Is vegan interior design yet another buzzword?
While trends come and go, movements create a paradigm shift in society, which has a ripple effect on design. Vegan interior design is still in its infancy. However, having observed the vegan movement in the food industry in recent years, I am certain that vegan interior design, much like sustainable interior design, is not a short lived trend, but here to stay.
Colours like orange, mustard yellow and brown are back in style, but so are monochromatic neutral schemes. (Photo: Elitis)
What are the current interior design trends
Over the last few years I’ve noticed a tendency for several design trends co-existing at the same time, even on opposite sides of the spectrum, such as minimalism versus maximalism.
I believe that although the trend for eclectic spaces with bold statements and the revival of 1970s interiors and colour schemes will stick around a little longer, quiet luxury, a term that was born in the fashion industry, will take over the world of interior design. Quiet luxury is all about high-quality, minimalistic and timeless pieces. Calling timeless interior design a trend would be a bit of an oxymoron, timeless design is more like an anti-trend. That said sustainable design and a desire for luxurious natural materials, soothing colour schemes and organic shapes will not only continue to grow, but become an integral part of (interior) design.
Neutrals and monochromatic schemes create a sense of understated luxury. (Photo: Elitis)
What is vegan interior design and vegan decorating?
A vegan home in terms of home decor is an essential part of the vegan lifestyle, which seeks to cause the least possible harm to animals. In vegan interior design we avoid all materials made from animals, such as leather, wool and down as well as animal derived by-products, such as casein, glycerin and shellac, wherever possible. While every true vegan will strive to live in a vegan home, vegan interior design is not just for vegans.
Is vegan interior design a style?
One of the biggest myths about vegan interior design is that it follows a certain style. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Vegan interior design doesn’t have a look. You can achieve any interior style using vegan materials. However, to me vegan interior design is also about sustainability, which is why I’m an advocate for timeless interiors and as a result don’t follow every trend. I personally prefer minimalistic, understated luxury and nature inspired interior design. I find it aesthetically more pleasing and also more relaxing.
Kapok is a sustainable vegan material used in mattresses, bedding and woven into fabrics. (Photo: nsleep)
Is sustainable interior design trending right now or is it here to stay?
We live in a time where climate change is a reality and with so much happening around the world, there (finally) seems to be a sense of urgency to do something about it. With new regulations being put in place as a result of the Paris Agreement, the Plant Based Treaty and other initiatives, sustainability has become an important aspect across all industries.
In my 12 years of working in the field of interior design, I’ve noticed that the furniture and interior design industry are often inspired by the fashion industry. The fashion industry is currently going through a bit of a renaissance, especially as it relates to materials. Natural fibres, such as hemp, kapok and tencel are experiencing a bit of a revival and vegan leathers made from fruits, mushrooms and bamboo are becoming increasingly popular.
Mycelium leather is a very promising vegan leather alternative. (Photo: Bolt Threads)
Interior Design versus Fashion design
It therefore won’t be long until the furniture industry will jump on the bandwagon. In 2018 Cassina in collaboration with the French designer Philippe Stark launched an entire collection made of apple leather. Fast forward to summer 2024, Herman Miller launched a vegan version of the iconic Eames Lounge chair. This will inevitably have a ripple effect. At the same time, it’s important to consider that the demand on a material’s durability and resistance (e.g. Martindale rub test standards) for furniture is far greater than for fashion items. While this is surely one of the reasons the furniture industry has been slower to adopt these new materials, I also believe that once they do catch on, the trend or rather movement will be here to stay.
Why is sustainable design good for people, the planet, and animals?
There are many aspects to sustainable (interior) design. As mentioned earlier, I’m a true believer in timeless interior design. Investing in quality rather than quantity aka quiet luxury and using natural materials are a great way to create more sustainable designs. Natural materials without harmful chemicals and plastic-free products will have a smaller carbon footprint and greatly affect our indoor air quality, which in consequence affects our health and wellbeing.
