Sustainable Materials in Modern Interior Design and Renovation

You would be hard-pressed to find a hotter topic than sustainability in the macro-economy.

From emails from your favorite companies outlining their plans to reduce carbon emissions to promises on food packaging that the contents are sustainably sourced, it is a part of our lives at every turn.

In the design sector, sustainability serves multiple purposes. It helps homeowners reduce ongoing utility and maintenance costs. It appeals to an increasingly conscientious market. And it helps future-proof the home against tightening governmental standards.

With this in mind, keep reading as we explore some of the most sustainable--yet stylish--materials in interior design and renovation.

Recycled Glass Countertops

There are many types of countertops that can be considered sustainable. For example, engineered quartz countertops are nonporous and low maintenance, limiting the ongoing need for cleaning resources. Similarly, granite countertops are extremely durable, making them a great choice for heavy duty usage without the threat of constant repairs.

However, there is a new player in the countertop market that takes sustainability to the next level: countertops made from recycled glass. This innovative countertop solution is fabricated from post-consumer and industrial waste, such as old bottles, windows, and industrial glass. The waste glass is cleaned and carefully sorted by color and type. It is then broken down into various sizes, from fine particles to larger chips. Held in place with cement or a resin binder to form a solid slab, these durable countertops offer a striking appearance while significantly limiting the natural resources used during the manufacturing process for the ultimate sustainable countertop option.
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Low-E Windows

Windows are one of the most important components of a sustainable interior. First-rate windows will 1) create airtight transitions with the walls to eliminate transfer through the building envelope and 2) promote the flow of natural light throughout the interior for reduced reliance on electrical lighting sources.

Increasingly, the most sustainable homes are looking at windows with innovative low-E glazing. This is a specialized type of glass with a microscopically thin, transparent coating that helps reflect heat. This guarantees that the home will get all of the natural lighting on those long summer days without any of the accompanying heat increase known to kick A/C into overdrive.

Denim Insulation
Without the proper insulation infrastructure, sustainability upgrades will be two steps forward, one step back. As such, ensuring sufficient R-value in the building envelope is crucial for maintaining a consistent interior environment without the need for HVAC intervention.

Recently, sustainable insulation initiatives have moved past basic fiberglass or cellulose options. For example, recycled denim insulation offers an R-value just as impressive as these traditional insulation products. Sourced from 85% post-industrial denim, it is one of the top insulation options for conserving resources, reducing toxic off-gassing, and limiting embodied energy during the manufacturing process.
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Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating is a system of subfloor electric mats. Controlled by an app, it releases heat in a consistent, stovelike manner up through the flooring surface. This direct approach to heating can raise temperatures with a fraction of the energy of forced-air systems. Although estimates vary, it is generally believed that radiant heating systems are about 30% more efficient than traditional forced-air options. Furthermore, radiant heating is completely hidden from view and reduces noisy furnace usage, offering further benefit to interior design efforts.

Sound Proof Door

It is no secret that life is becoming increasingly remote. From work-from-home professionals to online students, many of the daily activities that used to require a commute can now be accomplished from the comfort of your own home.

As such, modern interior design must be tailored to enhance at-home productivity. Demountable partition walls and decorative screen panels can be used to break up space and create privacy in open interiors. A sound proof interior door comes in stately oak varieties that offer a classy aspect while keeping home offices tranquil. Acoustic art panels can be added throughout the home’s interior to enhance aesthetics while limiting sound transfer through the walls.

LED Handrails

Railings are a point of emphasis in modern interiors. No longer a utilitarian found near staircases, modern railings must offer their own functional, aesthetic, and sustainability benefits to an interior.

It is increasingly popular to use glass and stainless steel cable railings. These materials are sleek, low profile, and easy to clean. They offer seamless integration with the open interior and promote the flow of natural light throughout the home. It is also a great idea to explore lighted handrail options. This guarantees that staircases and lofts remain safe at all hours of the day. Look for innovative options that incorporate energy-efficient LED modules directly into the railing for premier sustainability.

The Best Materials for a Sustainable, Stylish Interior
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To stay in line with the sustainability movement, modern interiors must be as long-lasting and energy efficient as possible. From recycled glass countertops to LED handrails, explore any of the ideas listed above for the ultimate in sustainable interior design. For more resources similar to this, explore the content at Jill Seidner Interior Design for ideas and inspiration!

Author Bio

Andrea Erickson is a freelance writer who loves sharing her knowledge and expertise in renovation and Interior Design. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Andrea’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.

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