Sustainability at Home Design

Sustainability at Home Design

written by Monika Budniak, March 2025

We often talk about sustainable architecture on a big scale, but what does it really mean for homeowners? Can we make a positive environmental impact by making smart choices in our home’s interior?

The answer is a resounding yes! Even small things like choosing a rug or a faucet can make a big difference.

I always start by looking for passive measures. Passive measures in sustainability are design approaches that use natural elements like sunlight, wind, and thermal mass to minimize energy consumption for heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting. They don’t rely on mechanical systems.

One of my favorite passive elements is thermal mass. I love choosing floor finishes on the west side of the house that can collect warm during the day and release it at night. It’s so nice to walk barefoot on natural stone or light concrete and feel the warmth.

Biophilia is a great and easy way to make our homes more sustainable. It’s all about creating a connection between people and nature. Surrounding ourselves with plants not only helps purify the air but also makes us feel better and adds some texture to the space. It’s like having a little piece of nature inside our homes.

When it comes to choosing products, we should also look for natural and “clean” options. Just like we should be careful about the ingredients in our beauty products, we should also be careful about the ingredients in our interior finishes products. We should know where they came from, how far they were transported, what they’re made of, and how we can dispose of them after they’re used up. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just be aware of what to look for and ask the right questions. For example, avoid products made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and high VOCs (volatile organic compounds). And if possible, choose products that can be recycled, reused, or repurposed. That way, we can keep our homes sustainable and reduce our environmental impact.