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Sustainable homewares: how to do good with your decor!

July 20, 2021 Leave a Comment

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By Kapil Jekishan

With the world slowing down last year, thereโ€™s been an uptick in reflection and a natural tendency towards more conscious consumerism. Customers want to know more about the pieces theyโ€™re investing in and where theyโ€™re made.

100% waterproof, handmade, biodegradable planters from Tree Stripes made from recycled materials

Natural textures and upcycled materials are rapidly becoming a design trend unto their own as we all seek to achieve a more eco-friendly future. Builders, interior designers and renovators are increasingly sourcing more robust and sustainable choices to accommodate this shift of priorities. 

2021 has also seen a shift in support for local businesses. People are now buying more mindfully, supporting independent shops and small suppliers, especially when it comes to home interiors.

Here are some earth-friendly and upcycled products to bring the earthy look into your interiors.

  1. Rugs

Floor rugs are a staple for adding depth, warmth and comfort to interiors. Being an investment piece, you should really research how it has been sourced and made as well as how it looks. 

Rugs can be a game changer for how a room looks and feels. They can either sit in harmony with your room, or like this fab living space below, they can make a statement!

Consider a hand woven rug thatโ€™s good quality, easy to clean (machine washable) and made from 100% recycled cotton from The Modern Hut. They are handmade with entirely manual looms in the south of Spain.

  1. Throws

Both functional and fashionable, throw blankets are a budget-friendly way to upgrade your space by mixing and matching styles, plus you can switch them up from season to season. Bright or patterned blankets bring pops of colour, while chunky knits and sumptuous fabrics exude comfort on a frigid day.

Consider a recycled blanket like those from Seljak. They weave blankets made from a minimum of 70% recycled merino or lambswool and a 30% blend of other fibres (mohair, cotton, alpaca and polyester).

3. Houseplants

A key component of the natural trend is the need for plenty of natural light. Open-plan designs with tall windows and glass doors framing the trees and sky beyond help to harness the one-with-nature atmosphere. Or use sheer curtains to create privacy without blocking the light. Tie your spaces together with plenty of indoor plants to really bring the outdoors inside.

Decorating with greenery and houseplants is an easy way to add visual interest to a room. And plants fit right in with most design styles.

Adding a few houseplants to your space can liven up a room and keep it from looking stale. It doesnโ€™t have to be too fancy โ€“ a peace lily plant for example is one of the easiest houseplants to maintain. It produces a lush display of glossy green foliage, plus it happily blooms throughout the year.

Tuck your favourite nursery pot into a zero waste paper pot by Tree Stripes. They’re made by women using recycled paper and lined with natural latex from the rubber tree, and are sustainable, lightweight yet sturdy.

these handcrafted paper vessels are both functional, decorative, and create an earthy, artisanal feel in any space. They remind us of nature โ€“ ever important in a hyper-connected world.

  1. Storage

Woven baskets are some of the most versatile and useful decor pieces. Coming in all shapes and sizes, not to mention tons of different textures and designs, baskets are a great way to add some cosy texture to a space.

These hanging wicker baskets by U-Chus are made of environmentally sustainable jute, seagrass and recycled denim. Plus, they’re fair trade.

By creating beautiful, resource-efficient houses and interiors unique to your style that are light-filled, comfortable, durable, sustainable and healthy, you will be contributing to less environmental pollution, gaining a deeper connection to nature and a greater return on your investment.

With beautiful results such as these, why would you choose to decorate any other way?

—Kapil Jekishan is co-founder of Tree Stripes, who sell handmade paper and rubber pots made ethically by women in Sri Lanka.

Sustainable homes Australia: this modest one’s a winner
Earlier this week, we shared with you the winner of the Houses Awards 2020 Australian House of the Year and today we’re sharing the winner in the sustainability category, Waratah…
Sustainable living: 6 ways to build a greener home
Building a more sustainable and low maintenance home requires careful planning but the payoff can be huge. From style to cost-effectiveness, longevity to eco-sustainability, it can often be confusing and…

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Want to try a different tipple this weekend? Toda Want to try a different tipple this weekend?

Today's #iafoodiefriday recipe is a lemon and pink peppercorn spritz by our friends at @thewholefoodsrefillery ๐Ÿธ 

They'll give you 20% off your first order with our code. Find everything you need on the blog now via link in bio.

Cheers! 

#pinkpeppercorn #spritzlife
Those finishing touches make ALL the difference! Those finishing touches make ALL the difference! 

@kethy.australia, whose cabinet hardware I've used in my own kitchen, laundry and on my recent sideboard glow up, are passionate about bringing you the latest design and finishes from around the world!ย 

Their stunning timber knobs and handles from Denmark add texture, warmth and an organic feel to yourย projectsย that can only be achieved by using natural materials.

Whether you're embarking on a new build, renovating an existing kitchen, bathroom or laundry or updating a piece of furniture, Kethy have something for you in their huge range.

