Sustainability In Interior Design
Thoughtful design, informed choices, no greenwashing.
I beleive in helping you make better decisions, without judgment or unrealistic promises. I'm not perfect but I care and keep learning.
This is...
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A realistic approach
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Clear, honest advice
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Support, not judgement
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Better, not perfect
This is not...
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Greenwashing
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Unrealistic claims
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Eco Buzzwords
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Pressure to be 100%
Why Sustainability Matters To Me?
Working in the interiors industry, it's difficult to ignore the amount of waste. I have seen perfectly usable kitchens, granite worktops and working appliances being ripped out and thrown away because it was quicker or easier than alternative options. We can't keep everything forever, but we can reuse items where possible or sell, gift or recycle.
Over time, this has shaped how I work. Sustainability, for me, is about:
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reducing unnecessary waste
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respecting resources
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designing homes that last
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and creating spaces that support wellbeing
There is a lot of frustration with how the industry often operates, prioritising speed, trends and convenience over longevity and thoughtful decision making.
How I Try To Help
Design For Longevity
Trends are not inherently bad, but I encourage clients to choose things they truly like, rather than what feels fashionable right now. Larger, key pieces that work across different schemes tend to last far longer than highly specific statement items.
Start With Layout
Early planning reduces unnecessary changes later, fewer moved electrics, less replastering, and fewer mistakes that need correcting. Good layouts, thoughtful storage and well-planned lighting can often remove the need for more drastic (and wasteful) work.
Prioritising Quality
A solid, well made piece, especially a pre-owned or vintage one, will often outlast cheaper alternatives and retain its value. Buying once, rather than repeatedly replacing, is usually the more sustainable option.
Encouraging Reuse
This may be reusing existing furniture, updating what you already own, or sourcing well-made vintage and reclaimed pieces. These options often bring more character as well as longevity.
Materials, products and practical decisions
I spend a lot of time researching materials and products finding out what they are made from, how they are produced, how long they are likely to last, and what happens to them at the end of their life. I also consider whether existing items can be repaired or reused.
That said, sustainability is rarely a simple choice between old and new. In some cases, a new product is genuinely the better option because it will last longer, perform better, or avoid repeated replacement. In others, the process of recycling or reworking something can actually have a greater environmental impact than replacing it thoughtfully.
I take a balanced, informed approach, weighing longevity, performance, cost and impact together. My role is not to push one answer, but to guide you through the real trade-offs so you can make a decision that makes sense for your home, your budget and the long term. The final choice is always yours, but it is never an uninformed one.
Cost, access and honesty
Not everything that is more sustainable is affordable for everyone and this is something that needs to be spoken about. Some better options do cost more and sourcing pre-owned or vintage pieces can also take more time and effort.
Budgets are real, and having a limited budget does not mean you should not be able to have a home you love.
When sustainability and budget conflict, I focus on:
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prioritising areas with the biggest impact
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looking at longevity and whole life cost
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offering alternatives rather than absolutes
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aiming for “better” rather than “perfect”
An ongoing journey
This is not a finished journey. I am constantly learning, questioning and improving how I work. I do not claim to have all the answers but I do care and I will keep trying to do better.
If I can help you make more thoughtful decisions now, even small ones, that is a meaningful step forward.
