out more about our Interior Design service and how we can make your space greener !