Within the numerous design projects we have collected for The Youth Design Day in Japan 2018 edition, there are some which can be categorized under the theme of “Sustainable Interior Design”. But how can Interior Design be sustainable?

Sustainable interior design creates interior spaces using design principles such as functionality, accessibility, and aesthetics and expands the focus to include environmental considerations.

For example, sustainable design projects are influenced by such factors as planning efficient use of space, choosing materials with low environmental impacts, and reducing energy consumption, pollution, and waste.

Sustainable interior design aim is that to balance aesthetics and functionality with choices that reduce the environmental impact of their designs.

From a sustainability perspective, it’s very important to pick materials and products with the lowest environmental impact. Organic materials (e.g. wood, wool, natural stone) seem the obvious choice, but we mustn’t forget that natural resources need to be treated responsibly. Choose materials that are quickly renewable (such as fast-growing bamboo), and are extracted in an environmentally responsible way.

The environmental impact of materials and products must be evaluated throughout their entire life cycle — from extraction, production, transportation and processing, all the way to how they are discarded after use.

Interior designers have a lot of power in their hands when it comes to waste reduction, and at the same time, a big responsibility to act sustainably. The planet’s precious resources are limited, so the mentality of discarding products as soon as they go out of style and replacing them with those that are currently trendy is no longer justifiable.

Fortunately, the world of design is becoming increasingly aware of the need for sustainable thinking and is experiencing a growing interest in sustainable trends, such as recycling, upcycling and repurposing. Instead of discarding ‘’old-fashioned’’ objects while they are still functional, designers can (and should) come up with creative ways to give them a new life.

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