Herman Miller’s vegan version of the Eames Lounge Chair. (Photo: Herman Miller)
Why is vegan interior design sustainable?
According to multiple studies, animal agriculture is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. By avoiding the use of animal products, we not only show more compassion towards animals, but also reduce our carbon footprint. For example, Herman Miller declared that their vegan Eames Lounge chair made from bamboo leather has a 35% lower carbon footprint than those made from animal skin. At the same time, natural vegan materials contain no or far less toxins, resulting in a healthier home environment.
What are some of the common home decor items that are not vegan, sustainable or non-toxic?
As any vegan would know, one learns to study labels and ingredient lists of food items. When it comes to furniture, home décor and building materials, however, it is near impossible to know everything that goes into making a product. You’ve got to ask. Unfortunately, unless otherwise advertised, most items contain some kind of animal derived by-products, which are used as binding agents, wetting agents, dyes, glues etc.
For example, wall paint typically isn’t vegan because it contains casein or beeswax and sometimes ox gall. Some paints also use shellac to add sheen to the paint. Conventional towels are another surprising non-vegan product, because animal derived additives are traditionally used during the manufacturing process. On the other hand, silk (made from the cocoon of silkworms) is neither vegan nor sustainable as it uses enormous amounts of water and bleach during production, more so than cotton.
While it’s obvious that animal leather isn’t vegan, most people don’t realise that animal skins are treated with highly toxic chemicals during the tanning process. These toxins are not only damaging to the environment, extremely harmful to people, those who work in tanneries, those who live near them and those who use the product. Leather off-gasses for several years and we then absorb these toxins via our lungs and our skin.
Healthy non toxic vegan bedding made from natural materials such as kapok can have a major impact on your sleep. (Photo: nsleep)
Steps to create a more sustainable, non-toxic and vegan home
Many people, myself included, may not be in the position for a complete overhaul of their home. Looking at the many aspects and areas that need to be addressed when wanting to create a healthy vegan home environment can be quite overwhelming. So where should you start?
First and foremast, I think it’s important to say that even as a vegan and a vegan interior designer, I can’t claim to be 100% vegan in all areas of my life. It’s a process and it takes time. It’s relatively easy to transition to a plant based diet, switch to vegan cosmetics and gradually replace wool sweaters and leather goods with vegan alternatives, but swapping out all your non-vegan furniture and home decor may take a little longer.
My recommendation is to start with low hanging fruits, such as candles, throws, cushions and bedding. Gradually reduce and replace items as they reach their end-of-life. It’s less overwhelming and also more sustainable. You can donate wool blankets to (animal) shelters and sell or donate any unwanted leather furniture. On the other hand, if you’re ready for a complete home makeover, make sure to take enough time to plan your project, even more so than when doing a ‘regular’ redesign or refurbishment.
Eco labels and certifications can help, if you know what to look for.
Using eco labels and eco certifications as guidelines
With so many eco labels and certifications out there it can get confusing. Here are some to look out for:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for fabrics and soft furnishing
- GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) for natural latex mattresses and bedding
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for wood furniture
- GoodWeave for ethically made rugs
- Vegan labels or products approved by the Vegan Society and/ or PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
- The Leaping Bunny for products not tested on animals (though they still may contain animal derived by-products)
Labels and certifications are a good starting point, but you’ll still need to ask questions. What is it made of? Where was it made? Was it made using renewable energy? Is it vegan? Is it cruelty-free? For example, GOTS also certifies wool, which is obviously not vegan.
If all of this sounds too confusing or like too much work, you might consider hiring a vegan interior designer. I may be biased, but I know it will make the process smoother and help you reach the desired outcome faster.
In conclusion, vegan interior design is more than a trend and it’s for everyone, not just vegans, because it has a positive impact on our individual health and wellbeing as well as the planet and animals.
With compassion,
Simone xx
