Consumer Information

TOP SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS FOR 2023

We cherish our homes as where we feel comfortable, find refuge after a difficult day, or gather with those we love. 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 to do this is to select sustainable materials for use in our home products. From furnishings to accent pieces, some items are more eco-friendly and offer benefits for you and your family. Let’s discuss the sustainable design approach and the top five eco-friendly materials you can incorporate into your home.

What is sustainable interior design?

Sustainable interior design is about consciously designing with as little environmental impact as possible. It is also about the health and wellness of those who live there, as it tends to foster a warm, comfortable environment. Its main focus is reducing waste, so it emphasizes reusing reclaimed wood and furniture, as well as creating a healthy atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

Leather

As a sustainable material, leather is a by-product of the meat industry and a versatile design element that can be used in several ways. Of course, one of the primary uses is in furniture, whether a complete sofa set or just a comfortable recliner, but designers are broadening its use. Some hardware companies, such as Belwith Keeler, incorporate leather into their pulls, which work well with a more rustic style and add a unique touch to the room’s overall look. 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 home spaces and is also durable. Another bonus is the varying colors from light to dark. If you want a classic look, leather will be delivered every time.

Bunk bed storage drawers

Wool

While it may not immediately come to mind when considering sustainable materials, it is certainly among the oldest. It is primarily found in textiles such as clothing and rugs, which can be incorporated throughout your home. Wool rugs are a great choice, especially in high-traffic areas of the home, as they are resilient and can withstand heavy wear and tear, keeping 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 other items are not permanent due to its composition. Certain wool has also been known to dampen sound and 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 liquids, giving you more time to clean up a spill before it leaves a water stain. Wool is a tried-and-true sustainable material that looks good and is good for your whole family.

blue coffee bar with storage

Linen

Like wool, linen is an ancient material 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, which add an organic feel. Plus, it is durable, making it the go-to choice for comfort and style. There are also several benefits to using linen, such as its hypoallergenic and antibacterial qualities, which is why people enjoy using it for bedding. Another notable feature is that linen is a breathable fabric, allowing air to reach the body and promote circulation, which is particularly beneficial in dealing with summer heat. This makes it a great choice for bedding. It is a great choice for upholstery projects because it is a tough, washable fabric. Linen is a beautiful, sustainable material that adds a classic, cozy vibe to any area of your home.

white kitchen with a stove and flowers

Cotton

Cotton is an eco-friendly, biodegradable natural fabric; however, the way it is processed can sometimes compromise this. Organic cotton is a more sustainable option because it reduces waste and landfill pollution. Cotton works well throughout the home, from linens and window treatments to accent elements such as pillows and upholstery. A versatile material that can be integrated into any style, designers enjoy using cotton to create beautiful and comfortable spaces for their clients. Durable and affordable are two additional benefits of cotton that enhance its versatility. Plus, the wide variety of colors and patterns means it reflects the full spectrum of clients’ 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 grow back, 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 of metal, including recycled metal, to create stunning pieces that illuminate a space with stunning brilliance. This material can also be incorporated throughout the home in various ways, such as in furniture pieces and artwork. Various finishes and polishing levels allow for diverse uses across 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 with great characteristics and versatility, metal is definitely worth considering.

A kitchen with white cabinets and black metal glass doors and a spice storage cabinet

Top sustainable materials

Sustainability is a great goal when designing your home, and with more manufacturers producing eco-friendly products, it is easier to create a space that looks great while minimizing your ecological footprint. If you are looking for more ideas on incorporating these and other sustainable materials into your home design, browse platforms like Pinterest and Houzz to see what designers are creating for their clients. You can also search for sustainable home products and see what would work for your project. We promise that it is possible to have a fabulous home design that can have a positive impact on the environment at the same time. Our design team is ready to help you create the home of your dreams sustainably.

/onJanuary 21, 2023/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inConsumer Information

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