Renewable energy, solar panels, heat pumps and gas condensing boilers. More and more people are investing in sustainable living to reduce their ecological footprint and contribute to a better environment. But have you already thought about a sustainable design for your home? The furniture industry uses a lot of textiles and chemicals to create Pinterest and Instagram worthy interior pieces for a small price. But by being more aware of what you buy and whether your things are made in a fair way and with sustainable materials, you can make responsible choices to achieve a beautiful and environmentally conscious interior.
Being aware of your purchases means taking a critical look at the things you buy. In today's consumer society, we often buy to fill a feeling of emptiness. So keep asking yourself: do I really need this and does it fit with the current or future design of my home? If you can answer this with a resounding 'yes' and you think you will love a piece of furniture or home accessory for a long time to come, then you can proceed to purchase. If that is not the case, then you better leave the impulse purchase. This way you know that your furniture will not last for a while, but will provide years of living pleasure.
The same applies to the reliability of your furniture and home accessories. Solid may not sound sexy, but choosing solid, high-quality materials ensures that you get authentic and unique pieces more often. Just think of natural wood that has been processed without lacquer or paint, but still has its weathered appearance. Or invest in solid wooden furniture that lasts a lot longer than cheaper pieces that contain plastic.
Source: furnified.com
With fair materials you think of natural or recycled materials, such as wood, rattan, reed, bamboo, recycled glass and natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, felt and wool. For example, many carpets and mats consist of recycled foam layers from mattresses, and this material is also used as an insulation layer in other furniture. When it comes to wood, you opt for sturdy, local materials that bear an FSC quality mark. This means that the wood has been produced according to the requirements of nature conservation, with respect not only for the environment and forests, but also for the working conditions of the workers.
Source: api.shopstyle.com
Furniture made of teak has usually had a whole life. They were often used in industrial buildings or older homes. But teak from ships is also recycled to make furniture. The traces of that previous life are often still clearly visible and ensure that your furniture not only exudes authenticity, but above all a lot of character and is truly unique pieces. Teak wood looks very tough because of its charms, but because of the tint it also radiates a lot of warmth.
Source: furnified.com
Oak furniture stands for quality. Who doesn't remember the dark brown cupboards and tables in grandma's or grandpa's house? Oak wood is extremely strong and the color and structure differences, the clearly present annual rings, the knots and knots ensure that oak furniture carries a lot of character. The solidity ensures that you can enjoy your furniture for almost a lifetime.
Source: furnified.com
For example, Bud, a French brand, produces tables, cabinets and beds made from Norman oak. The wood comes from forests where human intervention is limited as much as possible in order to preserve a natural ecosystem. Choosing this brand means not only choosing quality and reliability, but also making an environmentally friendly choice.
You can also rely on many ecological products for the decoration of the bedroom. Just think of duvets that are made from natural materials such as organic cotton and linen, and that are biodegradable. Kisany, a Belgian brand with an African touch, makes sheets, pillows and tablecloths in bright colors and motifs and uses local materials from Congo and Rwanda. The women who make these home accessories work in a safe working environment and receive a fair wage.
Source: Kisany
Carpets give your home more cosiness, warmth and atmosphere in an instant. A carpet made of wool is not only durable, but also creates warmth and comfort. Moreover, it is also very easy to maintain and it offers extra insulation and cushioning to your floor.
Source: furnified.com
By Rebeca De Dobbelaer
Combine our Vintage wall cabinet with our Mortex coffee tables and really bring your living room to life.
