By now I'm sure you're all aware of Veganism in terms of food choice, make up, skin care and fashion. But have to heard of Veganism for interiors?
Famously brought to the mainstream by Megan Markle when she chose a Vegan paint for her sons nursery walls in 2019. Vegan Interiors is becoming more and more popular, not only is it better for the planet, it's kinder to our furry friends and better for our health.
So what's is Vegan Interior Design?
Vegan Interior Design is being aware of the conscious choices you are making for your home and your interior spaces and how it effects animals, humans and the planet. By choosing Vegan Interior Design you are creating healthy, sustainable and cruelty free spaces.
It means choosing alternatives to Leather, Down, Silk, Fur and Wool as well as avoiding products with any animal derived components (did you know some paints contain casein, a protein found in milk?) and ensuring nothing has been tested on animals.
Image Source: Shutterstock
Now instead of throwing away that leather armchair that's been in your family for three generations, or discarding all of your woollen blankets, I urge you to be sensible with your choices MOVING FORWARD. The things you own are no good to anyone sitting in landfill, not to mention it's terrible for the planet. The most sustainable thing you can do within your home is to use what you already have. To use, reuse, repair, repurpose and recycle is the best practice. But when it comes to purchasing new items for your home, when your current items are broken beyond repair, or can't be re used anymore, you should be making conscious choices.
How can you make more conscious choices in your home?
There are a few things you can change, swap and look out for when making your spaces more Vegan friendly and sustainable.
1. Choose cushion covers made from Bamboo, Hemp or organic Cotton. Not only are these kinder alternatives to leather or wool they are also free from nasty chemicals or plastic which can cause off-gassing (read more on off-gassing here).
2. Next time you want to spruce up a room with paint, find one that's natural, has no VOC and doesn't contain casein as mentioned above. There are loads of brands that fit the bill at price points to suit everyones budget. A few of my favourite Vegan paints are Edward Bulmer, Farrow & Ball (their dead flat and Limewash finishes only), Lakeland Paints and Earthborn Paints.
Image Source: Farrow & Ball
3. Find fabrics printed with natural dyes instead of anything synthetic. There is a huge array of styles and price points for you to find something perfect for your space and aesthetic.
4. Watch out for seating. You might be purchasing a faux leather sofa but the seat pad could be (and usually is) wrapped in Down or Feathers. Think about purchasing a second hand sofa instead of buying a brand-new faux leather one. Yes the leather might be real but it's more environmentally friendly to use what's already on the planet than to make a new 'sustainable' alternative.
5. Choose candles made of Soy rather than Beeswax. Watch out for Beeswax sprays and cleaners too. There are hundreds of Soy candles out there for you to choose from so you're sure to find a scent that suits. One of my favourite is Pott. Not only do their candles smell divine, they are made from rapeseed and coconut wax, 100% natural oils and you can buy refills so you never have to through the pot away. Not sponsored, I'm just obsessed!
Image Source: Pott
6. Do your research and read the small print. If in doubt call the companies direct, if they are unwilling to be transparent, they're probably not the most conscious company to choose. Transparency is best.
7. With everything, use things until they cannot be used any more, donate or sell them to give your items a second lease of life or dispose of them correctly and responsibly if the time comes.
So there you have it, my tips to make conscious choices and to create Vegan and sustainable homes. For more tips and Interior goodness, follow our Instagram @studio.lawson and I'd love to know how you make your homes more conscious so we can learn and grow together. Until next time...