Sustainable Interiors: How To Design a Home That’s Kinder to the Planet

Many of us make environmentally informed decisions when shopping for food and clothes. We look for labels that confirm products are plastic-free, responsibly sourced or locally made. And, we’re open to recycling and reusing. I want to encourage those same principles in interior decisions. So, here are my tips on how to design a home that’s kinder to the planet.

Out with the Old, In with the New?

When redesigning a room or home interior, your default thought may be to clear everything out and start afresh. However, when working with clients, I’m keen to explore the potential of existing features and furnishings.

These elements often bring character and tell the story of your home. Equally, it’s often more environmentally friendly to restore or upcycle than to rip out and buy new. So, consider what can be reused or repurposed to fit with the new interior design scheme? Can you sand and oil the wooden flooring, upcycle furniture or restore the original fireplace?

If you have a piece that you love, that is past it’s best, consider whether restoration can bring it back to life for another 20 years.

Interior Paints that Are Kinder to the Planet

A fresh lick of paint is the most common way to update your home interior. It’s now easier than ever to purchase very low VOC or VOC free paints, and these are a preferable choice for decorating.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are found in many interior paints and varnishes, yet they are toxic and harmful to us and the planet. Fortunately, a growing number of independent paint manufacturers provide low or no VOC alternatives. Better still, look out for specialist paint companies selling clay based paints.

If eco paints are a priority for your interior  upgrade, I recommend exploring these brands:

Edward Bulmer – a pioneer of plant-based paint

Fenwick & Tilbrook – a Norfolk-based family business with a clay paint range

Coat – a B Corp paint company committed to zero waste

Little Knights – offering a good colour range, all made in Britain

Earthborn – one of the first UK companies to develop eco paints

Some of these brands also use recycled materials in their tins and packaging. By simply changing the paint brand, you will improve the air quality in your home and prevent toxic waste when you dispose of the tins. Remember, you can further boost air quality by adding plants to your interior decoration.

Planet-friendly Furniture

When you are looking for new pieces for your home interior, there are three planet-friendly considerations: preloved, natural materials and classic design.

Explore Preloved Furniture

Firstly, there are antique shops, reclamation yards and preloved shops brimming with second-hand furniture and homeware. These include solid wood furniture, lamps and light fittings, handles, crockery and much more. Equally, you might find exactly what you are looking for on Freecycle, Vinted or eBay.

It may take time to browse and find what you are looking for, so this isn’t an instant win. However, it is possible to find quality furnishings for your home, and it is both planet and wallet-friendly.

Embrace Natural Materials

Secondly, wherever you make a purchase, seek out natural materials. For new goods, look for evidence that these are responsibly sourced, such as the FSC tick tree logo on timber products. Embracing natural materials in interior design is known to benefit the well-being of residents. In addition, they add warmth and character to a space and are more likely to be recyclable at the end of use than synthetic materials.

Value Classic Design

Thirdly, think long-term value, rather than the lowest cost. For example, the craftsmanship involved in manufacturing an Ercol chair means you will find cheaper alternatives. However, the classic style and quality build result in a timeless item of furniture that can outlast you. Over a lifetime, that’s far more cost effective than buying and replacing multiple cheap alternatives.

My advice is to buy the best you can afford. It’s better to hold fire on a purchase while you save for a quality piece. This is kinder to the planet than an on-trend alternative that you want to replace in a few years because it looks dated.

What’s the Eco-rating of Appliances?

Before deciding on your kitchen appliances, check out the energy efficiency rating. Those white goods with a green A, B & C rating will likely cost more than those with amber or red, yet you will more than recoup the difference in energy savings over the lifetime of the appliance.

Add Locally Made Items to Your Home Interior

My final point on designing a home that is kinder to the planet is to avoid global shipping if possible. When we buy British, we support our economy and reduce carbon emissions involved in transporting goods across the world.

It’s not always easy. Firstly because many brands we assume to be British manufacture overseas. What’s more, British goods might not present the best option for your budget. However, it is worth giving this some consideration when sourcing for your home.

Another way to think local with your interior design is to employ local trades to work on your property. The closer to home, the less travel and emissions generated in completing your interior upgrade.

Sustainable Interior Designer

I believe we can all make one or two considered decisions towards sustainable living without it feeling like a compromise. I realise that very few home embrace every point raised in this article, but we can take a step in the right direction. That’s certainly been my approach.

If that aligns with your thinking, get in touch. Call me on 07747 555879 or contact me by clicking the button below.

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