How Popular Is Sustainable Design?

Sustainable design has been a topic in the interior design and construction industries for the past several years. As more and more consumers, builders and designers become concerned with our environment, the more popular sustainable design has become. Depending on where you live, you may not be aware of how popular sustainable design is becoming so I decided to do some research.

Sustainability was named the most popular global trend for 2020. Interest in the environment is becoming a priority and so is using natural materials, buying local, refinishing, repurposing and buying secondhand.

Within sustainable design, here are a few other popular trends.

1.       Minimalism – We’ve seen tiny homes and barely there décor. As people focus more on making memories with experiences they are letting go of material things creating a minimalistic space. Not only is this less is more approach better for the environment, it’s better on the pocket book and for some – their mental health.

2.       Biophilia – Biophilic Design is about incorporating natural materials, light, plants, landscapes, smells and textures into design. It’s becoming very popular as people are looking to surround themselves in nature. Think plants, living walls, banana leaf rugs and lampshades made of grasses such as tobacco or even grown mushrooms.

3.       Energy efficient – Using less energy and taking advantage of sunlight is not only great for the environment, it’s great for your health. Many people have switched to LED lightbulbs, solar energy and are paying attention to their window treatments whether they are used to block out heat, let in heat or let in light.

4.       Low VOC – Clean air is a must to stay healthy and consumers and industry professionals have been trying to eliminate as many toxins in the home as possible. Non-toxic paint and low VOC finishes such as wood floors instead of carpets are becoming the new norm.

If you have a passion for sustainable design and are doing all you can to reuse, repurpose and conserve, yet are curious about the most sustainable way to buy new – remember, buy local and/or watch for certifications.

Sustainable products will be marked with special certifications such as Forest Stewardship Council, Energy Star, OEKO-TEX or Greenguard.

Although, you may not think you have a need for knowledge of sustainable design today, there is a growing population of consumers passionate about the environment. In my research, I tried to find what the most eco-friendly generation is and to my surprise, there is some contradictory information.

One articles says the Baby Boomers are the most eco-friendly generation; they range in age from 74-56. Other articles say consumers in the mid-forties, while others say the Millennials which range in age from 39-24 are the most conscious about the environment. And yet another resource claims Generation Z is also called Generation Green, this age group is 25-5 so not many of us working with that generation yet.

I guess no matter what one things for sure – people everywhere and every age are showing more concern for our environment. If you are passionate about the environment as well and looking to get into a specific design niche, sustainable design may be just the thing for you.