Environmentally Conscious Design
Environmentally friendly interior design, often referred to as "sustainable interior design" or "green interior design," focuses on creating interior spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also minimize their impact on the environment. Here are some key principles and practices for achieving environmentally friendly designing.
Use Sustainable Materials:
Bamboo, reclaimed wood and cork are used for flooring, walls and surface of furniture that are renewable, recycled, or reclaimed.
•Linen is a natural, plant-based material that is known for its durability and versatility. Linen is often used for upholstery and soft furnishings and is a popular choice for interior designers who are looking for a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials.
•Jute, a sustainable fiber that is harvested from the jute plant, jute can be spun into coarse threads that are very strong. Jute rugs are very popular, and so are table mats and rope-wrapped furniture. The rope is rough but very strong and is often used to make macramé wall hangings, lampshades, and hammocks.
Energy Efficiency:
Design space and incorporate large windows to maximize natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Natural lighting is a game-changer for interior design, providing numerous benefits that enhance any space’s aesthetics, functionality, and overall atmosphere. Firstly, natural light can be energy efficient and save you money by reducing the need for internal lights. This contributes to a sustainable design that also reduces your carbon footprint.
Learn more about the impact of natural light on your home here
Choosing Eco Conscious Furniture:
•Select furniture made from sustainable materials and produced using eco-friendly manufacturing processes such as-
Wood- Wood is one of the fundamental bases when it comes to making furniture. In the case of ecological furniture, the wood used for its production comes from sustainably managed forests, which promote the replanting of trees and do not contribute to the deforestation of ecosystems through illegal logging.
Rattan: Rattan furniture is well known as the perfect option for outdoor use. However, many people are now opting to bring their furniture indoors to create a more contemporary look.
Refurbishing old furniture and revamping them into something new will enhance the aesthetic value of the overall ambience as well as keeping furniture for longer and less waste entering the landfill.
Indoor Air & Water Quality:
•Choose non-toxic, low-VOC, or formaldehyde-free materials for furnishings and finishes to maintain healthy indoor air quality.
Learn more about air quality in the home here
•The right air purifying plants for your home can help detoxify the air in your living spaces, meaning your houseplants not only look lovely but work a little harder to clean the air you breathe in. Some of them are the Peace Lily, Aloe Vera, Dracaena, Spider Plant, Boston fern and Chrysanthemums.
•Install water-saving fixtures like low-flow toilets, faucets, and showers.
•Incorporate greywater recycling systems to reuse water for non-potable purposes.
Sustainable Textiles:
Select eco-friendly fabrics which make a positive impact on the environment. These are the three top most sustainable and environmentally friendly textiles
Organic Cotton: As one of the most popular materials for soft furnishings, organic cotton is a great eco-friendly fabric. Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or toxic pesticides, making it safer for the environment, farmers, and ultimately, your home.
Hemp: A highly durable and eco-friendly fabric, hemp grows quickly, uses little water, and doesn’t require any chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Hemp fabric is perfect for upholstery and curtains, thanks to its durability and beautiful, rustic look.
Bamboo: This fast-growing plant is becoming a popular source of eco-friendly fabric. Bamboo fabric is soft, breathable, and extremely durable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in home interiors.
Space Planning:
•People grow and change, and they desire their surrounding spaces to grow with them and reflect those changes. The design should consider the flexibility of spaces —adaptiveness to the changing needs of people who are using them. Achieve timelessness and choose quality over quantity, classics over trendy, and simplicity/functionality over embellishments.
•The rise of multifunctional design has brought a wave of innovation to the world of furniture. From sofas that convert into beds to tables that double as storage units, these versatile pieces offer practical solutions for small spaces without sacrificing style. As our lives become more dynamic and our living spaces more limited, multifunctional furniture is proving to be a game-changer and it optimizes space usage.
Locally Sourced Materials:
•Choose materials and products that are locally sourced to reduce transportation-related energy and emissions.
•Work with local craftsmen to utilize wood and materials that are native to your region and location.
Source materials here on Big Island in Hawaii
Green Certification:
•Seek certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for interior design projects to ensure they meet sustainable standards.
Learn more about green certifications for furniture here
Educate and Advocate:
We believe that spreading awareness about eco-friendly interior design is essential. Our blog and client consultations are dedicated to educating homeowners about the benefits of sustainable choices and inspiring them to make a positive change in their living spaces.
By incorporating these principles into your interior design projects, you can create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible, contributing to a more sustainable and healthier future.