Understanding the 5 Principles of Sustainable Interior Design
In recent years, environmental concerns have dominated many industries. Construction and interior design are at the forefront of introducing sustainable practices. The role of an interior designer is to make homes functional, attractive, and safe to use.
Sourcing ecological materials and products are quickly becoming a standard practice. It means your home can be healthy and look sophisticated without making a negative impact on the environment. There are many easy ways to adapt traditional interior design ideas to make them more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Photo by Huseyn Kamaladdin
1. Energy-Efficient Lighting
Breaking our dependency on raw materials such as oil and natural gas has suddenly become far more urgent. Interior designers can contribute by using sustainable, energy-efficient principles in their designs. According to the US Energy Department, at least 20% of the world's energy production is used for illumination.
Converting to LED bulbs could reduce the state's electricity consumption for lighting by 50%. An LED bulb needs up to 85% less power to function with the same intensity as an incandescent bulb. Interior designers are beginning to make much greater use of versatile LED illumination.
LED bulbs can produce subtle color tones in every room, from warm yellows and reds to cool greens and blues. Combined with Smart controls to reduce or increase the intensity, the effects can make rooms appear comfortably bright. The extensive color range of LED lighting can make your home feel energized or relaxed and stress-free.
2. Natural Materials
In 1984, Edward O. Wilson, a biologist from Birmingham, Alabama, outlined his theory of biophilia. He suggested that everyone has an innate desire to associate with the natural world. The principle of biophilia has recently become far more widespread amongst interior designers.
Biophilia is perfect for sustainable, environmentally friendly homes. It concentrates on creating an internal space that embraces the natural world. You'll find features such as large houseplants and cabinets manufactured from fast-growing bamboo. Engineered wood flooring and tiles of natural stone are also popular choices. However, they must be ethically sourced.
The Timber and Forestry Foundation has revealed that the US now produces 50% more sustainable hardwood than half a century ago. The TFF's research has shown that new saplings are being planted at twice the rate of mature trees being harvested. It means that American interior designers can now use home-sourced, hardwood timber from sustainable, managed woodlands.
start to navigate the process of a complete room renovation, don’t hop into it thinking of immediately buying brand new everything. Depending on whether you need kitchen cabinets, new flooring, brand new appliances, or everything in between, it can be beneficial to create a list of what is a top priority first. A second technique to navigate the financial challenges of kitchen renovation is getting an energy-efficient appliance brand set or an induction stove to save energy and cost over time in your home. As well as making sure your renovation teams are using the latest smart home technology to help save time and cost during your projects. For a bathroom renovation, an over-the-top bathroom makeover can become dated in a short period of time. Focusing more on classic traditional elements in your bathroom space can be found in the bathroom vanity sets that look great without adding financial challenges to your home projects. Keeping your old sofa, chair, pillow, and flooring can make your home feel new for less with the addition of new finds from affordable shops or outlets.
3. Improved Air Quality
According to the United States Environmental Health Agency, the interior of the average American home can make you feel ill. Ongoing conditions such as dry eyes, irritated nasal passages, headaches, nausea, and fatigue are just a few of the effects.
Good air quality is a core principle of sustainable interior design. If you work remotely from your own home office, your productivity level could be increased once the air quality inside your home is improved.
A major cause of poor air quality is paint containing hazardous solvents known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). Interior designers can now opt for ecological, sustainable water-based paints that are VOC and solvent-free. However, your choice of color might affect your productivity. Red is energizing, blue is creative and yellow should help you make wise decisions.
4. Recycling and Upcycling
Unwanted textiles are disposed of in local Municipal Solid Waste at an annual rate of 11.3 million tons. They include clothing, bed linen and leftover materials from upholstery and furniture manufacture. However, approximately 2.5 million tons of textiles are now being recycled. Some are used as sustainable, eco-friendly insulation.
Interior designers who integrate sustainable, ecological materials choose recycled polyester for upholstery and window drapes. It's not just textiles that can be recycled. Aluminum is an economical, recyclable material that is often used in interior design. It can be used for projects including, stylish staircases, kitchen units and shelving.
Upcycling is where an unwanted object is reused. An upcycled dresser can be given an extended lease of life through a coat of VOC-free paint and new drawer pulls. Driftwood from a local beach can be turned into a shelf or small table.
5. Flexibility and Longevity
Research by the Environmental Protection Agency discovered that up to 73% of carpets and rugs are sent annually to American landfill sites. An astonishing 80.1% of sofas and other items of furniture usually join them. Remodeling rooms according to sustainable interior design principles means using flexible components.
Adapting existing architectural features such as room dividers can create a brand-new image for your home. Choosing furniture that can be remodeled into different styles is also beneficial. Modular storage units for walls are versatile and can be rearranged at intervals to enliven a room.
Designing rooms for children is particularly challenging as preferences frequently change as they grow up. However, by choosing furniture that can be extended, adapted, or added to, you create new styles and increase the longevity of the items.
Conclusion
Preventing waste is a major objective in sustainable interior design. Remodeling rooms through CAD drawings often takes place every five years to keep up with contemporary design trends. Sustainability is an important factor, promoting an imaginative use of raw and used materials.
Ensuring materials such as timber is from managed woodlands helps with a design's longevity. For instance, wood flooring lasts many decades longer than carpet. Incorporating the theory of biophilia helps improve air quality. Following sustainable interior design principles helps your home become healthier.
Sustainability can also save you money. Upcycling furniture and using recycled materials wherever possible helps make your home stylish while reducing waste.
Author: This post was written by Martin Desmond of Solar Panels Ireland company Wizer Energy. Martin and his team provide comprehensive Domestic and Commercial PV Systems installation services across Ireland.
