The Stylish Guide to Sustainable Living Spaces

Sustainability and conscious living are no longer niche ideas, they’re part of everyday conversations, especially when it comes to how we live at home. Making mindful choices with your home decor, however small, can have a real impact. The good news? Sustainable interiors don’t mean compromising on style. It’s about celebrating timeless design, investing in quality pieces, and creating a home that feels both beautiful and thoughtful.

 

 

Timeless Over Trends

We’ve all seen how quickly interior trends take over social media - and how just as quickly they fade. Much like fast fashion, “fast furniture” encourages short-lived styles that lead to mass waste and unnecessary spending. Instead, sustainable interiors focus on longevity.

Think of a well-made wooden dining table, a neutral-toned armchair, or a classic shelving unit. Pieces like these don’t need to be replaced every few years. They age gracefully, fitting seamlessly into changing styles while anchoring your home with lasting quality. Not only is this better for the planet, but it also saves you from endlessly redecorating.

 

 

Mindful Materials

One of the simplest ways to make eco-friendly choices is to pay attention to materials. Opting for natural, responsibly sourced finishes makes a big difference.

We love wood, bamboo, cork, stone, linen, wool and hemp, durable and renewable choices that bring character and texture to a room. Always look out for FSC-certified wood to ensure it’s sourced from sustainable forests. On the other hand, materials like MDF are energy-heavy to produce and often treated with toxins, making them less sustainable.

Designers such as Tom Raffield have shown how traditional craftsmanship, like steam-bending natural wood, can create timeless, eco-friendly pieces that combine beauty with responsibility

 

Print: Modo III

 

Repurpose and Reimagine

Sustainable decorating doesn’t have to be about buying new, sometimes, it’s about looking at what you already have. Repurposing furniture is a fun, creative way to refresh your interiors while reducing waste.

An old ladder becomes a quirky bookshelf, a sideboard can transform into a bar cart, or a simple cabinet can be upcycled into a vanity. Even small changes like switching handles, sanding and re-staining, or adding a coat of eco-friendly paint can give tired furniture a whole new lease of life.

Interior designer Laura Hodges suggests asking yourself: “Does this piece need to be made new?” More often than not, the answer is no - and with a little imagination, you can create something unique and sustainable.

 

 

Bringing Nature Indoors

Plants have always been a favourite in interiors, but they also support a greener lifestyle in more ways than one. Beyond looking beautiful, houseplants filter indoor air and boost wellbeing. Varieties like snake plants and peace lilies thrive with minimal maintenance while improving air quality.

For smaller spaces, vertical gardens or “living walls” maximise greenery without taking up floor space. Choosing plants from local growers also helps reduce environmental impact, while adding life, colour and calm to your interiors.

 

Print: Warbling Flycatcher

 

Mala’s Commitment to Sustainability

At Mala, we recognise the importance of sustainability and efficiency. Our mission is to keep the business green whilst staying practical. By minimising unnecessary shipping and using eco-friendly materials in our supply chain, we stay true to that mission. All our prints are created using water-based latex inks which are non-toxic, non-flammable, and environmentally friendly. We are also proud to use wood from FSC-certified sustainable forests for our floating frames, while our custom boxes are made from recycled materials and designed to fit each product size and order. The environmental cost of shipping items from overseas is one that can be avoided by supporting UK-based brands or those with UK warehouses, and with a little extra research, these choices can make a meaningful difference.

 

Print: Moods

 

A Fresh Take on Sustainable Interiors

Creating a sustainable home doesn’t have to mean big sacrifices, it’s about small, thoughtful steps that make your space feel both stylish and responsible. From investing in timeless furniture and repurposing old pieces, to choosing natural materials and supporting local brands, every decision adds up.

The interiors industry is changing, with more designers and brands embracing eco-conscious practices. By weaving sustainability into your decor choices, you’re not just helping the planet, you’re creating a home that tells a meaningful story and stands the test of time.

 

 

Feeling Inspired?

Create a relaxing sanctuary at home with our calming bedroom ideas, or create a space that blends modern living with old hollywood with our art deco inspiration. 

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