Trend Report: Greening Interiors
Interest in eco-friendly interior design is on the rise
Photo by Crosby Dove
Green hallmarks. “It’s always about coming back to having a healthy interior and being good for the environment,” says Ryan Hanson of Sustainable Nine Design + Build in Minneapolis. “Biophilia is also a big thing we’re starting to see — designing elements that welcome nature into the home.” Ways to do this? “I try to buy things that exist in nature,” Davin says, listing linen shades, wool rugs and natural stone as examples. Hanson also adds lots of wood, especially reclaimed local lumber, along with living walls.
Cuker’s Product Picks: Plush Pod Decor Cork Filing Cabinet, Kosas Reclaimed Pine Dining Table, Arcadia Home ABCs Sustainable Wool Pillow
Green hallmarks. “It’s always about coming back to having a healthy interior and being good for the environment,” says Ryan Hanson of Sustainable Nine Design + Build in Minneapolis. “Biophilia is also a big thing we’re starting to see — designing elements that welcome nature into the home.” Ways to do this? “I try to buy things that exist in nature,” Davin says, listing linen shades, wool rugs and natural stone as examples. Hanson also adds lots of wood, especially reclaimed local lumber, along with living walls.
Cuker’s Product Picks: Plush Pod Decor Cork Filing Cabinet, Kosas Reclaimed Pine Dining Table, Arcadia Home ABCs Sustainable Wool Pillow
Personal favorites. Davin appreciates zero-VOC paints, along with formaldehyde-free hardwood furnishings and cabinetry, denim insulation and nontoxic finishes, such as beeswax. “There are alternatives for everything if your client is open to the idea,” she says. Hanson’s preferences include recycled-glass countertops; fire-resistant, water-wicking mineral insulation composed of ground-up rocks; and LED light fixtures.
Photo by Kim Sargent
Sourcing with sustainability in mind. “I like everything old,” Davin says. “Vintage by nature is already off-gassed; everything was dovetailed, didn’t use glue, was all hand-turned. Or I buy investment items rather than thinking of everything as disposable.” Cuker also appreciates longevity when sourcing products. “I try to help my clients make design decisions that are practical and will endure, sourcing high-quality, timeless pieces,” she says.
Sourcing with sustainability in mind. “I like everything old,” Davin says. “Vintage by nature is already off-gassed; everything was dovetailed, didn’t use glue, was all hand-turned. Or I buy investment items rather than thinking of everything as disposable.” Cuker also appreciates longevity when sourcing products. “I try to help my clients make design decisions that are practical and will endure, sourcing high-quality, timeless pieces,” she says.
Photo by Lisa Romerein
A natural choice. Sustainability is becoming simple to sell to clients. “Even over the past three years, people have become more open to the idea,” Hanson says. “When you start talking about carcinogens and VOCs, they see it as just making sense to create a much more healthy home.” It’s not all or nothing, either. “Every little eco-friendly move helps,” Cuker says. “That’s how we approach our projects — the more we do, the better.”
Hanson’s Product Picks: Anji Mountain Jute Round Rug, Apt2B Walton Eco-Friendly Sofa, Regina Andrew Recycled Glass Lamp
A natural choice. Sustainability is becoming simple to sell to clients. “Even over the past three years, people have become more open to the idea,” Hanson says. “When you start talking about carcinogens and VOCs, they see it as just making sense to create a much more healthy home.” It’s not all or nothing, either. “Every little eco-friendly move helps,” Cuker says. “That’s how we approach our projects — the more we do, the better.”
Hanson’s Product Picks: Anji Mountain Jute Round Rug, Apt2B Walton Eco-Friendly Sofa, Regina Andrew Recycled Glass Lamp
This story is from our Trade Program Trend Report email series.
Warm wood cabinets topped with smooth marble surfaces. Master beds cocooned in light-colored linens and cottons. Bright pops of patterns and color that play against curvaceous bamboo armchairs. Whether it’s luxe traditional, sleek modern minimalist or farmhouse fresh, good green design is making a style splash in all kinds of settings.
Making life better for all. “Everyone is so overscheduled and busy, people try to create a sanctuary at home, so they want a relaxing environment that is calming and healthy,” says Ali Davin of Jute Interior Design in San Francisco. Clients are also looking at the larger picture. “A lot of people are concerned about the state of our planet,” says Amy Cuker of down2earth Interior Design in Philadelphia. “Both homeowners and designers want to make choices that don’t come at the expense of future generations.”