Looking for ways to redecorate your home or business sustainably this year? As 2025 gets underway, many people will have planned interior improvements to start off the year – but not everyone is searching up the latest design fads.
Rather than following trends that will change again by the end of the summer, eco-conscious interior design for more mindful living is the new movement that’s gaining momentum.
‘Eco-friendly’ doesn’t have to mean rustic, minimal, or boring – the latest development in luxury interior design is combining sustainability with sophistication to create spaces that support both a healthier planet and healthier inhabitants.
So, if you want a functional, beautiful, and empowering home or workplace that helps support the environment and your happiness, here’s what you should focus on in 2025.
Recyclable natural materials
It’s long been known that natural materials in interior design not only look attractive, but also boost mental wellbeing, as feeling close to nature can help reduce stress.
On top of these benefits, using responsibly sourced natural fibres and biodegradable/recyclable materials wherever possible will also make your interiors more sustainable and ethical.
From clay, stone, and timber to cork, bamboo, and rattan, your floors and surfaces will bring a range of stimulating natural textures into your daily life. You can also add warmth and colour to your décor with soft furnishings made from organic fabrics like linen, wool, and jute.
Materials like glass and metal are also recyclable and can be incorporated tastefully into your sustainable design with furniture such as tables and chairs and ornamental items.
For the final biophilic touch, you can dress these elements with living greenery, such as potted plants or flowers. If you go the artificial route, try to avoid plastics and look for recycled fabrics.
Reclaimed or upcycled pieces
Much as conscientious consumers have turned their backs on fast fashion in favour of thrifting for secondhand clothes, eco-minded interior designers are relying on reclaimed and upcycled furniture rather than buying everything brand new.
Extracting and processing organic materials still has an environmental cost, so a big part of mindful design is repurposing materials that already exist to give older pieces a second life.
Reclaimed wood is the frontrunner here, with unique patterns and patinas bringing a sense of history to any space. From seats and tables to shelving and sculptures, reclaimed wood furniture adds an authentic warmth and undeniable character.
Recycled or upcycled metal and glass can also be used to create anything from light fixtures to decorative accent pieces, introducing an industrial or modern edge.
Alongside shopping locally for vintage furnishings and antiques that continue to stand the test of time, this approach helps to reduce demand for new production, contributing to a circular economy where resources are managed more efficiently.
Customisation to reduce waste
Sustainability in interior design emphasises the importance of investing in higher-quality items that are built to last for as long as possible and can be repurposed at the end of their life cycle.
Instead of replacing furniture and décor with mass-produced products for every passing trend, or shopping for something different every time an item doesn’t fulfil your needs as expected, the best thing to do is look for bespoke pieces that you can customise.
Designing your own custom interior features using durable eco-friendly materials can help to cut down waste in the long term, prioritising longevity over excess.
For example, you can order glass cut to size for a variety of uses from UK suppliers like The Glass Warehouse, who provide a bespoke glass-cutting service with a wide range of finishes, thicknesses, and shapes to choose from.
Not only does this strategy allow you to personalise your interiors to a greater degree – achieving exactly the look and function you desire, which will last for many years to come – but you can also be confident that you’re being kinder to the planet!