As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, interior design trends are beginning to reflect this shift in values. More and more homeowners are looking for ways to incorporate sustainable materials and practices into their homes, without sacrificing style or comfort.

Our expert interior designers have shared some ways you can be more enviornmentally conscious when renvoating, updating or decorating your home.

Bamboo flooring – bamboo is a fast-growing plant that doesn’t require much water or chemicals to thrive. It’s also incredibly strong and durable, making it an ideal material for flooring. Bamboo has a similar appearance to hardwood floors, but are more environmentally friendly, and can also be more affordable compared to other wood flooring.

However, do be careful where you install your bamboo flooring as it isn’t the most waterproof, so it is not a good choice for a bathroom floor. It’s also essential to ensure that you wipe away any liquid spills from the area as soon as possible to prevent damage. Lastly, like any wooden flooring, be careful when moving heavy objects or furniture so as not to scratch the surface.

Hot water taps – thinking about the types of appliances you invest in, and how they may make a difference to your overall environmental impact. For example, having a hot tap installed in your home isn’t only helpful in the kitchen, but it’s also great for the environment. We work with Quooker, the world’s first boiling tap, and these appliances help people to use less water and less energy. The way this works is that when you dispense water from your hot water tap, you use the exact amount of water needed, unlike a kettle. Additionally, the hot water used for hot taps is kept at 110 degrees under pressure, which allows the water to keep at temperature, without using much energy.

Solar power – solar power is becoming increasingly popular as a way to generate electricity. Solar panels can be used to power your entire home, or just a few appliances. Solar panels can offer many benefits for homeowners, both helping to save money on your electricity bills and also reducing your carbon footprint. Solar panels can be a great way to generate your own energy, and they can also help to reduce your reliance on the grid.

There are some drawbacks to solar panels as well, so it’s important to be aware of these. They can be expensive to install, and they require a fair amount of maintenance. Solar panels can also be less reliable in some areas, and they can require more space than other types of renewable energy systems.

Overall, solar panels can be a great option for homeowners who are looking to save money on their electricity bills and reduce their reliance on the grid. If you are considering solar panels for your home, be sure to consult with a qualified installer to determine if they are right for you.

LED lighting – LED lights use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they last much longer too. Making the switch to LED lighting is an easy way to make your home more sustainable. Due to the lights lasting longer than regular bulbs, you can save money on your energy bills by switching to LED lighting, and you won’t need to replace your bulbs as often. LEDs also provide better lighting than incandescent bulbs as they emit a more natural-looking light, and they don’t flicker or buzz like some fluorescent bulbs do. This can help to reduce eye strain and fatigue. If you’re looking for a way to save energy and improve your home’s lighting, LED bulbs are a great option.

Low-VOC paint – traditional paints can contain harmful chemicals that off-gas into the air and can be damaging to your health. Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints are a safer alternative, and they’re just as effective at covering walls and protecting surfaces. Using Low-VOC paint is especially important if you have allergies or asthma, as VOCs can aggravate these conditions. Low-VOC paint is much better for the environment than traditional paint due to the fact the toxins can also end up in waterways and soil, damaging ecosystems and leading to the production of smog. Many companies now only sell low or zero VOC paint, but it is definitely something to consider when shopping.

Sustainable fabrics – there are a variety of sustainable fabrics available now, from organic cotton to bamboo linen. Using sustainable fabrics in your home is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment. However, you may have heard of ‘green washing’, a term used for a company or brand who spend more time and money on marketing itself as environmentally friendly, than on actually reducing its environmental impact. With this in mind, it’s not always clear what really is sustainble. So, it’s important to do some research where you can to find ethically sourced and sustainable made fabric, however quality produce is also important. Investing in quality products will ensure the longevity of these, preventing frequent throwing away and re-buying of products.

Sustainable materials – similar to the above, it’s important to know where other materials, not only soft fabrics are made and how. One way to do this is look into recycled products. Euromobil’s RESPET® carcusses are the first to be made from 100% recycled PET resin – the laminate obtained from plastic bottles. Their Eco Lacquer fronts use non toxic water based paints that reduce emissions by 95% as well as their Ecomalta finish which is again non toxic, fully recyclable free of hydraulic binders, cement, lime, chalk or epoxy resins.

Energy efficiency – swhen shopping for new appliances, such as dishwashers or washing machines, ensure to check the energy rating labels and consider the size of the appliance required for your home. When an appliance is energy efficient, it results to fewer carbon emissions from the household. Many manufacturers now prioritise sustainability within their products, such as the Gaggenau. Their dishwashers 200 series are high-speed, but come with the highest efficient grading, A+++ . Their products are also made with Zeolite technology, an eco-friendly mineral that absorbs moisture as it releases heat.

We now the world of sustainability can be difficult to navigate, with a lot of conflicting information. However, here at Hi-Spec Design, we believe sustainable interior design is considering the entire lifecycle of a product, from its manufacture to its disposal. When you make sustainable choices for your home, you’re not just helping the environment – you’re also creating a more comfortable and stylish home for yourself and your family.

What sustainable interior design trends have you incorporated into your home? Share in the comments below!

Company Bio
Hi-Spec Design is a family run interior design agency based in Chelsea, South West London. We specialise in bespoke kitchens and work with some of the best appliance manufacturers across Europe, this company is remembered by its customers for its unique and luxurious designs. Read more about our story here.