Sustainable living isn’t just a fad or a trend. It appeals to people who want to minimise their environmental footprint, leaving the planet in a good condition for future generations. It’s also a great choice for financially-savvy individuals who want to reduce their bills while also enjoying green living.
These reasons are making sustainability hotter than it has ever been in the past. Truth be told, your home probably already relies on some sustainable interior design choices.
But new green ideas are constantly emerging, some of them enabled by innovative tech solutions. If you want to make your place even more environmentally-friendly than it already is, here are some of the interior design concepts to consider testing out in 2023.
For many people, sustainability is about the conservation of resources and the reduction of one’s environmental footprint.
There’s another aspect to it and that’s being self-sufficient.
The possibility to grow food at home is constantly growing on urban dwellers. Not only does it ensure freedom from market dynamics, it also gives homeowners full control over the manner in which fruits and veggies are being grown.
Adding an urban garden to your Singaporean flat is far from difficult.
A sunny part of the kitchen can be turned into a mini greenhouse where you’ll get to grow some essentials and some herbs. Turning your balcony into a garden is another viable option that’s not so difficult to bring to reality.
Various plant species can grow in pots and they’re not too demanding. If you don’t have a lot of experience, start out with a few simple and easy options like bell peppers, raspberries, tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, strawberries, cucumber, squash and carrots. Various herbs are also super effortless to bring into a kitchen greenhouse. Urban plant growing technologies like hydroponics provide amazing opportunities to enjoy delicious, nutritional and 100 per cent safe home-grown produce.
2. Use Sustainable Linens and Textiles
When it comes to sustainable materials, most people think about flooring and furniture. Linens and textiles, however, can also be a serious contributor to your home’s environmental footprint. That’s why one of the biggest green 2023 décor trends is sustainable fabrics.
Unsurprisingly, some of the least sustainable fabrics are synthetic – polyester, acrylic, rayon, nylon. It may be a shock to you, however, to find out that conventionally grown cotton is also not among the greenest choices.
Synthetics have a bad reputation due to the fact they’re not biodegradable. Once discarded, they will take hundreds of years to decompose. The manufacturing of polyester, for example, is also a resource-intensive process. Lots of water is required, which maximises the environmental footprint of such proceedings.
Traditionally grown cotton is not sustainable due to the large amounts of pesticides, fertilisers and minerals used to grow the crop.
Organic and recycled cotton are much better choices. Other great green fabrics include hemp and linen. And if you’re looking for the ultimate price to quality ratio, stick to bamboo linens. Bamboo grows very fast, which makes it a sustainable plant species. As an added bonus, you’ll enjoy the softness and breathability of this textile.
3. Check Out the Energy Efficiency of Your Windows and Doors
When was the last time you examined the condition of your windows and doors? If you haven’t done that in a while, 2023 will be the perfect year to complete an upgrade.
Did you know that about 30 per cent of energy efficiency in a home is lost through the windows? Drafty doors and old window frames make it so easy for warm or cool air to escape. When this happens, your HVAC system has to work extra-hard. A lot of electricity is needed during the process.
If you don’t have the budget to replace windows and doors, getting them resealed will do the trick. Talk to your interior designer and have a professional contractor check out the condition of your current windows and doors. Together, you’ll determine if they’re salvageable through an upgrade or if you’ll need to get new models.
It’s also a good idea to consider getting some new window treatments like bamboo blinds or roller shades. These can also prevent the loss of heat/cool air and they’re more affordable than a thorough replacement.
Buying local isn’t just green – the choice also supports local businesses and helps grow the community.
The carbon footprint of furniture and home décor items brought from far away is ridiculous. Unless you’re a dedicated fan to a certain designer or a style, there’s really no need to splurge on such a wasteful choice.
Many local furniture makers, artisans and decorators have exceptional products for you to bring home. Not only are these locally-made and sustainable, such pieces also carry a degree of uniqueness you wouldn’t find in mass-manufactured items.
So, what are you waiting for? The time has come to invest in greener living. Spending some money on sustainability will yield an excellent return on investment and it will also be good for your health.
Contact Home Guide if you’re seeking an interior design company in Singapore that is also an experienced home renovation contractor that thoroughly understands green living. Our home renovation portfolio will give you a glimpse of the modern and sustainable projects we’ve worked on through the years.
