wall art

Neutral color modern bedroom with heirloom-style furniture — Gravity Chandelier by Kateryna Sokolova for Forestier, Hartau Table Lamp by Alexandre Joncas for d’Armes, Plinth Tall Side Table by Norm Architects for Menu and Spun Light F Floor Lamp by Sebastian Wrong for FLOS

Recycled, reclaimed, renewed. More than buzzwords, materials that are ethically sourced and produced are here to stay—for a long time, ideally. As culture trends towards sustainability, designing an eco-friendly home is more than popular: It’s an investment in the future. Read on for some of our favorite tips and tricks to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven.

Heirloom Quality Furniture

Eero Saarninen furniture in front of landscape view floor to ceiling window — Saarinen Womb Chair, Saarinen Womb Ottoman, Saarinen Round Side Table and Saarinen 35.75-Inch Round Coffee Table by Eero Saarinen for Knoll

Furniture that was built to last rarely ends up in the landfill, and investing in good, lifetime design is a healthy practice for both your home and the environment. Built with high-end materials and sturdy construction, heirloom quality furniture is intended to be just that—an heirloom that can be passed on through the generations.

A Minimalist Mentality

Two Prince AHA Stools overlooking the ocean. — Prince AHA Stool by Philippe Starck for Kartell, Be Bop Lounge Chair by Ludovica e Roberto Palomba for Kartell

Adopting a minimalist mentality doesn’t mean a stark and empty interior space. While consumer culture drives landfills to capacity, conscientious, intentional design can combat unnecessary waste and decrease your carbon footprint at the same time. A more minimalist aesthetic combines the “less is more” mentality with flexibility. Look for pieces that are both practical and multi-purpose. A low stool can double as a side table when not being used as a seat, while a carefully chosen couch can double as seating and sleeping space.

Certified Sustainable Wood

Close up of reclaimed wood lighting fixture — Stickbulb uses reclaimed wood from building tear-downs and defunct NYC water towers.

Deforestation and unsustainable harvesting methods have largely devastated our natural wood resource, so when shopping for wood, shop certified sustainable. This more ethically sourced material can come from sustainably harvested forests, tree farms and even reclaimed wood. Products that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council ensure that the wood has been ethically and sustainably harvested and are often paired with other eco-friendly, innovative technologies like LED lighting.

Recycled Materials

Reclaimed wood black rocking chair shown outdoors — No. 9 Rocking Lounge Chair by Loll Designs

Recycling materials requires far less processing and fewer resources than the production of new materials. Designing your eco-friendly home with products that are made from recycled materials helps to support the recycled materials market, but it’s important to be aware of what “recyclable” actually means. Look for products that are certified Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) and avoid “hybrid” recyclable products that can’t be taken apart and appropriately recycled when their time to be remade and re-purposed eventually arrives.

Low Toxicity + Greenguard Certified

Modern dining set with pendant lighting in open dining area — Eames Molded Plastic Armchair With Wire Base by Herman Miller

Some materials used in furniture production are made with chemicals that will continue to release substances into the air, known as “off-gassing.” While off-gassing isn’t inherently harmful, it can be depending on how the material is made and what it’s been treated with. The most common—and most toxic—chemicals found in furniture are flame retardants and formaldehyde. Instead, opt for furniture that’s Greenguard certified, like pieces from Herman Miller and Knoll—two brands offering Greenguard certified furniture options that ensure low toxicity. You can also look for furniture that’s been left untreated, like natural wood, or furniture treated only with natural substances.

Outdoor Furniture to Commune with Nature

White planter in outdoor garden scene — Origami Planter by Crescent Garden

The most versatile eco-friendly furniture can be both at home in the outdoor elements and element-resistant when made with the right materials. Whether your outdoor oasis is in need of an entertaining area with UV-resistant vinyl chairs, or a pop of green-thumbed-décor in the form of 100% recyclable resin planters, eco-friendly outdoor furniture is designed to withstand wind, rain and the test of time.

From reclaimed wood to energy-efficient LED lighting, creating an eco-friendly home can be a testament to good stewardship—and your eye for design—all year round, and for many years to come.