SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR STYLING
Considering the presence of dangerous chemical toxins often used in the manufacture
and making of furniture and furnishings, as well as the global environment and social
impacts our consuming is having, there is this emerging idea to adorn our homes
consciously, sustainably and healthily.
Sustainable interior styling is an umbrella term for designing interior spaces, being
conscious of the impact of the health of its occupants as well as using physical objects
and materials that are eco-friendly, green, low or non-toxic, sustainable and ethical.
We’ve seen this philosphy grow rapidly in recent times, in the food and cosmetic
industries.
You can be at the forefront of change when buying objects and materials to decorate
your home, by being intentional and mindful of the choices you are makng - for your
health, and for the planet’s.
The Principles
The foundational principles of sustainable or eco interior design are based on the 3Rs
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - and Embodied Energy.
REDUCE
This principle is about reducing the consumption of furniture and home accessories
and, for example, only having in our homes what we need. It can be applied to the
reduction of the use of gas and electricity in our homes, by the energy performance
of appliances and light fittings we buy, as well as the possible use of colours in our
homes that impact how hot or cold we feel and whether we turn up the heat or
air-conditioning more.
REUSE
At its broadest, this principle is about a sustainable practice or method, in the things
we consume, applied to their making. That is;
• Products are made from well-managed sources that can be replenished, for
example, wood, wool, cork and natural rubber.
• Objects or materials can be re-appropriated or repaired, for example, you can
give a chair a face-lift with a lick of paint or upcycle a chest of drawers with new
decorative handles.
• When products are made they are not depleting or damaging the Earth’s
resources or putting other’s lives in misery or poverty, for example, wood used is
not from non-renewable sources or very old trees, and in the process of making
fabrics, hand-woven rugs and organic cotton, no harm has been endured by its
workers - including, of course, child workers.
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