Scandinavian interior design has led the way in the trend for sustainable furniture. Sustainability has become a key trend in today’s polluted world, and there are many simple ways you can improve the way you design your home to be more environmentally-friendly. You can change the way you shop by focusing on natural, locally sourced materials, such as natural wood, and avoid products made from harsh chemicals or animal skin. Opt for furniture that has been made from recycled materials to help reduce consumer waste.
Another way to incorporate sustainability into your home, and therefore reduce waste, is by purchasing antique or vintage furniture. These second hand pieces can be refinished and refurbished to make them your own. Paint them in bright, bold colours to turn them into statement pieces.
You can also incorporate environmentally-friendly lighting into your home by swapping out inefficient lights for LED or compact fluorescent light bulbs to help reduce waste and save energy. One easy way of reducing energy waste is by maximising the natural light in your home with skylights and windows or using sheer curtains that will let the light in. Dotting plants around your home is a great way of bringing a bit of nature indoors, they make a nice accent piece for any room.
Bamboo is a very sustainable material that's trending in home design this year. Bamboo grows quickly, eliminating the need to use chemicals and pesticides on the crop. This plant can also be grown in different locations throughout the world. Bamboo can be used to make a variety of different products, ranging from furniture, utensils and kitchenware, to scaffolding. This is a great material to keep an eye out for to make your home trendy and sustainable.
MADE Masako LED Glass Diner Pendant, £139 - shop it here
These LED bulbs will last longer and make your home more energy efficient. MADE’s lighting buyer, Fizzy Dawson, says about the lighting collection, ''Not only are they longer lasting and more energy efficient, but also enable us to push our creative boundaries."
Att Pynta Handmade Rectangle Textured Cushion, £70 - shop it here
This Chindi’ cushion is woven with recycled cotton fabric instead of yarn. The design company Projektityyny is also committed to producing zero landfill waste.
Vinterior Refurbished 1960s Rosewood Dining Table, £760 - shop it here
This vintage table from the 1960s has been refurbished and restored into a good-as-new look for any kitchen.
Farrow and Ball Eco-friendly Paints - shop here
Farrow and Ball produces paint from an entirely water base. Their paints exceed the standards for Volatile Organic Compounds found in paints, significantly reducing the amount of toxic pollutants and odour being emitted.
Tom Dixon Swirl Stepped Candleholder, £130 - shop it here
The Tom Dixon Swirl series is made from recycled powder residue from the marble industry. These eco-friendly, geometric shaped candleholders will add a special touch to your home.
Wearth London Coconut Bowl, £8.99 - shop it here
This reusable bowl is made from 100% natural and organic coconuts.
Att Pynta Nanny Rocking Chair, £895 - shop it here
This rocking chair, designed by Nanny Ditzel, is made from rattan. Rattan is a naturally growing material that does not disturb any existing structure or balance in the Indonesian rainforests it grows in.
Bambu Home Organic Cotton Stripe Kitchen Towel, £12 - shop it here
This kitchen towel is made from organic cotton.
Aerende Natural Striped Linen Pillowcase, £45 - shop it here
This organic pillowcase set is made from flax, which is an environmentally-friendly crop that avoids pesticides and harsh chemicals.
Novica Fair Trade Round Wall Mirror, £84.99 - shop it here
This earthy mirror is made from fairtrade, eco-friendly bamboo.
