Design Notes
Home is a special word because it represents comfort, refuge, and family. Our home is meant to be the culmination of everything we cherish, which is why designers work tirelessly to create the perfect environment. Recently, however, there has been a movement to rethink how we design in order to minimize our carbon footprint. Interest in sustainability has increased in recent years as homeowners and designers seek ways to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. One way is selecting sustainable materials for use in our home products. From furnishings to accent pieces, there are certain items that are more eco-friendly and come with benefits for you and your family. Let’s talk about the sustainable design approach and the top five sustainable materials you can incorporate into your home.
What is sustainable interior design?
Sustainable interior design is about consciously designing with as little negative impact to the environment as possible. It is also about the health and wellness of those who live there as it tends to create a warm and comfortable environment. Its main focus is reducing waste, so there is an emphasis on reusing items such as reclaimed wood and even furniture pieces, as well as creating a healthy atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Leather
Recognized as a sustainable material due to its by-product status in the meat industry, leather is a versatile design element that can be utilized in various ways. Of course, one of the main uses is in furniture, whether that is a complete sofa set or just a comfortable recliner, but designers are expanding their uses for it. There are some hardware companies, such as Belwith Keeler, that incorporate leather into their pulls, which works well with a more rustic style and adds a unique touch to the overall look of the room. Others have taken strips and turned them into an amazing rug that looks amazing in multiple areas in the home, such as the living room and even man caves for that extra masculine touch. Leather has a modern, sleek, and chic vibe that complements a wide variety of spaces within the home and is also durable. Another bonus is the varying colors from light to dark. If you want a classic look, leather always delivers.
Wool
While perhaps not something that immediately comes to mind when considering sustainable materials, it is certainly one of the oldest. Obviously, it is mainly seen in textiles such as clothing and rugs, which can be sprinkled throughout your home. Wool rugs are a great choice, especially in high-traffic areas of the home, as they are resilient and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, which keeps them looking vibrant for a long time. This means you can have a rug that doesn’t need to be replaced every couple of years, and it can be moved around since the impressions from furniture and such are not permanent due to its makeup. Certain wool has also been known to dampen sounds, as well as purify indoor air, giving it two more reasons to be added to your list of materials. Pillows and furniture upholstery can benefit from wool as it is more resistant to liquid, giving you more time to clean up a spill before it leaves a water stain. Wool is a tried-and-true sustainable material that not only looks good but is also good for your whole family.
Linen
Like wool, linen is an ancient material that has been used for multiple purposes throughout the years and is 100% sustainable, as the entire flax plant (from which linen is made) can be utilized with virtually no waste. Its uses for the home include upholstery, window treatments, bedding, and accent pieces. It is a fabric that looks amazing, even with a few minor wrinkles, as it adds an organic feel. Plus, it is durable, making it the go-to choice for a comfy yet stylish look. There are also several benefits to using linen, such as its hypoallergenic and antibacterial qualities, which is why people enjoy using it for bedding. One other notable feature is the fact that linen is a breathable fabric meaning it allows air to pass through to the body making circulation a guarantee which is great for dealing with summer heat, another reason to use it for bedding. It is a great choice for upholstery projects because it is both tough and washable. Linen is a beautiful, sustainable material that will bring a classic and cozy vibe to any area of your home.
Cotton
A biodegradable natural fabric, cotton is an eco-friendly option; however, the way it is processed can sometimes compromise this aspect. Organic cotton is a more sustainable option, as it reduces waste in landfills and pollution. Cotton works well throughout the home in linens, window treatments, accent elements such as pillows and upholstery. A versatile material that can integrate into any style, designers enjoy using cotton to create beautiful and comfortable spaces for their clients. Durable and affordable are two additional bonuses to cotton that broaden its range of versatility. Additionally, the wide variety of colors and patterns means it represents the full spectrum of clients’ likes and preferences. As you can see, cotton goes far beyond your favorite t-shirt and can bring another eco-friendly touch to your home.
Metal
Although metal is a non-renewable resource, meaning that once it is mined, it cannot regenerate, it can be recycled into a wide variety of objects, which is a redeeming feature. When designing with metal, the possibilities are endless for both clients and designers. Light fixtures are made from metal, including recycled materials, to create stunning pieces that illuminate a space with brilliant light. This material can also be incorporated throughout the home in various ways, such as in furniture pieces and artwork. Various finishes and the degree of polishing allow for diverse uses in different design styles as well. Metal is also extending its influence beyond accent pieces and integrating into kitchen cabinet design as metal doors are paired with traditional materials like wood and glass. This adds a touch of modern or contemporary vibes to the design. If you want a material that possesses great characteristics and versatility, metal is definitely one that should be considered.
Paint companies like Sherwin-Williams have already announced their amazing Color of the Year choice, Redend Point, which draws from nature’s calm color palette. Benjamin Moore’s choice of Raspberry Blush, though, is closer in shade to the color selection made by the one company everyone in the fashion world looks to, Pantone. Designers and manufacturers alike waited with eagerness to hear Pantone’s color of the year announcement, and for 2023, their choice was Viva Magenta, a color described as a “crimson red tone that presents a balance between warm and cool. This hybrid of red and pink is a reflection of our current world’s relationship of living in both a physical and digital world. More and more homeowners are learning to blend their work and home lifestyles, which have become deeply entwined over the last couple of years. We know that color is much more than a splash of paint on a wall or cabinet; it speaks a language all its own, something Pantone seems to grasp and express well. So what influence will 2023’s Viva Magenta have on us? Let’s explore the answers today.
Greenbrook DesignWhen you first moved into your property, you took the time to come up with the perfect design for a space you’ll call home. However, over time, circumstances change, and so do people. And, now, you’ve found yourself in a situation of wanting to change things up a bit. If you’re wondering how to tell it’s time to redesign your home, sit tight and let us walk you through all the major signs.
Greenbrook DesignHomes are a collection of things we love, and sometimes those things can come from places outside the traditional sources, such as your typical home furnishings stores. Increasingly, designers and homeowners alike are discovering the benefits of antique stores. These places, often thought of as the last stop for items no one else wanted, have become a popular shopping stop for those who want to have something unique in their home and enjoy the thrill of “treasure hunting”. More and more design styles are also embracing vintage finds, seeking to blend them together to create something special, such as the grand millennial and mid-century modern styles. Millennials are also enjoying the freedom to branch out in their design choices, creating a home that is customized to their own personality. Antique shopping can be a wonderful way to uncover those special touches that can make all the difference in your home, so let’s explore how to get started and what to do with all of the treasures you find.
Walker WoodworkingMore designers and contractors are incorporating this secondary space into the kitchen to gain square footage and have an area that works as an extension of the kitchen. Let’s dive deeper into what a butler pantry is and what the benefits are for you.
Walker WoodworkingThis is why we have created multiple door profile styles so that each of our clients can find the one that perfectly tells their story to everyone. At times, they are not able to pinpoint one that speaks to them, which is why we offer custom door styles as well. Several of our clients have opted for mullion cabinet doors, which always add a beautiful touch to their space.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking