by Lorelie Noble 
To write this article on Sustainable Interior Design, I decided to be truly authentic and travel up to a sustainable forest in northern Ontario, my off-grid solar-powered getaway. Needless to say, the environment was conducive to being inspired, maybe a little too distracting, with butterflies, hummingbirds and a young fawn visiting me. However, it reinforced my philosophy of wanting to protect our environment. I will try to focus on providing an explanation of how “sustainable” is important in interior design.
Sustainable Interior Design
This refers to all construction and materials that are designed with a focus on minimizing the harmful effects on the environment. Sustainable design also aims to enhance the indoor quality for homeowners and increasing energy-efficiency.
What does it mean in the design business? It basically means investing in long-lasting, timeless materials, that contain recyclable content and reduce our carbon footprint. Sustainable interior design also refers to materials that are purchased from companies practicing environmentally-responsible manufacturing processes, and so on.
Is Ontario Ready for Sustainable Design?
Consumers are becoming more conscious of where the products they buy come from, what they are made of and how they are made that is why green design is more and more relevent nowdays. Although the green movement started over 40 years ago, Ontario has been slower to come on board. However, it has been an evolution and we are now ready to remove toxic products and chemicals from our homes.
On average, a home contains 62 toxic chemicals; including those items made of petroleum byproducts and synthetics such as; polypropylene, nylon, lead, stain repellents, fire retardants, artificial dyes, vinyl, synthetic latex, PVC and urethane. Homes and interior furnishings are sourced and constructed from materials sourced from all over the world. A standardized rating system has not been established, as commercial interests often have more importance than health concerns. However, there is a nationwide increase in immune disorders, chemical sensitivities, and other disorders, which all relate back to environmental factors. A British Medical Journal states that environment and lifestyle are key factors in human disease. It goes further to say that we have 400-800 chemicals stored in our bodies.
The Canada Green Building Council is the license holder for the LEED certification system, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Their mission is to reduce harmful industrial impacts on the environment. Much has been done to retrofit buildings, homes, schools and historical structures to their green building standards, yet much more can be done to help fight climate change.
Getting Down to Business – What products are eco-friendly and available?
Indoor environments can be designed to be luxurious, eco-friendly and healthier to live in all at once. Homes are being built with a higher R-value, making them more energy-efficient. Moreover, products inside the home should not contribute to poor indoor air quality. Paint should be zero-VOC (volatile organic compounds). Fabrics and furniture should not contain off-gas formaldehyde. Flooring and interior construction can be FSC certified and products can have recycled content. More and more innovative sustainable interior design products are becoming available which can positively affect our environmental footprint. The desire to protect and preserve our environment is influencing industries that manufacture interior design products.
I recently completed a project using insulation made from 100% recycled denim, with high R-value and Class A Fire Rating. The project had denim insulation throughout. All pendant lighting and wall sconces were repurposed from the closing of Mr. Greenjeans Restaurant at the Eaton Centre. The paint used throughout was the lowest VOC paint available. The kitchen cabinet, bar area, and the desk were FSC-certified. Blue closet doors were from Habitat for Humanities and retrofitted by cutting them down to fit in a long hallway. The bedroom barn doors were from a company that sustainably harvests wood from a northern Ontario forest. The feature wall was built from repurposed FSC-certified hardwood pieces from another project. All appliances were energy-efficient. The subfloor heating was installed to add to energy-efficiency. Materials and furnishings were chosen, which do not off-gas.
Even fashion designers are realizing the problem of the surplus of material in their industry. As a result of this awakening, they are incorporating recycled fabrics into their sustainable apparel, to help reduce their environmental impact. Society and politicians are now starting to talk about limiting our use of plastics. In October 2018, initiated through United Nations, 250 major brands pledged to cut single-use plastics from their supply chains and replace them with natural or recycled ones.
Luxurious interiors can be sustainable and do not need to look like they are “green.” Companies are recognizing the increasing demand for sustainable solutions. Build it right the first time. Add value to your home, help save the planet, and make it healthier for your family.
What More Can We Do?
Although there are acts that try to screen toxic substances, many products slip through. It, therefore, leaves the consumer vulnerable and with the burden of taking on the responsibility of reading Material Safety Data Sheets, Consumer Reports and “googling” products and companies.
We need bylaws to support energy-efficiency and green design. Simple! Builders and landscapers are now designing neighborhoods for water efficiency. For example, instead of rolling green lawns planted entirely with Kentucky Bluegrass seed, communities are being planted with fescue blends that require less water maintenance. Flowers and shrubs, which equally enhance the landscape, are now being incorporated. In terms of construction, some communities are requiring mandatory LEED compliance. LEED homes can qualify for local rebates and credits on their home insurance. There are new ways of thinking and the time has come to be on board.
What Should It All Mean to Us Looking Forward?
We know that our choices impact our environment. We feel a responsibility to make conscious decisions regarding what we purchase and bring into our homes. We want healthier environments for our families. In the planning stages of building a new home, processes are available to incorporate energy-efficiency into the eco design, with lighting, water, and heat.
We are a fast-paced society. We make decisions quickly. We need to research our product purchases or rely on a sustainable interior design expert to help guide us through choosing companies that are committed to an overall healthier vision for our society and present products that are safe. What change and commitment can we each make to be more sustainable?
Lorelie Noble, the owner of Design Details, is educated on what is available to help guide clients to more environmentally-friendly design choices with their renovation. Design Details is a Canadian award-winning interior design firm, whose philosophy is based on Sustainable Design. We are knowledgeable and concerned about how eco design impacts our environment and enjoy guiding our clients in choosing the best products for their homes, lifestyle, and families. We also believe that interiors can be designed to be luxurious, healthier to live in, and environmentally responsible.