See it all online and find your local re-seller at their website via link in @kethy.australia bio.

#timberhandles #timberknobs #cabinethardware #cabinethandles #finishingtouches #drawerpulls #kitchenhandles #kitchenpulls #kitchenknobs #kitchendrawer #kitchendrawers #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #theinteriorsaddict #homerenovations #interiordesignaustralia #interiordesigninspo #transformyourhome #housemakeover #designinspiration #trusttheprocess #designwork #beautifulhomes #dreamhouse #homestylingsydney #beforeandafterrenovation #creatingbeautifulspaces #kitchentrends2022 #kitchenglowup
Before & after: Renovating a kitchen while keeping Before & after: Renovating a kitchen while keeping ALL the character!

What a great example this is by @huntingforgeorge 

See all the details, and the laundry, on the blog now, via link in bio.
The patient has very much bounced back! Letterbox The patient has very much bounced back!

Letterbox kinder egg deliveries from a friend, dressing changes without a flinch and refusing to nap despite all the bribes (check the face on him in pic 3!).

Thanks for all your care and messages/comments for this tired and shaken up mama! Now very relieved and grateful ๐Ÿ™
Before & after It's not just the award winning de Before & after

It's not just the award winning designer houses that get us excited here. It's also the beloved family homes which are renovated and extended to make them fit for purpose so people can continue to live where they love ๐Ÿค—

@inspiredspacesaus helped her clients with teenage kids transform this house in Sydney's Hills District inside and out, making it their forever home. 

Due to the nature of the block they could only extend sideways and then gave it street appeal with render, new windows and doors.

See inside on the blog now, via link in bio. It was completely overhauled!
Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into tiled steps ๐Ÿค•

Oh what a night. Thankfully Hornsby Hospital were as amazing as always and we avoided stitches. All taped and glued  back together and now to keep him calm for the next few days (๐Ÿคช) and watch for signs of concussion. 

Bravest little patient ever. Yes I've had a ๐Ÿท

Funny how we go into super organised mama mode in times like these. Grabbed dinosaurs, textas and scrapbook on the way out in case we had a long wait!

UPDATE: thanks for all the love! Charlie is so well this morning after a big sleep!
Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressi Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressive!

The new @studio.xox ONLY sells Australian brands. Like @nood_co coloured basins, lead-free eco brass from @faucetstrommen and @lindseywherrett's  ceramic basins made by hand in Tassie.

And as for their Sydney showroom (they also sell online): WOW.

See and read more on the blog now via link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop
#creatingbeautifulspaces #homestylingdesign
#designbywomen #homestylingtips #sydneycreatives
#homestylingsydney #interiorstyling #interiordesignsydney
#everydaydesign #interiortrends #renovationinspiration
#homedesigninspo #lovemyhome #stylingdetails
#loveinteriors #homeimprovements #interiordesignaustralia
#dreamhomeinspiration #homemakeover #personaldesign
#interiordesignaus #creatingbeautifulspaces
#creativehomes #housestyling #sydneyhomes
#interiorinspiration #myhomedesign
I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new @madeinaustshow in Sydney this August.

๐Ÿฆ˜๐ŸจForget every tacky association you ever had about touristy Australian made and prepare to see a showcase of the best of home, lifestyle, fashion and beauty made right here. If the pandemic has made you appreciate buying local even more, this is for you.

It's the first business to business trade event connecting retailers with Australian made products to champion our local makers๐Ÿ™

Apply to exhibit or find out more at their website, via their bio, now!

Are YOU buying more Australian made post covid?

#madeinaustralia #australianmade #aussiemade #aussiedesign
Do I recommend a timber vanity top? A big fat NOP Do I recommend a timber vanity top?

A big fat NOPE! ๐Ÿ’ง 

Which is why we have recently covered ours with a Caesarstone top (thanks to @justinplace_sydney for the advice and supply) and the sweet RELIEF of not having to worry about this high traffic area anymore, I'm telling you!๐Ÿค—

Doesn't matter what they tell you or how many times it's sealed, I'm not sure it's a great idea in a room which is so, well, wet!

I love having the warmth of timber in the bathroom and it's a beautiful piece, but timber on the top? Never again.

Ours probably lasted a year (if that) before it started to go downhill (and we want a good decade out of a bathroom, right?!). 2.5 years on, everything else in this bathroom looks virtually brand new and the water marked vanity top was really letting the side down and making me sad!

But I'm so pleased with this solution, I have to say! Took the plumber less than an hour to remove the sink, install the top and connect the sink back up. We didn't need to move the tap and it isn't too close to the basin.

The kids are allowed to brush their teeth and wash their hands (liquid soap ๐Ÿฅด) in here again and I can leave my hair straightener on there with gay abandon ๐Ÿ˜†

The reflective surface (which I can clean with whatever I like!๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป) brightens the room up too!

Next week I'll tell you what I really think of my brass tile trim too ๐Ÿ˜‰

#interiorsaddictbathroomreno2 #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #timbervanity
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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