Sustainable interior design is a growing trend. It considers the environmental impact of our homes, including the architectural design of our houses, materials, products, and the way we live have on the environment.  More of us incorporate sustainability into our lifestyles, delivering sustainable interior design can be incorporated into a project through various techniques and considerations.

Give your old furniture a new lease of life. Think about how you can refashion it by upcycling or repurposing it. There are lots of inspirational ideas out there, and if you can’t upcycle, recycle. You can donate, sell, or even do a furniture swap.

1. Use furniture made from natural materials, certain woods, bamboo, cork and other sustainable materials. Better still, buy antiques or other used furniture. 
2. Evaluate the life cycle of the products you select. Think about how that product is extracted, produced, transported and processed.
3. Opt for recycled/renewed products that have been reconfigured into new items. When you want a change, recycle them again.
4. Choose natural textiles and finishings. Cutback on synthetic materials and opt for recycled fabric or natural or materials, such as hemp, flax, and organic wool. There is a tonne of brands that now offer organic and recycled soft furnishings.
5. If you can, shop local, cutting back on transportation costs and emissions.  There are a lot of small independents and artisan stores that create and sell homewares and upcycled items.
6. Pick products and use products that have a low environmental impact (LOC)
7. Avoid products with VOC (volatile organic compounds) these are organic chemicals that evaporate into the air and can be found in various products, including paints, cleaning products, and even furniture and carpets
8. Consider the paint you use. There are plenty of non-toxic paints, including water-based, plant-based, mineral natural, and natural lime paints.  Many brands offer environmentally friendly paints, sustainably produced paint, zero VOC paint, vegan paint, and non-toxic paint.
9. We’ve said it before and it’s still a huge trend, but fill your home with plants. They not only look great but also serve a purpose by providing oxygen and filter the air.
10. Carefully consider your plans and the design of your space. Think about the longevity and life of your design. A well-considered space that lasts a considerable time reduces waste. Also, take into account the flexibility of your space. Times change and so do tastes and trends, so design a room that can grow with you and give flexibility for as long as possible.
11. Energy is a significant contributor to climate change. So give consideration to the efficiency of your home.  There are many ways you can improve your energy consumption in your home. Here are a few quick fixes. (insert link) https://www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-guides/120-ways-to-save-energy.html

The list to becoming sustainable in our homes is endless. From the new technologies available when designing and building a house to improving our existing homes, take your time to research your options. It pays to be knowledgeable.

There are literately thousands of design themes and interiors, however, it all comes down to personal taste, room function, space available and ultimately the feel and aspirations of what you want from a room. 

Like fashion, interior design is subjective, and so whilst there are a whole host of design trends from 2019 that are carrying through into 2020, there is a range of new ones coming into fruition, so where do we start.  We take a look at just a few.

Colours

We’re excited to see some new trending colours in 2020.  However, the greys, pastels and neutrals are very much here to stay for a while longer, as these tones complement a variety of styles, and a room can be easily, inexpensively altered to stay on-trend. They are also great to use in another of this years trends, a one colour wash room.

If you prefer a colour, inject a vibrant colour onto your walls, or layer materials with patterns and textures. Sage green and earthy tones are working their way into rooms in 2020 and are great to give warmth and cosiness.

Moody paint colours, such as dark navy and charcoal set a moody statement atmosphere, and its completely on-trend to embark on darker doors and woodwork with paler walls, ceilings and floors.

Black is also back. A bold and brave choice, we will see a huge move towards bold and stark black and white rooms of contrast. Each tone emphasizing the other.

Wallpaper

Whilst botanical is still a strong contender, we are looking more to single print dramas in wallcoverings, and using them on all walls not just as a feature wall (they are also making a comeback in the bathroom too).  We are looking at bold statement prints and colours.  For some, this may come as bad news but features walls are very 2019, so have the courage and cover all walls to really pack a punch.

Nature is inspiring interiors in 2020. We love open plan living in the UK and that is set to continue, but also incorporates natural sustainable partitions to divide large open spaces into multiuse areas. The use of nature also induces a feeling of welcoming cosy environments.

The use of biophilic vertical walls and spaces invite an intimate cosy atmosphere within peoples homes, but make sure the plants are the real deal and not faux.

Layer, layer, layer in 2020, the old and new styles, textures in fabrics and colour palettes. Maximise a space and use it to its fullest and you can’t go far wrong.