Sustainable Interior Design

Interior design can be extremely fun, challenging, and mentally stimulating.  Working as an interior designer is unique in several ways.  First of all, you are able to work with some of the world’s finest artworks.  Now to some people that might sound odd, but this is definitely the case as an interior designer.  You will work to select work from gifted artists, designers, and sculptors for your clients.  On top of this, you are even able to express and show your own creativity in how you craft and sculpt the interior spaces of your clients.  Yes it is challenging, but it is also exciting and fulfilling as well.

Yet it is quite important to remember that the world of interior design does not occur in a vacuum.  Just as the rest of the world is beginning to move toward the concept of green, eco-friendly, and sustainable, the same can be true for interior design.  As an interior designer, it is pivotal that you understand these new developments and this transition as well.  Sustainable interior design isn’t just hot right now. Sustainable interior design is likely to be permanently hot.  In the coming years, sustainable interior design will likely change the way that most interior designers work and design. 

Here are a few of the big sustainable concepts that interior designers will need to know about and use in the coming years.  Brush up now, because things are evolving quickly.

Reclaimed Wood

The reason that reclaimed wood is already a sustainable, eco-friendly mainstay for interior design is that no new trees are used to produce the various wood products.  Reclaimed wood is old growth wood and that is very different from today’s wood that we typically use in almost everything. 

Old growth wood comes from trees that were hundreds of years old, as compared to the young wood of today’s tree farms.  As a result, old growth wood is incredibly strong and dense by comparison.  Most of this wood has been rescued or reclaimed from structures such as old factories.  As a result, the wood might have a rough, worn look, but it is also very beautiful.  Interior designers will see a wide array of possibilities for wood products that use old growth wood.  For example, furniture that is made from reclaimed wood is spectacular.  Increasingly savvy builders and home buyers are used reclaimed wood for its impressive strength and beauty.  This means that as an interior designer, you will need to know how to address reclaimed wood as a design element.  Everything from beams to floors can all be made out of reclaimed wood with impressive results.

Organic Sofas, Furniture, and Bedding

Increasingly, people are turning to organic sofa, furniture, and bedding, and with very good reason.  The vast majority of the stuffing that is found inside pillows, cushions, and bedding is little more than petroleum based giant pellets.  This means that they “degas” harmful gases and chemicals.  Organic sofas, furniture, and bedding incorporate other healthier alternatives.  Expect your clients to ask for these alternatives with growing regularity. 

Green Paint

Not all paint is created equal.  Just as furniture can let off harmful gases and chemicals, the same can be said for your average can of paint.  Commonly available paint is usually toxic, and savvy consumers are beginning to get wind of this fact.  As a result, expect your clients to begin requesting healthier alternatives.  Green paint, which is being produced by a variety of companies, has lower levels of what are called VOCs or violate organic compounds.  These compounds have been tied to a host of health problems. 

Working with green paint instead of the more commonly available paint will be better for your health as well.  Likewise, your clients will appreciate the fact that you are looking out for their health and the health of their families.  Paints high in VOC compounds are a major contributor to indoor air pollution.

Sustainable Interior Design Will Help the Environment

By encouraging your clients to use reclaimed wood, organic furniture, and green paint, you are effectively taking chemicals out of their living space.  A good deal of commonly used furniture and paints are made from petroleum, and that is not a sustainable building material in any way.  Making these three key switches will help you create a healthier, more sustainable, and even more beautiful space.