Sustainable Interior Design Trends that will Rule 2022

The year 2020 was defined by the COVID-19 pandemic. It impacted every person’s life in some way or the other. Among the many things that changed, one was the fact that most people began spending more time in their homes. This resulted in them updating the way their space looked and felt. Interior design got a whole new meaning. Ever since then, people have become more mindful about their surroundings. Everyone today desires a home with ample space, more greenery, plenty of natural light and of course, sustainable interior design. Cluttered spaces, loud colours and surplus of unnecessary supplies have taken a backseat.

Today, it’s all about a minimalistic approach to design and eco-friendly materials. Homeowners are expressing their love for the planet by creating a home that is gentle towards the environment and aesthetically pleasing.

6 Eco-friendly Interior Design Trends to Improve the Sustainability of your Home

Through this blog, we aim at discussing a few sustainable interior design trends that ruled 2021 and will continue evolving in 2022. If you too want to stay ahead of the curve and protect Mother Earth, read on:

• Emphasis on Natural Materials

When one is leaning towards creating a sustainable home, they usually consider solar panels and reduction in electricity use. However, beyond these little things, the materials used in a home are equally important. They help in reducing the carbon footprint as well. To transform your space completely, you can opt for sustainable interior design materials for structures as well as interiors. Some natural materials that can add a calming effect to your home include bamboo, reclaimed wood, bio-glass, terracotta and recycled metal.

One thing to keep in mind when you’re opting for natural building materials is knowing the source. Ask your vendor or interior designer where the material has been extracted from. It is important to be aware of legitimate certifications. All the materials you choose should be those that have been extracted with minimal environmental impact. If you miss finding out the source, your idea of creating a sustainable home will be defeated.

• Make Way for DIY Upgrades

Just like slow fashion and slow food, there’s something called slow furniture. 2022 will be the year of repurposing a piece of furniture your grandma or mom had. The pandemic has caused people to look at interior design with a whole new perspective. Reusing, repurposing and upgrading old furniture and accessories has become the order of the day. If you want to make the furniture in your home more sustainable, consider DIY upgrades. You can polish an old solid wood dining table or turn an old-fashioned study into a contemporary piece of furniture. When you reuse the items you already own, your contribution towards a sustainable planet increases. Bringing old furniture to life might take some time but will definitely be worth it in the long run since it is likely to last longer.

If you don’t have a flair for creativity, you can even get an interior designer on the job.

• Think Minimalism

These days, interior design is all about minimalism. It revolves around the idea of purchasing pieces you absolutely need. It is one of the best ways to live sustainably. Envision your space with carefully-chosen furniture, muted tones, mixed patterns, and abstract colourful paintings. It should be a well-curated balance of modern and minimal rather than noisy and senseless. It should reflect the homeowners’ individuality. Since minimalism and sustainability go hand-in-hand, consider adding décor and furnishing made from natural materials. Flea markets and vintage thrift shops should be your primary source of inspiration.

Remember, a minimal space is all about ditching the clutter and adding a touch of luxury.

• Consider Eco-friendly Paint

An important part of creating a sustainable home is choosing a natural colour palette. Just choosing earthy tones isn’t enough. What determines if your home is truly sustainable or not is the type of paint or wall covering. Look for paints that are labelled as “low odour” or low VOC (volatile organic compounds). Such paints do not contain harsh chemicals like regular paint. If you are serious about reducing the ecological footprint within your home, consider using non-toxic paint, low-biocide paints, milk paint, water-based paints, latex paint and finishes with low VOC. In fact, wallpaper too is coated with PVC/vinyl which contains dangerous biocides, fungicides, plasticizers and pigments that can harm the environment.

• Incorporate Energy-saving Lighting Options

The mood of a space is not just defined by the furniture and furnishings. Instead, the lighting in a home has a pivotal role to play. Switch conventional light-bulbs to energy-saving LED bulbs as it is not just a sustainable option but also cost-efficient. Compared to incandescent bulbs, LED light bulbs use 75% less energy. An often overlooked cause of heat loss in a home is recessed ceiling lights and fans. Examine these light fixtures and add extra insulation in your home to minimise heat loss. However, an important part of sustainability is allowing as much natural light as possible to enter your home. It’s the perfect way to save electricity and get your daily dose of vitamin D.

• Bring in some Natural Lush Greenery

With the ongoing pandemic, stepping out to enjoy the serenity of nature has almost become a luxury. If you’re yearning for a connection with the elements of nature, consider creating a green corner or nook in your home. It not just boosts productivity and lowers blood pressure but also creates a positive impact on the environment. Indoor plants are an important aspect of sustainable interior design. Vines and climber plants are ideal to give your space a luxurious vibe. Consider putting the plants in wicker baskets since it is natural and a highly renewable material. It is grown pesticide free and uses very less of the earth’s resources. Greenery is the best way to envelope your home with fresh oxygen.

In the year 2022, fast furniture pieces will be out and these trends will be the name of the game. Earth conscious individuals will make important decisions about how they want to decorate their home. Whether it’s buying a new home or renovating an existing space, every move should be taken keeping environmental sustainability in mind. Sustainable interior design is the present and the future.