The Environmental Cost of Home Decor and Design

We’ve explored the environmental impact of travel, food, fashion, and finance, but what about our homes? Our living spaces are filled with furniture, decor, and materials that contribute to global consumption and waste. The interior design industry has a significant environmental and climate impact, especially in Western countries where consumption rates are higher. Many of the products we use are produced elsewhere, leading to local pollution, resource depletion, and even human rights abuses throughout the supply chain. The question is: how much do we really need, and how much is just for aesthetic preference?

The Hidden Costs of Interior Design and Renovation

Globally, the building sector contributes to 40% of worldwide carbon emissions. While architects have taken steps to address this issue, such as through the Architecture 2030 initiative and commitments by the American Institute of Architects, interior renovations often escape scrutiny. A life cycle assessment (LCA) reveals that, while sustainable materials are more common today than in the past, frequent renovations have the largest embodied carbon footprint over a building’s lifespan.

Consider this: household consumption in the EU grew by 26% from 2000 to 2019, with household goods and services increasing by a staggering 47%. This surge in consumption directly impacts resource use, leading to increased land use, water consumption, and material extraction. While greenhouse gas emissions from consumption have decreased in some areas, the rising volume of household consumption threatens to offset these efficiency gains.

Overconsumption and Waste

The way we decorate and renovate our homes is often dictated by trends rather than necessity. In Western countries, constant home updates—new furniture, seasonal decorations, and full-scale renovations—contribute to excessive waste. The statistics illustrate the sheer scale of this issue:

• In the Netherlands, per capita spending on furniture was approximately €240 in 2016, with additional expenses of €90 on household textiles and €45 on lamps and decor.

• In Switzerland, the average annual spending on home decor is $1,158.71 per capita, one of the highest in the world.

• In contrast, Albanians spend just $66.86, and Ukrainians only $22.94 per capita annually.

• India spends the most on interiors relative to local wages, with an average spending of 102.24% of a monthly paycheck, while Malawi residents spend less than $1 per year.

These numbers highlight how interior design consumption is often a privilege, shaped by economic stability, cultural norms, and access to wealth. In wealthier nations, home decor is treated as a disposable commodity, leading to an unsustainable cycle of production and waste.

Sustainable Solutions: Circular Design and Conscious Consumption

So how can designers and homeowners reduce their environmental footprint? A shift toward circular design and mindful consumption can make a significant difference.

1. Use What Already Exists: The best approach is to repurpose and upcycle. Transform old blankets into new textiles, repaint second-hand furniture, and embrace vintage or locally crafted items. Supporting artisans and "hantverkare" (craftspeople) not only reduces waste but also fosters local economies.

2. Choose Sustainable Materials: When renovation is necessary, opt for certified materials with low environmental impact, such as FSC-certified wood, recycled metal, and low-VOC paints. Prioritize products that have been designed with cradle-to-cradle principles, meaning they can be reused or recycled after their initial use.

3. Invest in Energy Efficiency: Select equipment and materials that reduce energy consumption, such as LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and insulation that minimizes heat loss. Sustainable design should prioritize long-term efficiency over short-term trends.

4. Recycle and Dispose Responsibly: If old materials and furniture must be replaced, ensure they are disposed of correctly through recycling programs or second-hand markets rather than ending up in landfills.

Our Homes Matter Just as Much as Our Closets

The interiors and construction industries must embrace resource conservation and longevity over mass production and short-lived trends. With the building sector responsible for such a high percentage of global carbon emissions, interior design must become part of the sustainability conversation. The best choices are those that prioritize longevity, reuse, and energy efficiency—our homes should be built and furnished with care, just as we advocate for conscious consumption in fashion and food. Making circular choices at home means taking care of what we already have, reducing waste, and thinking beyond the next design trend.

References

• Architecture 2030. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://architecture2030.org

• American Institute of Architects. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aia.org

• European Environment Agency. (2021). "Trends in Household Consumption and Environmental Impact."

• OECD Economic Surveys. (2020). "Home Decor Consumption Across Countries."

• United Nations Environment Programme. (2019). "The Role of the Building Sector in Climate Change."

• World Bank. (2021). "Global Consumption Patterns and Sustainability Challenges."