The One Design Trend You Should Try, Designers Say (and It’s Not Color Drenching)

• Using sustainable materials reduces our individual environmental footprint, making home renos less of a mental burden.
• It is easy to incorporate sustainable pieces like secondhand furniture or reclaimed wood into an existing space.
• When making sustainable swaps, be sure to do so when old materials call for it instead of just adding to the landfill for the newest trend.

From upcycling to underconsumption core, sustainability is one of our favorite things to focus on at home. And now more than ever, there are plenty of eco-friendly options to reduce your footprint while also creating a beautiful space.

If you’re ready to furnish your home more mindfully and make a positive shift for your interiors and for the planet, these designer-approved sustainable home decor swaps are both timeless and chic— in terms of aesthetic and environmental impact.

Secondhand Furniture

Making the switch to sustainable home decor can seem difficult at first. It’s timely, involves research, and often also means making a bigger investment.

Nobody’s space is a hundred percent sustainable—but designer Andrea Lackie says a trip to the thrift store instead of an online order is a move in the right direction.

“My favorite sustainable thing to incorporate into a home is a found, vintage, or antique item,” she shares. “Before purchasing something new, first see if the item is available secondhand. Usually the biggest impact of an item is during the manufacturing process, so limiting brand-new purchases is the first step towards making sustainable choices.”

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Reclaimed Wooden Elements

Made using salvaged lumber from old buildings and shipping containers instead of by cutting down trees, reclaimed wood is one of the best materials to use for a modern farmhouse space—and it’s also one of the best for a more sustainable home.

“Reclaimed wood shelves and tables not only look great, but also give old materials a new lease on life,” interior architect Inara Tirkkonen says.

You can incorporate this recycled material in your home through open shelving, furniture, as flooring, or an accent wall.

Cotton and Linen Bedding

One of the easiest sustainable swaps to make is also one of the coziest; if you’re due a set of new bedding, Lackie says to look for a GOTS (or Global Organic Textile Standard) certification on the label.

“GOTS-certified products have stringent environmental, human rights, and social criteria that they must follow,” she explains. “GOTS-certified natural fibers also do not contain [toxins] that can contribute to poor indoor air quality and environmental pollution.”

Using textiles made from natural fibers, Tirkkonen adds, is sustainable, comfortable, durable, and visually appealing.

Natural Textiles

According to our experts, sustainable fabrics also have a place outside of bedding. When you’re shopping for soft furnishings and upholstered furniture, Lackie recommends avoiding any non-recycled synthetics—which won’t break down when they’re disposed of—and viscose, rayon, modal, and bamboo, which can contribute to deforestation.

“Look for lyocell or Tencel, which are made with lower energy usage,” she suggests. “Natural fibers are biodegradable and—if they’re not treated with [toxins]—do not emit concerning VOCs. For example, wool is a must for rugs and carpet, and you can even get wool or latex rug pads.”

Lime Wash Paint

Jumping on a home decor trend usually feels like the opposite of an environmentally-friendly move, but when it comes to wall paint, the dreamy, cloud-like look lime wash gives is just as stunning as it is sustainable.

“The depth and texture of lime-based wall finishes create an organic elegance while improving indoor air quality,” designer Christina Kelley explains. “Beyond aesthetics, lime plaster is zero-VOC, hypoallergenic, and naturally resistant to mold. It regulates humidity, absorbs carbon dioxide, and is more durable than conventional paint, making it as practical as it is beautiful.”

Stone Surfaces

Whether you’re working on a sustainable renovation or are ready for a new statement table, Lackie suggests keeping an eye out for sustainable, natural stone materials for your kitchen countertops and furniture such as marble, granite, onyx, dolomite, or soapstone.

“Not only is it truly one of a kind, natural stone is also more likely to be salvaged and have a second life,” Lackie says. “Man-made countertops like quartz are usually seen as trash once removed from a project, and the synthetic resins don’t break down in landfill.”

Why Use Sustainable Materials?

There are so many reasons to choose sustainable materials for your home, and Tirkkonen says it best.

“It reduces our environmental footprint, and natural materials like wood or stone can also create a calming atmosphere at home,” she says. “It brings a certain satisfaction to knowing that our decor choices are contributing to a healthier planet.”

If what’s in your home right now isn’t made of sustainable materials, just keep in mind that making the switch means your current items will likely contribute to landfill; instead of jumping on a full home makeover right away, make swaps slowly over time as the wear and tear of each piece calls for to avoid unnecessary waste.