Top Tips for Sustainable Interior Design: Creating tech enabled, Eco-Friendly Spaces
How Full Fibre Broadband Can Make Your Interior Design Business More Sustainable
In the UK, increased government support for the housing market means more and more people want to renovate and redecorate the homes they buy.
Based on market research from IBISWorld, interior design activities in the UK is expected to reach an estimated revenue of £1.6 billion by 2024.
As younger generations gain purchasing power, interior design trends have shifted into a desire for aesthetically pleasing homes, drawing inspiration from the likes of Architectural Digest, Pinterest, and social media.
For aspiring interior design businesses, the good news is that the demand for interior design will continue to stabilise in the next few years. At the same time, the interior design field is still heavily skill- and knowledge-driven, despite the rise of technological innovations.
Instead of being technologically influenced, a recent trend transforming the interior design market as of late is a shift towards sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Sustainable interior design helps in reducing carbon emissions by using recycled materials and promoting energy-efficient solutions.
Indoor Air Quality and Volatile Organic Compounds
Additionally, it improves indoor air quality through the use of non-toxic and low VOC materials, contributing to a healthier living environment.
If you want your interior design business to stand out in an increasingly competitive market, it can help to consider setting up your business for sustainability in the long term.
One way you can do this is by implementing full fibre broadband. Below, we’ll look at some of the ways full fibre broadband can make your interior design business more sustainable:
Higher bandwidth and capabilities
One of the more obvious improvements in installing full fibre is the increased Internet bandwidth and speed. For your interior design business, this would mean that your employees and teams can achieve more in less time compared to older connectivity methods.
Aside from the boost in productivity, however, your business may also benefit from becoming more eco-friendly.
When you install a full fibre business broadband connection for your interior design business, you get reliable, gigafast connection speeds in a singular installation. Installing a full fibre line means your business only needs to rely on a single Wi-Fi 6 setup instead of connecting multiple routers or other Internet hardware for more bandwidth or coverage.
This minimises the need to install multiple connectivity setups typically required for business needs. A full fibre business plan also means employees and teams can connect and interact with each other on a seamless network without needing multiple passwords.
Increased reliability for customer service
Another essential element of providing interior design to consumers is offering reliable customer service for consultations, concerns, and other transactions.
Since this is likely done remotely in this digital age, you’ll need a reliable Internet connection to ensure clients don’t have to succumb to long waits to resolve their questions or concerns. Reaching customers remotely also helps reduce paper trail and unnecessary emissions.
A.I. in sustainable design
For example, Swedish furniture retailer IKEA upped its customer service offerings in 2023 by implementing artificial intelligence to help train call center workers. This integration of AI — named Billie after IKEA’s popular Billy bookcase series — effectively managed 47% of customer queries directed to the call centres.
In the UK, IKEA customers can avail of a 45-minute to 60-minute interior design advice video call and a recommended product list. If you have a similar model for your interior design business, you may want to invest in full fibre to maintain 24/7 customer service availability without fear of lags or downtime.
Support for smart technologies
Finally, the significant increase in Internet speed and reliability can also help you integrate innovative smart technologies into your interior design business operations. Nowadays, interior designers use smart technologies to generate designs for their clients.
This includes the use of augmented reality and virtual reality technologies in virtual staging platforms to show off designs and layouts to clients — which full fibre can facilitate more reliably compared to copper wire Internet connection.
Tech integration in sustainable interior design services
Additionally, some designers may also rely on 3D modelling and 3D printing tools to collaborate with clients remotely, reducing physical visits and the total cost of designing the interior space.
If you are planning to scale up your interior design business, you may also look into investing in infrastructure-related smart technologies, such as smart grids, to optimise energy use and contribute to energy conservation efforts.
Ultimately, investing in full fibre broadband for your interior design business can help maintain eco-friendly and sustainable practices for the company and your employees while also allowing you to serve your clients better.
If you’d like to take your sustainability efforts further, you may want to check out our previous post, which shared tips for creating a greener office — from decorating with plants and using natural light to using smart tech like motion-activated light switches to control energy consumption.
====
Introduction to sustainablity for interior design
Sustainable interior design is a crucial aspect of creating environmentally friendly and healthy living spaces.
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, interior designers are playing a vital role in promoting eco-friendly practices and reducing the negative environmental impact of interior design.
What is Sustainable Interior Design?
Sustainable interior design is an approach to designing interior spaces that prioritizes environmental consciousness and resource efficiency. It involves using eco-friendly materials, energy-saving lighting, and furniture sourced from sustainable practices.
Sustainable interior design extends beyond aesthetics, focusing on reducing carbon footprints and promoting healthier indoor environments. It emphasizes longevity and adaptability in interiors, ensuring spaces remain functional and stylish over time.
Benefits of Sustainable Interior Design
Sustainable interior design benefits both the environment and those who live in the spaces. The main benefits are for the environment, including reducing waste and conserving natural resources.
Sustainable interior design spaces are designed for the comfort and well-being of occupants, using natural light and selecting pleasant colors and materials.
These spaces can increase attention, concentration, satisfaction, and motivation while combating stress and anxiety. Sustainable interior design can also add value to the space, making it more valuable in the real estate market.
Sustainable Materials for Interior Design
Sustainable materials are a crucial aspect of sustainable interior design. These materials have a neutral or positive effect on the environment and are often sourced from natural, renewable resources.
Examples of sustainable materials include bamboo, rattan, terrazzo, polished plaster, reclaimed wood, glass, and natural stone.
Why use sustainable materials or natural materials?
These materials are environmentally friendly and have a low carbon footprint. Interior designers can use certified or reclaimed wood for furniture, incorporate natural light, and create areas with plants to improve air quality.
Energy Efficiency in Interior Design
Energy efficiency is a key aspect of sustainable interior design. It involves using energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems to reduce energy consumption.
Energy-efficient lighting systems use LED technology and smart controls to reduce energy consumption and improve lighting quality.
Interior designers can also use natural light to reduce the need for artificial lighting. Additionally, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be used to reduce energy consumption and promote a healthier indoor environment.
In conclusion, sustainable interior design is a vital aspect of creating environmentally friendly and healthy living spaces.
By using sustainable materials, promoting energy efficiency, and reducing waste, interior designers can play a crucial role in reducing the negative environmental impact of interior design.
As the interior design industry continues to evolve, it is essential that sustainable practices become a standard aspect of interior design projects.