How to incorporate sustainable interior design into your home
Knight Frank Interior’s Design Director Sophie Wilson shares her advice on creating a more eco-friendly living environment
From the materials we choose to the way we use our spaces, every decision can help reduce our environmental footprint. At Knight Frank Interiors, sustainability is woven into its approach to design. As a proud B Corp - a company certified to meet high social and environmental performance standards - it is committed to working with suppliers who share its values of transparency, sustainability, and accountability. “Thanks to our rigorous supplier onboarding policy, we can confidently stand behind the practices of everyone we collaborate with,” shares Sophie Wilson, Design Director at Knight Frank Interiors.
In pursuit of protecting the natural world, there is also abundant creative inspiration to be found too. “Take our Conscious Collection of furniture, for example - each piece tells a sustainability story, such as our bar stools made from recycled plastic waste and coffee grounds, thoughtfully designed to be fully recyclable at the end of their life.”
She shares her insights into how homeowners and landlords alike can make more environmentally conscious choices without sacrificing beauty or comfort.
Choose items built to last
Durability is crucial, particularly in high-traffic areas such as build-to-rent communal spaces or homes with pets. For upholstered items we recommend selecting fabrics with a high rub count, a measure that indicates the fabric's ability to withstand friction and abrasion. This ensures longevity and sustained quality, making it a smart and mindful choice in the long run.
The right materials
Seek out natural, responsibly sourced materials - think organic cottons, wools, linens, or FSC-certified woods. Look for manufacturers with transparent supply chains and recognised certifications. Timeless design and tactile quality go hand-in-hand with sustainability, ensuring the piece remains relevant and loved for years to come. At Knight Frank Interiors we monitor which products are responsibly sourced through our Environmental Icons labelling.
Choose your paint wisely
We always opt for low-toxin (low VOC) paints. COAT, a fellow B Corp, offers a stunning range of colours and is incredibly open with their knowledge and processes. Their B Corp status is an added assurance - they’ve undergone rigorous checks, which gives us further confidence in their environmental and social practices.
Optimise energy efficiency
Thoughtful design choices can make a notable difference to energy efficiency. For instance, window treatments such as blinds and curtains are a practical yet elegant way to regulate indoor temperatures, helping to keep the space cool in summer and retaining warmth during the winter months. Here layered textures and quality linings contribute to insulation while adding depth to the design.
Bring the outside in
Incorporating nature into interiors has a profoundly calming and grounding effect. Plants not only purify the air but also create a more inviting, tranquil environment. In our Author project, tranforming a build-to-rent development, we used a combination of freestanding greenery and built-in planters to soften the industrial character of King’s Cross - this contrast brought the award-winning space to life with a sense of balance and serenity.
Smart use of tech
Technology plays a key role in sustainable living. From smart thermostats that optimise heating to energy-efficient lighting systems and automated blinds that respond to sunlight, these innovations help reduce energy consumption without compromising on comfort.
Think long term
Sustainability is holistic - it’s not just about what you choose, but how you design. Flexibility and longevity are key: creating spaces that evolve with your lifestyle helps reduce the need for frequent updates. Collaboration with mindful suppliers and craftspeople, as well as embracing local sourcing wherever possible, all contribute to a more considered and responsible approach to interior design.
Less is more
Eco minimalism is a powerful approach to design - it encourages intentional choices and lasting value. We believe in selecting fewer, high-quality pieces that truly serve a purpose and enhance the space. It’s about thoughtful curation, with every item possessing a story and a function, creating interiors that are not only elegant but enduring.
