Sustainability is creating a major influence in interior design- everything you need to know.

The concept of sustainability is becoming more and more popular with time and it has occupied a space in almost every industry- be it fashion, interior design and even in normal day to day choices. Society is becoming aware of how important it has become to be responsible about the environment.

But what is sustainable interior design?

Interior designers have a huge responsibility on the sustainability of an environment because they choose the materials and products that will be used while designing a space. The impact of those materials and products on the environment will decide whether the design is sustainable or not.

In other words, sustainable interior design is about reducing the negative impacts on the environment and focusing on the overall health and comfort of the people. The primary goals of sustainable interior design is to decrease the consumption of non renewable resources, reduce waste and come up with productive and healthy spaces.

While creating interior designing projects, sustainable design will make sure that there has been an effective use of space and the project is energy efficient with minimal environmental impact. It will also increase the brand image of the designer and showcase the fact that they are generally committed to protecting the environment while creating a functional space for the people. 

What is the importance of sustainability in interior design-  why does it matter?

There are multiple reasons as to why sustainability is the better principle to follow while designing any space. Here are some of the major aspects regarding the value of sustainability interior design. 

• Reduces energy consumption.

An environmentally sustainable interior design project makes sure that the space designed will be energy efficient. Consumption of energy resources is one of the major factors which is impacting the environment and climate change. Hence it is extremely essential to pay attention to this category and reduce the usage of huge quantities of electricity which can lead to depletion of Ozone layer due to production of harmful gases. Natural lighting is a great choice and apart from that, you will find plenty of other options in the market.

• Usage of Sustainable materials.

Today designers are trying to include sustainable options which are great in the long term. Using non polluting and non toxic products in interior design is another important principle in the concept of sustainability in interior décor. Even though materials like wood and stone are organic, they are becoming scarce and as a result, you need to be responsible while choosing the right materials. And while deciding on the products, a lot of thought should also be given to many other processes involved while sourcing them including extraction, transportation, production and so on.

A designer who focuses on sustainability in interior design understands the health implications which come from using the wrong products. There are many toxic ingredients found in interior furnishings, paints, etc. which can be hazardous for you. That is the reason why new products are coming today like ULEF, NAF or NAUF composite wood and paint having low volatile organic compounds. It's about making the smarter choice which will be better both for your house and your health.

• Increasing water efficiency.

Water is another resource which is decreasing day by day and we cannot afford to waste it. Sustainability promotes conservation of water and this is applied with the help of built-in water recycling systems and preventing any wastage. Installation of rainwater storage systems are becoming increasingly popular along with other options like no lick taps, high-efficiency nozzles, low flow washrooms, etc. Remember the main goal-  save water as much as possible.

• Igniting Global interest.

When sustainable materials and furnishings are used by the designers in any project, they are creating a spark of global interest while promoting their business as sustainable and environmentally friendly. Today large corporate companies and governments are showing their support for sustainable choices and going ahead with environmentally safe practices. Spreading the word will inspire more people to get involved in this process and make significant contributions.

• Sustainability is great in the long term.

Interior designers and the contractors working with them are carefully examining the long-term impact of construction materials and their effects on the environment. Opting for sustainable materials reduces the impact caused due to a wide variety of substances and embracing this new approach will go a long way in protecting our mother earth and taking care of it.

• No limitations in variety.

Today there are a wide variety of sustainable options available in the market for every requirement in interior design including furniture, lighting options, décor pieces, interior paint, and so much more. So when you are getting this incredible range of variety along with the option of protecting the environment, why not go for it? You can create the space according to your aesthetic preferences and make it sustainable at the same time. That's a win-win situation!

Mentioned above are some of the major reasons why using sustainable interior design can be amazingly great for both yourself and the environment. If you are designing a space yourself or you are hiring an interior designer, you can have a look at sustainable interior design examples online or at the local store near you for inspiration.

It's high time to be aware of our lifestyle and our habits and creating a sustainable and eco-friendly interior design can be the first step in the right direction. 

Make better choices and if every person tries to contribute in their own small way in protecting the environment, the Earth will be a better place to live in.