Sustainable interior design trends
 Vast Interior |
Interior design trends for autumn winter
We’re all aware of the recent developments in environmentally friendly building practices and the push towards adopting energy efficient measures around the home. From the latest five star eco houses to government incentives for solar products and water tanks, to improvements in energy efficient heating and lighting, homeowners are all now expected to do their bit for the environment.
But this sustainability drive is also having an exciting impact on contemporary interior design trends as we become increasingly interested in where products are being sourced and the impact our choice of homewares can have on the environment.
From IKEA to Freedom, and lots of smaller retailers in between, new ranges of stylish and chic eco-friendly homewares have emerged and the eco trend continues to dominate this autumn winter.
Sustainable materials such as recycled wood and bamboo are very much in vogue as they look great and don’t contain toxic chemicals often found in other prefabricated materials. And organic fabrics such as wool, cotton, linen and hemp are now considered very much a chic rather than shabby addition to any home.
Interior designer and founder of eco-friendly furniture and homewares store Eco Chic, Cris Bucknall, says many of us are genuinely concerned for the environment, but often feel powerless to do anything about it. Making ethical homeware choices is a great place to start.
“Think globally but act locally. When redesigning your house or buying some furniture, you can make conscientious purchases and feel like you are making a difference. And you still get a chic and stylish result,” she says.
Vast Interior’s Cara Tindall believes the latest sustainable interior design trends can be perceived as a backlash against our modern, mass-produced culture. “We’re now looking to channel our own identity and connect more with the environment through the way we present our homes,” she says.
“At Vast, the majority of our product lines are made from recycled or renewable resources as we are very conscious about the environment. Recycled timbers are used where possible and many original pieces have been re-fashioned from old doors or shipping vessels. Our signature dining range is also made from solid mango wood, a plantation hardwood harvested from sustainably-managed forests.”
What’s hot
 Vast Interior |
According to Cara, nostalgia, nature and nurture are amongst the key influences and the most sought after design trends this year. Not surprisingly, colours that replicate nature, like muddy tones of purple, teal green and yellow, contrasted by neutral tones are very popular.
“For 2011, fake minimalist and cold designs have been overruled by warm, earthy, worldly style to create homes with personality and soul,” she says.
“Globally there is a strong cultural influence, with runways and celebrities embracing tribal prints and global glam and we see this inspiring home fashion and decorating here in Australia too.”
Cris agrees that trends for this autumn winter include large amounts of personality and an opportunity to get creative. “What’s hot includes anything handmade that looks like it was created with love rather than in a factory in China. And this includes cable knit throw blankets, velvet cushions with fantastic trims and hand poured soy candles,” she says.
“We’re also seeing a big trend in upcycling where very humble items are reconfigured into fantastic new homewares, like lamps made out of old water cans, baskets made from recycled chip packets, or accent cushions made from vintage wool blankets.”
For those of you looking for a quick autumn winter makeover, Cris recommends going for quality over quantity. “Opt for a few quality pieces that you see yourself keeping for a long time rather than lots of cheap stuff that will be in next winter’s trash bin,” she says.
“This winter, there’s no quicker way to refresh your space than by just getting some new scatter cushions, a throw, a lamp, and maybe a colourful vase. A few well-chosen accessories can enliven a whole room.”
Top tips for eco-friendly interior design
 Eco Chic |
Use materials produced in a socially responsible manner
Choose furniture and products from sources that promote safe manufacturing processes and socially just business practices. When possible, use local sources.
Go for natural
Select items that are made out of natural materials. These items generally last longer, are in style longer and don’t require as much manufacturing. Natural fibre lounges, chairs and baskets are an old favourite.
Reduce waste by using reclaimed or recycled materials
Furniture and decorative items can be repurposed, refinished or otherwise refurbished to give them new life. For the truly environmentally-conscious, tiles, carpets, fabrics, even sinks and counters can be made from recycled materials.
Use as many non-toxic and non-polluting products as possible
Increasing varieties of safe and chemical-free products are available, from organic, hypoallergenic paint to fibres and woods that haven't been treated with pesticides. Healthier for you and the environment.
www.vastinterior.com.au
www.ecochic.com.au
| WIN one of three sets of two gorgeous hand-made cushion covers from India, courtesy of Vast Interior. The covers are from Vast Interior’s exclusive Couture Culture Textile Collection and are valued at $100 per set.* 
*Terms and conditions apply. Patterns and pairings of the cushion sets will vary. |
What are your sustainable design tips?
Terms & Conditions
1. Information on how to enter Homeloans’ Vast Interior competition and the associated prize draw form part of the conditions of entry.
2. The prize is a set of two cushions from Vast Interior’s Courture Culture Textile Collection valued at $100 per set. Patterns and pairings of cushions will vary per set.
3. Entrants must be over 18 years of age, residents of Australia and not a member of the category of persons listed in clause 8.
4. To enter the prize draw, entrants must fully complete the entry form on Homeloans’s website at http://www.homeloans.com.au/Customer-centre/enewsletter-may11/Win-an-Apple-iPad-with-WiFi-3g.aspx by 5pm (AEST) on Thursday 30 June 2011.
5. Competition commences at 11am (AEST) on Tuesday 10 May 2011 and concludes at 5pm (AEST) on Thursday 20 June 2011.
6. There is to be only one competition entry per person.
7. Homeloans takes no responsibility for lost, late or misdirected entries.
8. Employees of Homeloans, Vast Interior, their families and associated companies are ineligible to enter.
9. The Promoter is Homeloans Ltd ABN 55 095 034 003. Level 2, 168 St Georges Tce, Perth WA 6000.
10. All entries become the property of the Promoter – Homeloans Ltd. The Promoter reserves the right to use the content of any entry for the purpose of future promotions.
11. Entry to the prize draw constitutes consent for Homeloans Ltd to use the entrant's contact details for future marketing activities conducted by Homeloans Ltd. If you do not wish to be contacted by Homeloans Ltd for future marketing purposes, please advise Homeloans Ltd by sending an email to marketing@homeloans.com.au.
12. The prize draw will be conducted on Friday 1 July 2011.
13. The winner will be notified by email within 10 days of the competition closing.
14. Details of the winner will also be published in Homeloans’ email newsletter
15. Homeloans accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to prizes in transit.
16. The Promoters make no representations or warranties relating to the quality or suitability of the prize.
17. In the event that the prize item is unavailable, the Promoter reserves the right to substitute a prize item of equal or greater value.
18. Except with the consent of the promoter, prizes are not transferable or exchangeable and cannot be taken as cash.