Sustainable Design Can Be Stylish, Too

Just like catwalks brim with fresh new styles and major cities burgeon with innovative architecture, the world of interior design is also very much aware of what’s hot and what’s not. All design branches, from fashion to software, remain ahead of the curve when it comes to trends, demonstrating this through innovative, up-to-the-minute projects.

Whether that’s the clean white lines of minimalism, the kitsch components of 70s revival or the rustic charm of back-to-basics, designers from every field are the first to incorporate these styles into their work, before the rest of us hastily follow suit.

Recently a new trend has come to the forefront – eco-friendliness. Sustainable materials are now favoured, energy efficiency is a key consideration, and ‘fair trade’, ‘biophilic’ and ‘green’ have become buzzwords across the entire landscape of design. While many of us have embraced an eco-friendly way of thinking, and the subsequent lifestyle changes associated with environmental mindfulness, some people are yet to be convinced about the stylishness of sustainability. For some, going green means totally compromising on aesthetics.

At Wooden Blinds Direct we’re proof that eco-friendly design can be stylish. Our basswood products are all FSC certified, meaning you can dress your windows with an eye-catching blind that also has a positive impact on the environment. And there are plenty of other ways to incorporate attractive, eco-friendly features into your home – read on to find out more.

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Sustainable Fabric

There is a fantastic choice of environmentally friendly fabrics available nowadays, all of which can be used to furnish your home in comfort and style. Choose from organic cotton, hemp, linen and organic wool, as well as the most recent addition to the eco-friendly fabric market: bamboo. These materials are all generally dye and bleach free, so they’re ideal for chemical-conscious decorators. Opt for eco-friendly material for your curtains, cushions, throws and rugs, choosing between a great range of colours and patterns, and demonstrating that sustainability is also stylish!

Eco-Friendly Paint

We all know that conventional paint can cause nausea and headaches, due to nasty components including VOCs (volatile organic compounds), formaldehyde and heavy metals. Some experts claim that painter and decorators are at greater risk of respiratory problems, with some even highlighting heightened chances of lung cancer. It’s no surprise that more and more of us are turning to organic when decorating our homes. Eco paint is a great alternative – a plant-based, water-borne solution that involves less environmentally damaging processes during production, as well as safeguarding your family from harmful toxins. It can be harder to get hold of than normal paint, and colour options are a little limited in comparison, but the benefits far outweigh these cons.

Organic Ink

Those who select organic fabric may be shocked to discover that it’s not always printed with environmentally friendly ink. Traditional inks are extremely toxic, the manufacturing and disposal process causing damage to the air we breathe, and the food and water we consume. Fortunately, there are now alternatives available, and some specialist printing and organic interiors companies work with non-toxic and water-based inks. When decorating your eco-friendly home, make a conscious effort to search out these manufacturers, but bear in mind that you’ll be limited to light materials, as organic ink can’t be printed onto dark fabric.

Reclaimed Wood

The use of reclaimed wood in interior design has escalated tremendously over recent years. Not only does it look and feel cool and rustic, but it generates dozens of environmental benefits, making for a truly sustainable yet stylish home. The biggest positive of reclaimed wood is that is makes use of old materials, prevent unnecessary landfill waste. This also means that less trees are chopped down for the sake of new furniture, lessening the risk of species extinction, as well as helping the atmosphere (every tree that’s saved by reclaimed wood will continue to absorb carbon dioxide out of the air every year). It’s thought that less than 10% of wood waste is recycled across the UK, and around 3000 tonnes are sent to landfill or burnt each day. By opting for reclaimed wood in your interior design pursuits, not only will you boast unique, stylish furniture and features, but you’ll be making huge contributions to the environment.

Houseplants

An eco-friendly home isn’t complete without plenty of plants. Along with looking great and smelling fresh, houseplants provide many benefits to both the environment and our own health. During the photosynthetic process, plants release moisture into the air, which ups humidity and helps keep colds, coughs and dry skin at bay. By absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, they also make breathing easier. Plants also remove around 90% of VOCs from the air every day, creating a pure, fresh environment. What’s more, research has also shown that houseplants boost productivity and create a more positive environment. Add the final touches to your stylish, sustainable home with a flourish of foliage, benefitting the environment and boosting your own sense of well being in the process.

Are you planning to revamp your home with sustainable style? Perhaps you’ve always made an effort to protect the environment in your interior design endeavours?  Get in touch with us @InteriorGoods and let us know what you think, and be sure to click the button below to discover our range of sustainable wooden blinds.