Sustainability in Design

There are a number of reasons as to why sustainability in the home is such an important part of design but in recent years we have all been made aware of the effect that waste and landfill is having on the planet and a lot of it is household waste, we thought we would show you a few ways of including sustainability in your home.

Plants – plants provide oxygen and filter out harmful chemicals. They can also provide natural beauty as well as refreshing scents when you use pine or flowers.

                                                     

Light – from windows to curtains and blinds, letting light in can transform a space as well as contributing to being an eco-friendlier home, the more natural light you let in, the less time you spend with the lights on using up energy. Glazing in windows is one of the simplest ways to insulate your home and adding curtains and blinds provides another means of insulation as well as light control, a well-insulated home helps regulate the temperature of your home, so you use less energy with heating and air-conditioning.

                                                     

Natural Materials for Furniture- tables and chairs made from plastic mouldings have outstayed their welcome. To make your home interior more eco-conscious, furniture made from natural wood is what you need. Make sure you look for a sustainability mark to ensure the wood is ethically and sustainably sourced.

                                                     

Choose Natural Textiles and Finishes – wool is an amazing material as it is natural, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, recyclable, odour resistant, dust mite resistant, moisture absorbent and anti-bacterial. Other natural materials that are sourced sustainably should replace man-made and artificial materials for an eco-conscious home. Carpets and rugs should be made from natural fibres (wool, cotton, or jute) rather than synthetics. Wall finishes made of cork, ceramic or wood may cost more but are a better option for the environment.

                                                     

Other tips to consider

• Flooring should be made of stone or wood, instead of vinyl. Wood, cement, cork and limestone tiles are all examples of sustainable flooring.
• Use recycled and recyclable materials (such as reclaimed wood) or try upcycled items> these bring a creative uniqueness to your home as well as having an eco-approach to interior design.
• Do not clean your home with toxic cleaners as these harm the environment. Instead, search for eco-friendly brands such as Ecover or Method.