Sustainable Style: Tips for Eco-Friendly and Beautiful Home Design in the UK

We may not feel like we are doing much for the planet. However, even on a small scale most of us (even me) are doing a little bit to be more sustainable. This may be recycling as much of our household waste as possible, sending unwanted items to the charity shop rather than the tip, or making shorter journeys on foot rather than using a car. Change begins at home and even these small efforts can really add up to something much bigger.

There are, however, plenty more simple changes that we can make when it comes to our homes and decorating in a more eco-friendly, sustainable way is just one place to start.

Don’t buy new, give old furniture a facelift

Upcycling and “low-waste living” are becoming increasingly popular. In fact, there are plenty of TV shows that show you exactly what can be achieved with items destined for the rubbish heap. A simple place to start is with a sad piece of furniture that has seen better days. A chest of drawers with damaged handles, a large scratch or simply a very dated look can easily be completely transformed. All you may need is some paint and some luxurious wallpaper. Chalk paints and decoupage paper are particularly popular in this respect. A new set of handles or knobs can also work well to bring opulence to an old piece of furniture.

Support sustainable local businesses

Accessories and textiles that are handmade by small independent businesses are a very easy way of being more sustainable. Plus, you’ll support not only local businesses but also artisan communities. There are plenty of businesses that use recycled textiles to create accessories such as cushion covers, throws, and even rugs. You can use these to add a touch of colour to any home. In fact, they are a great way of adding character to a rented property – that is easy to take with you when you move.

Buy quality

When it comes to some of the more high-wear textiles in your home, don’t scrimp. Buy high quality items that will last you longer and you won’t need to replace as often. This will be much more cost effective in the long run and more eco-friendly. Some of the bigger stores where you would buy things like bedlinen and towels already stock items that are made using reclaimed natural products. These are marketed under the name “EarthKind” and these are well worth looking out for.

Keeping textiles, where possible, out of landfill can be a huge, but important step towards being much more sustainable as a society.

Use natural materials

Using natural, organic, materials is a much eco-friendlier move when it comes to your home. This is a move that has been gaining popularity in recent years.

Natural materials worth considering in your home include:

• Bamboo – One of the most renewable resources there is as a result of the speed with which it grows

• Wool – Renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable

• Cork – Rather than fell the entire tree only the bark from the cork tree is harvested

• Hemp – Grown free of pesticides and fertilisers, the manufacturing process for hemp uses 50% less water than cotton

The steps that you take to be more eco-friendly in your home design do not need to be big ones. Little steps can soon mount up and help you be more sustainable in your choices.