Prioritizing sustainable interior design can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t need to. Ahead of Earth Day, we’ve gathered top tips for green design from a few of the designers in Luxe Next in Design 99‘s inaugural class. From questions to consider during initial conversations with clients to sourcing materials to complete a space, read on for sustainable interior design tips from a few of the industry’s up-and-comers.
Designers Dish On Sustainable Interior Design Tips
Photo: Michael Alan Kaskel
Reuse Existing Pieces
“I try to reuse clients’ existing pieces when possible and freshen them up with new coverings. We’ve also used leftover marble for window ledges, made pillows from drapery remnants and even wrapped waste bins in scraps of wallpaper.”
—Jasmin Reese, Jasmin Reese Interiors
Photo: Kirsten Francis
Think Creatively When It Comes To Repurposing Materials
“We always look to specify energy-efficient appliances, reuse furniture via antique or vintage pieces and work with natural materials. One of our recent projects repurposed a large piece of granite from an old New York City sidewalk for use as a fireplace hearth—it was absolutely stunning!”
—Maureen Ursino, Ursino Interiors
Photo: James Elliot Bailey
Don’t Get Caught In The Trend Cycle
“We address sustainability by guiding our clients to avoid design trends—so they don’t feel a desire to replace items every few years—and specifying high-quality, often locally manufactured goods. If the materials are elevated and the space is a unique reflection of them, they could live with the same finishes and pieces for decades to come.”
—Leah Ring, Another Human
Photo: Allister Ann
Mindful Consumption Is Key
“I believe we can live beautifully with less. To help our clients declutter, we have them complete a questionnaire before purchasing anything new to ensure their items still align with their lifestyle and design vision. A few tips to consider: practice mindful consumption; select furnishings that serve multiple purposes; and opt for eco-friendly and non-toxic materials. By incorporating these principles, you can make more intentional and sustainable design decisions that support your well-being and reduce environmental impact.”
—Jessica Maros, Maros Designs
Photo: Jonathan Allen
Consider Future Composting During The Design Process
“Coming from a modest Midwest background, it can feel excessive at times to buy new just for the sake of buying new. I’m also an avid composter with The Urban Canopy’s Compost Club, which I mention to clients when designing their kitchens. If they decide to join, we make sure to incorporate space for a compost bucket.”
—Bridgette Haulenbeek, Bridgette Haulenbeek Interiors
Photo: Ric Stovall
Incorporate Thoughtful Planning In Construction
“Salvaged wood is huge for us! The log cabin craze took down so many trees. It’s painful to contemplate. A large part of our designs involve reincorporating that wood while imagining contemporary environments. It requires creativity, planning and a lot of logistics to move timber around, but it allows us to avoid part of the environmental impact of construction.”
—Victoria Jones, Studio James
Photo: Jess Isaac
Keep In Mind That Material Matters
“There is so much to learn when it comes to this topic, from using carpeting or drapery as insulators in a home to bamboo flooring options to working with locally sourced materials. Two brands on my radar are ecoBirdy, which makes furniture from recycled plastic toys, and Vetrazzo slabs that are made of 100% recycled glass.”
—Ryhdima Brar, Rterior Studio
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