Heeding the urgent call for environmental stewardship, the interior design industry has made leaps and bounds in finding sustainable ways to enrich everyday life. As interior designers, we owe it to our communities and the world as a whole to create spaces that aren't just aesthetically pleasing, but reimagined with elegance and eco-consciousness in mind.
In this article, we'll delve deep into the world of sustainable interior design and elucidate new pathways for designers seeking to subtly and seamlessly incorporate sustainability into their work, whether through biophilic elements, energy-efficient lighting, conscientious materials sourcing, or other sustainable solutions.
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[Pictured in header: Materials palette from LIV Design Studio]
Sustainable design tip #1: Reuse & recycle
Recycled, reused, and upcycled goods & materials make sustainability a focal point of interiors without necessarily having it be an overt feature. Through embracing the beauty of recycled and upcycled materials, designers can not only infuse their work with a unique touch, but can simultaneously contribute to a more sustainable future. With a mindful approach that celebrates craftsmanship and environmental stewardship, interior designers can weave together timeless aesthetics and conscious design principles, leaving a lasting impression on both clients and the planet.
For the VIP Lounge at IDS Vancouver 2019, LIV Design Studio sought to create an evocative, multipurpose space that was simultaneously elegant yet comfortable, brimming with eye-catching tones and functional details. When designing for a short-lived space, our aim is to minimize our environmental impact through the use of recycled materials, like the BAUX Wood Wool Panels pictured here.
These high-tech soundproofing panels are also sustainably made, composed of an environmentally-friendly, recyclable wood wool, blended with cement and water. The vivid pink tones are patterned to add a rich texture to the vibrant display, arranged in a gradient that draws the attention of passersby at the event.
[Pictured here: BAUX Panels from the IDS Vancouver 2019 VIP Lounge, designed by LIV Design Studio]
Sustainable design tip #2: Mindful material selection
An excellent starting point for designers seeking to incorporate sustainability is to begin sourcing materials and products from makers who prioritize circular practices. By leaning on local artisans, designers greatly reduce the carbon footprint of their projects, as well as adding a distinct sense of place to their interiors by using materials gathered and assembled with the earth in mind.
By way of example, this materials palette put together by the LIV Design Studio team showcases some of our favourite ways to subtly integrate sustainably sourced materials into various facets of our work. Featured here is compostable & biodegradable cork flooring from M R Evans, 100% recyclable resin from 3Form, GREENGUARD-certified Caesarstone quartz, wood panels from Surfacing Solution, and wool carpets from L&M Custom Carpets – a non-toxic, renewable choice that's one of the most sustainable options for carpeting.
[Pictured here: Materials palette from LIV Design Studio (Materials described above)]
Sustainable design tip #3: Engage in energy-conserving practices
Reducing energy consumption is another way that all designers can reduce the impact of their projects at every stage. Minor changes can yield impressive results both aesthetically and for the long-term sustainability of our projects, such as opting for LED lighting or energy-efficient paint colours that reflect light and reduce the amount of electricity required to illuminate a space. Energy-efficient appliances have also become somewhat of a standard, and can be incorporated in a number of different parts of the home due to the abundance of options on the market today.
This divider wall in the lounge within Hillside at Concord shows that low-energy light fixtures can still add a dramatic touch to interior spaces. LED strip lights draw up to 85% less electricity than traditional incandescent lights, and when set against contrasting stone and polished tile, a little illumination goes a long way. The lounge itself was also designed to cut down on energy consumption by minimizing angles and maximizing the potency of the natural light streaming in without interruption from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
[Pictured above: Brentwood Hillside by Concord Pacific, designed by LIV Design Studio]
Sustainable design tip #4: Seek enduring beauty
At the end of the day, truly sustainable designs must also be ones that the people who reside in and use them will find joy in for generations to come. This aim is what informs LIV Design Studio's TECH/DESIGN/CULTURE ethos as with the assistance of technology, we are able to produce designs that harmonize with present & future culture. Creating hyper-realistic renderings enables both our team and our stakeholders to accurately envision how a space will grow & develop alongside its surroundings and ideally become an integral part of the community it is situated within.
LIV Design Studio's Kitchen Standard is a testament to the power of lasting beauty, conceived with present & future users in mind. Through our Visually-Led Design (VLD) Approach, we have carefully refined this integral part of the home to serve the evolving needs of residents in multi-residential communities over time, combining our signature brand of timeless elegance with purpose-driven fixtures, ample storage space, and forward-looking appliances that meet a variety of needs.
In many industries, makers have moved away from trendy products destined for landfills, instead going to great lengths to create fixtures & furnishings that will stand the test of time and endure passing fads. At LIV Design Studio, our aim is always to design for the long-term, with a distinct sense of timeless elegance that will bring longevity to interiors and delight both clients and end-users for innumerable years to come.
[Pictured here: Left & Middle: Light & Dark Kitchen Standard at Seattle House by Concord Pacific; Right: The ARC Vancouver by Concord Pacific, designed by LIV Design Studio]
Conclusion
By finding new ways to integrate timeless, modern deign and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, interior designers can play a substantial role in creating a better tomorrow through the homes and interiors that people interact with every day. This post should show that refined elegance and a minimal ecological footprint are far from mutually exclusive, and that oftentimes a conscious outlook can add a distinctive look & feel to projects that is otherwise difficult to achieve.
Within LIV Design Studio's oeuvre, sustainability is more than just a passing pursuit but rather something we seek to incorporate into each new project, all the while maintaining our emphasis on TECH/DESIGN/CULTURE.
[Pictured here: Rendering of the Inner Courtyard at Marylebone Square by Concord London, designed by LIV Design Studio]
