Simple Sustainable Updates and Family Heirlooms
My recent return from California has me thinking about sustainability this month. Experiencing the extremely dry landscape (along with photos of Hurricane Ian’s destruction), has me reconsidering how to best navigate my design work while being gentle to our Earth and her limited resources. Some of my thoughts are quite fun while others take more careful consideration.
It’s really unusual if I have a design job that does not incorporate at least one family heirloom- a piece of furniture or art that holds deep meaning to my client. Working these items in can, at times, be tricky, but we always find a way. In this case, we were able to convert a recently inherited sideboard into a media cabinet. Surrounded by more modern pieces, it added a grounded depth to the room. The carved entry doors design was also reflected in the drapery pattern nearby.
I have always been a fan of natural fibers in interiors. While there are definite cons (water usage), I think that the pros weigh heavier in their favor. Linen, cotton and wool are my go- to fabrics when designing rooms. A wool carpet will outlast a polypropylene (oil-based) carpet by decades. The inherent weight, durability and vibrancy add so much to your living space without the worry of off-gasses. When these fibers are at the end of their life- cycle (and after decades of use), they can be easily recycled and used to make something brand new.
