2021 is set to be the year for interior design, a year in which we know our lives will be restricted and we may want to focus more on the environment and space around us. Restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with means we are spending more time in our homes, a situation that may become permanent for many. Offices are downsizing, many are working from home and will likely need to change their homes to accommodate their new lifestyle patterns.
For many, that could mean a remodel; a chance to become creative with design and stay up to date with the latest trends, one of which is sustainable home goods. The drive for lower carbon emissions has become a hot topic and Architectural Digest claim it is no secret that an increasing environmental consciousness has been on everyone’s minds. To help you along on your journey of becoming more environmentally friendly, here are some ideas around incorporating eco-friendly themes and sustainable home decor within a wider interior design project.
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Natural Materials
Bringing the outside inside and using natural materials has always been a solid design tactic, but in 2021 it could be even more popular, Plus, since we can’t get out as much as we would like, doesn’t it make sense to bring a little of the outdoors indoors? Many natural products are sustainable, meaning less carbon in production and little impact on the environment. Stone, slate and sustainable wood are all great sustainable home decor items that provide a rustic, outdoor feel in your interior space, both on the floors and walls, or even in your furniture.
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Efficient Lighting & Fixtures
A feature by HomeServe discusses how old halogen light bulbs are not energy efficient and how changing to newer lighting can save money and the environment. That makes LED spotlighting a popular choice when redesigning rooms and luckily new lighting is bang on trend for 2021. Homes and Gardens outline several exciting ideas for new lighting, particularly using it as a focal point for furniture and bringing in free-standing structures and sculptured lighting.
Using lighting as a focal point, particularly behind an ornate shade, is a great statement piece, and beneath the bold design you can use energy-efficient bulbs that use less energy. Many new bathroom fixtures are also designed to reduce the amount of water you use while still looking gorgeous, so look for energy saving fixtures whenever you can. You can switch your old toilet fixture to a water-saving macerating toilet; they are perfect for bathrooms in hard-to-reach places that are far from the main sewer drain line, or locations with low water pressure. They are also water-efficient because they tend to use less water than the standard models do.
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Smart Technology
Interior design is not always about the color scheme and materials; it also incorporates the technology you use within your newly designed room or home. The modern age allows for products that can control the lighting, heating and general environment of your home. With the theme of natural materials and the outdoors coming indoors, fancy gadgets on the wall might break the illusion a little, but they can be used to improve energy efficiency and not impact your overall aesthetic.
Think about smart lighting to control the general ambience at different times, something that is both energy-efficient and flexible. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is an example of smart technology that can help reduce your energy output by promoting more efficient cooling and heating in your home.
Reclaimed Items & Vintage Pieces
It’s easy to get reclaimed and sustainable mixed up. A sustainable product is one you can buy new, which will then be replaced at its natural source. Reclaimed is not necessarily a product that was environmentally friendly in the first instance, but one that can be repurposed for a new look. Think about countertops from a reclaim yard or even fixtures and fittings which have previously been installed elsewhere.
Repurposed items, like a reclaimed wood table, can add to a rustic and pre-loved design idea and are also environmentally friendly as they prevent waste. It also means you don’t end up buying something new, which often takes time, energy and likely carbon to produce. You can also find some great sustainable home decor items in vintage furniture pieces that not only help save the environment but add great character to your home while saving you money.
Energy Efficient Windows
Installing energy efficient windows is a great way to keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Consider changing your single pane windows to double or triple pane glass to up the insulation factor of your home while keeping it looking great.
House Plants
House plants are a great way to bring the outdoors inside, add some texture to your space and can even help filter the air you breath! NASA conducted a study a while back and provided a list of houseplants that can help detox the air in your home, which you can read up on here.
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How do you keep your home environmentally friendly?
