Things to Consider in a Home Design that Positively Impacts the Planet

These living room chairs were bought at a vintage/junk store and refinished with new high quality upholstered seat and back cushions, ready for their next chapter.

Environmentally friendly design for interiors means more than just using low voc materials and sustainably harvested raw products.  If you can live longer with the same furnishings, that means less materials going into the landfills and less replacement furnishings needing to be produced from raw materials.  I have more clients asking for quality pieces that won’t need to be replaced often.  It's a relief to hear that more people are uninterested in a quick and cheap sofa solution.  Interior furnishings are besieged with the same issues as fast fashion.  Trendy decor can often feel pointless when it's just bought to fill a space.  I often tell people to gradually accumulate things that they love and hold meaning for them and I believe this leads to a more sustainable design practice.

Strive for Sustainability

I am interested in non-toxic and eco-friendly materials, but I believe the selection of the furnishings should be done with the intent that they are long term investments.  I like to source from vendors that are making quality furniture from sustainably sourced materials, and they should be made well with highly skilled techniques.  I also like to re-invent quality pieces that have had their run and now need to be reupholstered or refinished for their next chapter.

This slab of walnut was made into a coffee table by a local craftsman who worked with me on the unique design.

Focus on Fair Trade

When I consider a new vendor, I ask a ton of questions about the quality of their construction, where their factories are, whether the furniture frames are made to order or if they are shipped in containers from far away, where they get their materials from, etc.  All these sourcing details make a difference in the quality and lead time of the product.  I'm not looking for a quickly made and easily duplicated piece of furniture.  I want my clients to have great quality and unique pieces so they will last for a generation, and then be re-worked for the next generation.

I designed this nightstand for my husband over twenty years ago, had it made by a local furniture maker, and he still uses it (three houses later.) The lamp was a thrift store find with a new linen shade.

Lean Toward Longevity

Yes, quality furnishings do tend to cost more.  The whole, you get what you pay for, is generally true in furnishings.  I suggest investing more in the larger pieces of furniture like a sofa or lounge chairs.  These items get the most abuse and will last longer if they are better quality, therefore worth the investment.  You can find great deals on unique lamps and tables at interesting antique or flea markets, even estate sales.  These are items that can be cleaned up easily and topped off with a new shade.  This combo of sourcing can stretch the budget and keep your project on a sustainable path.

These upholstered pieces were custom made in NC and are quality made for generations to enjoy, even in a summer home with high traffic.

A Commitment to Conscientiousness

I really work hard to not select from fast furnishing sources that churn through home trends.  From their over use of packing materials that are extremely hard to recycle (all that packing tape!) to their lack of quality, many retailers of home furnishings make no effort to be kind to the environment.  I love a great flea market find and own many moving blankets that can be used over and over.  That's more satisfying than breaking down cardboard and trying to re-home styrofoam trash.

If you plan ahead and have patience, you can achieve a beautifully designed room with sustainability in mind.  If a client comes to me with a request to be as sustainable as possible I am overjoyed!  I am happy to address any environmental issues and work through the process to create a design that is mindful of the earth and still adds value and function to their home.

If you're ready to enhance your home and care about the impact on our planet in the process, reach out! I can't wait to hear about your project!

Click to contact and let's make a plan to get your home well designed!

All the best, Molly