Our Top Tips for Prioritizing Sustainability in Interior Design
Sustainability is important for many reasons, such as preserving the planet, protecting habitats, improving quality of life, etc. When it comes to interior design, it is actually surprisingly easy to incorporate. While I'll admit that not every design choice that I make is with sustainability in mind, I do try my best to be mindful of it and to make smart design choices when they present themselves.
Today, I'd like to share my tips for prioritizing sustainability in interior design.
Tip #1: Choose High-Quality Investment Pieces
It should come as no surprise that high-quality pieces, regardless of the price tag, are often the ones to keep an eye out for. The goal is to avoid materials and/or furnishings that are low-quality and low-cost so that they don't end up in landfills.
Choosing materials that are recycled, natural fibers, and have low VOC paints and finishes are a great first step. While a hefty initial cost might cause you some natural resistance, it is important to look at each purchase as an investment.
Tip #2: Reupholster and Restore Well-Loved Pieces
Reupholstering and/or restoring your well-loved pieces is another great way to reduce waste. By making your pieces new again, you give new life to an existing item that may still have some great bones.
Considering the longevity of each design, we can determine which piece is worth re-investing in. For example, high-quality and heirloom pieces are often more conducive to reupholstery in furniture.
Tip #3: Screen Companies for Sustainability
With sustainability being a hot commodity these days, it is all too easy to have the wool pulled over your eyes. I suggest screening the companies that you source from to ensure that the pieces being manufactured are done so responsibly.
If you are able to find labels such as Fair Trade, Greenguard, Organic, Oeko-Tex, etc., then you're on the right track. To dig a little deeper, you might also want to research what the company's environmental policies are, what their certifications are, what their waste and energy management is like, consider their carbon impact, etc.
This is one area where hiring an interior designer is incredibly helpful!
Our Ongoing Commitment to Conscientiousness
Wanting high-end design while prioritizing sustainability can be a balancing act, but it is absolutely achievable. This is a challenge that many designers strive to rise to daily. I think the key to designing with sustainability in mind is to have an ongoing commitment to conscientiousness while considering longevity in each design implementation. Each small choice, such as choosing to install a low-flow faucet, using smart led lighting, or choosing to work with natural materials like wood or stone, can have a lasting impact.
Great design and sustainability can go hand in hand. All it takes is a little bit of research, mindful choices, and high-quality selections from floor to ceiling. Reduce, reuse, and recycle are meant to be our guiding pillars to sustainability, and I think they're very achievable. If you need any more design tips or advice, I'm always ready to offer my professional support.
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Warmly,
Celeste
