Is green the colour of 2024?

Ok, let’s get real, we know most people don’t have the time or budget to put solar panels on the roof, redo their windows and doors, switch to smart technology and install a new lighting system. But as we’re getting more aware of climate change, we are calling that 2024 will be the biggest year for eco swaps to more sustainable solutions in our homes.

Up until now it has felt like sustainable options are a nice to have, but often costly and hard to find. But as we continue to see from the growing number of sustainable brands popping up in the interiors space, it is becoming easier and easier to go green. 

“We’re not chaining ourselves to trees at the weekend or anything, we’re just very conscious about making the right decisions for a better future - even if they’re the harder ones. People deserve to know who they’re buying from, to make conscious choices.” Rob & Rob – Coat founders

As the founders of paint brand Coat so perfectly said, we at Maché, believe that every design choice can make a positive impact on our environment without having to compromise on the beauty of your home.

So, we thought it might help to put together a handy guide on small ways you can easily make some swaps to your upcoming home designs, that will make your home a green oasis in 2024. 

1. Eco-paint brands

One of the easiest swaps when doing any interior design is eco-friendly paints. There are more and more brands that are upping their green credentials, but here are two we have used and loved in our designs.

COAT - The first Carbon Positive Paint Company in the world. Also helps that the entire COAT range, has wonderful coverage, pigment, and an incredible range of colours. It is entirely water-based and low toxin (VOC) and 100% solvent-free. They are also packaged in recycled packaging and come in handy peel and stick samples. 

Little Greene - Another great paint brand with a brilliant selection of colours. All their water-based paints carry the industry's highest eco-rating, with VOC content now virtually zero. Their oil-based paints have been reformulated using sustainable vegetable oils, without compromising on their unrivalled quality. They are also all made in the UK, so no need to worry about carbon footprint.

2. The Beauty of Natural Materials:

Another great way to be sustainable in your interior design is to focus on the materials you choose for your home. In 2024, we will continue to see a rise in the use of natural, renewable materials. These materials not only reduce the demand for virgin resources but also add a warm, organic touch to your interiors.

There are quite a few brands operating in this space, but here are two brands we think you should keep on your radar. 

Vaunt Design - Bespoke furniture brand we love that fuses bespoke furniture, natural materials like cork and wood and a beautiful Nordic aesthetic. Crafted from solid wood and hand-finished, each piece has a level of character that is hard to find from bigger manufacturers. Their designs are built to last and keep.

Tikamoon - Solid-wood furniture specialists with a range that made up of 85% solid wood and is built to last. They offer a 5-year guarantee so if anything goes wrong, you won’t need to replace it. We love their raw materials first approach to furniture. 

3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:

Despite a bespoke approach to making furniture being a much more sustainable option, an even better way to go green is to reuse. Repurpose old furniture, incorporate vintage or second-hand pieces, and recycle materials whenever possible. This not only reduces waste but also adds character and uniqueness to your space.

Some great places to find great pieces are:

Vinterior is one of our favourites for timeless designs across an incredible selection of vintage furniture. This is the place to buy the original design that has been picked up by fast-furniture manufacturers and made with low quality materials. These pieces are chosen to keep for a lifetime. 

Ebay, great for finding sellers who refurbished furniture from well-known brands at a fraction of the cost of the original. Saving money and landfill.   

Etsy, great for a wide variety of independent makers who use reclaimed wood and other materials. Change your search criteria to be for ‘local sellers-only’ to cut down on your furniture’s carbon footprint. 

Lastly, if you are lucky enough to live near vintage or antique stores, these are great places to find reused beautiful furniture that has been built to last, at great prices. 

4. Energy-Efficient Lighting:

Ok, I know we said this is a big job and not one that is easily achievable when you are doing a simple design refresh. But, if you have a big reno coming up, LED is the future and something we would strongly advise you incorporate into your design. LED lighting has become the gold standard for energy-efficient lighting. Upgrading your home's lighting to LED not only reduces energy consumption but also lowers your electricity bills. Additionally, consider installing smart lighting systems that allow you to control and optimise your lighting usage. 

5. Sustainable Textiles:

Possibly the easiest swap of all, consider the environmental impact of the textiles you bring into your home. Look for organic and sustainable fabric options for upholstery, curtains, and bedding. These textiles are produced with minimal environmental impact and are often free from harmful chemicals.

Bonus tip - Biophilic Design Elements:

Bringing nature into your home is not just a design trend; it's a sustainability choice. Biophilic design incorporates natural elements like indoor plants, natural light, and green walls. These features not only enhance the aesthetics of your space but also contribute to improved air quality and well-being. Win, win.

By incorporating these sustainable design practices and materials into your home, you can create a space that's not only beautiful and unique to you, but also environmentally responsible. Each small step towards sustainability adds up to a greener future, and together, we can make 2024 a year of positive change for our homes and the planet.