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 DesignColor matters. It is a part of how we tell our story, especially within our homes. In the last few years, homeowners have ventured off the traditional path of neutrals, such as white, gray, and beige, to bring in pops of bold hues like red, green, and even blue. As the demand for brighter colors increases, both manufacturers and designers have risen to the occasion by creating and incorporating a more diverse color palette for their clients. Traditional products, such as tile, furniture, flooring, cabinets, and even glass, come in a wider selection of bold colors, which provide homeowners with the opportunity to blend a variety of bold colors and neutral colors together in a stunning final design. Although color is a fun element in the world of interiors, it can be challenging to determine the right amount and the various ways it can be incorporated into the home to create the perfect balance for everyone to enjoy.
Walker WoodworkingHome is a reflection of you, and one of the best ways to do that is through color. Color is more than a collection of tints and shades; it has more impact on our mood than anything else and can influence the look of our home more than we realize. Color psychology has been studied for decades, with recent findings revealing just how powerful color truly is in the home. Size and style can change by simply selecting different colors for your furniture, accent pieces, or wall color. As color plays such a vital role in the atmosphere and presentation of the home, it can feel a little overwhelming or even intimidating to make color choices. We have compiled a list of 15 simple ways you can add color to your home.
There are many elements that contribute to creating a welcoming home, including color, patterns, decorative pieces, and furniture. All of this comes together to paint an inviting space where guests leave feeling like family. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start or what pieces work best together to create the perfect look. Let’s talk about five ways to create a welcoming atmosphere in your home.
Walker Woodworking Does your home need some renovations to bring it back up to speed for your specific lifestyle? Are you ready to transform certain areas into a more functional and purposeful space? Our experienced design team has assisted hundreds of clients in creating new areas that function exactly as they need. How can we help you prioritize your needs through design? Let us help you find the areas of priority in your home!
Greenbrook DesignAt the heart of any design work is the chance to tell a story—the story of those who live there. Our home is at the core of who we are. It is our grounding, the place we can truly let our hair down and be ourselves. It’s where memories are not just made, but remembered and passed down to the next generation. Homes are meant to be special—a symbol to all who enter of what truly matters to us. That’s why the design choices we make should be influenced by who we are, where we came from, and how our unique experiences shape us. Across the world, people’s design choices are deeply rooted in culture. But in today’s ever-connected world, we’re also seeing a beautiful blending of cultures—where traditional elements mix with modern influences, and regional styles merge to reflect global inspirations.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking