Design with in mind

Be a conscious consumer and create an amazing home

Tip

DOUBLE OR TRIPLE GLAZED WINDOWS WITH THERMAL PROPERTIES WILL PREVENT YOUR HOME FROM OVERHEATING AND REDUCE ENERGY BILLS

In a world where concern for the environment and awareness of the importance of adopting sustainable practices is permeating every facet of everyday life, why not start on your own doorstep? Sustainable interior design is about creating gorgeous, healthy, liveable spaces for the whole family to enjoy, while still doing your bit to protect future generations – and mother earth. But, when it comes to choosing environmentally responsible materials, furniture, accessories and products, knowing what makes the grade mark and where to buy can be overwhelming. We get the inside track from sustainable design aficionados Sam Armstrong, Design Director, Zephyr Interiors (zephyrinteriors.com) and Hannah Cherwell, founder, Cherwell (cherwell.me)

Bigger picture

“It’s no longer only about buying classic pieces that don’t date quickly. It’s important to first understand the fundamentals of sustainability in interiors. Longevity, energy efficiency, low environmental impact and waste are all important areas to consider,” says Sam. Hannah agrees and suggests starting with our own attitude to energy and water consumption, an area where the UAE, in particular, has seen significant advances in recent years through initiatives such as DEWA’s solar panel installation programme. The latest toilet systems require less water to flush and also feature half flush measures, so worth looking out for when renovating.

Do your homework

If you are looking to replace specific items then do your homework by seeking out companies that are open about their sustainability credentials. “Some brands are backed by industry accreditation, but those who really do walk the talk will be more than willing to provide full transparency about their materials, supply chains and practices. To avoid being sucked in by corporate ‘greenwashing’, look for companies that focus on sustainability throughout the production cycle,” advises Sam, as a “demonstrable topdown commitment to people, planet and profit is what you want to see.”

Hannah applauds brands such as Nordic Homeworx (nordichomeworx. com) whose wooden Swedish floors are made from fully sustainable materials while Sam gives a shout out to Soul & Tables (soulandtables. ae) where beautiful furniture is crafted from sustainable materials using ethical sourcing practices.

Switched on

With around 15% of your electricity bill eaten up by lighting, replacing those old school fluorescent tubes and incandescent bulbs with LEDs and installing a smart lighting control system is a no brainer. Says Hannah: “Next-generation home appliances also come with much lower energy consumption ratings and combining these with smart learning thermostats, such as the NEST system, can substantially reduce your energy usage.”

Shop your home

Reducing, reusing and recycling is the mindset to adopt if you want to be truly pro-sustainability. Hannah admits that reusing some materials can be a challenge but notes that kitchen cabinetry and doors, etc., can be painted or wrapped and old worktops cut down to be repurposed or upcycled as coffee or bedside tables. “This is especially good to do with marble, which is a finite resource,” she says. Sam advocates sandblasting followed by a fresh stain, wax or paint job to upcycle a dining table or getting a grubby sofa professionally cleaned and re-upholstered. Your home is also a repository of forgotten finds. “We all get used to where an item currently ‘lives’ but if you’re open minded you’ll find that simply giving a piece a new home instantly refreshes the space,” she adds.

Show some (pre)love

Expats are always on the move and preloved furniture items are easily sourced online, and often sold at giveaway prices. “This is great for traditionally high-cost items such as bed frames or bedside tables,” says Sam. Pair a second-hand bed frame with some indulgent do-good eco-friendly bedlinen such as the bamboo silk bedding from Naked Lab (nakedlab. com) and you’re ticking multiple boxes.

Kitchen hacks

As well as ultra-efficient appliances, investing in multi-use solutions like Quooker’s three-in-one water tap (quooker.ae) offers both convenience and energy savings. Sam also suggests buying high-quality cookware with cast iron, stainless steel and ceramic longer lasting options that hopefully won’t end up in landfills when eventually replaced. “And when it comes to food storage, glass or silicone over plastic every time,” she notes.

Tip

AVOID HASTY DECISIONS AND SPEND TIME TALKING WITH KNOWLEDGEABLE LOCAL SUPPLIERS WHEN SOURCING SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS THAT WORK FOR THIS REGION

Conscious Additions

QWhy is it important to select a design and build company, instead of build-only?

ATo bring your interior design to life, you need to work with experts who understand your vision. A contractor will only fix the issue for you, but a design and build company will bring a lot more to the table in terms of creativity, aesthetics and services. A major advantage is that design costs are included as part of the overall service.

QWon’t bringing in a design team cost more than my allocated budget?

AGood design is a value for money investment, whatever your budget. A design and build firm offer a turnkey project management service. Our costs may be a little higher than if you work directly with a contractor, but once you factor in what you would spend on interior design ideation, planning and project management, then you will save a significant amount by selecting a onestop-shop.

QIsn’t it the same as working with an individual designer and contractor?

ADesign ideas on paper may not be understood by the contractor or impractical interior design ideas may have to be reworked, incurring delays and hidden or unexpected costs. When a prospective client approaches a design and build company, they are engaging with a team that works together synergistically and seamlessly, based on mutual experience and understanding. The company also takes on the A to Z of responsibility including full project management.

QWhat do I need to know when selecting a design and build company?

AA design and build company will charge either a project management or design fee. Before making a commitment, do your due diligence: check out their project portfolio to confirm that projects showcased are genuine, and ask to see customer reviews. How do they work and are they flexible when it comes to interpreting and delivering on client vision, taste and cultural influences?

QWho is the team behind a design and build project?

AUsing Smart Renovation as an example, Marco and Cinzia head