If you’re thinking of updating your home décor and want to choose eco-friendly options, this blog is written with you in mind. We’ve put together a guide on the environmentally friendly textiles and materials available, and what their ideal use is.
Wool
Here in New Zealand we are no strangers to wool. It’s a plentiful resource and one that offers so many benefits. It’s warm, durable, absorbs moisture and is versatile, and that is why we see wool used in so many ways. When used in carpet, wool provides warmth and comfort and is hard-wearing. Wool carpets also support a healthy home by trapping dust and allergens in the fibre and holding onto it until vacuumed.
Wool is also a good choice for upholstery due to its durability and warmth and is a great way to add some texture to your décor. Add in some cushions, a throw, and a fluffy sheepskin for the ultimate cosy look.
When sourcing wool furnishing we work with the following companies:
Bremworth Carpets is our go-to for premium NZ-made wool carpets and rugs. As an environmentally conscious manufacturer, Bremworth is focused on finding natural and compostable solutions, reducing waste, energy efficiency and carbon reduction.
The Ivy House share their love of natural, sustainable, kindly-made items. They focus on quality craftmanship using sustainable fibres and work closely with suppliers to bring thoughtful items to NZ homes that you won’t find elsewhere. They believe in investing in items that you will enjoy in your home for a long time; making your home and our precious planet their priority.
Cork
This natural material has made a comeback and people love it for its versatility and eco-friendly properties.
Cork is used for flooring and wall tiles, especially in wet areas due to it actively combating mould and mildew and is easy to clean. Its cell structure resembles honeycomb, and this enables it to act as a natural thermal sound insulator and shock absorber. The finished effect is a quiet, warm and comfortable material to walk on. There is nothing boring about this durable material with new ranges available in a variety of styles, colours and patterns to suit your interior design. As a natural material that is from a renewable and sustainable source, cork is a great option if you want to make an eco-friendly choice.
Here at Inside Storey we work with Quantum when sourcing quality cork flooring and tiles for our clients.
Organic cotton
The benefits of organic cotton need no introduction. We all know cotton for being breathable and low maintenance. The difference with organic cotton is that it tends to be softer due to no pesticides or other harmful chemicals being used. It is therefore a more environmentally friendly alternative to standard cotton and is ideal for use in curtains, bed- linen and soft furnishings.
Hemp
This material is gaining popularity as it rises above the stigma around the plant it is sourced from. Hemp has one of the strongest natural fibres and this makes it very durable. It also absorbs and releases moisture and is mould and UV-resistant.
This makes it a good choice for upholstery and is hard wearing. When blended with silk and cotton, hemp can be used for curtain drapes. Whilst I haven’t used hemp fabric for curtains yet, it is another option available for those wanting a more eco-friendly material.
Reclaimed wood
Using reclaimed wood is an excellent way to reduce waste and give retired timber a new lease on life. It also reduces the need for more trees to be cut and stops perfectly good wood from ending up in landfill.
Reclaimed wood adds character and uniqueness to a space and adds a sense of history and nostalgia. This material is perfect for creating a rustic feel or injecting some warmth into a contemporary space. The options with reclaimed wood are endless. Some popular uses are flooring, wall panelling, shelving, benches, tables, and headboards.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a popular choice because it's aesthetically appealing and is a sustainable resource. In fact, bamboo is one of the fastest-growing materials.
Its smooth finish and light shades enable it to complement modern materials, creating a style inspired by nature. Bamboo is a strong, durable material and can be used for large items such as wall panelling and flooring, as well as furniture and room accents such as mirror frames and baskets, and soft furnishings like cushions and rugs.
Waterborne paint
If you’re looking for a paint option that is kinder on the environment, look at waterborne paint options. These paints use water as a solvent and therefore have less odour (better for air quality) and are washable in water. Look for the Environmental Choice New Zealand badge on tins.
When choosing paint for our clients we look to local companies Resene and Dulux, here's why:
Resene not only have a recycling programme for unwanted paint and packaging, but they also offer vegan options. Vegan paint means that there is no use of animal products or by-products and are not tested on animals.
Dulux also has an environmentally friendly paint range which is low odour and very low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) which is kinder on the environment and the air we breathe.
Recycled textiles
Leading textile brands like James Dunlop offer a range of fabrics that have been constructed from recycled or organic fibres. The process sees fabrics that would have otherwise been destined for the landfill, saved and given a new lease of life in the form of beautiful new textiles.
The James Dunlop team is truly on a mission to lessen its impact on the environment. As well as including recycled textiles in their collection, they are focused on improving day-to-day operations to be more eco-friendly, working with suppliers whose fabrics are certified as containing no harmful substance (Oekotex) and participating in a textile recycling programme.
Being environmentally friendly is just one of the many reasons why we work with James Dunlop.
Stone bench tops
We love bench tops made from quartz, granite or stone, and work with suppliers who sustainably source materials and are environmentally minded.
For example, we work with Cosentino who are leaders in sustainable benchtop design. Their HybriQ by Silestone is a new high-performance blend of premium materials, quartz, and recycled materials, produced through a sustainable manufacturing process with 98% recycled water and renewable energy.
We also work with Archant for beautiful decorative surfaces, cabinetry and fittings. We love the Florim range (pictured) not only for how it looks but also because Florim is B Corp certified (illustrating their commitment to measuring their social and environmental impact).
Decorate the eco-friendly way
Choosing natural textiles and materials is one step towards making your décor more environmentally friendly. The suppliers you choose for everything from paint to furniture and finishings will also contribute to this.
If you’re looking to redecorate and want advice on the eco-friendly options available, please get in touch. We’d love to help you create a beautiful space that reflects not only your style but also your values.
Book a consultation today - call Litsa on 021 610 752 or email litsa@insidestorey.co.nz
