During this pandemic, people have become more aware of their surroundings and look for newer and better ways to organize and curate existing decorations for their homes.

But who said that renovating is only renovation. This year renovate your interiors with sustainable and refurbished products. This will save you money, and also give things a second chance.

Let see what some of the best interior designers have to say about sustainable interior designing!

Declutter With Design

Minimalism never goes out of style. Minimalism is about using the minimum things or simple things to bring out the best for your home. “Let there be bare spaces for they lend a calming and relaxing vibe to the room. Opt for multi-functional furniture. For example, ottomans, decorative trunks, two-layered tables, chests, etc., are emerging as alternatives for the conventional coffee tables. They not only look stylish but also serve multiple purposes. Another example is to go for a grand statement piece instead of several pieces of art or furniture. Let the décor exhibit your taste; let it declare that it is ‘your home and space,” says Pankaj Poddar, Cofounder, Hipcouch. Also read – Interior Features of South Indian Chettinad Houses.

Invest in Long-Lasting Pieces

A step towards being sustainable starts from our homes. Hence, the interior is not just about designing aesthetically. It is a process of creating a space that is complete in all sense but still is considered as a positive step towards the environment.

“As interior designers, we are entrusted with the responsibility to decide the materials and products that should be used and how people interact with their surrounding spaces. The best way to achieve sustainability is to choose quality over quantity, classics over trendy, and simplicity/functionality over embellishments. Designing flexible and personalization spaces is the key ingredient as this automatically suppresses the appetite to change the design every couple of years. When spaces are hard to maintain, regular changes are inevitable and result in more resource consumption and waste creation,” says Krish Kothari, Founder and Creative Head, KKD Studio. Also read – 5 Ways to Add a Little Sunshine to Your Homes.

“Thus, the focus is on natural elements such as wood, cotton, linen, metals, and eco-friendly paints that goes a long way to contribute to an environmentally-conscious life. There is an increasing emphasis on abandoning ‘use and throw’ elements. The need is to invest in long-lasting pieces, be it furniture or other accessories. So, in the future, when you talk of family heirlooms, you can also include furniture and other items. And it is good for the environment as well,” says Pankaj from Hipcouch

Interior designers around the globe suggest that one can definitely opt for natural elements such as wood, rattan, cane, cotton, linen, etc., in home décor. Pankaj adds, “Even if you are paying a little more, invest in sustainable materials, for they will stand the test of time and lend uniqueness to your home.” Also read – Garden-Based Themes for Your Bedroom’s Interiors.

Scour Local Markets

Sustainable homes are a perfect example of a house being eco-friendly, and has used friend-of-earth types of materials such as cork, bamboo or recycled metal.

“And a lot of it simply boils down to making different choices. Instead of picking mass-produced furniture pieces, scour local markets for vintage or second hand pieces. If you’re handy with woodwork, try and source recycled or salvaged wood for a fun DIY project,” says Pankaj.

Choose The Right Materials

From a sustainability point of view, it is important to choose materials that have long-lasting durability and minimum effect on the environment such as wood, marbles, natural stone, etc. “These materials enhance the look of the space with a touch of luxury while being eco-friendly,” says Krish from KKD Studio.

“One can also save energy spent on lighting by just picking the right colors. Neutral or lighter shades reflect more light, while rooms with darker walls and furnishing need more artificial lighting,” adds Krish. Also read – Important Things To Consider Before Redesigning The Bathroom.

Recycled Distress Wood Furniture

“Beginning with understanding the site location, topography, sun path is critical to the design of any villa design for it to be in total harmony with its environment. The sides which have maximum exposure to direct sunlight need to be carefully articulated with solid facades, maximum fenestrations are best aligned to capture the softer sunlight to keep the heat load at its minimum within the structure,” says Arbaysis Ashley, Founder of Ashleys

“While working around the wood work for the interiors, salvaged and recycled timber can be used to maintain sustainability in a very holistic way. Old vintage furniture can be recycled to create a very eclectic or a mix of earthy chic flavor to the spaces. Furniture can also be designed from recycled distress wood; these pieces not only are sustainable but lend such strong character and warmth,” adds Ashley. Also read – Waterman: Top Bathroom Faucets Dealer and Distributor in Tamil Nadu.