Eco-sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity in today’s time. The adverse impacts of global warming and elevated carbon footprints have made it the new way of life.
While we speak about living and eco-sustainability together, how can we neglect the significance of sustainable interior designs? As per the report by the UN Environment Programme, nearly 37% of global carbon emissions come from buildings and construction alone. The reason the prevalence of interior designers, after completing their interior designing courses, has increased in our modern-centered society.
In this blog, we’ll explore some hotspot sustainable interior design trends in 2024 that will help you choose a home design that matches your budget and luxurious requirements. Let’s embark!
What is Sustainable Interior Design?
When finding the optimal interior design and sustainability, the first question that strikes homeowners’ minds is, “What exactly is sustainable interior design?” The definition may seem obvious, but it sometimes creates confusion among students about whether it’s related to incorporating greenery inside or utilizing the ambience of the exterior weather.
So, to clarify this, first, sustainable interior design is about the design choice that balances the value of eco-sustainability, durability, and a luxury touch in a confined space without compromising on its functionality. The key examples in this category include installing a lightwell on the house terrace and maximizing the usage of the existing spaces through uncluttered interior ecosystem.
What are the Sustainable Interior Design Benefits?
Sustainable interior designs come with an abundance of benefits, not just for their owner but also for the properties around them. Here are the vital benefits of sustainability in interior design.
1) Reduces Harmful Emissions
During property construction, harmful gases are released into the environment through construction materials and energy consumption. Good and efficient sustainable interior designs ensure all these natural resources are thoroughly utilized within the space and that whatever gases are emitted are reduced to impede carbon footprint.
2) Space Maximization
The main goal of eco-friendly interior design is to maximize the space’s functionality. By reducing the cluttered elements around, unlike in classic designs, children and pets can roam safely and without obstruction.
3) Maintains the Temperature Control
Incorporating suitable reflective materials, neutral colors, and indoor plants inside the space reduces the temperature, thus providing serene and soothing effects to its inhabitants.
4) Reduces the Need for Artificial Lighting
The long windows and minimalistic design allow natural lighting to quickly enter the rooms, lowering the need for artificial lighting. This aspect further reduces electricity bills and enhances the efficiency of the common household budget.
What Are The Best Materials For Sustainable Interior Design?
As innovative technology is evolving every day, several durable materials have emerged that benefit sustainable interior designs. A few of these materials include:
1) Recycled Glass: Glass is known to reflect the light completely coming its way, which enhances the natural lighting in the space.
2) Cork: Cork is taken from the bark of Oak trees without harming or cutting them, just like we peel potatoes. This lost bark quickly regenerates over time.
3) Bamboo: Bamboo is considered to be the fastest-developing tree on earth, with an overall height rate of three feet per day. This is so fast that even if you cut bamboo, new bamboo will emerge from the existing roots within the next couple of days, rating it as among the most eco-sustainable materials compared to contemporary woods.
4) Recycled Metals: Metals are manufactured through the casting process. This method helps improve the recycling capacity of the waste metals, making it highly demanding for home interiors.
How Can You Incorporate Energy Efficiency in Interior Design?
Incorporating energy efficiency in interior design demands a strategic approach. You can incorporate energy efficiency in eco-friendly interiors in several ways, which are described as follows:
1) Utilizing Smart Appliances: Smart lighting, such as LED bulbs and smart fans, allows you to control their speed and intensity as per your bodily requirements, which helps save energy and improve energy efficiency at home.
2) Incorporating Indoor Plants: Indoor plants, such as snake plants, money plant, and peach lilies help keep the surroundings clean and also act as the natural air purifier. These plants are also known for their temperature-controlling benefits, keeping the surrounding temperatures lower, further optimizing the reduction of AC usage.
3) Install Larger Windows: Larger windows are trending in modern interior designs owing to their lavishing touch. However, with that, they also allow natural air and light to penetrate inside quickly, reducing the need for artificial lighting systems.
4) Insulating the Interior Walls: In order to preserve comfortable interior temperatures for a long, especially in the winter season, you should add an insulating layer to your interior walls to prevent heat from escaping from the inside. The common insulating materials include fibreglass, spray foam, and mineral wool.
What Are The Latest Trends In Sustainable Furniture?
Modern interior designs primarily emphasize on eco-friendliness, which is reflected in their furniture. Below, we have highlighted some of the sustainable furniture trends.
Reclaimed Wood: Reclaimed wood is taken from leftover pieces of furniture which are used in other wood work jobs. The material helps maximize the usage of existing materials without throwing them away, optimizing waste management.
Minimalist and Multifunctional Furniture: Minimalist designs use fewer materials than classic designs, which focus on architecture’s functionality and promote longevity.
How to Use Color and Design to Promote Sustainability?
Coloring is the most underrated facet of interior design, designers often neglect. Yet, it plays a significant role in improving the sustainable interior design. Below, we have listed the usage of colors and efficient designs in order to promote eco-friendliness:
Use Neutral-Colored Walls: Neutral colors such as white, beige, and light grey reflect more light than they absorb. This helps distribute sunlight evenly across all the space corners.
Incorporate Natural Tones: Greens, browns, and blues are some of the standard earthy colors that promote a closer relationship to nature and encourage residents to make sustainable design decisions.
Opt for Eco-Friendly Paints: Choose low-VOC or zero-VOC paints in sustainable colors to reduce harmful chemicals and improve indoor air quality.
Conclusion
We hope you understand this informative sustainable interior design topic. Sustainable interior designs are crucial for every homeowner for their ability to minimize carbon footprints, maximize space utilization, and enhance the home’s functionality. Moreover, you should include smart appliances, indoor plants, larger windows, and proper insulation in your living spaces for improved energy efficiency.
Feel free to contact us for further information about sustainable interior designs or to enroll in any of our interior design courses, such as a BSc in Interior Designs or a PG Diploma in Interior Design.