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.
Greenbrook DesignHome is our place of refuge, the place where we can recharge and refresh ourselves before heading out for another day at the office, whether that is driving to town or walking down the hall to our desk. Our home is also our safe zone, especially when it comes to our health. We implement things that help us maintain and protect ourselves against illness, such as easy-to-clean surfaces and materials that hinder the growth of bacteria. Multiple companies are dedicated to the health of their customers, which is why they continually develop products that not only limit the spread of disease but also promote overall wellness, whether physical or emotional. Both work together to help maintain our good health. Let’s discuss some great home products that can be utilized in your home to increase wellness for yourself and those you love.
Walker WoodworkingCoffee is a staple ingredient for the majority of people’s mornings. We love the freshly brewed scent as we begin our day and rely on the boost it gives us to get the last of the sand out of our eyes, plus a little bounce in our step. Since it has become such an integral part of the start of the day, it makes sense to create a dedicated area in the home for our beloved beverage. From a sideboard near the kitchen with all the essentials necessary to make the perfect cup or an entire section set aside for its use, there are multiple reasons why you should have a coffee station in your home. Let’s talk about how to design the perfect coffee bar area in your home, as well as some helpful tips for creating it.
Seating is a crucial element in the kitchen, as it serves as the primary hub for nearly all activities that occur in the home. Having a place to sit and talk while dinner is being made or to enjoy that morning cup of coffee makes the kitchen that much more inviting, as well as creating an environment just right for connecting with others. Ensuring there is ample room for everyone can be a challenge for both large and small kitchens, as you cannot simply add a chair or barstool wherever you want. Kitchen islands are a great place for incorporating extra seating options, but built-in seating, often referred to as banquettes, is a wonderful way to gain seats with style. Let’s discuss the benefits of incorporating built-in kitchen seating and explore ideas on how to integrate it into your design.
Walker Woodworking We love spaces that look beautiful, but many times we underestimate the little things that can have the biggest impact. Facets provide our bathrooms and kitchens with a clean and elegant way to wash our hands, our food, and our dishes. They are a functional part of the design, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. With the numerous styles and finishes offered by manufacturers, it can be challenging to determine which one will best suit your home. Several other factors should also be considered, including durability, maintenance, and suitability for specific areas of the home. Let’s talk about them here before you head out to buy your next amazing faucet.
Walker WoodworkingIf you have looked at a renovated kitchen and wondered where the appliances, such as the refrigerator and dishwasher, were, you have just experienced paneled appliances. The beauty of these custom panels lies in their ability to cover the appliances, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the cabinetry.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking