Interior Design

Vegan interior design is about crafting beautiful, comfortable, and conscious living spaces that reflect a deep respect for all living beings and the planet. It's a holistic approach to design that aligns personal values with aesthetic choices. 

Vegan Interior Design Portfolio:

Why Vegan Interior Design?

Vegan interior design extends the principles of veganism to the entire living space, going beyond just furniture to encompass every element within a room. It's about creating an aesthetically pleasing, functional, and comfortable environment that is entirely free from animal products or by-products, while often also prioritizing ethical and sustainable practices.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of vegan interior design:

1. The Core Principle: No Animal Products, Anywhere The fundamental rule is to eliminate all materials derived from animals. This means meticulously scrutinizing every item in the space, including:

• Furniture: As explained previously, this means no leather, wool, silk, down, feathers, animal hides/furs, or glues/adhesives containing animal derivatives.

• Textiles and Fabrics: This is a broad category. It excludes:

  • Wool: Found in carpets, rugs, blankets, throws, upholstery, and drapes.

  • Silk: Used in luxurious drapes, bedding, cushions, and upholstery.

  • Leather/Suede: In upholstery, decorative accents, or even wallpaper.

  • Down/Feathers: In pillows, duvets, and cushions.

• Decorative Items:

  • Bone, Horn, Shell: Used in sculptures, picture frames, inlay, or decorative objects.

  • Animal Skins/Furs: As rugs, throws, or wall hangings.

  • Beeswax: Found in some candles, polishes, and finishes.

  • Shellac: A resin from lac insects, used in some varnishes and polishes.

• Paints and Finishes: Some traditional paints, plasters, and glazes can contain animal-derived pigments (e.g., cochineal), milk proteins (casein), or animal-based binders.

• Artwork: No taxidermy, art made with animal parts, or even traditional photographic prints developed using gelatin.

2. Embracing Vegan Material Alternatives: The essence of vegan interior design lies in the innovative and beautiful use of plant-based and synthetic alternatives:

• Upholstery & Textiles:

  • Cottons: Organic, recycled, and conventional cotton.

  • Linens: Derived from flax, durable and breathable.

  • Hemp: Strong, sustainable, and durable.

  • Jute & Sisal: Excellent for rugs, carpets, and natural textures.

  • Bamboo: Soft, sustainable, and often used for bedding and towels.

  • Tencel & Lyocell: Sustainable fibers made from wood pulp, known for their softness and drape.

  • Modal & Viscose: Regenerated cellulose fibers, often from beech wood.

  • Vegan Leathers: Piñatex (pineapple), Mylo (mushroom), apple leather, cactus leather, cork, and high-quality synthetic vegan leathers.

  • Recycled Materials: Fabrics made from recycled PET bottles or other plastic waste.

• Fillings: Plant-based options like organic cotton, kapok, buckwheat, latex (natural rubber), and synthetic fibers like recycled polyester.

• Hard Surfaces: Wood (FSC-certified or reclaimed), bamboo, cork, stone (marble, granite, slate), ceramic tiles, concrete, and metal.

3. Strong Emphasis on Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: While not strictly defining "vegan," these principles are almost always intertwined with vegan interior design:

• Reduced Environmental Impact: Choosing materials that are renewable, recyclable, biodegradable, and have a low carbon footprint.

• Non-Toxic and Healthy Homes: Prioritizing paints, finishes, and adhesives that are low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) and free from harmful chemicals, creating healthier indoor air quality.

• Fair Trade and Ethical Labor: Supporting brands that ensure fair wages and safe working conditions throughout their supply chain.

• Durability and Longevity: Investing in well-made pieces that will last, reducing consumption and waste.

• Upcycling and Secondhand: Giving new life to existing items rather than buying new, reducing resource consumption.

4. Aesthetic and Lifestyle: Vegan interior design often gravitates towards specific aesthetics, though it's not limited to one style:

• Natural and Organic: Embracing earthy tones, natural textures, and bringing elements of nature indoors (e.g., plants).

• Minimalist: Clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a focus on essential, high-quality pieces.

• Conscious Consumption: Encouraging thoughtful purchasing decisions and a less consumerist approach to home decor.

• Wellness-Oriented: Creating spaces that feel calming, healthy, and supportive of a balanced lifestyle.