Designing a house with sustainability in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort, often it means bringing character into your home. This blog discusses some practical tips and suggestions to guide you through the process.
It’s important to look out for sustainable materials, these include natural fibres, recycled materials and eco-friendly paints. Natural fibres like hemp or bamboo require minimal water and are usually pesticide-free, paired with their fast-growing rate, they help significantly reduce your carbon footprint. These fibres will naturally decompose when discarded. Finally, natural fibres often help air quality by regulating humidity and reducing dust! Secondly, by repurposing items like reclaimed wood, metal, glass, or textiles, designers reduce waste and conserve natural resources that would otherwise be used in manufacturing new materials. Businesses like PaperStone offer countertops made from 100% recycled paper. Pieces like this often hold a story and become a focus point within a room. Lastly, paints which are VOCs free improve air quality by reducing the number of harmful chemicals released during application.
Similar to using recycled materials, incorporating pre-loved furniture and decor into your home is a smart, sustainable, and often surprisingly stylish choice. Instead of buying everything new, consider giving secondhand items a new life. I know many people have bought outstanding pieces of furniture for next to nothing on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Reusing what’s already out there helps reduce landfill waste and the demand for new materials.
Look for quality over quantity, opt for well-crafted pieces that stand the test of time. Brands like Carl Hansen & Søn offer furniture made from sustainably sourced materials, ensuring longevity and minimal environmental impact. Similarly, support local brands to help boost the local economy by keeping money circulating within your community. Local shops often source products more responsibly and in smaller batches, which reduces the environmental impact associated with mass production and long-distance shipping. Plus, local makers and artisans tend to offer unique, high-quality goods you won’t find at big retailers, adding character and authenticity to your home.
If you’re looking for an extra helping hand, there are plenty of eco-interior designers out there who specialise in finding the right things for you, your home, and the planet.
Not My Monkey 