Six Sustainable Ways To Spruce Up Your Living Space
Bianca Foley
When we think of fast-paced trend cycles, unethical labour practices and unsustainable production, our minds usually turn towards the fashion industry. But the truth is, we should be shining the same spotlight on homeware, too. Post-pandemic, we’re seeing interior trends come and go faster than ever, and as a result, poorly made items are being discarded as soon as the trend falls out of favourability. Unsurprisingly, the category now termed as ‘fast homeware’ is being propped up by the usual suspects, including Shein, Temu, H&M and Primark.
To put things into perspective, Mintel reported that furniture sales in 2021 hit £17.2 billion in the UK, with over 75% of this figure being decorative knick-knacks. What’s more, the North London Waste Authority found that 22 million small items of furniture are thrown away every single year. These stats are a clear indication that we, as a collective, need to shift our focus back to utilising what we already have, as well as purchasing with longevity and durability in mind.
But do not fear, embracing sustainable home decor doesn’t mean you have to live out your days in four walls filled with beige and rattan. There are plenty of ways to embrace colour, texture and print that aren’t environmentally damaging. With this in mind, I’ve lined up six eco-friendly tips and tricks to help you inject a bit more personality into your home, whether that’s through upcycling, charity shopping or supporting brands championing slow and sustainable production.
Whether it’s a chest of drawers that’s been in the family since the dawn of time or a wooden chair that’s more shabby than chic, most of us have pieces in our home that are crying out for a revamp. But if the thought of dabbling in full-scale DIY strikes fear in your soul, painting your furniture a different colour is always a safe bet for upcycling newbies. Not only will this stop the item from going to landfill, but it’ll also save you some cash as you won’t have to replace it.
When shopping for paint, be aware that traditional formulas can contain harmful amounts of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can have a detrimental effect on human health and contribute to indoor air pollution. Luckily, B Corp brand Lick are challenging the need for harmful formulations with their water-based, low VOC, made-to-order paint. What’s more, they also stock all the sustainable gear to go with it, think: biodegradable dust sheets, paint trays made from sugarcane pulp and bamboo paint rollers.
As well as transforming your home into a serene oasis, a healthy selection of indoor plants will help to add colour, texture and life to any space in need of some elevation. Whether you’re partial to an undeniably chic Monstera or the rustic charm of a trailing String of Hearts, coordinating your house plant choice with your decor is a shortcut to a beautifully balanced interior.
While you can pick up plants pretty much anywhere (supermarkets, DIY stores, garden centres, etc.), you can’t always guarantee that they have been grown sustainably. Luckily, with Harriet’s Plants, you can. They offer a curated selection of peat-free indoor (and outdoor) plants grown on home soil in Cornwall. Their peat-free ethos is especially important as the mass extraction of peat causes large amounts of carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere, therefore contributing to climate change.
3. Fill Your Frames With Responsibly Printed Photos
If you too have a backlog of empty frames collecting dust in a drawer, now’s the time to put them to good use. A handful of your favourite framed photos dotted around the house is a low-cost, minimal-effort way to personalise your place.
For those that still frequent the high street, you’ll be pleased to know that Boots can now print your photos onto recycled paper using water-based inks – a massive win for the sentimental and sustainable girlies.
4. Choose Sustainably Made Soft Furnishings
When decorating a room, the power of soft furnishings is not to be underestimated. Everything from cushions and curtains to rugs and blankets make the perfect accent pieces, allowing you to lean into your dream decor without needing to splash the cash on larger furniture.
If you’ve got a taste for the finer furnishings in life, you’re going to love the Tartan Blanket Co as much as I do. In particular, their super soft selection of blankets and throws crafted using an array of recycled materials. Available in happy hues that range from earthy to eye-catching, picking a favourite will be no easy feat.
And if cutesy, consciously crafted cushions are your bag, Amuse La Bouche is a brand worth splurging on. Handmade using 100% flax linen and coloured using eco-friendly dye, these stripy, ruffle-edged beauties are born to sit pride of place in any maximalist’s home.
5. Create a Feature Wall With Eco-Friendly Wallpaper
Fellow renters, we sadly have to sit this one out. But if your interior design dreams aren’t being stifled by a landlord, a feature wall is an effective way to add depth and contrast to a room without having to start a full-scale revamp. If you’re not into busy prints and bold hues, no problem! Feature walls have no set rules, you can stick to your usual colour palette, or take this opportunity to incorporate a subtle print into your decor.
Again, round of applause for Lick, who also have sustainable wallpaper in their arsenal. From William Morris-inspired florals to charming retro stripes and modern geometrical styles, each of their wallpaper designs make a statement in their own way. The best part? Their wallpaper is created in small batches using wood sourced from sustainably managed forests. Oh, and any wallpaper offcuts are used to package up your order – they really have thought of everything.
6. Scour Charity Shops For Coffee Table Books
If your charity shop visits usually come to a close after a rummage through the clothing rails, you’re missing a trick. I’d suggest making a beeline for the bookshelves as you’ll likely find some hidden gems lurking amongst the chaos. Keep an eagle eye out for vintage coffee table books – I love anything to do with fashion, interiors and architecture. Once you’ve gathered a pile, stack them on your coffee table, top with a candle or trinket dish, and you’ve got yourself a unique and sustainable centrepiece.
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