Why You Don’t Need to Be a Contestant on The Block to Design a More Sustainable Home

Incorporating sustainability into your home design is no longer reserved for reality TV renovation shows. Nor is it about following a fad. Instead, it’s about making choices that reflect a deeper respect for the environment and a commitment to a more thoughtful way of living.

And, while it can require a little more investment than fast furnishings, designing a more sustainable home doesn’t mean you have to throw out your current couches and cushions and start from scratch. Rather, renovation rescuers should aim to make thoughtful, eco-conscious decisions and gradually build their collections over time.

Given that a recent Sustainability Report by Power Retail revealed that over half of Australian shoppers are willing to pay more for products made with ethically sourced or sustainable materials and practices, these tips by Nikita Crockett Design Service Lead at family-founded and owned business Icon By Design, can help those looking to take meaningful steps towards creating a sustainable, beautiful, and enduring home.

1. Choose interchangeable, high quality designs

According to Nikita, investing in well-crafted, timeless furniture is the cornerstone of creating a sustainable home. When you opt for high-quality pieces, you’re ensuring they’ll last for years, if not decades. Focus on designs that adapt and evolve with your style, rather than following fleeting trends

A great strategy is to keep your core furniture pieces – like your bed, coffee table, or sofa – classic and neutral.

This lets you layer in trendy accents like colorful rugs or cushions that you can easily swap out or store depending on the season. By taking this approach, you can refresh your space without contributing to the wastefulness of fast furniture.

2. Opt for authentic materials

Think of each piece of furniture you invest in as a cornerstone of your home, something you can cherish for years. By prioritising solid wood, natural fibres, and high-quality fabrics, you’ll ensure your items stand the test of time, both in style and durability.

Look for materials that are known for their longevity and sustainability, such as American oak, American walnut, and New Zealand wool. These not only reduce your carbon footprint but also contribute to a more eco-friendly furniture industry. It’s important to research the materials used in any piece before making your purchase to ensure it aligns with your environmental goals.

“My picks are the Bruno Chest ($3299, below) made with solid American Walnut. And the Greta Handwoven Wool Rug ($749). This piece, made with pure New Zealand wool, can elevate your living space and bring a luxurious, sophisticated feel to your home.” 

3. Embrace pre-owned and vintage furniture

Sustainable shopping doesn’t always have to mean buying brand-new furniture. Exploring vintage shops or markets for pre-owned pieces helps reduce waste and gives you the chance to incorporate unique, characterful items into your home. It’s an excellent way to experiment with different styles and trends without contributing to the fast-furniture cycle.

“Vintage pieces often add charm and history to a space, making them treasured heirlooms that families can pass down through generations. Mixing pre-loved items with more modern furniture allows you to create a home that feels curated and personal while staying sustainable,” says Nikita. 

4. Focus on flexibility in design

Investing in furniture that is versatile and adaptable is another key to designing a sustainable home. Pieces that evolve with your lifestyle and space reduce the need for constant replacements, which can generate unnecessary waste.

For example, a modular sofa with removable, washable covers allows you to refresh your living room without needing to buy a completely new piece of furniture. This not only saves you money but also reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing and shipping new items. Flexibility in design ensures your furniture can grow and change with you, extending its life.

5. Support brands with transparent supply chains

Finally, when you shop for sustainable furniture, understand where and how your furniture is made. Brands that are transparent about their supply chains provide consumers with peace of mind that they are buying ethically sourced and produced products.

“Icon By Design, for instance, works closely with selected factories and suppliers, implementing rigorous quality assurance practices to ensure that the raw materials used are sustainably sourced and that ethical standards are met throughout the manufacturing process. By choosing brands that are open about their production methods, you can make informed, eco-friendly choices,” says Nikita.