MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • On Trend
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • On Trend
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Lifestyle

How to Put the Eco in Deco

Saving the world start at your own front door
  • 04 Oct 2019
How to Put the Eco in Deco

An eco awakening is coming home and it’s a beautiful place to live. As we step into this new era of mindful design and decoration, the choices we make to enhance our homes also nurture the world that exists beyond our front doors. We’re more tuned in than ever to our consumer footprints, and taking meaningful steps to reduce, re-use and recycle the materials that stream through our homes. And as we put our money where our collective voice is, the industry is following suit. Aesthetically, natural and sustainably sourced materials are front and centre, and timeless design is leading the way as we reshape how we live, think and shop.

Buy Once, Buy Well

Being a green shopper means asking the big questions: where was it made? Who made it? What is it made from? How long will it last ... and then what? “Product needs to be assessed from a whole-of- life perspective,” says Sasha Titchkosky, director and co-founder at Koskela. “This includes looking at creating a timeless design that is fit for purpose, is repairable, uses minimal sustainable materials in its construction, has low volatile organic compounds content and can be recycled or is properly biodegradable at the end of its life.” Too complicated? Simply slow down. “Take the time to research and fall in love with the things you own; save [up] for them so you treasure them, and repair or refurb [when needed].”

Re-Use and Recycle

Buying vintage lifts the guilt from our guilty pleasures. It’s as much about curtailing the trade of throwaway consumables as it is giving objects a second life. “There is so much ... depth to older pieces,” says photographer Kara Rosenlund. “They give a layer to your look that buying new can never achieve.”

Nature Worship

Surrounding yourself with nature is a daily reminder to tread lightly as you move through the world. We love Kara Rosenlund’s landscape prints, glossy greenhouse plants and rattan everything. Go big with natural fibres: bamboo for bed linen, wool for upholstery and sustainably sourced timber for furniture.

Ban Plastic

Open your pantry. What do you see? If it’s a sea of packaging there’s probably room for improvement. Make a commitment to buy staples in bulk, then decant into glass jars and bottles – a small step guaranteed to make you feel like your best life is in progress. In the bathroom, kappi.com.au is the go-to for bamboo toothbrushes and metal razors.

Passive Design

Great eco homes start with the basics. They are oriented to the north to maximise light, with screening to block harsh western sun, and cross- ventilation for breezes. All help reduce heating and cooling, which accounts for 40 per cent of energy use in Australian homes.A Tesla Powerwall will convert your home into a solar-power sanctuary.

cork

Get the Look

Green glam is more than just a trend, it’s a philosophy for life. Get on board with products that exhibit timeless style, and responsible use of resources.

Back to Nature

Renewable and recyclable, cork is the ultimate eco material. Even more so when crafted into this at- pack plant stand, $89, capradesigns.com

BAMBOO

Crop Star

Bamboo is a green goddess of a crop. It’s a fast grower and requires no fertiliser. Bamboo cloche, from $240, koskela.com.au

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

What Lies Beneath: Luxury Eco-Conscious Homes Start From     The Floor Up

What Lies Beneath: Luxury Eco-Conscious Homes Start From The Floor Up

The secret to a chic home is inside Marie Claire Lifestyle 5

Your interiors playbook is out now

5 Ways To Be More Conscious In 2022: According To marie claire's Lifestyle Director

5 Ways To Be More Conscious In 2022: According To marie claire's Lifestyle Director

Circular Fashion Is The Future Of Sustainability — Here's What That Means In 2022

Circular Fashion Is The Future Of Sustainability — Here's What That Means In 2022

{headline}

{headline}

The Best Natural, Organic And Vegan Perfumes

The Best Natural, Organic And Vegan Perfumes

The Sustainable Australian Swimwear Labels We Love

The Sustainable Australian Swimwear Labels We Love

CAES Is The New Slow Fashion Brand Cool Minimalists Are Obsessed With

CAES Is The New Slow Fashion Brand Cool Minimalists Are Obsessed With

{headline}

{headline}

The Two Biggest Trends In Kitchen Design For 2021 Are Polar Opposites

The Two Biggest Trends In Kitchen Design For 2021 Are Polar Opposites

How To Find Your Personal Interior Style

How To Find Your Personal Interior Style

Why We Need To Start Paying Attention To What Goes Into The Bathroom Bin

Why We Need To Start Paying Attention To What Goes Into The Bathroom Bin

In Need Of Some Home Decor Inspiration? These Eight Instagrams Are The Ones To Follow

In Need Of Some Home Decor Inspiration? These Eight Instagrams Are The Ones To Follow

Angelina Jolie Saves The Bees

Angelina Jolie Saves The Bees

The Definitive Guide To Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products & Our Recommendations

The Definitive Guide To Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products & Our Recommendations

Sustainable Fashion & Its Problem With Size Inclusivity

Sustainable Fashion & Its Problem With Size Inclusivity

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire