Ideas for Interior Designers to Go Green

As interior designers, there are some things that we can do to help our clients’ projects run in a more efficient and environmentally friendly way.

1.    Re-purpose a client’s old pieces.  Recover a sofa or chair.  Refinish or repaint a table.  Reuse the fabric or trim from curtains.  The amount of pollutants released and the materials used during the manufacturing process are far greater than what it would take to reuse a similar piece.  The cost may not be dramatically different, but the carbon footprint certainly is.

Photo of "Green" Home from Coastal Living

2.    Tying in to the previous tip, shop antique stores rather than showrooms.  When new furniture is a necessity, pay attention to who is coming out with new lines that are eco-friendly.

3.    Show your clients options that include woods such as bamboo, which are quickly renewable.

4.    Use dimmers on all lights.  Not only do these work to create a mood in the room for a dinner party or an evening at home, but they use less energy when turned down.

5.    Find manufacturers and suppliers that are local.  This cuts down on money and resources used in shipping, and helps out the economy in your own community.

6.    Recommend low VOC paint to your clients.  Benjamin Moore’s Aura line is great.

These tips should help you begin to guide your clients towards a greener project.  You will feel better about the impact your work is making on the environment, and your client will feel better about the home they are living in every single day.