Sustainable Interior Design : 5 Steps to a More Eco-Friendly Space

What does
“sustainable interior design”
even mean?

Sustainable interior design generally means making decisions and plans for a space that are environmentally conscious. This can include things such as “avoiding volatile compounds, reusing materials, selecting energy-efficient appliances, using daylight to the max, and using water-efficient fixtures”. All of these things, and more, are important to sustainable design. But, in this article, I wanted to talk about the furniture and decoration side of the process.

We don’t all live in a space where we have control over some of these factors listed above. You might be renting an apartment or the house you bought wasn’t made with sustainability in mind. No matter where you currently live, we CAN all be mindful of the items we bring into our space. So, keep on reading to figure out how you can be more sustainable in your next space makeover with these 5 steps…

Mindful Decorating

5 steps to sustainable interior design in your space

Step 1 : Don’t follow trends

Trends exist to keep this consumeristic society running.

We (in America) live in a capitalist nation, and that means money needs to keep exchanging hands. While we do want to support each other to have money and help everyone live their best financial lives, we also want to be mindful about what we purchase. Constantly buying from monopolies and big businesses isn’t helping enough money get into the hands of the people. Therefore if you are constantly following trends, you will feel the need to constantly be purchasing new things to redecorate and redo your space. You probably won’t have a big budget for that all the time and will need to purchase cheaper items. This is a cycle and it creates a lot of waste. It also makes a lot of extra work for you, as someone who just wants to enjoy their home for as long as possible.

Instead, try not to get caught up in the hubbub around the new look of the time and “whats in”. Emotions can get tricky here and my best advice is to take some time to focus in on what you truly love. What are things that light you up inside when you see them. What things make you truly happy? Sometimes this might change, but at least it will be based on your own intuition instead of something external.

Once you are able to nail down your own interior design styles - stick with those no matter what is popular at the time!

Step 2 : Refurbish items you already own

When searching for new items for your home, start with shopping in your own house (and maybe even your parent or grandparents house)! You might find some things that you could paint, get repaired, or refurbish somehow.

You could get a new lampshade for that lamp to switch up the style, hire a local woodworker to re-finish a table with water spots and marks, or even re-upholster a chair whose fabric has stained. Open your mind a bit here and see if there is anything you can do to give items you already have new life! Some fixes might be cheap or even free, and some might cost so money. Either way, you are taking care of the planet in the process.

I particularly love finding items that have been passed down throughout generations in my family and using those in my own home. I was looking for some new chairs for our dining space recently and everything was so expensive. Plus, I couldn’t find the right thing used… Then my mom told me she had some that might work, and they were a great fit! These sweet little wooden chairs in the photo were my Nina and Papa’s. My mom even remembered having them in her room when she was a little girl. The fabric that was originally on the seats was stained and the foam was worn out, so they needed some work to bring them back to life. I was able to reupholster the chairs with some fabric I found at a local store and replace the foam with new, thick pieces. Now whenever I look at them I think of my family and the rich history these chairs have.

Using items you or your family already own is a great way to bring your personal story into your design.

Step 3 : Look for used design items

If you don’t already have an item you can repurpose, the next best thing is to find items that others are trying to sell locally. Facebook marketplace or Craigslist are currently two of the best places to look for used pieces of furniture online. If you want to search for pieces in person, you might also like to explore some consignment stores and antique shops! Maybe you even have a local artist studio who makes new things out of old items? There are lots of options for finding items that aren’t new and you will be supporting your local economy with your purchase this way!

The hardest part about this process is that you never know what you are going to find. I suggest making a running list of all the items that you are searching for and keeping an open mind as you go shopping. If you’ve got a general idea of the style and color of item, that helps too!

I found this iron bookshelf on facebook marketplace. Not only was it a fraction of the price, but it also was pre-loved and therefore a more eco-friendly purchase. I love a good win-win scenario. It did have a few scuffs, but since I was using it as a shelf for storage, I knew they would be covered and not noticeable.

Note: Be careful purchasing used items that have fabric on them. Bed bugs are a real thing and you don’t want them in your house if you can help it!

Step 4 : Support local small businesses

Purchasing from local interior design stores is a great way to support your local economy make sure you aren’t contributing to excess carbon footprint. Why? Because you aren’t buying an item online and having it shipped directly to your house. The item is already in your area - woohoo!

Head to those local antique shops, consignment spaces, art studios, and furniture stores. I bet there are lots of pieces in your surrounding area that could work in your space!

I was searching for a chair for my reading nook online and quickly realized that sitting in a chair before you purchase it is such an important part of the buying process. I like to sit cross legged in chairs and that is impossible to know unless you are able to try it out yourself! Right down the road from where I live is a consignment store that my mom and I decided to pop into for the first time. Right in the corner was this big, beautiful chair that had so much unique character and was really good quality for a good price.

I was so happy that I was able to support a local small business to furnish my space instead of just purchasing from a big box store. When I paid the owner who works the store herself, she said “now I know I’ll make rent for the month!”

Where we buy the items we need is absolutely something to be mindful of, because it really makes a difference.

Step 5 : Purchase items created with sustainable materials

Don’t feel bad if there’s just nothing you can find used or locally for your space. Sometimes we need an item quickly or just have a particular taste that we can’t find elsewhere. That’s okay! Do you best to purchase items that are made from sustainable and/or durable materials. Cheaply made items that won’t last, which isn’t good for the planet since it will end up in the landfill too quickly. Also, sustainable materials will typically be noted on the purchase page of a website. Be prepared that sustainable materials are going to cost more than cheaply made items, but if you love the item it will all be worth it in the end!

For example, I was searching for a round coffee table for MONTHS and couldn’t find one I liked. I wanted simple wood with two layers. I scoured local consignment stores and facebook marketplace with no success. We needed a coffee table sooner rather than later, since we hang out in our living room a lot and sometimes eat dinner on the couches together. Eventually I decided to search for an alternative option. Burrow had these coffee tables that were super easy to put together, had clean lines, AND were made purely from a sustainable wood source. It wasn’t round like I originally wanted, but I was happy that at least the edges were softened (I can get lots of bruises from clumsiness and sharp edged furniture). I think it looks beautiful in the space and I know I’ll be able to use this item for hopefully my entire life in lots of different spaces.

Also, that round tub with a wooden top is the inside of an old washing machine. A local artist refurbished it into a cool light fixture and we love it so much.

Meet the designer

Hey y’all! I’m Kathryn.

Interior Decorator, Plant Lover, Peacemaker

I love making spaces feel cozy, inviting, and warm. I think a home can absolutely be “imperfect” and even more special because of it. Function is just as important as design, and a space shouldn’t make your life harder to navigate. Good design makes things easier while also giving you a sense of comfort. You deserve it!

---

More on the blog: