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A Designer’s Approach to Sustainability 

The design community is striving to be more sustainable, and whether sourcing, specifying or designing, adopting a more sustainable approach is becoming increasingly important.

By adopting more sustainable practices, interior designers can significantly reduce the environmental impact of their projects, from lowering energy consumption to minimising waste through the use of eco-friendly materials. Sustainable design not only helps to preserve natural resources but also creates healthier indoor environments, improving the well-being of occupants. As consumers become more eco-conscious, designers who prioritise sustainability can help meet client needs and contribute to a more responsible future. 

BIID Registered Interior Designer and founder of Materialise Interiors, Chloe Bullock, has been designing spaces for both commercial and residential projects since 1994. Chloe has dedicated her work and career to helping clients who want a more consciously sourced and specified interior.

Chloe comments: “As an interior designer and advocate for sustainability, I feel a responsibility to inform and educate my clients wherever possible, so they can then make informed decisions. We all know that even the little changes can make a big difference so anything we, as designers, can do to help better inform our client’s design choices means that we’ve made a difference.” 

Chloe’s book ‘Sustainable Interior Design’ for RIBA Publishing, explores how to be a sustainable interior designer, both within practice and on design projects, arming the reader with the tools to educate clients that sustainable practice isn’t necessarily more expensive, and what options are available in terms of design concept, materials and finishes.

Chloe will be taking part in ‘Creating an Effective Sustainability Plan’ from 3pm on Sunday 6th October, as part of this year’s Decorex Talks Programme. 

Simone Suss is Founder and Director of Studio Suss, an award-winning interior design studio [a Country and Townhouse 50 Finest UK Designer 2024] which places regenerative design at the heart of its practice. As well as being a member of the Decorex Sustainability Taskforce, the BIID’s Sustainability and Professional Practice Committee, contributing to its sustainability manifesto for the future, Simone is also a Founding Signatory of Interior Design Declares - a public declaration and commitment to taking positive action in response to climate breakdown and biodiversity collapse.  She has a University of Cambridge Certificate in Sustainability Leadership, is currently studying for a Masters in Regenerative Design at UAL St Martins and lectures on the topics at the UK’s leading interior design schools. 

Discussing her experience and extensive knowledge, Simone will join the Decorex Talks Programme from 4pm on Monday 7th October to discuss how to make sustainable choices when buying a sofa or commissioning bespoke upholstery. 

“Our session will explore the current issues designers face when trying to source sustainable furniture and discuss how designers can create furniture that is built to last, easy to repair and gives off less VOCs. We will also cover the conversations to have with your local upholsterer with regards to making sustainable choices on the filling and construction of your furniture.” explains Simone. “I firmly believe that as the first generation to experience the effects of climate change, we are also the last generation to be able to do anything about it. Small decisions on recycling, repairing, reselling and donating can create a big global impact, and I advocate for planet positive choices in my design process.”

As well as the furniture sector, the bathroom and kitchen industries are leading the way in becoming more sustainable, in a variety of different approaches. Decorex has expanded its offering for kitchens and bathrooms for 2024, demonstrating ways in which these sectors are ensuring sustainability is at the forefront of design. The list of K&B exhibitors taking to the showfloor and showcasing their sustainability efforts next month will include Comite Bellecour, Corston Architectural Detail, Croft Architectural Hardware and Officine Gullo.

In addition, one of the leading manufacturers of solid brass hardware, Armac Martin, Stand F1 understands the responsibility it has to work with the interior design community to protect the planet. That’s why it has pledged to achieve net zero by 2041 and reduce its emissions by 50% by 2025. The company is currently in the process of removing all plastic from its packaging and recycles its 70 tonnes of brass swarf at a specialist plant.  Brass is 100% recyclable which is melted down and reused to create beautiful new products.

Clearwater Interiors, stand F54 proudly holds the Climate Partner Certified label for all its collections, giving transparent and clear verification of how the brand measure, reduce and contribute at a product level. Working with Climate Partner has allowed Clearwater Interiors to launch its ongoing journey to reduce carbon emissions – adapting, innovating and evolving processes from day one to create elevated sensory experiences which positively impact the planet.

Chatelaine, stand D73 transform interior spaces with luxurious hand-crafted eco-friendly soft furnishings, designed exclusively for private clients, interior designers, and property developers. The brand’s exceptional focus on sustainability and respect for the planet is woven into every aspect, including sourcing, waste reduction, transportation, lean manufacturing and digitisation. 

Kast Concrete Basins, stand A10, production process offers a low-energy alternative to traditional ceramic basins. Unlike the energy-intensive high-temperature kilns required for ceramic curing, Kast's concrete basins take shape and solidify at room temperature through a natural chemical curing process. Additionally, Kast prides itself in crafting each basin to order, reducing overproduction and excess inventory, which often lead to wasteful outcomes in conventional manufacturing. The brand’s commitment to local material sourcing (Derbyshire limestone), waste reduction, and conscientious water usage further underscores its dedication to sustainability.

British designer and manufacturer of crafted brass bathroom fittings, Samuel Heath & Sons, stand G36 aim to meet all applicable United Nations Sustainability Goals throughout its manufacturing and business processes. The Birmingham based company also manufacture and supply fittings which help reduce water consumption through the inclusion of special aerators and flow limiters and help meet the needs of sustainable building certification, BREEAM.

Bespoke hardware specialist, Turnstyle Designs, stand B35 is a member of the ‘1% for the planet’ organisation, with which it donates up to 2% of its annual revenue. The British manufacturer is also a member of the ‘North Devon UNESCO Biosphere’ which works to connect people and nature, as well as supporting a range of charities including Carbon Neutral Britain, Rewilding Britain and The Rivers Trust. 

Once again, Blue Patch stand J30, the UK’s Sustainable Business Community will exhibit at Decorex to raise awareness of the charitable organisation’s work to provide a network for creative businesses across the UK and Ireland. Supporting exceptional businesses on the pathway to net zero and towards creating more sustainable products and services, they also foster collaboration and heritage skills.

Cinzia Moretti, Creative Director of holistic and biophilic design studio, Moretti Interior Design prioritises sustainable design whenever and wherever possible, with the bathroom as no exception. "Sustainable design is strongly linked to responsibility. It’s about making choices – about materials, processes and packaging – that avoid the depletion or degradation of our natural resources. So, it’s crystal clear that the choices we make (as designers and clients) can have a huge effect on how environmentally friendly our bathrooms can become.” explains Cinzia. “It is perfectly possible for bathrooms to look fabulous, and feature a range of sustainable design concepts, at the same time. As designers, we have the power to make a difference. We can educate people about how to tackle the climate emergency with energy-saving and water-saving behaviour. We can also encourage the use of materials that can be recycled, made from recyclable sources, or made by sustainable sources." 

Get ready for Decorex 2024

To see how sustainability can be incorporated into your projects, and to discover the best brands in the luxury interiors sector, all alongside an inspiring talks programme and unique features – visit Decorex 2024 from 6th – 9th October at Olympia London. Click here to register your place and to contribute a small donation to the Furnishing Futures Charity. 

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