Whether you’re planning a whole home renovation or upgrading your interiors, sustainability will play an important role. In our latest Planet Hooton post, we look at how eco-friendly interior design contributes to a healthier, happier, sustainable home.
What is sustainable interior design?
The bestmodern interior schemes radiate aesthetic appeal and champion eco-friendliness. They demand conscious design decisions at every level, from material selection and energy consumption to ways to enhance indoor air quality.
Key sustainability issues in interior design
Eco-savvy interior design considers the entire lifecycle of design elements, from material extraction to its disposal. Each of our interior projects consider:
Opting for natural materials that are responsibly sourced and produced not only lessens the carbon footprint but helps to minimise waste and pollution. Additionally, sustainable materials are often of higher quality, leading to longer lasting luxury.
- Energy Consumption: Cutting down on energy use involves taking a closer look at how interior elements are made, transported, and installed. Buying locally from trusted sources gives us greater insight into our makers’ and manufacturers’ supply chains.
- Waste Generation: Eco-friendly practices such as choosing low-waste materials, reusing existing items, and responsibly managing construction waste help to keep waste down. Companies embracing a circular design approach aim to reuse and regenerate resources.
- Indoor Air Quality: Materials and finishes such as paints, varnishes and glues can positively or negatively affect air quality. Sustainable interior design prioritises the use of low-emission or VOC-free materials for healthier living.
- Water Conservation: Sustainable interior design considers water-efficient fixtures and practices that minimise water consumption and promote sustainable water use.
To learn more about our sustainable practices see our approach to work at Planet Hooton. Alongside this you can read our guide to incorporating biophilic interior design into your home.
Go-To Sustainable Materials in Interior Design
We have developed long standing relationships with sustainable suppliers such as Benchmark Furniture (as pictured).Benchmark were one of the first furniture makers in the UK to have chain of custody certification from the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). They also have Grown in Britain Chain of Custody certification. Benchmark have received the first ever King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.
Some of the sustainable materials we use include:
- Bamboo: a rapidly renewable resource that grows quickly that can be used for flooring, furniture, and various interior elements.
- Re-using Wood: reclaimed timber can be repurposed for historic flooring repair or replacement and even in the form of antique furniture, reducing the demand for new timber.
- Stone: marble, granite, or limestone for countertops, flooring, or accent pieces.
- Cork: a renewable resource used for flooring, wall coverings/soundproofing, and furniture harvested harmlessly from the bark of cork oak trees.
- Linoleum: linoleum is a durable, biodegradable sustainable flooring option made from natural materials including linseed oil, cork powder, and wood flour.
- Concrete: concrete made with recycled aggregates or supplementary cementitious materials can create sustainable flooring, countertops, and architectural features.
- Terrazzo: a composite material made from new or recycled chips of marble, granite, glass, or other materials set in concrete or resin.
- Natural Fibres: cotton, jute, hemp, and wool are sustainable alternatives for textiles, upholstery, and rugs. Organic natural fibres also reduce the environmental impact of conventional farming practices.
- Recycled Metal, Glass and Plastic: integrating recycled materials into interior design projects helps to reduce environmental impact and supports a more eco-conscious approach to design.
What we’re doing at Planet Hooton
Far from compromising luxury, our interiors team use sustainable materials and methods to design greener, cleaner, more beautiful homes. If you’re considering a whole house transformation, please contact us for help in creating your dream home.
Image credits: Benchmark Furniture