Sustainable Styling
Image + Styling by Jardan
You may have heard of fast fashion when it comes to the clothing industry, but have you ever heard of fast interiors?
When we see a bargain online, we quickly add to cart without really thinking about where the item is coming from, and the materials used to make it. Every quick decision we make when purchasing homewares all add up. Imagine how much we could reduce our carbon footprint if we were all more mindful shoppers.
Now more than ever, I believe it’s important that when we select items for our home, we want to make sure they have longevity; they could be passed down to family members, restored if needed or even be repurposed in the future. We are very fortunate in Australia to have many brilliant makers and retailers at our doorstep making it a lot easier to source sustainably. Totem Road, Mr & Mrs White, Mark Tuckey, Jardan, and Pop & Scott are all excellent examples.
Image + Products by With Hands Studio
My key tips on styling in a sustainable way
1. SOURCE & SUPORT LOCAL AS MUCH AS YOU CAN
Find those local makers and cute little stores in your neighbourhood and get to know the owners. These types of stores are little gems and offer quality, uniqueness and character that you just can’t find at large department stores. Many offer a wide range of priced items so there is something for everyone.
2. TAKE YOUR TIME WHEN SELECTING ITEMS FOR YOUR HOME
There is no need to rush the process. By slowing the decision making, you will be more comfortable in the choices you make, you won’t have buyers regret and you will save money in the long run.
3. STAY TRUE TO YOUR STYLE
It’s easy to get swept up in the newest trends, particularly with social media influencing a lot of our choices. When we make decisions based on trends, the items have very little longevity. Before you know it, you are back at the same store replacing the items you bought last season. Don’t be afraid of staying true to what you like and what makes your home unique. My favourite design quote by Sherihan Gamal is “If you see beauty in something, don’t wait for others to agree”. This perfectly enhances my belief that you don’t have to choose items because they are on trend, your home should be a collection of things that matter to you.
4. KNOW WHAT YOU’RE BUYING
Before making a purchase, ask business owners where their products are made and what they are made from. The more we ask, the more we put the pressure on the suppliers to make more sustainable choices. The key is to ensure your purchases can be recycled, restored, repurposed or are made from quality materials that will last the test of time.
5. SHOP VINTAGE
It will take time, but when you do find that perfect pre-loved piece for your home, you will not regret it. There are two main ways to shop vintage. The first is to conduct thorough research which will help you understand whether an item is authentic or simply a knock-off (particularly if you have your eye on a designer piece), as well as help you learn key words to use on sites such as Gumtree, eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Have a quick search each day and your patience and research may just help you nab a bargain. The second is to search on sites that have already curated the perfect vintage finds. This offers convenience, however, will be more expensive as they have done the sourcing for you. Curated Spaces, CCSS, En Gold, 1st Dibs, Generally Worn and Tigmi Trading have amazing vintage finds (again, the list could go on).
In my opinion, sustainable really should be a style in its own right - think a combination of beautiful timbers and craftmanship, textured ceramics, soft linen and vintage pieces adding personality and uniqueness.