7 best materials that will thrill the sustainable home designer in you.

The society and the people are understanding the importance of protecting the environment today and that is the reason why the trend of sustainability or using natural materials in interior design is rising rapidly. Home decoration is fun and it lets you be creative in your own way and if you can protect the environment at the same time, why not participate in this trend?

If you want to embrace a truly sustainable lifestyle, the best way to begin is at home itself. Today, eco-friendly interior design products and modern home decor materials are widely available and you also get enough variety and texture to satisfy any individual style. All you need to do is plan what you want and shop according to that.

But what is sustainable interior design and what are its benefits?

Sustainable interior design is about making smart and eco conscious choices which are good for the environment. If you are not sure about it yet and are confused about how to start, you can take baby steps to get onto it.

As people are becoming more and more aware about rustic climatic changes and environmental concerns, they are releasing how important sustainable home decor is. Here are some major benefits you should know about sustainable interior decor.

• The first and the foremost advantage of choosing sustainable interior decor options is that it has very low environmental impact and reduces pollution significantly. In other words, it is great for the environment. 

• Using sustainable materials means thinking about the long-term environmental impact of the materials. Natural materials are easy to dispose of and are durable at the same time. 

• When more people choose to go the sustainable route, architects and design companies will be inclined towards creating eco-friendly projects and coming up with more options in that category. 

• Investing in something long term means you are saving money too. Rather than buying something on sale, make the wiser decision and spend money on products which will last you a long time. 

• Sustainable materials reduce the amount of waste to a huge extent. You are giving life to recycled materials which reduces waste and also helps you avoid buying products unnecessarily. 

• Since a wide variety of eco-friendly materials are available today to add to your home, you have enough room to experiment with the design and explore innovative techniques.

7 best eco-friendly materials to use in interior design.

Sustainable and eco friendly interior design is not that hard to achieve if you plan accordingly. Here are some of the best natural materials you can use in different elements of your home. 

1. Bamboo. 

Apart from being extremely popular, bamboo has become a favourite among people following sustainability. This is one plant which does not require any fertilizers and pesticides and can be used easily in interior design because of its flexibility and versatility. You can use it in your furniture, for flooring, ceilings and textiles as well. Moreover, it is scratch resistant and waterproof! 

2. Cork. 

Cork is no longer used for just bulletin boards! This material is one of the highest ranked sustainable materials for interior design and can be used in a variety of ways including floors, walls or even as insulation. It can also be made waterproof or repurposed to be used in decorative products. 

3. Natural stone. 

There are many options to choose from under the natural stones category like marble, travertine, etc. Natural stones come in a wide variety of patterns and colours and there is no way you won't find anything you like. It is a great way to modify your kitchen or bathroom and will add that rustic elegance that is in trend. Another major advantage is that every stone has a unique cut! 

4. Reclaimed wood. 

Natural reclaimed wood is usually obtained from old shops, warehouses, businesses, etc. It's about giving a second life to the wood and this process is extremely environment friendly. Due to the flexibility of reclaimed wood, you can make furniture with it or even use it as a decoration item. It is also one of the best sustainable interior wall materials available and can also be used for flooring, ceiling or maybe to make some beautiful shelves. 

5. Organic Cotton. 

Standard cotton is already a natural crop but it is usually chemically treated. However organic cotton is free from these chemicals and is a great choice for towels, pillows, throw blankets, linens and so much more. This material is extremely versatile and are usually available in beautiful pastel colours like beige, taupe, and so on. 

6. Low/No VOC Paint. 

You can never underestimate the power a fresh coat of paint holds. It requires hardly any effort but is the perfect way to spice up any room. Paints containing high quantities of VOC or volatile organic compounds are toxic for humans, animals and the environment. Choosing paints having low or no VOC is the healthier option not only for you, but also for the environment. Moreover they won't be a hazardous waste and you will be making a much safer and better choice for you and your family. 

7. Recycled glass. 

Recycle glass is the glass that has been thrown away in the recycling Bin and converted into the sustainable form. Technically, glass is completely recyclable and using this recycled form means you are taking one step towards the betterment of the environment. Recycle glass is a great option for beautiful decor items like bathroom sinks, kitchen countertops or any kind of surface. You'll also find a variety of colours to choose from. 

Humans have done enough damage to the environment and now it is high time to take steps towards its betterment, even if we cannot undo years of neglect. Using sustainable materials for interior design means you are saving money, making the healthier choice, promoting the usage of recycled products and protecting the environment. Moreover there is a wide variety of sustainable interior materials and finishes to choose from and you will definitely find something to make your place stunning and aesthetic. 

The trend of using sustainable materials for interior design is rising gradually and hopefully there will be more people in the future who will join in.