World Interiors Day this year has a focus on sustainability. It’s a huge issue in the interiors industry. For every kitchen renovation, every living room that has a makeover, the impact on the environment must be considered. Here are 10 ways you can reduce that impact!
1- Buy the best quality you can. Longevity is one of the most important qualities you can choose in your home.
2- Will it age well? A quality kitchen should last you 15 or more years. A cheap one will be showing it’s age in a few years. Consider a painted finished kitchen as it can be brought back to new with a fresh
coat of paint and adapts well to changing trends and fashion.
3- Keep the fixed elements (the hard finishes) in your renovation timeless. Yes, that means step away from the grey flooring and the short-term trends!
4- Ask about the environmental footprint of the manufacturer you choose. The Italian kitchen manufacturer I work with is removing all plastic packaging from all their kitchens. They collect and recycle off- cut wood and chipboard and turn it into new chipboard for new cupboard doors.
5- Choose furnishing fabrics that are durable and natural. Yes, that means stepping away from the bouclé as an upholstery fabric. It’s appearing everywhere at the moment as the latest trend but it is not suitable for upholstery. It snags and if you have a pets it will be scratch-post heaven. Have it on cushions or throws instead.
6- Rehome what you want to move on. But also, when buying new, consider:is it easy to clean and repair? Hiring a carpet and upholstery cleaner can really enhance the longevity of your rugs and upholstery.
7- Find your local upholsterer. Talk to them about the choice of upholstery materials. Many of the fillings a traditional upholsterer uses are natural (coir, coconut fibre, wool, cotton) or recycled. If you ever wondered where all those clothes and textiles that can’t be resold go to die? Some of it gets turned into upholstery felt. And old foam is recycled into upholstery foam.
8- Explore junk shops and your local auction room. Kitchens that have more personality and uniqueness are increasingly popular. Add a free-standing cupboard or shelf unit.
9- Find off-cut and deadstock fabrics. I’m really lucky to have a wonderful deadstock outlet near me but you can also find them online. One I love is the Haines Collection.
10- Future-proof your home. Think about how your home will adapt, for example as your children grow up and your needs change. A good kitchen designer can help create solutions that will mean your kitchen works for you not just today but in the future, whatever your needs.
How have you created a more sustainable home? I’d love to hear your ideas.
Discuss your ideas with your kitchen designer
