What is sustainable interior design?

The United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as:
“Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Sustainable interior design considers the social and environmental impact of the materials and furnishings used in a project, as well as the health and wellbeing of the occupants of the space.

There are multiple layers to sustainable interior design, starting with using what you already have. Here are some ways you can be more sustainable when designing or decorating your home.

Start With What You Already Own

If you have a piece of furniture or an accessory that you absolutely love but it is showing some wear or is not in the right place in your home, maybe it just needs a little love. By refinishing or reupholstering an item, you can give it a whole new life.

Shopping antique stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces helps divert building materials and furniture waste from landfills. When you find the perfect piece, you can refinish and or reupholster it as needed and make it your own. And there is something special about a piece that has a bit of history.

When you do need to buy something new, opt for quality. Choose natural, sustainably sourced materials and buy local when possible. Avoid trends and buy what you truly love. You are more likely to invest in a piece and keep it long term if it is something you absolutely adore.

Design With the Planet in Mind

To save water, switch out your plumbing fixtures such as faucets, toilets, and shower heads for those with a WaterSense certification. If all plumbing fixtures in a home were upgraded to WaterSense certified models, the average person could save 6,000 gallons of water per year.
(Source: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/statistics-and-facts)

Save energy by using EnergyStar appliances, LED light bulbs, and by keeping your energy use to a minimum whenever possible.

We spend over 90 percent of our time indoors, so indoor air quality is extremely important. Purchase an air purifier with an HEPA filter, which can help remove dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria from the air. Open your windows often to allow fresh air to circulate.

Design With People in Mind

The way we design a space can have a direct impact on our health and wellbeing. Increasing natural light and bringing in elements of nature such as plants and natural hardwood has been shown to increase productivity and psychological brain activity. More on this in a future post.

The most important tip is not to feel like you need to make all of these changes at once. Good design takes time. If we all make a conscious effort, we are on our way to creating a better world for our children and our planet.