The rapid rise in veganism is changing the way we eat and shop. We asked Interior Designer Emma Hooton, plant based herself, how we can style our homes with more compassion without sacrificing comfort and taste.
"When designing an interior that respects the planet and animals on it, there's no need to compromise as there are so many beautiful products out there. It's simply a case of choosing products with a little more care.
Most responsible retailers and suppliers will share their welfare and material ethics policies online, but if you can't see this information, ask. It's great to remind companies of the importance of their ethics and the more people that ask the more they'll change the way they do things for the better."
Vegan & sustainable homeware
A lot of greenwashing can accompany consumer goods. Bedding made from materials such as eucalyptus or bamboo, for instance, is widely regarded as sustainable but some manufacturers use chemical processes to extract the cellulose fibre from the wood pulp, impacting its eco creds.
The only way you can be sure you’re buying ethical homeware or vegan homeware that has a positive impact on animals, people and the planet is to buy from retailers that genuinely know their supply chain.
Did you know? Linen is widely regarded as one of the most sustainable bedding materials as the flax is mostly grown in Western Europe thereby reducing the product’s carbon footprint. Flax can be used to make a wide range of linen products from table runners to linen quilts.
Bedding fills
While natural fill duvets provide warmth and luxury, a good quality down and feather free duvet can mimic the feel of down. Tielle Suprelle® Tencel® Eco Fresh Duvet is soft, warm and lightweight and certified by The Vegan Society. It has also been awarded the EU Ecolabel and Global Recycling Standard – labelling designed to help you spot a genuinely eco-friendly product from a fake. Pairing your vegan friendly duvet with a high-quality synthetic pillow and pillow protector will also help to extend the lifespan of your vegan bedding and reduce your environmental impact.
Top tip: For a cruelty-free feather and down duvet or pillow check the materials used aren’t linked to live harvesting. At Tielle we only work with suppliers who are active members of the European Down & Feather Association (EDFA) in order to protect animal welfare. Find out more about how Tielle is helping to make a difference.
Mattress
Many high-end mattresses contain animal fibres and wool which are great for providing comfort, but unsuitable for the vegan home. A mattress made from memory foam or plant-based fibres such as coir, flax and cotton can be just as comfortable. Adding a vegan-friendly microfibre topper to your mattress will help to prolong its lifespan and add an extra layer of comfort to your sleep experience.
Read our 7 tell-tale signs your bed or bed linen needs an upgrade.
Headboard
An oversized upholstered headboard can look great against patterned wallpaper and accessories in contrasting colours, textures and shapes. If you love the look of leather but want to stay cruelty- free, go for a high-quality polyurethane fabric. It looks just like the real thing. However, headboards made from responsibly sourced timber and upholstered in natural fabrics are by far a more environmentally friendly choice.
Paint
Ethical paint has come a long way in recent years. Brands such as Little Greene, Lick and Coat are living proof there’s no need to compromise on colour or quality. Such paints are also free from beeswax, resins and dairy products such as milk protein, offering a cruelty-free alternative to traditional paints that rely on animal-derived components.
Flooring
Natural, sustainably sourced flooring such as cork, linoleum, bamboo and hardwood are compassionate alternatives to unethically made wool carpets and rugs. Warm to walk on and easy to clean, these sustainable options are also more suitable for allergy and asthma sufferers than allergen-trapping wool.
Accessories
Retailers that are mindful of their impact on the world will highlight their efforts through their website and social media platforms. However, when buying accessories, whether that’s candles, throws or pieces of art, follow these simple steps to minimise your eco footprint and stay cruelty-free.
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Avoid trends – go for high quality classic pieces that will stand the test of time
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Go for quality vs quantity – it’s better to invest in one or two really good pieces you love
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Buy consciously - take your time to research the company and its accreditations
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Buy local where possible – this will help to reduce your carbon footprint
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Embrace imperfection – buy handmade over machine-made for sustainable, unique pieces
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Go au naturel – products made from natural materials, provided they are from non-depletable sources, are generally a more sustainable option
When buying larger pieces of sustainable furniture buy from local craftsmen. Alternatively, consider giving preloved pieces a new lease of life. For expert advice on buying preloved items read Jane Walton, Founder of The Decorative Collective’s advice on choosing antiques to decorate your home.
