There is a marked shift in the luxury design world toward creating serene rooms using organic materials. While this trend started before the pandemic, it has picked up steam as people are more aware than ever of the value of being in spaces they love and owning quality, bespoke items that will stand the test of time. Disposable décor is out. Mindful luxury is definitely in. With this in mind, read on for our tips on how to design a serene space you’ll love using organic and sustainable materials.
Design with Vegan and Zero-VOC Paint
While low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints have become the norm, brands like Benjamin Moore have gone the extra step of developing a color-tinting process that avoids the addition of harmful chemicals and is emission-free. Their Natura line is certified as being allergy-friendly and can be used by asthma suffers. And nothing brings serenity to a room like the knowledge that you will be healthier in it.
You may be surprised to learn some paint companies use animal products as binders. If you are looking for an eco-friendly, sustainable option that excludes animal byproducts, be sure to read the label. Companies like Auro Paints and Painting Columbus have switched to using plant materials to create paints that incorporate a sustainable approach for a densely-hued finished product. As Daniel Brooks, Painting Columbus’ co-owner, explained to Better Homes & Gardens: “‘Vegan paint replaces all animal products with a natural plant-based binder, such as vegetable casein or legumin, and certify that they are cruelty-free … these substitutions allow vegan paints to serve as healthier alternatives and create less-toxic environments for your family or friends.’”
Employ Natural Textures
Consider designing your space using natural textures like organic linen, wood from sustainably managed forests, vintage beams, and reclaimed leather. If you do, you’ll find yourself creating a layered room from ceiling to floor that is both versatile and calming.
Offering enviable durability, sustainable, natural fiber rugs bring a luxurious feel and work with nearly any design aesthetic. Southern Living raves: “Whether it’s jute, sea grass, or sisal, incorporating woven materials into your décor connects the indoors with the outdoors,” bringing casual refinement to beach houses and serenity and lush texture to even the most modern homes.
Do you love the visual interest that comes from wallpaper but want to avoid a pattern clash with your other décor? The sustainable design experts at Southern Living have the answer: grasscloth, a fast-growing, organic material. The Magazine reveals that “the subtle, elegant texture adds that extra bit of decorating oomph, without overwhelming a soothing sea-inspired space.”
Select Handcrafted Furniture
Handcrafted furniture pieces made using organic and sustainably sourced materials offer opportunities for customization along with undeniable comfort. Vincent Van Duysen, a Belgian architect and product and interior designer, strives to bring simplicity and a timeless quality to everything he designs. He explains his approach to sustainable design to Departures: “‘I work with very pure and natural materials like desaturated oak woods, lime-washed brickwork. Really pale nuances and toned-down touches,’” says Van Duysen. “‘It’s in line with the calm and serene atmospheres I create.’”
Carl Hansen & Son, the famed Danish furniture maker, agrees that craftsmanship, comfort, and beauty go hand-in-hand with sustainable design. Known for their meticulous work, they take equal care in using organic or sustainably sourced materials. In business since 1908, they take wood from sustainably managed forests, only use sawmills that are part of the responsible milling movement, and recycle what small pieces are not used for heating. Their business motto is “every piece comes with a story” whether it is one of their iconic chairs made from “sculpted wood and a woven paper-cord seat” that is showcased in Departures or their thoroughly modern “Sideways Sofa.”
Incorporate Antique Statement Pieces
Rejuvenating your home by incorporating antique treasures not only answers your sustainable design goals but can bring a warm feeling of history and connection to a refreshed space. Art Deco pieces are enjoying a particular resurgence. As Daniel Ayer, the director of 20th-century design at Skinner Inc., tells Martha Stewart Living, “‘Art Deco lends a touch of sophistication to more austere contemporary design with its emphasis on clean lines, minimalist furnishings, and accessories, and neutral color palette.’”
Vintage sofas, antique free-standing cupboards, and classic lighting choices can significantly impact a space. You might be amazed at the impression of luxurious comfort that flows throughout the room with the addition of just one storied piece. Design experts at Southern Living advise people to “use antiques to anchor [a] room and then mix in modern touches with bold fabrics, mid-century lighting, and sculptural accessories” for a sustainable design that won’t feel too crowded or too precious. You want to be able to surround yourself in the beauty and comfort of the space, not avoid using the room because it feels like a museum
Maximize Sunlight
Enhancing a room’s access to natural light is one of the best ways to promote a sense of calm and well-being. While it may require additional construction to widen windows, introduce skylights, or create sunrooms, the investment will be worth it. As Martha Stewart Living advises, “sunlight directly impacts our mental and physical health, and can have far-reaching influences beyond the common winter blues.” Your sleep patterns, focus, productivity, and sense of inner peace are likely to improve with even minor adjustments.
Any sustainable design plan should take into account the room’s exposure to natural sunlight. You will then want to enhance that light by bringing in mirrors and other reflective surfaces, choosing lighter or neutral tones as your color base, and selecting window treatments that best give you access to the natural light streaming from the outside.
Bring in Greenery
It’s hard to think of a more organic, sustainable way to bring a sense of calm to your home than by incorporating living plants. Adding greenery is credited with everything from imbuing a space with a sense of tranquility to improved air quality. What’s the best accessory to bring hints of oceanside calm to any home, no matter its location? Southern Living reveals: “For big impact with a coastal vibe, choose palm fronds or banana leaves, which are both architectural and reminiscent of the islands.” Meanwhile, Martha Stewart Living recommends adding plants to every room, including Red Ripples, cascading succulents, Money Plants, and orchids — particularly the Grammatophyllum scriptum var. citrinum due to “[its] chartreuse blooms bursting from giant stalks that can reach three feet in height….” And, of course, don’t forget to add the rhizomatous Begonia “Martha Stewart” to your final design.
Maximize Sunlight
Enhancing a room’s access to natural light is one of the best ways to promote a sense of calm and well-being. While it may require additional construction to widen windows, introduce skylights, or create sunrooms, the investment will be worth it. As Martha Stewart Living advises, “sunlight directly impacts our mental and physical health, and can have far-reaching influences beyond the common winter blues.” Your sleep patterns, focus, productivity, and sense of inner peace are likely to improve with even minor adjustments.
Any sustainable design plan should take into account the room’s exposure to natural sunlight. You will then want to enhance that light by bringing in mirrors and other reflective surfaces, choosing lighter or neutral tones as your color base, and selecting window treatments that best give you access to the natural light streaming from the outside.
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