{"id":1574,"date":"2023-05-02T17:25:45","date_gmt":"2023-05-02T17:25:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/golsondesigns.decoratingden.com\/?p=1574"},"modified":"2023-05-02T17:25:45","modified_gmt":"2023-05-02T17:25:45","slug":"going-green-sustainable-interior-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/golsondesigns.decoratingden.com\/going-green-sustainable-interior-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Going green: Sustainable interior design"},"content":{"rendered":"

Approximate reading time 8 minutes.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Decorating your home is an exciting venture, whether you have a creative streak or not. It\u2019s a chance to showcase your personality and unique aesthetic. But, more than that, it\u2019s also an opportunity to help protect the environment. How so? The answer is sustainable interior design.<\/span><\/p>\n

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There\u2019s a vast array of d\u00e9cor and design\/architectural principles you can implement in your home that not only appear attractive and pleasant to the eye, but also benefit the planet! Sustainable interior design is the perfect way to create your dream home while doing your part for the environment. From faucets and light fixtures to windows and walls, there are almost countless means of making your home gorgeous and green. Let\u2019s take a look.<\/p>\n

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN?<\/h3>\n

In essence, sustainable interior design is an environmentally-conscious architectural and design style that focuses on using materials and construction methods that lessen a building\u2019s impact on the environment. Sustainable interior design and sustainable architecture are also centered on improving the health and wellbeing of the people who live, work or play in a green building through its eco-friendly design.<\/p>\n

\"Natural
\nNatural stone is minimally harmful to the environment and can last centuries.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Although sustainable design and green design may seem synonymous, they\u2019re not entirely the same. Green design is all about reducing harm in the present and near future. By contrast, sustainable design looks at long-term consequences. As the name suggests, this design style uses elements that will continue to minimize negative impact on the environment for years, decades or even centuries to come.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just about building a structure \u2014 it\u2019s also about building a future for the earth\u2019s inhabitants. In a little while, we\u2019ll take a closer look at the core principles underlying sustainable design and how to incorporate them when designing your home\u2019s interior. But before we get to that, let\u2019s discuss why sustainable interior design is so important.<\/p>\n

\"Wool
\nWool dryer balls<\/a> are a natural fabric softener. They are reusable, reducing wrinkles and static.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN<\/h3>\n

We all know that sustainable practices are critical to the planet\u2019s wellbeing. From using public transport to buying environmentally friendly cleaning products, there are so many important ways we can reduce our impact on the environment. The best place to start as normal, everyday people is with the buildings we create and use. Utilizing sustainable interior design is vital for two main reasons: keeping the environment and us healthy.<\/p>\n

The Environment’s Health<\/h4>\n

Sustainable design helps preserve our natural habitat by reducing our carbon footprint. Never heard that term? Don\u2019t worry! In a nutshell, it\u2019s the amount of greenhouse gasses we produce. These include carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere and increase temperatures across the world. Keeping the global climate stable is essential for preventing natural disasters and allowing us to grow the food we all need to survive.<\/p>\n

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Unfortunately, so much of our garbage ends up in the wilderness and the oceans, which can have terrible consequences for wildlife and the quality of our natural resources like soil and water. Sustainable design also helps reduce the amount of waste we produce, which is key to preventing pollution.<\/p>\n

Our Health<\/h4>\n

Sustainable design keeps us healthy, too! It helps improve indoor air quality. The right materials prevent potentially dangerous toxins and dust particles from floating around the air and making us sick. By purchasing sustainable interior design d\u00e9cor and products, we can also reduce the noise in our living environment, which is all-important for psychological wellbeing. By using as much natural light as possible, we can reduce stress and increase productivity, too. This is especially helpful for those of us who work from home!<\/p>\n

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HOW TO DESIGN WITH SUSTAINABILITY IN MIND<\/h3>\n

So, how do you go about actually implementing sustainable interior design? It\u2019s helpful to start with the \u201cFive Rs of sustainability,\u201d which are the basic principles that underlie how to live sustainably:<\/p>\n

Refuse:<\/strong> Say \u201cno\u201d to environmentally unfriendly products by buying only those that are recyclable and ethically produced.
\nReduce:<\/strong> Use the minimum amount of required materials and resources to minimize your impact on the environment.
\nReuse:<\/strong> Avoid single-use products (especially plastics) by using metal or wooden alternatives wherever possible.
\nRecycle:<\/strong> This one\u2019s pretty self-explanatory. Make an effort to dispose of your trash responsibly by using recycling bins.
\nRepurpose:<\/strong> Utilize your purchases in different ways once they\u2019ve served their original purpose.<\/p>\n

The following concepts underpin the main pillars of sustainable interior design:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Energy efficiency<\/h4>\n

Because most of the world\u2019s electricity is still generated by burning coal, energy is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. Sustainable interior design aims to reduce energy consumption.<\/p>\n

Waste reduction<\/h4>\n

Our natural resources are limited, and sustainable design seeks to make a little go a long way. It focuses on using the smallest amount of materials to insulate, build and decorate a building.<\/p>\n

Maximized space<\/h4>\n

Making the most of the space you have goes hand in hand with energy efficiency and waste reduction. This is achieved by consciously and cleverly choosing materials and pieces (particularly furniture) that ensure a little goes a long way.<\/p>\n

\"Exquisite,
\nExquisite, perfectly balanced faucets from KOHLER<\/a>.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Water conservation<\/h4>\n

Although 70% of our planet is covered by water, less than 2% of it is safe to consume. Sustainable design works to decrease the amount of water we use to preserve this precious resource.<\/p>\n

Healthy environment<\/h4>\n

As we mentioned earlier, sustainable design also promotes healthy living by making smart choices about temperature regulation, ventilation and products when designing an interior.<\/p>\n

Longevity<\/h4>\n

Sustainable design is focused on using extremely durable high quality materials that last longer. In this way, you lessen your need to toss out old items and buy new ones, which supports waste reduction.<\/p>\n

ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS & PRODUCTS<\/h3>\n

Picking materials and products that are recycled or recyclable and have a low environmental impact is the easiest way to achieve sustainability when designing your interior.<\/p>\n

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SUSTAINABLE DESIGN EXAMPLES<\/h3>\n

Now that you\u2019re familiar with why sustainability is so crucial and what it aims to achieve, how can you accomplish sustainable interior design in your own home?<\/p>\n

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your home more energy efficient:<\/strong><\/p>\n