Over the years, more and more clients have inquired about how they can incorporate sustainability into their homes. Personally, I am thrilled by these requests, as sustainability is a priority for me and my business (and personal life)!
Today, we’ll cover some simple ideas for everyone to incorporate sustainability into their home and life.
Choose High-Quality Pieces That Last
I may sound like a broken record, but this is always a priority for me. I always recommend that clients spend a little more on their new furniture so it doesn’t end up in a landfill. Furthermore, I specifically avoid many vendors because I either don’t like their business practices, they ship from across the world, or I have had issues with poor quality. We have lots of advice on sourcing quality products. Check out this blog we recently wrote about what to look for.
Reupholster Instead of Replacing
This is exactly why you want to spend a little more on furniture. Let’s say after 10 years you’ve worn out the fabric on your favorite side chair but the “bones” were high quality to begin with–you can still reuphoster it and even repair that wiggly leg. Not only does it stay out of the landfill, but you are saving money now because you spent more earlier.
I also love taking old wood pieces and refinishing them. You can give them new life with fresh paint or new door pulls. You can also repurpose furniture, such as using an old piece as a vanity in a powder room. But remember, you can’t refinish low-quality materials like plastic, veneer, or particle board (another reason to buy quality). Please don’t get rid of quality old furniture until we chat about the possibilities.
Source Sustainable Brands
Whether you buy from us or from a retail store, there are a few things you can look for. I’m a fan of Oeko-Tex fabrics (I’m even seeing these at Target and beyond), FSC-certified wood, and Greenguard, to name a few. I’m also part of ID Greenlist, where another designer has already vetted sources for all things interior. This is a great time saver for me when vetting potential vendors so we feel confident in our selections.
Balancing Sustainability with High-End Design
Prioritizing sustainability with high-end design is always a balancing act. It is fairly easy to prioritize sustainability when budgets are healthy, but when budgets are cut, it becomes more difficult to specify materials that support this. As you know, so many “cheap” items come from overseas. Even if something is marketed as recycled, the simple fact that it’s being shipped across the world creates a huge carbon footprint and likely negates that recycled content. These are the things we have to balance on every project.
While creating sustainable interiors is our priority, it can be confusing! We are here to help and answer any questions you might have. We are excited to announce that we will be taking the Well AP exam this year to further our commitment to sustainability and creating healthy home environments.
If you’re ready to enhance your home and care about sustainability in the process, reach out! We can’t wait to hear about your project!
Warmly,
Dawn
