Leonardo Design: sustainable materials

More than just trends or buzzwords, sustainable materials, eco-friendly furniture and biophilic designs have firmly entrenched themselves in our modern design lexicon – and with good reason.

“Apart from being good for the environment and reducing your carbon footprint, an eco-friendly space also has major health benefits,” explains Leonardo Design.

Here, the team shares some pretty, eco-friendly home makeover ideas to help you create a stylish, sustainable home.

Choose non-toxic materials

“When considering renovating or redecorating look into the ethics behind your considered materials. Does the manufacturer source their materials sustainably? Are recycled materials involved? How biodegradable are they? What is the distribution process for obtaining the materials?

Toxic materials or options with a high level of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) can harm the air quality both in your building and in the original manufacturing plant. Try to use cleaner options with low VOC levels so that you can protect your health as well as the planet.”

Opt for green flooring

“When considering flooring options there are several ‘green’ choices. Cork and bamboo have become increasingly popular in recent years, but keep in mind that most bamboo comes from tropical or subtropical regions. Depending on where you live, this can lead to high emission levels and pollution throughout the distribution process.

Reclaimed hardwoods, recycled glass, PET carpeting are all gaining popularity as is manufactured hardwood. Linoleum has shaken off its tacky image and is now a widely used eco-friendly option. Unlike vinyl, today’s linoleum consists entirely of biodegradable materials like linseed oil, tree resin, and cork dust. This highly renewable material is also flame-retardant and resists moisture well. Furthermore, linoleum’s durability makes it a long-lasting option for most homes or buildings.”

Embrace natural light

“Make the most of natural light to reduce energy consumption. Maximize the use of windows by keeping them unobstructed and using light-coloured window treatments that allow sunlight to filter in. This not only reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day but also creates a bright and airy atmosphere.”

Choose energy-efficient lighting

“When artificial lighting is necessary, opt for energy-efficient LED or CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs. These bulbs consume less energy, have a longer lifespan, and are available in various colour temperatures to suit different moods and activities. Consider installing dimmer switches to further reduce energy usage.”

Go for eco-friendly window treatments

“When choosing window treatments make sure they are made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, or linen. Look for curtains or blinds that provide insulation and reduce heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer, thus reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.”

Use eco-friendly paints

“Paints have undergone a huge transformation and eco-friendly paints have become the norm when decorating. There is now a wide choice of low or zero-VOC paints for interior and exterior available that are free from toxic chemicals, ensuring better indoor air quality. Look for paints labelled as eco-friendly or natural, which are made from organic pigments and sustainable binders.”