Designer Tips for Decorating With Sustainability in Mind
In this video, interior designer Susan Van Meter discusses nontoxic paint, locally sourced products and more
Mitchell Parker
July 7, 2020
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis and humor.
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative... More
In this episode of Houzz TV Live, designer Susan Van Meter of SVM Interiors in London talks with Kiya Kelly of the Houzz communications team. Van Meter shares advice on incorporating sustainable practices into interior design. Sourcing local products reduces C02 emissions. Choosing wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council can promote responsible forest management. And using paint that is nontoxic or low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) helps create healthy indoor air.
Van Meter also highlights several renovation projects in which she incorporated sustainable practices for her clients and offers suggestions for homeowners who want to do the same.
Van Meter also highlights several renovation projects in which she incorporated sustainable practices for her clients and offers suggestions for homeowners who want to do the same.
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A wonderful feature! Thank you Susan and Kiya! Cumulatively, all of the small choices really do add up significantly. The integrity of the product choices flows through to a wider sense of wellbeing for the inhabitants (hopefully, for many generations to come!). I think an appreciation of heritage features is also vital to sustainability, as well as style; celebrating what is there and avoiding the harmful processes innate in demolition and landfill (whilst preserving the 'genius loci' or spirit of place). This is applicable to absolutely all fields - would love to see more segments like this.
As someone severely allergic to VOCs, I can attest that the only VOC-free paints in the UK are: Lakeland Paints, Little Knights, and Nordfarg. All other brands with any VOCs are super toxic.