What Is Sustainable Interior Design?
With the growing concern of climate change, many industries have developed options for those who are interested in reducing their carbon footprint — and the interior design industry is no different.
Interior designers have begun to focus on choosing products that were sustainably manufactured, recycled or reclaimed, and made from renewable resources. The choices that an interior designer makes can also affect the energy-efficiency of the client’s home. When the designer begins to consider the impact that her decisions are making on the environment and climate change, they can choose products and materials that will have a positive effect on the Earth.
In today’s blog post, we are going to discuss what sustainable interior design is and how designers choose sustainable elements. Continue reading to learn more, and when you are ready to speak to an interior design in New Jersey who specializes in sustainable interior design, contact the team at Swati Goorha Designs and schedule a discovery call.
What Is Sustainable Interior Design?
Sustainable or green interior design occurs when a designer is especially conscious of how each of their decisions impacts the environment. This could include choosing antiques as decorative items rather than a new product that would have to be manufactured, choosing products specifically because they are produced in a socially responsible manner, or choosing items for their energy-efficiency. During sustainable design, the interior designer considers how each product they are incorporating into the design will affect the Earth. They take the time to consider whether fossil fuels need to be used to produce the products they’ve chosen as well as if some items are made from natural resources that may not be easily renewable. During the design process, the interior designer will consider all of these aspects, plus more, to create a beautifully designed space that will benefit both the individual living in the space as well as the environment.
How to Choose Sustainable Interior Design Elements?
During the sustainable interior design process, there are many factors that the designer considers in order to make the right choices for the space and the environment. The following are some of the questions that the designer asks herself while making these decisions.
Are the Materials Produced in a Socially Responsible Manner?
Interior designers who focus on sustainable design don’t just consider what the product looks like and what it is made out of — but also how it is manufactured. Does the company utilize fossil fuels to produce their products? Do they utilize natural resources that are not quickly renewable? They will consider these questions for every material and item they choose from the carpet and the chairs to the decorative pieces and appliances.
Can I Incorporate Reclaimed and Recycled Materials?
It is better for the environment when we reuse or recycle items that have already been produced, rather than manufacturing new products. For example, refinishing an antique lantern requires the use of less fossil fuels and produces fewer carbon emissions than manufacturing an entirely new lantern — and it creates a unique piece at the same time.
Can I Install Energy-Efficient Lighting?
Energy-efficient lighting is an easy way to not only reduce the client’s energy bill, but also reduce the amount of fossil fuels being used to power the lighting. An interior designer who is focused on sustainable design will consider installing energy-efficient lighting as well as appliances.
How Do I Incorporate Sustainable Materials into the Design?
The designer will also focus on incorporating sustainable and renewable design elements into the space. An example of choosing products made from sustainable materials would be selecting bamboo flooring. Many homeowners enjoy the look of real wood flooring, and bamboo is a natural resource that grows quickly. Wood products that have a FSC label are ones that are harvested sustainably and are a better choice for sustainable interior design.
How Do I Design this Space for Longevity?
Choosing sustainable, renewable, and recycled items to use in sustainable design is extremely important, but the designer also wants to create a space that the homeowner will enjoy for years to come. Many times, this means creating a space that is flexible and will continue to be functional as a family grows. The longer that the client continues to enjoy their space, the less likely any of the items or materials chosen will end up in a landfill.
Rely on Swati Goorha Designs for Sustainable Interior Design
We hope you enjoyed today’s blog post and have learned a little bit about sustainable interior design. This growing trend is another way that we can all help to reduce our carbon footprint and slow climate change, all while having a beautifully functional space created just for us. If you are interested in learning more about sustainable interior design, contact the team at Swati Goorha Designs in New Jersey today.