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Opt for reclaimed or recycled materials when choosing furniture, so it reduces waste and adds a unique charm to your space.
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Instead of buying new decor pieces, consider vintage or secondhand shopping to reduce the demand for new resources.
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Repurpose existing decor or family heirlooms in your own home. Refinish or repaint items to give a fresh look.
These days, people are much more mindful about embracing sustainability as they make home design choices.
Here, three professionals in the design space share six sustainable home decor trends that are rising in popularity and will only become more commonly adopted throughout the rest of the year. The best part? All of these approaches are easy to adapt, no matter where you live.
Meet the Experts
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Sean Mullin is the director of business development and operations at Anthony Wilder Design/Build.
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Tracy Morris is the founder of Tracy Morris Design.
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Mary Gordon is the co-founder of InSite Builders & Remodeling.
Incorporating Plants and Greenery
There’s no such thing as incorporating too many green friends into your home. Sean Mullin, director of business development at Anthony Wilder Design/Build, explains how indoor plants and greenery is a trend that will continue to flourish.
Mullin cites just a few of the many benefits that plants have to offer, including improving indoor air quality and creating a serene atmosphere, as reasons why you shouldn’t shy away from weaving them into your home decor. Best of all, there are so many ways to display plants in your space.
Mullin suggests vertical gardens, hanging planters, and potted plants, which are popular options for bringing nature indoors and promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
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Using Reclaimed and Recycled Materials
Incorporating reclaimed and recycled materials into the home is becoming more popular, Mullin shares.
“From reclaimed wood furniture to recycled metal fixtures, these items not only reduce waste but also add a unique character to homes,” he says. “The charm of repurposed materials lies in their history and the stories they tell, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.”
Whether you opt for a reclaimed wood island or a light fixture made from recycled metal, there are a number of different routes that you can take in order to embrace this trend.
Opting for Natural Materials and Textures
Say yes to natural materials and textures. Tracy Morris, the founder of Tracy Morris Design, recommends using materials like bamboo, cork, and stone to create a warm, earthy aesthetic while promoting sustainability.
The best part about this trend is that you can ensure that you’re home looks good while you’re also doing good—as Morris puts it, opting for these materials means that you definitely do not have to compromise on style.
Shopping for Secondhand or Vintage Decor Pieces
Vintage and secondhand furniture and decor items have been having a major moment. People have discovered the joy associated with the thrill of the hunt, or never knowing what they’ll come across at a thrift store or estate sale, for one, but they’re also drawn to the sustainable aspect of shopping secondhand.
Better yet, online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Chairish make it easy to shop secondhand from the comfort of your own home.
Morris says that we will definitely be seeing more of the trend of embracing vintage and antique furniture pieces to add charm and reduce the demand for new resources.
“As the saying goes, ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,’ and in the context of sustainable design, this philosophy is more relevant than ever,'” Mary Gordon, the co-founder of InSite Builders & Remodeling says.
Repurposing Heirloom Pieces
On a similar note, many people are thoughtfully repurposing heirloom pieces that have been passed down from family members and are taking a sustainable approach to updating these items, Gordon explains.
“Homeowners and designers are refinishing, repainting with non-toxic, lead-free paints, and repurposing heirloom furniture rather than replacing it with mass-produced alternatives,” Gordan says. “This revival of vintage and inherited pieces reflects a deeper appreciation for both history and environmental responsibility.”
Circular Design
Gordon also emphasizes the importance of the sustainable concept of circular design, which is all about creating furniture and home decor with reuse in mind.
“Simple examples include recycled glass, cribs that convert into toddler beds, and refillable soap containers commonly seen in hotels and restaurants—practical solutions that reduce waste without compromising function or style,” she says.
Read the original article on The Spruce
