Sustainability refers to the conscious endeavour of satisfying existing generations’ needs and desires without compromising the needs of future generations. In other words, sustainability allows us to improve the quality of our own lives and develop in various ways, while also considering how we can preserve natural resources for future generations. In business, sustainability involves the organisation’s approach to everything from manufacturing to customer service. In recent years, sustainability has become a key concern across all industries, including interior design, and people are looking for ways to manage their profession with eco-friendliness at the forefront of their minds. Delcor, for example, offer eco-friendly sofas and other sustainable products, without sacrificing the luxurious, superior quality product range. 

Ultimately, sustainability in interior design is all about protecting the environment as best we can, while simultaneously making a home or other interior environment a more comfortable and enjoyable space to relax and reside in. After all, we don’t necessarily have to relinquish the long-lasting and high-quality finish offered by deluxe interior design in order to reduce environmental impact; both are achievable concurrently with the right approach. We have taken a closer look at how this can be accomplished below.

How is Sustainability in Interior Design Achieved?

Durable Products 

When it comes to interior design, the life cycle of the materials and items used to manufacture various products needs to be carefully considered, as well as that of the finished result. This will ensure that furnishings and interior spaces remain practical and stylish for decades to come, while also helping to reduce waste. One of the main questions interior designers should ask is: will the products used satisfy the clients’ needs long term, or will they need to be replaced repeatedly over the years? By considering the durability of products used, interior designers help the environment by conserving resources whilst also allowing clients to save money in the long run.

Unfortunately, throwing things away is commonplace in today’s society. This is because things are often not built to last, and people’s tastes change as fast as the weather. However, this won’t be sustainable forever. Delcor goes the extra mile to ensure our products last a lifetime, which reduces waste, conserves resources, and even allows our clients to cut costs in the future. When it comes to a sofa or a bed, it’s important that they don’t just look and feel immaculate, but the frames need to be built to last too. That’s why we happily offer a 50-year guarantee on our products. 

Maximised Space 

Another element of sustainable interior design is to maximise the effective use of available space. Some properties have low ceilings or tricky corners, but that does not mean that particular space needs to be wasted. At Delcor, we are aware that “one size fits all” isn’t always a helpful notion and we offer personalised, handmade products to tailor to these individual obstacles and meet your exact specifications. A corner sofa, for example, might be a more suitable way to take full advantage of an awkward space.

Upcycled & Refurbished Products 

Sustainable materials are undeniably better for the planet, but they can also be an asset in the interior design world. Masterpieces can be achieved using recycled fabrics, reclaimed wood, and other recycled or upcycled materials. In fact, upcycling existing furnishings is far more sustainable than frequently replacing them. This is because upcycling not only minimises the amount of waste being sent to landfill sites each year, but it also reduces the need to produce new or raw materials and therefore has a lower carbon footprint.

However, not only does refurbishing items require less materials, it’s also more cost-effective for clients and provides a more homely and personal feel. At Delcor we offer our clients the exclusive opportunity to refurbish our original, bespoke pieces and return them to their prior magnificence. You might require something as simple as new cushions or foams, or something more complex like a frame modification, but either way you don’t need to replace the whole piece of furniture with something new. Meaning you’ll only ever need to upcycle with us at Delcor!

Locally Sourced Materials

Sourcing materials with lower carbon footprint is an important aspect of sustainability. That’s one of the reasons why Delcor source the timber for our hardwood frames from the UK and craft at our own sawmill in Northumberland where they are produced in a socially responsible manner. This also means that we can guarantee superior quality and prepare a frame that suits our clients’ precise requirements. Nothing is pre-cut or off-the-peg, which limits waste and enhances client satisfaction.

So, sustainability in interior design is multi-layered, but the fundamental idea behind it is to limit waste, decrease consumption of non-renewable resources, and create comfortable and appealing environments for clients that they will be satisfied with for decades to come. We at Delcor are confident that we provide all this and more through our stunning products and superior service.