The Philippe Stark sofa created for Cassina, upholstered in Apple Ten Lork (made from apple skins) a vegan alternative to leather, is a great example of Vegan Interior Design.
With veganism on the rise worldwide, thanks to a greater awareness of the impact our dietary choices have on our health, the natural world and the environment, it makes sense that this concept would also find it’s way into our homes.
Vegan Interior design, is a healthy and humane way to design beautiful spaces that have a positive affect on our health and home affecting our overall well-being.
Having cut out meat myself, I can honestly say I feel much healthier and I am enjoying trying the many exciting alternatives there are out there in food and in my home. It’s a natural extension of Creating Sustainable Interiors.
Here is a bit more information on the vegan design approach.
What is Vegan Interior Design
The concept of vegan interior design is that a home designed with materials that have been made in a cruelty-free way, will result in a much more harmonious environment to live in.
According to Siobhan Loates, a UK based interior designer registered to offer a vegan design service.
“A vegan, humane or cruelty-free product is one that does not originate from any living creature, is not an animal by-product and is not tested on animals.”
However, as she explains there is more to vegan interior design than cutting out animal products. It makes health sense too. Many animal skins and hides used in furniture design are treated with chemicals that penetrate our skin.
Alternative vegan fabrics and materials are gentler and healthier to live with, especially children and allergy sensitive adults.
Making Vegan Design Choices
Vegan alternatives are friendlier to the environment, they rely less on our planets resources and produce fewer toxins and waste.
While some vegan products have been around for a while, others are more exciting.
New York homeware brand Buffy launched the Breeze comforter made entirely from eucalyptus pulp. Compared to duck down, it is just as soft and breathable. It is also able to regulate temperature keeping you cool and comfortable all night.
- Synthetic leathers – alternatives include apple skins and some are grown from fungi.
- Pineapple skin fabrics.
- Microfibre – down alternative.
- Hemp fabrics
- Linen
- Sustainably sourced cotton
Having recently returned from Clerkenwell Design Week in London, it was encouraging to see many manufacturers taking sustainability seriously.
Havwoods International gave an eye-opening talk on the importance of buying ethically sourced timber, because at current rates of deforestation, the rain forests will be gone in 100 years.
While it is not necessary to go Vegan, when thinking of redecorating your home, consider materials that are good for the environment as well as for you. This will result in a space that not only looks good, but makes you feel good about your choices too.
It’s up to us to use products and materials that are eco-friendly. If unsure ask the manufacturer.
I look forward to bring you more on Vegan Interiors in future blog posts. If you have any information to share on this subject please let me know.
Have a wonderful week.
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