Eco-Friendly Aesthetics: The Rise of Sustainable Interior Design

Ever thought about where our old furniture or plastic décor goes in, after a room makeover? Well, most of it ends up in landfills. 

The interior design industry alone contributes to over 30% of dumped waste globally, and that number is only rising. We do not always associate home makeovers with environmental damage, but that mindset is starting to shift. A growing number of young creatives are embracing sustainable interior design, fusing personal style with a greater purpose. Through eco-friendly aesthetics, they are designing spaces that serve aesthetics while leaving a lighter footprint on the planet.

What is Sustainable Interior Design?

Sustainable interior design refers to the practice of building and decorating spaces in a way that does not harm the environment. A sustainable approach to any practice often entails choosing materials that last long, generate less waste, and are sourced from nature. For example, using jute rugs instead of plastic mats, or clay lamps instead of fancy LEDs that stay on all day. 

Why Sustainable Interior Design Matters

Most of us do not think twice before buying that budget chair online or picking up plastic décor just because it aligns with our ‘home’s vibe.’ However, this habit of buying trendy items, often called fast furniture, comes with an underlying cost, as these are not built to last for a longer period, and thus end up as waste way too quickly.

A lot of them are also made with materials that harm both the planet and our health. From toxic chemicals like volatile organic compounds in paints and glues to wood that is not responsibly sourced, every choice adds up!

Therefore, sustainable interior design is not just a trend, but will be an essential element in the upcoming years as the climatic conditions and quality of life degrade. Anticipating these unmovable damages, interior designers have already integrated eco-friendly practices in their work, and this approach is only going to grow in the coming years.

So, if you are thinking about a career in interior design, it is important to understand why sustainability is the need of the hour.

Trends Fueling Eco-Friendly Aesthetics

These are some of the trends shaping the rise of eco-friendly aesthetics and green interior design. 

• Growing trend of minimalism over materialism, as young adults are shifting their preference to cleaner, functional spaces over clutter. 
• People are choosing second-hand or upcycled furniture instead of fast furniture from mass brands.
• Indoor plants are now replacing furniture and emerging as the new home décor, especially in compact apartments and studios.
• Clay pots, bamboo lighting, jute rugs, and wooden textures are making a return to the interior design landscape.
• The influence of social media platforms like Pinterest boards and reels showcasing Japandi or Wabi-sabi aesthetics has made earthy tones and raw textures more aspirational than flashy designs.

Materials Used in Sustainable Interior Design

We have listed below the commonly used materials in sustainable interior design.

How to Get Started in Sustainable Interior Design

Embracing sustainable interior design is not as hard as it sounds, but as a novice, it may feel overwhelming. Hence, we have prepared a simple roadmap that you can follow to start your journey.

• Start by learning about eco-friendly options like bamboo, reclaimed wood, jute, and low-VOC paints.
• Explore sustainable design software tools like SketchUp, AutoCAD, or Revit with green design add-ons.
• Take up a DIY project for upcycling old items lying around, turn crates into shelves, use fabric scraps for wall art, or give a worn-out chair a second life.
• Follow green architects, designers, and eco-living pages on Instagram or Pinterest. Seeing real examples can spark your next idea.

A formal design education can help you understand how to blend aesthetics with responsibility, from planning to execution in a more structured manner. 

Conclusion

Eco-friendly aesthetic is not just a trend or something you only see in a celebrity home tour, but the future of interiors. Right from upcycled décor to nature-inspired aesthetics, sustainable choices are shaping the next generation of spaces. 

So, if you are serious about making sustainability a part of your future career, a solid foundation can go a long way. At AAFT’s School of Interior Design, in addition to mastering the art of interiors, you will also learn how to make them future-ready. With hands-on learning, industry exposure, and a focus on responsible innovation, AAFT has been a space where creativity has merged with purpose for the past 33 years.