Incorporating Sustainability in Interior Design
It's not always easy to get interior designers on the same page. But we're in agreement with 97 percent of designers from a survey covered in Forbes magazine, who believe that sustainability would be a big design trend in 2022.
But it’s not just individual designers; in reality, the entire industry is making sustainability a top-priority when it comes to creating the spaces we inhabit. The emergence of new industry benchmarks, such as the LEED and Well certifications, is shaping a new future of interior design, where the spaces we inhabit can make a positive impact on the world.
Interior designers can have a colossal effect on the way our built environments influence the health and wellbeing of the natural environment. Here are some ways you can incorporate sustainability into your next interior design project.
Source design materials that are produced sustainably
When an interior designer selects materials for a project, it is important to consider how each item was produced, how it will benefit the space’s function, and how long it will last. Materials often come with specific certifications, such as an FSC label on wood products, that indicate whether the material was produced or collected in a sustainable way.
Although sourcing sustainable materials is a growing priority for designers, it can be hard to balance sustainability with the project’s budget. But we’re with interior stylist Kelly Butler, who says sustainability doesn’t have to be expensive. By investing in high-quality, long-term pieces, you’re actually reducing the long-term costs of replacing “fast furniture.” Reclaimed wood, bamboo, and stone are all materials that are either renewable or have a small carbon footprint. Many of these materials can also come together to create long-lasting, high-performing furniture.
When it comes to sustainability, one oft-overlooked design element is paint. While a fresh coat of paint is a classic way to spruce up any interior, it’s not all about choosing the right colour. Many paints contain toxic and carbon-containing compounds that are harmful to both humans and the environment, so it’s critical to select paints that are low in these chemicals.
Ensure your interior design can stand the test of time
Unfortunately, we’re still living in a throwaway culture, where many of our goods are designed to be disposed of. However, interior designers are making important steps to move consumers and businesses away from this mindset in favour of design elements that have staying power.
Interior designers are now opting for more durable pieces that can endure some wear and tear, such as laminated wood and upholstery. These provide better protection against scratching and chipping, all while also keeping costs down. A sustainable space should also have pieces that never go out of style, or even better, modular furniture that can be customized to the client’s ever-changing needs.
Flooring is another area designers can work with to enhance the overall sustainability of a project. Wood is generally a great option, according to Architectural Digest, since a solid wood floor can literally last hundreds of years. But wood is not always the cheapest option, so when cost becomes an issue, there are many other sustainable alternatives for flooring, such as laminates and LVT, both renowned for their durability.
Play with specific design elements to reduce waste
If you hadn’t already noticed, buildings have a waste problem, and we’re not just talking about garbage. According to a study highlighted by Time Magazine, buildings currently account for close to 40% of all energy consumption in the United States, and are often highly inefficient.
In every building, no matter its purpose, rooms need to be heated, cooled, and well-lit, which adds up to a lot of energy usage, and as a result, wastage. But interior designers can make clever choices to minimize the impact of this energy use, starting with lighting.
Compact fluorescent lights, that are often short-lived and loaded with highly toxic mercury, are on their way out. LED bulbs have a much longer lifespan than their predecessors, have a low voltage operation, and are highly flexible in how they can be used to enhance a room’s aesthetic.
You may assume energy efficiency lies solely in the domain of architects and HVAC experts, but think again! Interior designers play a big role in how a room absorbs and reflects heat. Darker colour schemes, for example, absorb more heat from the sun, thus reducing the need for excessive heating. Softer materials, such as carpeting and upholstery, are also exceptional insulators — according to estimates, a carpet retains as much as 10% of a room’s heat.
The future is green
Sustainability will play an increasingly important role in how we shape the spaces we live, work, play, and learn in. By incorporating sustainable practices into your interior, you’ll be doing good for not only the people that inhabit it, but also the planet.
At 34F Design, our team possesses sustainable design certifications from Green Business Certification Inc., including the LEED credential. We always work to source the most ethical and sustainable solutions that can fit your budget and make your interior space shine.
Looking to make your interior space more sustainable? Get in touch with 34F Design for your next interior project.