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One of the best parts of owning a home is getting to personalize it with your own style. With dozens of interior design trends to consider, though, it’s hard to know where to start. And as we become increasingly aware of our environmental impact, it only makes sense to be as sustainably conscious along the way, too.
Sustainable interior design has grown in popularity exponentially in recent years—blending beauty and functionality with eco-consciousness. Whether you’re planning the design for your new home or seeking tips to get a greener home, here’s all you need to know about the sustainable interior design trend.
Why Sustainable Interior Design Matters
Much like the fashion and retail industries, the traditional approach to interior design tends to be quite resource-intensive. Essentially, it requires a lot of product and availability, making it a notable contributor to waste and pollution as old trends give way to newer ones. Sustainable interior design, however, prioritizes the opposite.
Sustainable interior design, by definition, aims to reduce the depletion of natural resources and minimize waste. It employs eco-friendly practices, like recycling and limited production, so designers can create conscious elements that have more positive impacts on our planet. Other top priorities in sustainable design include energy efficiency, health and well-being, durability, and supporting fair labour practices. This leaves you with design elements for your home that not only look good but make you feel good, too!
Principles of Sustainable Interior Design
Implementing sustainable interior design in your home can come in many different forms. This means you can still select aesthetics that you love while also doing so sustainably! Here’s what to look for when planning a sustainable interior design:
Sustainable Materials – Opt for renewable, recycled, or reclaimed materials, like bamboo, cork, or recycled wood. This reduces the demand for virgin resources.
Energy Efficiency – Choose energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and smart home devices to help monitor and optimize energy usage. Not only is this great for the environment, but it even saves you money along the way!
Space Optimization – Embrace functional and space-efficient designs to reduce the need for excess materials and enhance the usability of your space.
Natural Elements – Integrate nature into your home by incorporating natural elements, like houseplants, living walls, and increased natural light. This helps to reconnect you with nature while also improving air quality, energy efficiency, and mood!
Upcycling & Repurposing – Instead of scouring the stores for brand-new finds, look for ways to give new life to your existing furniture and decor. If you really need to make an addition, browse local thrift stores and online marketplaces to see what you can find first. Give your bank account a rest, and let your creativity shine!
Innovative Ideas for Sustainable Design
Upcycling Furniture – Breathe new life into old furniture with paints and fabrics, adding a touch of uniqueness and character to your home.
Smart Appliances – These intelligent devices can be controlled remotely and even set on schedules, optimizing your energy consumption and saving you time and money in the process.
Living Walls – All the rage on social media, living walls are essentially vertical gardens you can install to improve air quality and create a natural, calming ambiance. Local Tip: Check out PLANT.yxe, a Saskatoon-based artist who creates unique green walls and moss bowls!
Recycled Decor – Create beautiful statement decor from recycled materials, like glass bottle vases or repurposed metal sculptures.
Natural Flooring – If your home renovation is calling for a new floor, opt for sustainable choices like bamboo, cork, or reclaimed wood.
Solar Panels – Consider reducing your carbon footprint and optimizing your energy efficiency even further by harnessing the power of renewable energy with solar panels.
More than just a trend, sustainable interior design is a conscious choice to create beautiful spaces that work in harmony with the environment. By adhering to these principles and adopting innovative ideas, we can reduce our environmental impact while still enjoying functional and aesthetically-pleasing homes.
