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.
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
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
