Sustainable design comes in many shapes and forms. Everything from where the raw materials are sourced all the way to how they are disposed of at the end of their life cycle. What about DURING the life of a piece?
Do you remember growing up, instead of throwing things away, you fixed them? Boy have times changed. We are a “throw away” society, but we certainly don’t need to be. When it comes to designing your home, here are several things you can do to sustain your design and home over a lifetime.
1) BUY QUALITY. I know this can be a painful one - it costs more upfront, right? True, it does. But over the life of your product, a better made, better built, better quality item can far outlive it’s less expensive counterpart. I was looking around my house this morning in preparing for this blog. I was noticing towels I have that are too old too admit - that are still holding up beautifully! I have a solid wood inset dresser I bought so many years ago, that I still love to this day and it’s doing great, granted it has a few more scratches, but those are fixable if I am ever inclined. When I buy new items for our house, I do everything in my power and budget to get the BEST my money will buy. I would much rather save up a bit longer to get the higher priced, better quality, longer lasting item- hands down, any. day. of. the. week.
This kitchen is no exception. It radiates quality. This project just won “Best Kitchen over 100k” by NARI Tampa Bay. A dream collaboration with Lindross Remodeling and Bee Studios. This Lacanche range was on the client’s wish list, and I was more that excited to incorporate it into a dream kitchen for the clients. This kitchen will be around for a very long time!
2) INHERIT QUALITY. I have several items in our home that are far older than us. Items than have probably been moved a 100 times, but the owners lovingly took care of them and they were built the stand the test of time. These are pieces we can one day pass along again, to our son. So when you are buying new furnishings, or building a new home, think about it -will those items be able to be passed on to the next generation? Or will they be curbside in 5 years? Saving a buck now will only add to the landfill, and your wallet, later. “Heirloom quality” means you can pass along to your great, great grandchildren.
This kitchen project we incorporated the clients existing Boos Block butcher block top into their island. This is an Heirloom quality piece that will last another 100 years.
3) ANTIQUES/VINTAGE sourcing. Tieing into #2, if you don’t have someone that can pass items on to you - have you ever checked a vintage or antique shop? Vintage and antiques don’t always mean more money - but they do mean the pieces are sure to last! I have scored the BEST finds at antique and vintage shops. I have the most amazing teak credenza from an antique shop in St. Pete. I have 5 VERY durable vintage rugs in my house right now. I have a runner in my kitchen - this thing takes a beating - and I don’t even flinch when I drop something on it. I also have a vintage rug in my laundry room, hallway, bathroom, and living room; they are durable, beautiful, and come with a story to tell!
Vintage rugs are very durable - and have so much character!
A vintage credenza I fell in love with- this one is more rare because of the length.
4) REPURPOSE & REFINISH. When sourcing used quality items, think about how they might look in a different color, finish, or fabric. I found the most amazing vintage door from Schiller’s Salvage in Tampa. This thing was beat up, but had the most pretty lines, molding, and character. One side was stained, the other paint. I envision it as a barn door into my laundry room. I bought it for $175 (a steal!)- granted it cost over $600 to refinish. And I have to invest in barn door hardware, glass, and labor to hang it. But sooo worth it. I will have a door like no one else, and it even has the “letter” slot from when it was installed in a school!
The door before refinishing.
The door after refinishing. Waiting for glass, hardware, and install.
The original “letters” slot when it was installed in a school. LOVE!
So as you are sitting around your house more these days, take a minute to survey the items in your space. What do you own that you remember investing in- did it stand the test of time? I hope you find some renewed inspiration and can look at your lovely treasures with a new love and appreciation! - Brooke