“I have a catchphrase for myself: Good design is sustainable,” says Laura Hodges, the Catonsville, Maryland, decorator behind our 2023 Southern Living Idea House. Individuals typically assume that sustainable design implies embellishing specifically with specific products, like cork or recycled products, with an end result that all but announces its Earth-friendly nature, however Hodges proves that more planet-conscious options can be subtle and beautiful too.
Source Materials Stateside
When it comes to selecting design components, like marble, consider those discovered closer to home. In the Idea House’s kitchen, the designer selected Imperial Danby marble for the counter tops and backsplash. “It’s sourced out of Vermont, so it’s not traveling from overseas,” says Hodges of the more mindful choice.
Lean on Natural Light
Decrease the requirement for energy-guzzling components by optimizing your home’s natural light. “We picked lighter colored materials for the first and second floorings of your home so that the natural light is a great source of illumination,” keeps in mind Laura. “We don’t always have to depend on synthetic light due to the fact that of dark finishes or heavy window treatments.” That said, drapes are still a wise energy-saving relocation, if you pick the right ones: Rather than thick drapes, select lighter ones that can provide a layer of insulation in the winter season and provide light filtering in warmer, sunnier months.
Prioritize Natural Materials
Whether for finishes or home furnishings, think about natural options initially, like wool, wood, and cork, as these have a cradle-to-cradle life expectancy, states Laura. “This indicates it has the capability to be developed into something else or reused,” she explains.
Integrate Plenty of Vintage Finds
” We constantly begin with vintage,” says Hodges, who sourced antique and classic furnishings and accessories for nearly every room in your home. “It’s interesting to be able to have unique pieces that are unique and well crafted, and it’s more sustainable because they weren’t recently made.” They’re a smart option on the resilience front too, says the designer, who grounded lots of areas with hand-knotted vintage carpets from Nashville Rug Gallery: “They’re most likely made better than a great deal of the ones you ‘d purchase brand-new. If they’ve been around for this long, you’re not going to ruin them.”
Shop with Small Brands and Local Businesses
” Sustainability isn’t simply about the item itself. That’s why it’s important to go shopping with companies that are transparent on all fronts, from where they source products to how they compensate their workers. Shopping locally likewise implies that you’re avoiding long-distance shipping (not terrific for the environment) and pouring cash back into your own neighborhood (a win-win!).
Reconsider Small-Scale Daily Decisions
If a more sustainable home seems out of reach, Hodges says to start with “infant steps you can require more aware and more deliberate.” Consider replacing single-use products with those that can be used multiple times. In the Idea House, for instance, Laura selected recyclable absorbent flannel hand towels in the kitchen, rather than paper ones; set up compost stations; and purchased glass food storage for the kitchen. “Decanting items into glass containers permits you to purchase products wholesale and not have so much plastic,” she discusses.