7 Ways to Design Interiors Sustainably

Sustainability has rightly gained significant importance, prompting businesses and service providers to incorporate sustainable practices in their operations. The interior design industry has been at the forefront of this movement, meeting consumer demands for sustainable interiors. 

As a B Des in Interior Designing student, you may be wondering what sustainable design is and how you can create environmentally friendly interiors that are also aesthetically pleasing. This blog will cover seven creative ways you can design sustainable interiors that are socially conscious and economically beneficial.

1. Picking the Right Materials

Luckily for B Des in Interior Designing students, sustainable materials are especially trendy in contemporary interior design. Reclaimed wood, jute fibres, and bamboo are some of the most popular materials that are being incorporated into interior designs for their sustainability and muted colours that fit everyone's tastes.

These materials are being utilised increasingly innovatively, with jute incorporated into lamps and bamboo no longer limited to outdoor furniture. Bamboo is now being used to create unconventional wall features and bed frames.

2. Rustic Interior Designs

Students studying for a Bachelor of Design in Interior Design will be familiar with the recent popularity of rustic interior design. This trend necessitates the usage of natural materials like wood and jute, and its no-fuss yet aesthetically pleasing look makes it an ideal style choice for sustainable interior design.

The natural colour palette of these materials automatically adds warmth and cosiness to interiors. B Des in Interior Designing students at the top universities of India know that designers and clients don't have to choose between beautiful aesthetics and sustainability.

The updated curriculums at the top universities of Rajasthan, like Manipal University, Jaipur, include courses dedicated to teaching B Des in Interior Designing students about the variety of materials, tools, and technologies available in the market. Students are trained to understand the properties and uses of all the materials utilised in interior design, enabling them to choose the suitable material for every space.

3. Creating Energy Efficient Spaces

Energy efficiency is one of the more practical elements of interior design, but it can also incorporate aesthetic elements. For instance, maximising the presence of natural light creates an open yet cosy atmosphere while being energy efficient by minimising the need for artificial light.

The top universities in Rajasthan, like Manipal University Jaipur, teach students about interior services, including the functioning, installation, and application of electrical and communication services in design, as well as fire and life safety norms.

Bachelor of Design in Interior Design students gain an in-depth understanding of electrical, illumination, communication, and IT services, equipping them with essential hard skills.

This knowledge enables Bachelor of Design in Interior Design graduates to develop electrical and lighting layouts for interiors while prioritising energy-efficient solutions. They are also taught about energy-efficient systems, energy consumption, and conservation in different building types.

The practical skills and knowledge taught at the top universities of India have fostered interior design experts who can design energy-efficient solutions for clients increasingly concerned with environmental conservation.

4. Thinking Long Term

One key tenet of sustainability is ensuring the longevity of the products we use. This is especially true in interior design, where furniture and interiors can last entire lifetimes.

Contemporary Bachelor of Design in Interior Design programmes must teach students about the lifespan of the materials used to ensure their sustainability.

The modern, environmentally-conscious consumer does not want to continue filling up our landfills by falling into a cycle of purchasing and discarding their items. To cater to this clientele, B Des in Interior Designing students must create designs and use materials that stand the test of time.

Designing for longevity includes using long-lasting and sturdy materials — like metal, stone, concrete, and glass — as well as opting for timeless and classic designs as opposed to short-lived trends. Bachelor of Design in Interior Design programmes equip students with an eye for classic designs like

• Minimalist
• French Country
• Coastal
• Mid-Century Modern

These designs are unique and charming without ever becoming dated.

5. Sourcing Materials Responsibly

Nowadays, it is common for clients to consider the values and practices of companies and not just their products and services when making purchasing decisions. As an interior designer, it is important for you to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability in every aspect of your design process.

Beyond simply choosing environmentally friendly materials with long life spans, B Des in Interior Designing students must also learn to source materials and products from companies that follow sustainable practices. This can include everything from fair labour practices to a minimal ecological footprint.

As future interior designers, B Des in Interior Designing students have the power to lead the movement towards sustainability. This is more important than ever at a time when climate change and deforestation have led to dire consequences across the globe.

The top universities in India have an important role to play as well. Bachelor of Design in Interior Design students must be taught how to inculcate sustainable practices in their work. This is why Manipal University Jaipur prioritises teaching students about the impact of professional design solutions in the environment and the significance of sustainable development.

6. Adaptive Reuse

The trend of using vintage, reclaimed, recycled, and upcycled materials in interior design has become popular globally due to its sustainability. Conserving and upcycling antique furniture, giving discarded furniture new life, and utilising recycled materials in interior design can give you an edge in the industry.

This new approach to recycling in interior design has contributed to waste reduction and has led to innovative uses of materials like reclaimed wood that combine elegance and creativity.

7. Implementing Water Conservation

Designing for water conservation from the very beginning of an interior designing project can lead to massive savings and minimise the ecological footprint. Features like low-flow toilets and faucets, as well as greywater recycling systems, can go a long way in conserving water.

These innovative, sustainable solutions will set B Des in Interior Designing students apart from the very beginning of their interior designing journey.

Conclusion

Sustainability has acquired significance in every industry, and the interior design industry is no exception. The top universities in India have recognised the need for training B Des in Interior Designing students to deliver sustainable solutions to environmentally-conscious clients.

You can implement myriad solutions combining aesthetics and sustainability, like utilising environmentally-friendly materials like bamboo and wood with long lifespans. Beyond such simple solutions, Bachelor of Design in Interior Design students learn innovative skills like maximising energy efficiency and adaptive reuse that help them create unique yet classic interiors that never go out of style.