21 Apr Four environmentally friendly interior design choices
Today, Friday 22nd April, marks a special day – Earth Day. It is a day dedicated to the protection of our home, planet earth. To celebrate this day, we highlight four interior design decisions which can be made in the home to help protect our home – because every little helps.
1. Eco-friendly materials
Arper – Kata Lounge Chair
Every year we are seeing more and more sustainable furniture designs. Our manufacturers are investing more time and money into R&D and in doing so have come up with innovative ways to create products that are not only beautiful but eco-friendly too. A perfect example of this innovative way of thinking, is a recent design from Arper – Kata Lounge Chair. Designed by Altherr Désile Park, Kata is made from FSC certificated solid oak wood and is upholstered with a fabric made from post-consumer plastic waste that is recycled and woven into yarn. By utilising post-consumer recycled polyester in the manufacturing process, as opposed to virgin polyester, much less energy is used – up to 75% less CO2 emissions – and thus significantly reducing the environmental impact. ‘The theme of sustainability in Kata was not a consequence of the design process, but rather a fundamental element of the design itself. The result is a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern processes with a reduced environmental impact.’
2. Re-love rather than replace!
B&B Italia – Camaleonda Sofa
Designs that are well made, whether they are furniture, lighting, rugs or accessories, will last! Whilst this may mean investing a little more to begin with, rewards will certainly be reaped as there won’t be the need to continuously replace. Gone will be the guilt of contributing to landfill, and instead one can enjoy their home items year after year. Contact our interior designers to discuss key pieces for your space that are built to last.
3. Biophilic design
Biophilic design is the interior trend here to stay. Why? Because it is a well-known fact that plants make us happy! By incorporating plants into our homes, offices, hotel lobbies etc. etc. we not only create a more peaceful atmosphere, but they can also clean the air we breathe by filtering out toxic chemicals in the atmosphere. Not only great for the home but also for commercial and contract interior design projects.
4. Let there be (natural) light!
Silent Gliss – Roller Blinds and Wave Curtains
Floor to ceiling windows allow ample light to flood into your living space and will ensure there is no need to switch lights on during the day. Providing these are efficiently glazed, they can also reduce heat loss by more than 50%.
You may also consider how you dress your windows as a way of taking action against climate change. Silent Gliss blinds and curtains for example, allow privacy as well as letting in natural light. For this reason, they can make a significant contribution to the reduction of heating and lighting costs through the use of appropriate fabrics and control systems. Above is a great example of this concept put into action – here our client chose Silent Gliss roller blinds and Silent Gliss Wave curtains for their home in Edinburgh. The result was maximisation of natural day light in their beautiful living room.
We hope you enjoyed reading about our four environmentally friendly interior design decisions this Earth Day! Please get in touch if you have any design queries, we would be happy to help!
0131 556 6551 / [email protected]