Issue 9: Pros and Cons of Sustainable interior design
Every year in the EU alone over 10 million tonnes of furniture are disgarded and end up in land fills*. This shocking amount of waste is one reason why I am not a fan of interior design “trends” that encourage constantly updating your home to match the latest styles. Trends make it too easy to see your home as a space that has to keep up with current fashions, rather than focus on timeless design that works for you.
That's why I'm excited to dive into the topic of sustainable interior design with you today. Sustainability is a concept I'm really passionate about and something I try to incorporate into all my designs. With my interior design business, Creative Wave Interiors, I wanted to create a brand that values sustainability, natural materials, and personal expression.
In this article, we'll explore both the benefits and challenges of sustainable interior design. My goal is to provide tips and inspiration to help you create a home that is beautiful, functional, and kinder to the planet.
Let's start with the pros.
The biggest advantage of sustainable interior design is its positive impact on the environment. By using eco-friendly materials and reducing waste, sustainable designs can help to minimize our carbon footprint and preserve our planet for future generations.
Another major advantage is the improvement in air quality. Many traditional interior design materials can off-gas harmful fumes, which can be detrimental to your health and the environment. Sustainable materials, on the other hand, are made from non-toxic, natural ingredients that won't pollute your indoor air.
Sustainable interior design can also bring a unique, natural aesthetic to your home. Finding one of a kind pieces that fit your style and incorporating biophilic design elements like live plants, natural textures, and reclaimed wood can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that connects you to the outdoors.
Below are some beautiful examples form online shops such as Vinterior, Etsy, The Old Cinema London and Selency, that show you can find some really beautiful and unique second hand pieces and varing price ranges. For example the beautiful mustard cups are just £18 for the pair
Now, let's take a look at the cons.
One potential downside of sustainable interior design is the cost. If you are undertaking a large tenovation and using a lot of Eco-friendly materials and products, they can often be more expensive than their traditional counterparts. However, it's important to consider the long-term benefits and savings that sustainable design can provide over the lifespan of your home, so whilst the cost may be more at the beginning, using eco friendly and sustainable materials will save you money over time for example, the correct insulation will cave you money on heating and electricity.
Another challenge is the limited availability of sustainable products in some areas. Depending on where you live, it may be difficult to find eco-friendly materials and furnishings that meet your design needs and budget. However, with the growing popularity and demand for sustainable design, more and more options are becoming available. A good resource for Eco Friendly brands is Eco Label Index which is the largest directry of eco label brands.
The final con is that when trying to be sustainable with your home design can feel like an impossible standard to reach perfection. Many of us want to make the most ethical and sustainable choices, but this mentality can become problematic. Striving for perfection with every design decision can quickly lead to financial and emotional strain.
It's easy to get caught up in thinking you need to buy all new eco-friendly furniture, use only the most sustainable materials, and have everything custom-made to be as green as possible. But this simply isn't realistic or necessary for most people. The truth is that doing everything perfectly sustainable is usually cost-prohibitive. Very few of us have unlimited budgets for sourcing artisan-crafted, non-toxic furnishings or installing solar panels and greywater systems.
Trying to make every choice environmentally flawless often leads to a sense of guilt, inadequacy, and being overwhelmed. The truth is that even small steps make a difference, and the pressure for perfection can do more harm than good. Focus on making conscientious decisions within your budget. Look for used and vintage pieces to incorporate. There is always alternatives to suit different budgets. For example i believe that it is better to refinish and repair your old wooden floors if thay are in usible condition than to pull them all up and relay an “eco friendly” option. Using what we already have, looking at it in a new light and finding ways to repar and blend it into the new design is not only better for the enviorment, and will give you a completly unique home, but it is also better for your bughet too.
In conclusion, sustainable interior design has many advantages and a few challenges to consider. At Creative Wave Interiors, I believe that the benefits of sustainable design far outweigh the potential drawbacks. By working with my clients to create beautiful, sustainable spaces, I want to create long-lasting homes that reflect my clients' values and respect the planet. Remember, every small choice we make in our designs can have a big impact on our environment and our lives.