Sustainability in interior design

What is sustainability in interior design

We understand sustainability in design as the use of objects or products that are characterized by certain principles of economic and social sustainability, but mostly of ecological sustainability. When we talk about sustainability we have to think of timeless spaces that last over time, thus avoiding modifying or changing the decoration every few years.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental threats to public health. This is simply a result of the production and use of materials and products with a high level of toxic emissions. For this reason it is important to keep in mind that, as interior design professionals, we must create and design pieces that are not only exceptional, but that do not harm the planet.

How to implement sustainability in interior design

The main goal of interior design and sustainability is to create environmental awareness while reusing materials that might normally be used for a single purpose. In 2021, when it comes to decorating with furniture and accessories for different rooms, the concept of sustainability has become a trend.

When we talk about the requirements or characteristics that sustainable interior designs should have, the following cannot be left out:

Reducing environmental impact

One of the keys to reducing polluting emissions into the ecosystem is to work with raw materials and resources that do not excessively overexploit the natural resources available to us. In addition, labels such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which indicate products made from wood that are 100% sustainable, help to compare different pieces.

Improving energy efficiency

In order for an environment to be responsible with regard to greenhouse gas emissions, it must meet certain requirements, such as favouring natural light, promoting low energy consumption or choosing colours that reduce dependence on artificial light.

Promote recycled or reusable materials as much as possible

Thanks to the circular economy we manage to extract the different products or materials in order to reuse them as many times as possible. Therefore, it is important that as A&D, we face our projects having previously investigated how the materials of the products we use are going to be recycled. More and more products are being manufactured with materials obtained from waste that has been recycled, such as plastic bottles, agricultural waste, etc.

Creating healthy spaces

Finally, another key to making our interior designs sustainable is to prioritise and create a healthy space. Sometimes the chemicals we use to treat or clean furniture can be harmful to people’s health and indoor air pollution, among others. Good design encourages the creation of healthy and natural spaces, free of polluting allergens and easy to clean.

Viccarbe, a commitment to sustainability

At Viccarbe we have taken a leap forward in leading the way towards sustainability within the contemporary furniture design industry. That’s why we incorporate the latest innovations in sustainability and development into most of our products:

Funda family

Light, comfortable and enveloping furniture. The designer Stefan Diez promotes the circular economy through the Funda collection. This concept has been drawn up with the objective of reducing environmental impact thanks to the innovation of its manufacturing process. Specifically, the Funda chair is composed of a metallic structure and an upholstered cover. Both parts can be recycled independently, thus extending its life cycle while promoting the circular economy.

Ecoalf

Together with the fashion brand Ecoalf we have created a new concept in which innovation and sustainability predominate within the furniture design industry. Thanks to this exclusive collaboration, Ecoalf fabrics will be used in the Viccarbe collection. A new line of sustainable and innovative furniture will also be developed: Ecoalf by Viccarbe. In addition, the first collaboration between the two brands will be launched this summer. Viccarbe’s Maarten collection will add a new line upholstered with Ecoalf fabrics, made from recycled waste materials such as coffee grounds or fishing nets, among others.

Now that you know what sustainability in interior design is all about, it is important to bear in mind that at Viccarbe we specialise in designing friendly, versatile and sustainable pieces.

If you are interested in including furniture in a specific environment, access our website where you can find all our products and projects. Or if you prefer, you can also contact one of our sales representatives.