Putting Responsible Design into Practice: 6 Sustainable Brands

Sustainable design. Responsible design. These terms are consistently used amongst design professionals, but what do they really mean? As attitudes towards design change, we in the industry must adopt healthier practices and smarter ways of creating beautiful interior products that cause as little impact to the planet as possible. See our top sustainable design brands to keep an eye on this year.

6 Sustainable Design Brands to Keep An Eye On

1.       Angus Ross

Winner of the Decorex Virtual Awards 2020 for the category of Sustainable Product, and we are still consistently surprised by their commitment to the cause. Discover their Prism Stool and other stunning designs via their website. 

2.       Bethan Gray

Bethan Gray has made tremendous efforts to go green with the release of her Exploring Eden collection – partnership with Square Space. In it they combine discarded seashells and waste feathers to create the most gorgeous furniture pieces. 

3.       Farrow & Ball

If you are in search for a trusted paint brand that considers sustainability, then Farrow & Ball should be at the top of your list. Their rich pigments are water based, made with responsible practices and eco-friendly formulas. 

4.       Another Country

Using sustainably sourced timber, all-natural fibres, and managing to be carbon neutral, Another Country’s a fantastic brand to follow. Their Hardy collection contains smooth lines and beautiful wood, for a stunning finish. 

5.       Anna Glover

Anna Glover’s unique wallpaper designs aren’t just striking but are also perfect for the eco-conscious luxury consumer. Recognising the negatives in using vinyl for her prints, the award-winning designer has experimented with recycled and biosynthetic fibres to create masterpieces for the home. 

6.       Jennifer Manners

Jennifer Manners has made a commitment to the weaving industry with their /re/PURPOSE Collection, comprised of uniquely treated recycled plastic. These hand-knotted rugs are a luxurious yet eco-conscious home accessory. 

4 Tips For Putting Responsible Design Into Practice 

1.       Embrace the new age of design

According to Hayles, 2015: “Society is beginning to recognise the interconnectedness of buildings, people and community in the creation of an environmentally responsible built environment; clients are beginning to understand their role and impact on the environment. As a result, they are seeking interiors that demonstrate environmentally responsible, sustainable design.” It is true that our collective recognition in the design industry’s environmental impact has been the catalyst for a marked change in attitude and demand. But how might we respond to this? 

2.       Walk before you can run

‘Going green’ can be quite daunting, especially for interior design businesses with long-held processes in place. Start by identifying areas of your business that could be improved. Rather than trying to fix everything at once, start small and work your way up to the larger elements. Consider energy saving in your office or showroom – are you being consistent here? What about waste, are you being as vigilant as possible not to throw away spare materials? Consider selling your off-cuts as a way of reducing your impact. These small changes will combine to create a wider, more eco-friendly way of working. 

3.       Adopt healthier practices

There are various ways your business can adopt responsible design practices. A good place to start is sustainable interior design products; you might want to consider adopting energy saving lighting, using reclaimed or recycled materials where possible, using products with safe manufacturing processes or choosing products made from rapidly renewable sources like bamboo. 

If you aren’t sure how to make your business more sustainable, sign up to The Edit for a day of discussions, business sessions and roundtables on this very topic. Find out more here >>.

4.       Consider the finer details

Think carefully about your suppliers and how they procure their materials. It’s important that you develop strong relationships in these areas so that you understand exactly how every element of your ensemble is being produced.

Ensure that your suppliers aren’t using toxic or polluting chemicals to treat their materials or build their overall products. A variety of safe and chemical-free products have become available on the market over the last few years, from organic and hypoallergenic paint to pesticide-free fibres and woods.

We hope that you have enjoyed reading our article on sustainable interior design products and putting responsible design into practice.

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