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As a designer, it is important to stay on top of trends and continuously learn about materials and best practices to help your clients in the best way possible. An area that I am working to continue to learn more and more about is sustainable materials. This is an area of home building and design that I believe is going to only grow in popularity. If you’re interested in incorporating sustainable material into your home in any capacity, this is the perfect post for you.
Bamboo
Sustainability: Bamboo is a superstar in the world of sustainable materials. It grows incredibly fast, making it a renewable resource that can be harvested without harming the environment. This rapid growth cycle, combined with bamboo’s ability to regenerate after cutting, ensures a steady supply without the need for replanting. Plus, it’s biodegradable and has a minimal carbon footprint.
Where to Use: Bamboo’s versatility makes it perfect for various applications in your home. From flooring that adds warmth and elegance to your living room, kitchen cabinets that bring a touch of nature indoors, to bathroom accessories that create a spa-like ambiance, bamboo can transform any space with its sustainable charm.
Cork
Sustainability: Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without damaging the tree itself, allowing it to continue growing and absorbing CO2. This process makes cork a renewable and sustainable material. Additionally, cork is biodegradable and recyclable, further reducing its environmental impact.
Where to Use: Cork’s unique texture and insulating properties make it ideal for flooring and wall coverings. It provides a naturally soft surface underfoot, perfect for children’s playrooms or a cozy home office. Cork boards can also be a stylish and functional addition to organize your kitchen or workspace.
Reclaimed Wood
Sustainability: Reclaimed wood comes from salvaging wood from old buildings, barns, and other structures before they are demolished. This process not only saves these materials from landfills but also reduces the demand for new lumber. Reclaimed wood carries with it a history and character that new materials simply can’t match.
Where to Use: If you’re worried adding reclaimed wood can make your space a bit too “rustic”, don’t be. Reclaimed wood is extremely versatile, and can be used in many different applications for many different styles. Use it as statement wall panels in your living room, a charming farmhouse-style dining table, or custom shelving. Each piece tells a story, adding depth and texture to your home.
Rattan
Sustainability: Rattan is a fast-growing vine that’s easier to harvest and regenerates quickly, making it a sustainable choice. It’s also durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements. When harvested responsibly, rattan supports forest growth and provides income for local communities.
Where to Use: Rattan furniture brings a light, airy feel to any space. Consider a rattan chair for your reading nook, a woven coffee table for the living room, or decorative baskets to organize and add style to any room. Its natural look complements both modern and traditional decor.
Natural Stone
Sustainability: When sourced responsibly, natural stone is an incredibly durable and sustainable material. It doesn’t require harsh chemicals for cleaning or maintenance and can last a lifetime, reducing the need for replacements. Plus, its extraction has a lower environmental impact compared to other materials.
Where to Use: Natural stone can be used in countertops, flooring, and backsplashes to add elegance and durability to your home. Each piece is unique, offering an exclusive look to your kitchen or bathroom. It’s also perfect for outdoor spaces, blending seamlessly with the natural environment.
Recycled Glass
Sustainability: Recycled glass reduces the need for raw materials and lowers the energy consumption required to produce new glass. It can be continuously recycled without losing quality or purity, making it an endlessly sustainable option.
Where to Use: Recycled glass tiles can bring a splash of color and sparkle to kitchen backsplashes or bathroom walls. Countertops made from recycled glass are durable, easy to clean, and add a unique aesthetic to any space. Even decorative items like vases or lamp bases can be a sustainable addition to your decor.
Gypsum Board
Sustainability: Gypsum board is made from a naturally occurring mineral that is abundant and recyclable. It’s an energy-efficient material to produce and can be composted or used as a soil amendment at the end of its life, minimizing waste.
Where to Use: Gypsum board is ideal for constructing walls and ceilings due to its versatility, ease of installation, and finish. It’s also great for creating architectural details like coves or bulkheads, adding character to your spaces while being mindful of the environment.
Low VOC Paint
Sustainability: Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints significantly reduce the emission of harmful chemicals into the air, improving indoor air quality and reducing environmental pollution. This choice ensures a healthier home environment for you and your family.
Where to Use: Low VOC paints are perfect for any room in your house, from bedrooms to kitchens. They come in a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing you to express your style while maintaining a safe, toxin-free home environment.
Wool
Sustainability: Wool is a natural fiber that is renewable, biodegradable, and requires less energy to produce than synthetic fibers. It’s also durable and resilient, meaning products made from wool last longer and need to be replaced less frequently.
Where to Use: Wool rugs and carpets provide natural insulation, warmth, and comfort underfoot. Wool upholstery for sofas or chairs adds durability and timeless elegance. Even wool blankets or throws can add a cozy, sustainable touch to your living room or bedroom.
Linen
Sustainability: Linen is made from the flax plant, which requires less water and pesticides than cotton. It’s a naturally biodegradable and recyclable fiber that becomes softer with each wash. Linen’s durability and natural resistance to moths and bacteria make it a sustainable choice for the long term.
Where to Use: Linen curtains allow natural light to filter through while offering privacy, creating a soft, airy feel in any room. Linen bedding is breathable and comfortable, perfect for a restful night’s sleep. Tablecloths and napkins made from linen add a touch of sustainable elegance to your dining experience.
As I continue to learn and discover more about sustainable materials to use in your home, my goal is to share these insights with you, enabling us to make choices that are not only beautiful but also kind to our planet. Whether you’re embarking on a major renovation or simply looking to add eco-friendly touches to your space, incorporating these materials can make a significant difference.
Which material out of this list is the easiest for you to change out, or which were you the most surprised about? Let us know in the comments below!
