You spruce up your home — cool. You spruce it up without directly or indirectly having a negative impact on the environment? Ultra-cool!
As the world becomes more and more aware of its ecological footprint, eco-friendly interior design is gaining traction. People are becoming conscious of the choices they make and the impact they have on the environment, ultimately taking into account the necessities of future generations and working accordingly.
Discover the top eco-friendly interior design tips and ideas you can utilise to minimise your impact on the environment without compromising on your decor. If you're not sure where to start, book a chat with one of our Eco & Sustainability Gurus.
Eco-Friendly Interior Design: Be Energy-Efficient
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One of the most impactful ways you can contribute to sustainability is by opting for an energy-efficient interior design. This means adopting various methods to minimise energy consumption.
At a large scale, this includes changes in construction, such as reducing the need for additional heating and cooling. This can be done by using insulation for windows and installing curtains that don’t allow an exchange of heat between the indoors and outdoors. Additionally, you can utilise solar power where possible, and opt for light wall colours to reflect natural light and reduce the need for extra artificial lighting.
At a smaller scale, you can introduce ceiling fans to use when you only need one room to be cool instead of using the central air conditioning system. Also, consider cutting down the use of dryers and planning for air-drying options for dishes and laundry.
Choose Sustainable Materials
Choosing renewable materials for all your decor needs is another way to incorporate eco-friendly interior design into your space. Pick furniture pieces that use reclaimed wood (which recycles old material). Alternatively, you can use bamboo furniture, as bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants and can easily be replenished.
For flooring, you can opt for terracotta, an efficient and durable material with warm tones and a rich colour palette. What’s so great about terracotta is that it’s 100% natural and can be recycled. Alternatively, you can go for concrete, which is believed to keep your home cool and reduce the need for air conditioning. Plus, concrete can be recycled and can last a lifetime if taken care of.
If you’re a fan of textured wallpaper, consider using cork. Cork brings the feeling of nature, and its antibacterial properties resist the formation of mould in humid weather. The best part is that its extraction doesn’t harm trees, making it a sustainable choice.
Finally, use organically sourced cotton for bedding and other textiles, since they tend to have less of an impact on the environment during their production.
Incorporate Minimalism
The minimalist design style is, as a matter of fact, one of the most eco-friendly design styles out there. Decluttering and organising create a more mindful space that is often more sustainable as well. This is because purchasing fewer items for decor means fewer items being manufactured using non-renewable energy resources, which ultimately reduces your impact on the environment.
If you don’t want to completely incorporate the Scandinavian or minimalist design style, add hints of it where you can. Just don’t go overboard whilst purchasing decor items; be selective and choose only the things you love.
Love Preloved Pieces
By choosing a vintage coffee table that was once the centrepiece in someone else’s home, you can decorate your space without requiring another manufacturing process using non-renewable sources. Plus, vintage pieces can complement rustic decor very well, or they can create a beautiful contrast in a contemporary home.
You can find plenty of websites online to give and take preloved pieces. One of our favourites is Reborn Furniture — it’s worth skimming through if you are embarking on an eco-friendly interior design journey!
Bring in Plants
Incorporating houseplants is one of the most pocket-friendly ways to introduce eco-friendly interior design to your space. This is because plants pack your home with oxygen, lower levels of carbon dioxide, and create a fresh, positive ambience — generating a healthy environment and decorating your home whilst sidestepping the potentially harmful manufacturing process of artificial decor.
For small spaces, compact and easy-to-maintain varieties include Cacti and Aloe Vera. If you have a larger space, opt for vining plants, such as the Heartleaf Philodendron and Ivy Plant, for the ultimate luxurious aesthetic.
Introduce A Wooden False Ceiling
In addition to adding a traditional, natural touch, wooden false ceilings serve as eco-friendly options for interiors. They are excellent insulators, reducing the need for air conditioning and heating. You can also use them as a concealing space for unsightly items, such as electric wires.
Additionally, a wooden false ceiling is durable and can last for long stretches of time without needing replacement.
Our Final Thoughts
One of the best ways to respect Mother Nature is by looking after her resources. Incorporating eco-friendly interior design can go a long way. Focus on energy-efficient designs, factor in minimalism, introduce a hint of biophilia, and choose sustainable materials to reduce your ecological footprint and be mindful of the necessities of the coming generations!
Need some help with eco-conscious interior design? Book one of our Eco & Sustainability Gurus for a 30-minute video call. Transforming your home into a space you love shouldn't be a daunting task. With HiiGuru you can save time, avoid costly mistakes and bring your goals to life with experts by your side.