Design ideas for a lighter carbon footprint

TERMS like ‘eco-friendly, sustainable and green living’ are commonplace in practically every industry, and their impact on interior design has now become significant.
Due to the steady depletion of natural resources, it is becoming more important to adopt a developmental approach that focuses on conservation and sustainability.
Reusing, recycling and upcycling are at the forefront in the field of interiors and are being used to ensure a lighter footprint on the planet.
And there are several ways homeowners can give their dwellings a touch of green. Furniture made from reclaimed wood, second hand furniture, usage of vintage pieces and upcycling old heirloom pieces are just some of the ways to ensure sustainability.
It can be very satisfying to buy an old piece of second hand furniture for very little money, painting it yourself and using it as a statement piece in your living room. Old window shutters can be transformed into accent wall pieces and old doors can either be converted to tables or even wall shelves.
Several alternatives are also available on the market, with manufacturers offering handmade tiles for the flooring and using cotton or paper-based wallpapers instead of vinyl and wall cladding with natural jute fabric.
Native materials like bamboo, cane, wicker and rattan are enjoying an emergence, according to various design publications.
Bamboo not only lends an aesthetic look but is durable and therefore used in furniture, wall panelling and even fabrics.