3 Sustainable Home Spruces This Interior Designer Can't Get Enough Of

Can anything we create in the 21st century be considered totally sustainable? There are so many issues that need our attention with no one solution that ticks every box. But as an interior designer and founder of Design with Care, I believe that when you shop for preloved furnishings or upgrade existing pieces, you adopt a circular design mindset that can be sustained well in the future.

Just as the secondhand apparel market continues to grow, similar trends can be seen in the home industry. I feel lucky that with more platforms offering preloved furniture and vintage items, my studio's mission to design spaces that have a lower impact is always more and more feasible. Look into secondhand furniture sellers in your area (this list is a great place to start) and explore options like Feather or Oliver Space, which allow you to rent pre-used furniture for a set period of time.

When investing in a new piece of furniture, consider how you will grow with it. When buying a sofa, for example, you could choose one that is modular and easy to disassemble. This will make it easier to reupholster and allow you to adapt it to your ever-changing needs, aesthetics, and future homes. 

Unfortunately, not all preloved finds are in pristine condition and ready for use. Sometimes extra effort is needed to recover some of the 12.1 million tons of furniture and furnishing waste1 created by the United States every year. 

My favorite way to upgrade wood is with a layer of Venetian plaster. I'm sure you've seen beautiful plaster walls, but did you know that you can actually texturize your furniture, décor, and even floors using this ancient technique? The marble-like texture is timeless and offers a sculptural finish to any object it comes in contact with. Aside from plastering you can achieve a similar look with a lime wash technique as well. 

While textural style is having a moment right now, there are many furniture refinishing techniques that are equally desirable. If you're a fan of natural wood or solid colors, staining or painting might be a better solution for you.

Isn't it amazing that you have the power to transform an outdated surface into a coveted one at the flick of a brush (or paint sprayer, roller, or trowel)? To ensure you have a finishing material suitable for your furniture, do your research and chat with a designer or a local paint supply specialist.

Textiles and upholstered furniture also offer a wonderful upgrade opportunity. If you bought a couch on sale only to find that it is not as durable as you'd hoped, for example, it can be tempting to escort it to the curb after stains or tears. In some cases, it might even be cheaper to buy a new piece of furniture than renovate the old one. But remember: There is so much positive impact a homeowner can make by upcycling furniture.

When it comes to redressing your sofa, chair, curtains, or other soft coverings, consulting with an interior designer can help you identify skilled artists, upholsterers, or furniture-makers aligned with your desired style, project location, and budget. My go-to studio when working on my client's reupholstery needs has been the Stitchroom, a Brooklyn-based team of upholsterers and sewers. In some cases, you can also consider treating your home textiles with natural dyes, playful tie-dyes, or fabric paint.