It is fair to say that as well as finding beautiful things to enhance our homes, making sustainable and eco-responsible choices has become of primary importance. I am no exception and am always trying to find ways to create in a more responsible way.
Fortunately, the interiors industry is making small but meaningful and determined steps to offer us all the ability to make the right choices when it comes to caring for our planet.
Tricia Guild OBE is the creative force of Designers Guild and has been at the forefront of interior design since starting the company in the early '70s. Internationally renowned for her passion for color, pattern and texture as well as her signature lifestyle brand and books, Tricia Guild has been setting the pace with her dynamic and innovative collections, instantly recognisable for her unique and contemporary style.
1. Eco-friendly paints
High quality, eco-friendly paints are a good place to start. Some of my favorite paint colors from Designers Guild Perfectly Plain Paint range, including Emerald, TG blue and Chalk, are happily low VOC, washable and water based with absolutely no nasties, so you can paint away with a clear conscience.
2. Natural fibers
Natural fibers like paper, linen, cotton and wool are also good choices when it comes to decorating and especially do look for the Oeko Tex and Better Cotton symbols, such as those on our Cassia Cord fabrics (above) – both initiatives that work hard to ensure a responsible approach. Watkin (below) and Lisbon from Designers Guild are great collections to decorate with if you want to make an eco-friendly choice. They are as practical and stylish as they are useable and are sustainably produced too. I’m proud of their eco credentials.
When it comes to accessorizing, look for those simple fibers and textures again to add style at home. Our organic pure cotton bedlinen and coordinating Loweswater towels (below) are both Oeko Tex-approved and super luxurious whilst being sustainably produced. The bedlinen in six mouthwatering shades comes in fabric bags without plastic packaging which is helpful too.
3. Recyclable products and packaging
There are lots of accessories that one can use with confidence – some of my favorite home fragrance – Green Fig and Waterleaf all come in recyclable packaging and are made with soya wax, come in glass containers that can be repurposed too.
Recycling plastic bottles can create some wonderful new products that combine good looks with practicality too. The Saliya rug and the Cortez rug are firm favorites in our collection.
-
How to improve drainage in raised beds – for optimum soil healthExpert advice for boosting raised bed drainage to keep plants fed, watered and healthy
-
Gwen Stefani's fall-inspired bouquet features ranunculus, snapdragons, and French marigolds – and it's under $100The singer turned her love of florals into a magnificent, blooming bouquet with Farmgirl Flowers – and you can bring her exact blooms into your home
-
How I encourage my clients to make sustainable choices in their interior designAs an interior designer, I'm aware that I must push for sustainable decor whenever I can. Here, I explain four ways that anyone can be more sustainable with their choices
-
6 clever ways to upcycle leftover decorating materials – to save money and be more eco-friendlyUsing up leftover decorating materials can result in a more layered interior, too
-
How to make bowl covers – easy steps with upcycled fabricsMaking bowl covers will mean no more covering food with plastic, and pretty-looking bowls on the countertop
-
Eco decor – 10 beautiful, sustainably-designed room ideasThere is an alluring organic luxury about these eco decor schemes – all crafted with pieces focused on being natural
-
British Style: de le CuonaWe find out more about fabric firm de Le Cuona and its landmark range of organic, fully traceable linen
-
Sustainable fabrics – the fibers to look for and questions to askRecycled textiles expert Jules Haines advises buying sustainable fabrics for your interiors project
-
Homemade moth repellent – get rid of moths, naturallyYou can make your own moth repellent using herbs and essential oils. It's easy to do and more sustainable than products sold in-store
-
How to make laundry detergent – a recipe for eco-friendly washing powderAuthor Jen Chillingsworth shows how easy making your own laundry detergent at home is – and you can add essential oils to create a fragrance unique to you
