Interior design is a vast field fused with several ingredients. Interior designers across the globe have moved way ahead from selecting among the range of colours or furniture. The world's needs have shifted, and today, the concern is more on whether the interiors are sustainable. Yes, sustainability is no longer a trivial term used randomly but earnestly incorporated by many people all over. The same goes with interior designers—sustainable interior design has become a necessity. Regardless of whether you are planning a complete house renovation, architectural detailing, or specific decorations, sustainability is implemented by every top interior designer.
From biophilic interiors to energy-efficient lighting, ventilation to recycled materials, sustainable interior design has been taking the world by storm. This blog, curated by MWM Spaces, a leading interior design company in Gurgaon talks about sustainable interior design tips and strategies one must consider.
Why Exactly is Sustainability Significant in Interior Design?
How we select items and design our homes has a large impact on the natural environment. Conventional interior design processes can lead to deforestation, depletion of resources, and production of items that emit unhealthy and dangerous gases indoors. Sustainable interior design on the other hand fully considers the external factors while providing elegance and utility. Here are a few compelling reasons to embrace sustainability in your own home:
Reduce your environmental footprint: Sustainable solutions used in the design process will help reduce the use of resources, preventing your involvement in deforestation, pollution, and global warming.
Enhance your health and well-being: Environmental-friendly materials enhance the quality of air inside buildings thus reducing contact with dangerous chemicals and consequently providing healthy living space.
Invest in the future: Eco-friendly approaches reduce the adverse impact on the environment hence making your home a responsible place for future generations.
Create a unique aesthetic: Sustainable materials come with inherent grain and texture because they are extracted directly from the earth giving your home a warm feel.
Sustainable Design Strategies from Top Interior Design Firms
Currently, sustainability is being integrated mainly by the leading interior design companies. Here, we explore some key strategies they recommend:
1. Incorporation of Natural Elements
There is an inherent relationship between nature and sustainable design. Organic materials are not only aesthetically pleasing but can also be more long-lasting and require fewer resources than their man-made counterparts. Here are some popular choices:
a) Bamboo: This fast-growing and renewable resource is a versatile option that can be utilized for furniture, flooring, and wall embellishments.
b) Rattan: The rattan material is used both for furniture and decoration and is obtained from naturally renewable vines that create a coastal atmosphere.
c) Reclaimed Woods: Selecting repurposed wood makes it possible to extend the usage cycle for used woods rather than using new timber.
d) Natural Stones: Granite and slate are versatile stones that provide an unmatched level of elegance for countertops, floors, or even backing.
2. Enhancing Indoor Air Quality
It is important to maintain good indoor air quality to promote good health. The eco-responsible design addresses the use of materials, the flow of fresh air and the avoidance of volatile substances. Here's how:
a) Usage of non-toxic, low VOC materials: Paints, adhesives and some furniture materials are known to emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) causing poor quality of indoor air in a building. Select furniture, paint and flooring products with low or zero VOC emissions.
b) Improving Ventilation: Sufficient airing is critical for removing gas pollutants and sustaining clean air in the facility. Ventilate the dwelling by opening the windows occasionally, using a cooking or bathroom exhaust fan, or installing an Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) system.
Ventilation is not a luxury; it is needed to remove moisture, mould, and other toxic substances from the inside of buildings. Lack of fresh and proper airflow in the house has negative effects on health such as causing respiratory disorders, allergic conditions, etc. This way, proper air circulation leads to a healthier environment within your home which you and your family can enjoy.
3. Ways to Introduce Natural Light
Daylight not only saves on electric lighting but also affects mood, energy, and well-being positively. Here are some tips for maximizing natural light:
Maximize window size: In the long run, consider using big windows so that more light can be let into your home.
Strategic furniture placement: Do not position furniture in front of the windows to obstruct natural light from coming into the house.
Light-reflecting surfaces: Use white or lightly coloured walls, ceilings, and furniture to help reflect the natural light and make the environment lighter.
Skylights and sun tunnels: Proper lighting is also critical, thus it is advisable to incorporate skylights or sun tunnels for rooms with access to few windows.
Sustainable Interior Design Principles
Sustainable interior design does not only include the personal decisions of an individual. It elaborates and is based on the set of core principles that define the general design and functioning of the approach. Leading interior design firms adhere to these key principles:
Design for Energy Efficiency: Use natural light to the maximum, use energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and use smart home technology to automate energy usage.
Design for Low Environmental Impact: Use materials that cost less in terms of embodied energy – the energy that is used in obtaining the material and preparing it for use. Locally available materials should be preferred to reduce emissions that may be caused by the transportation of materials.
Design for Waste Reduction: Reduce wastage when it comes to the construction and renovation of these projects. Be strategic when incorporating furniture into your facility to avoid wastage of furniture materials. It might be useful to buy furniture, which has some transformable or additional functions to allow for its use during a longer period without changes.
Design for Longevity and Adaptability: Choose quality furniture and interior decoration products that are likely to last long in your home. Select simple yet elegant products that cannot easily be out of fashion in the coming few months. Flexible layouts which can be used in the future without requiring new changes in the space.
Design for Healthy Environments: Sustainable design focuses on the development of spaces that contribute to the well-being of the inhabitants. Use natural products, let fresh air in, and use products free of toxic compounds to maintain a clean indoor environment. It is also suggested to include greenery to improve the air quality and the well-being of those who are in the space.
Sustainable interior design is no longer a buzzword; it is a decision that defines the future of interior environments. Applying the described measures and principles, people can build a beautiful home that meets the needs of the inhabitants, is comfortable, and safe for the environment. Welcome to MWM Spaces where we take pride in delivering interior designs that are aesthetic, functional and eco-friendly.
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