This article captures an earlier stage in the shift toward sustainable interior design: the consumer signals, industry attitudes and practical ideas that were emerging as the subject moved into the mainstream.
The statistics cited below are therefore best read as a snapshot of that earlier period, not as current market data. The more durable value of the article is in the design principles that followed from those early signals.
The practical question remains useful: which interior choices reduce unnecessary material turnover, waste and energy use while supporting healthier, longer-lived spaces?
For our current definition, evidence and practical strategy, see A Guide to Sustainable Interior Design.
By Dorothy Edgar, of Besp-Oak Kitchens, and the team at EZ Living Interiors
Three Early Signals of the Shift Toward Sustainable Interiors
1. Early consumer research showed uncertainty about what “sustainable” meant
Research from Statista shows that there is some confusion around sustainable shopping habits. Over 70% of consumers think that buying second-hand goods is sustainable, whereas less than half of people think that buying local is sustainable.
Buying local goods is beneficial for the environment as it means that they don’t have to travel far to get to your home, lessening the environmental impact of transportation. On the other hand, buying second-hand goods is generally better than buying brand new items, even though it can be difficult to determine whether second-hand goods have been made in an environmentally considerate way.
With that being said, it’s important not to dismiss the efforts of individuals as not being ‘enough’, as this can do more harm than good. Every little helps when it comes to being more eco-conscious; therefore, raising awareness about different kinds of sustainable actions can help to get more people involved.
2. Consumers were already placing responsibility on producers
In reality, there are countless ways to be more environmentally-friendly; however, if producers and suppliers do not make changes, no progress can be made. A significant proportion of consumers agree with this, with 49% stating that producers should make the effort to make their products more sustainable.
Many homeware brands are already making the move to becoming more eco-friendly. For example, Rust Collections make luxury furniture from reclaimed wood and Woodmancote Retro create vintage-style furniture from discarded plastic bottles. These examples offer us some hope, and yet there’s a lot more to consider when it comes to sustainable interior design.
3. Designers were beginning to treat sustainability as a durable shift
Established interiors experts such as Emma Merry and Beth and Jon Miller agree that sustainable interior design will be a key trend moving forward. Whether it be sourcing upcycled furniture or buying long-lasting furniture, these small changes will ensure that less is wasted when it comes to interiors.
Three Practical Lessons That Still Hold Up
The article’s most durable advice concerns energy use, longevity and the wider costs of material choices. These principles still provide a useful bridge into today’s more detailed sustainable interior design discussions:
- Be energy-efficient – Maximising energy efficiency and minimising wastage should be at the heart of all interior design. This can involve installing carpets, curtains and energy-efficient lighting.
- Keep longevity in mind – Consumers are moving away from the ‘throwaway’ culture that we’ve become accustomed to, and the same goes for interior design. Opt for timeless, well-made pieces that will last a long time, so that these can be recycled for future generations.
- Consider the true costs of products – Think of costs aside from monetary value when you purchase interior design products. For example, manufacturing synthetic paints has significant environmental costs due to their toxicity. Thinking about each factor in detail can help you to make more environmentally-sound choices.
Why These Principles Still Matter in Interior Design
Long-Term Impact of Materials – Today, interior design firms and the building contractors that deal with them are carefully assessing the long-term impact and consequences of construction materials used in design projects. The use of sustainable materials reduces the environmental impact of various materials and substances. When selecting materials for use in new and restored interior spaces, designers are now taking a life-cycle approach. The direct and indirect effects of construction materials and supplies are being examined at all manufacturing stages, usage, and future removal and disposal.
Global Interest in Sustainable Design – When interior designers use sustainable building materials and furniture in their design projects and promote their businesses as sustainable design firms, they spark a valuable global interest in protecting and conserving the environment. More significant corporations and governments around the world are now adopting and supporting ecologically safe techniques in building construction, manufacturing operations, and a wide range of other industries. Sustainable building and interior design projects are also receiving more funding than ever before.
Sustainable Interior Design is a Growing Concept. – Today, sustainable materials are gaining prominence and influence in interior design interpretation. Sustainable materials have significant histories and often exciting stories to tell, and when employed in a well-planned interior design scheme, their continued meaning and essence will emerge. People can sense and relate to the unique travels and life cycles of sustainable materials, which adds an empowering dimension to interior design and decor.
How Interior Design Trends Were Changing
An interior design trend is a central concept around which all project pieces are designed. Interior design trends are frequently discussed and demonstrated using interior design tools and applications. Interior design trends have shifted dramatically over the previous decade, rather than emerging from grassroots design movements, the latest ideas are now being controlled by publications and popular fashion channels.
Dorothy Edgar is a representative of Besp-Oak Kitchens. Besp-Oak Kitchens provide high-quality solid oak kitchens and furniture made from sustainably-sourced wood.