Sustainability, the transformation of interior design

Sustainability has arrived to decoration trends. Commitment to the environment and respect for the planet are concepts that are defining our lifestyle and, therefore, the spaces we occupy. Let's take a closer look at the foundations on which this new way of understanding interior design is based.

The concept of luxury is undergoing a drastic transformation. What used to be ostentation and excessive opulence is now becoming new expressions that seek to be more in tune with the environment. It is not just a matter of responsible consumption of resources, but of embracing nature, what is in it and honoring what it gives us. From this symbiosis are born the different decoration trends that will shape and outline the decoration and architecture of today's spaces. Pleasure and uniqueness are other elements that will have a relevant role in terms of luxury. In addition to aesthetics and functionality, what will rule in this aspect will be the ability to transmit sensations.

On the other hand, in this type of interior design based on sustainability, minimalism is positioned as a style to be taken into account. Minimalism is very much in line with what is expected from a movement that fights against consumerism, which will result in refined interiors and exquisite design. Thus, sustainable decoration gives us the opportunity to create well thought out, unique, distinguished and, of course, adapted to the needs of the 21st century.

Decorating trends are not alien to the world around us, but are strongly inspired by it. As we have advanced, the connection with nature is one of the most relevant aspects that we will count on. This premise has a multitude of readings and applications. One of them is to be more conscious of the way we act and consume. What we do and how we do it has an impact on the environment and we must be aware of this in order to make the most appropriate decisions.

Likewise, this connection with nature is something that we can also experience with the presence of certain materials in our homes. This is the case of wood, marble or rattan, for example. However, their integration will always be done in an elegant and sophisticated way to maintain the concept of luxury we were talking about. In addition, natural materials take over all spaces and corners: in furniture, wall coverings, floors, lighting and much more.

The neo-rustic, in particular, is a style that drinks a lot of these materials and from which we can be inspired to create very interesting environments following the precepts of sustainability. It is characterized by a minimalist essence mixed with a very cozy and refined universe in equal parts. Light wood, mineral colors, wool or basketry are some of the aspects that define this decorative proposal.

Plants cannot be missing either when we talk about connecting with nature. After all, they are like having a little bit of the outside world inside our home. In addition, they contribute in many ways to our quality of life. Not only do they offer their aesthetic side, they are also useful in helping to purify the air.

In this regard, it should be noted that not all plants are suitable for the interior of our home, so it is necessary to be properly informed about it. At the same time, the plants and flowers we choose should be seasonal. In this way, we contribute to caring for the planet and reduce our carbon footprint.

How to integrate them? The truth is that there are a thousand ways to give a green touch to the rooms. Flower pots and floral centers may be the most common, but not the only ones. Plants can give a lot of play and become real protagonists of the decoration. One option is to place vines on the walls with the help of hooks. The composition can be very interesting and, of course, will be one of the main focal points of the room.

Production becomes ecological, local and, in some cases, handcrafted. A greater awareness of the origin and the way the furniture or object in question has been made is sought. Therefore, they must have environmental certificates that prove how they have been made.

XTONE is fully committed to the environment and practices sustainability in each of its products. They work mainly with two types of materials: natural stones and sintered compact mineral. In both cases, the surfaces they offer are characterized by their quality, durability and ability to regenerate after their life cycle. It should be noted that the production process also follows the premises of responsible consumption. Some of the actions carried out are: reusing water in the production process, reducing the weight and volume of the pieces to minimize CO2 emissions during transport, and using recycled materials in packaging.

Until now, the production model followed was linear. In other words, natural resources were exploited to obtain raw materials and manufacture products. Then, at the end of their useful life, they were discarded, generating a large amount of waste. Undoubtedly, a way of acting with a multitude of negative impacts on the environment. In contrast to this linear model, what is now being promoted is circular production. In this way, the elements produced that are no longer useful can have a second life. This puts an end to the waste and exploitation of natural resources involved in the production of new items. It is in this context that practices such as recovery and upcycling are born.

Upcycling is nothing more than a new way of taking advantage of resources in which creativity is key. It is about finding a new use for objects or materials that, in theory, no longer serve for anything. Thanks to this practice, waste can be transformed into valuable elements. This is also where the uniqueness factor that we mentioned at the beginning comes in. The result of these actions are totally unique and original pieces that speak volumes about the person who transforms them.

A wise use of materials is essential to achieve the harmony and aesthetics we want. This is an aspect that will inevitably mark the concept and the result that we intend on the space we have in our hands. Therefore, we should not forget about it when we talk about eco decoration.

It is precisely here where the need to innovate and experiment with materials has found a great ally in sustainability. Recycled materials have become a luxury raw material that imprints identity and adds value to any space. Their versatility has extended their use to all types of decorative and architectural elements.

XTONE's sintered compact mineral products are the perfect example of this. With these large-format surfaces and the different thicknesses they handle, it is possible to successfully integrate this material into a wide variety of spaces: interior and exterior floors, countertops, walls, facades and tables, among others. The different finishes together with the creativity of the decorator do the rest.

On the other hand, and although it might seem that plastic is banished from the eco concept, the truth is that it is not. Of course, not just any plastic, since its presence is limited only to recycled plastic. Recycling plastic from bottles, disposable cutlery or that which ends up in the sea to make original pieces is one of the maximum expressions of this trend in decoration. We have mentioned wood and stone as natural materials, but they are not the only ones allowed within the framework of sustainable decoration. Natural concrete, brass, aluminum or iron are some of the options that are also very present to create this sustainable aesthetic. In this sense, it is worth mentioning, above all, aluminum, since it is a material that can be recycled infinitely.

What is clear is that sustainability is going to be closely linked to all the trends in decoration that we will see from now on. Eco-consciousness is here to stay and offers us very interesting aspects as far as interior design is concerned. And the fact is that, more than a trend, it is a real need in the world we live in. We should all opt for a more responsible consumption. Moreover, we have already seen that it is not at odds with quality and beauty.