10 Sustainable Interior Design Ideas

Sustainable interior design is no longer a trend. It is a way of living and a commitment to creating a space that is beautiful, functional and environmentally responsible. Choosing ecofriendly materials and sustainable interior design materials in today’s day and age has become extremely important. This helps reduce your carbon footprint and creates a healthier and wealthier home. As people are gradually moving towards homes that respect the environment, here are ten sustainable interior design ideas that can inspire your next project.

 Use reclaimed and recycled materials

It goes without saying that the best way to use sustainable interior materials is to follow the three R’s. The three R’s mean Recycling, Reusing and Reducing. In this, we do not only recycle old materials, but we also reuse and recycle older materials. Reclaiming old wood, glass and metal is a great way to add a touch of sustainability to your home. Reclaimed wood can be used for flooring, furniture and wall treatments to add a rustic charm.  Recycled glass can be used for countertops, tiles and adding an ecofriendly touch. These days many videos and self-help DIY guides help you understand how you can reclaim old materials and recycle, or rather upcycle old furniture.

To make your house more sustainable opt for Low- VOC paints and finishes.

Volatile organic compounds that are found in traditional paints and finishes can release harmful gases and chemicals. Hence, choose paints that use natural ingredients and water-based finishes or ecofriendly finishes for wood and other surfaces to avoid toxic emissions.

Use natural and sustainable fabrics.

Textiles can really help enhance your house and the entire look of it. Use organic cotton for bedding, curtains and upholstery as they ensure safety and are also good for your skin. Bamboo textiles, hemp and line are other natural fabrics that have become very common these days. They are ecofriendly and add a natural feel to your interior.

Use Energy Efficient Lighting.

Not many people associate lighting with sustainability, but the use of lighting is a crucial aspect of interior design. Moreover, choosing energy efficient options can reduce your energy consumption as well as costs. Use LED lights as they consume less energy and have longer lifetime than traditional bulbs. They are also more environmentally friendly.

Solar powered light can also help you utilize natural light and reduce energy use. Smart lighting systems are another sustainable interior material that uses light only when needed and according to the light available outside.

Choose sustainable flooring options.

These days people are experimenting a lot with different flooring options and eco interior design with bamboo, cork or recycled tiles are just some other ways in which you can reduce your carbon footprint while providing durability and beauty to your house.

 Try to use as much natural light as possible.

The use of natural light in your house not only reduces the need for the artificial lighting but also create a much healthy living space. Natural light is great for our physical and mental health. Making your house more natural light friendly in the long run helps to save more.

Add plants.

Indoor plants enhance the look and feel of your home. Vertical gardens can be created to maximize greenery in small spaces.

People these days also go for kitchen or herb gardens that fulfill your minimum requirements. A popular concept that people have adopted is the Miyawaki technique. It is a Japanese form of afforestation that allows to create a dense forest in quicker time. People have been adopting this method in urban areas and populated cities to grow a forest in their backward. It is a great way contribute to overall greenery.

Opt for sustainable furniture.

Choosing furniture that is made from sustainable materials and have ethical production processes can be your contribution to be more sustainable. Use upcycled furniture, modular furniture or certified wood furniture that ensure responsible practices.  The use of jute these days has become an extremely important way to keep your house more ecofriendly. We should always choose rattan, bamboo or ceramic products over plastic.

Use water saving appliances.

These can help in being more responsible towards nature and extending water conservation to our daily life.

Insulation is a great way to reduce heat and cooling needs of our houses.

The use of cement in our houses drastically increases the need for sustainable and ecofriendly insulation. Use of natural fibers, recycled insulation materials and sealing and weatherproofing are some ways to go sustainable with insulation.

Using sustainable construction materials that are derived from the natural environment for ecofriendly home designs can also help in keeping your house cool.

So, are you ready to make your house eco friendly? Reach out to us and our interior designers will help you get started!