Consumer culture has taken over our content, climate, and cash flow. Everywhere you look, it can feel like someone is trying to sell you something. At Diane Bobek Design, we are offering a creative spin to the “more is more” mindset. In this blog, we will walk through ways to make the most of what you have and sustainability and add pieces that bring new life to your renovation.
How To Incorporate or Repurpose What You Have if It Works in the Design
A simple rearrangement of furniture can bring new life into a room. Imagine the possibilities of existing items you have, used for a new purpose! Woven placemats and baskets can make for great wall art. Side tables can be sanded and painted for a fresh new feel. Reupholstering pillows or loveseats can change a piece entirely (and if that is not in the budget, just move them to different rooms)!
In a remarkable transformation, I repurposed a garage into a cozy one-bedroom studio using my client's existing furniture from her sold condo, which had been in storage. Most of the furniture was successfully refurbished and reused, giving it a more contemporary look by incorporating new drapes, tasteful accessories, and artwork. I stayed within her budget and she was thrilled with the outcome. The project was even featured in a local newspaper called "At Home".
Deliveries Services That Recycle
Want to be sustainable, but are used to your common habits, like ordering online? Don’t worry, we are all in this together. Some things aren’t available locally and require shipment (especially on the island 😉). A great first step to take towards a sustainable lifestyle is choosing a delivery service that offers recycling.
Occasionally, we frequent a furniture store that specializes in obtaining furnishings from affluent residences undergoing renovation. These homeowners have opted to make a fresh start and discard their designer furniture. The store caters primarily to clients who embrace the concept of upcycling and appreciate the opportunity to acquire high-end, pre-owned pieces. However, it may not appeal to everyone, as some individuals may prefer brand-new items.
Oceana released a staggering report in 2022, that estimated Amazon’s use of 208 million pounds of plastic waste for the year—enough to circle the Earth more than 200 times. Since then, Amazon has taken strides towards sustainability, one being using more recyclable materials. Doing your research behind the brands you support is a small way to make a big impact.
LED Lighting
Not only are LED lights a design trend, they are a highly sustainable option. They are 100% recyclable, as well as nontoxic. According to Indiana University of Pennsylvania, using LED lights will help you reduce your carbon footprint by a third.
Elevate your space by adding LED lighting strips underneath cabinets or your bed frame for a moody glow. You can also replace light bulbs with LED versions!
Fabrics and Furniture
A harsh truth is that most furniture of our time is not built to last, it is built to break. This keeps us on a hamster wheel of having to buy new furniture, often from big-name companies. A more sustainable way to combat this is by investing in high-quality furniture, made with durable materials. While it may be a higher up-front cost, this furniture could be with you for a lifetime and passed on to your children, especially when taken good care of.
Source Locally
Finding a local artisan to purchase furniture pieces from cuts back on shipping costs and materials, requiring less carbon emissions and plastic wrapping. You also keep money circulating into your local economy. By supporting their craft work, you choose quality, often handmade pieces, over mass-produced work from big-box companies.
Refer to my past blogs, Artisanal Craftsmanship: Incorporating Local Art and Crafts into Your Home Decor and Where to Buy Local Art on the Island for some of my favorite local vendors.
By implementing a few small steps towards sustainability, you can make a big impact on our world. You have already taken a great first step by reading this blog. Knowledge is power! Share this with friends to take a step in the right direction, together.
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