Key Takeaways:
- Two of the most important elements of sustainable interior design in Los Angeles are recycling and repurposing.
- Long-lasting, sustainable interior design materials beat trendy “eco” finishes that might need to be replaced within the next few years.
- Good eco-friendly interior design can still feel very home-like, even with the use of recycled products and materials.
Even homes that look gorgeous on install day can still be wasteful underneath. As a Los Angeles interior design and home renovation firm, we can’t ignore how poorly the general construction industry treats the environment.
In residential renovation alone, there are many concerns. Good cabinetry often goes to a dumpster when it’s swapped out, even when the boxes themselves are good.
Materials that are labeled as “natural” or “organic” are shipped from halfway across the world, creating a much larger environmental footprint than similar local materials.
When we think of sustainable interior design in Los Angeles, we like to think of what we can reuse, what we can replace, where we can source locally, and what will still be in style ten years from now.
What is Sustainable Interior Design?
Many remodels create waste in the very beginning of the process. Cabinets and old flooring get ripped out and tossed. Perfectly usable doors, fixtures, and trim are treated like debris because it feels easier to replace everything on paper.
We like to start with a single, albeit more difficult question:
What’s worth removing?
For instance, if you have decent kitchen cabinetry, maybe you just change the fronts and refinish the boxes instead of wasting good lumber. Or if you’re working with old hardwood flooring, consider refinishing it rather than covering it in vinyl plank or carpet.
Apply the same thinking to finishes in eco-friendly interior design. If you’re concerned about your family’s health or have chronic respiratory issues, it can be worth looking into low-VOC paints and adhesives.
Just because a product is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s necessarily better. Some are delicate. Some are expensive. Some require specialty installation. But the point is to choose with eyes open.
How to Incorporate Sustainability During a Remodel
A lot of waste is the product of indecision. A contractor might order tile in bulk that the client doesn’t like, so they have to swap them out. A vanity shows up at the house, and it doesn’t look quite right against the floor.
With careful planning, you can prevent more waste than most “green” updates.
Our Los Angeles team likes to think of the early work in sustainable interior design as four distinct steps:
- Get the correct measurements
- Review samples in the actual space
- Check lead times
- Make sure the design fits with the way the home is used
We would never suggest a delicate flooring material for a family that needs hardwearing floors just because it comes from a natural source.
Local sourcing can also be important if it makes sense for the project. While Los Angeles is a mecca for sourcing sustainable interior design materials, the same can’t be said for every city.
If you don’t have a nearby stone yard, tile supplier, millworker, or salvage dealer, don’t get too hung up on local sourcing. The main benefit is that if local buying is practical, you can reduce your carbon footprint and return or swap out materials if they don’t work.
Top Five Sustainable Interior Design Materials
There are many variables you have to consider to classify a material as “sustainable.” Not every material that would be considered sustainable in one environment would be considered sustainable in another. And not every material will work for every project.
Keep that in mind as we go through some of these materials you might consider using.
Reclaimed Wood
While it can certainly be expensive, this eco-friendly interior design material works well for beams, shelving, flooring, mantels, or custom furniture. Even in non-rustic interiors, it can add a bit more warmth and texture.
The catch is that it has to be prepared properly. Old wood needs to be milled, sanded, sealed, and pest-treated before it can be used in an interior. That’s usually what makes it so pricey. With that said, it’s nearly impossible to replicate, and you can’t beat the sustainability factor.
Cork
Cork is highly underrated. It’s soft and pliable, naturally warm, and great for rooms that need acoustic treatment. Many clients we work with use cork on wall panels in their offices or bedrooms.
It does have its limits, however. It’s not very durable, and if it isn’t sealed properly, it can be vulnerable to moisture. But for Los Angeles homeowners who like the idea of using sustainable interior design materials that are warm and comfortable compared to something like concrete or tile, cork is a great choice.
Bamboo
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing materials on earth. In just 24 hours, it can grow up to 36 inches, which makes it far more available than most alternative materials.
A 2024 report from the Institution of Structural Engineers said it could be one of the best sustainable alternatives to steel and concrete.
From an objective standpoint, it’s sustainable and functional:
- It grows quickly
- It requires minimal water
- It doesn’t need pesticides to grow
- It regenerates after harvest (no need for replanting)
- It’s highly recyclable if untreated
The only major concern for eco-friendly North American interior designers is sourcing it, since it primarily grows in Southeast Asia and South America.
Recycled Glass
Not only is recycled glass one of the best sustainable interior design materials for Los Angeles builders, but it’s also great for homeowners who want some visual variety.
It’s often used on countertops or backsplashes, and since it can be made from multiple types of post-consumer glass, you can get several flashes of color.
Fabrication can be costly, but beyond that, it’s one of the most uniquely charming construction materials.
Low-VOC or VOC-Free Paints and Finishes
The type of paint or sealant you use in an eco-friendly interior design project can affect your health. Many VOCs are linked to cancer and respiratory issues. With low-VOC materials, you can reduce harmful emissions. We often suggest this for rooms where you or your children spend a lot of time, such as bedrooms or nurseries.
Several brands make VOC-free paints. Alkemis is one of our favorites because it incorporates transparent mineral quartz and other raw materials into its paint as a base layer.
Approaching Los Angeles Interior Design With a Sustainable Mindset
Making sustainable decisions during remodeling or construction isn’t more difficult. And in many ways, the mindset can help you avoid having to make changes five years down the line.
For homeowners considering sustainable interior design here in Los Angeles, 5blox Interior Design Firm can help you make the right decisions early on, from selecting materials to planning your layout with 3D rendering.
Get in touch with us today to tell us more about your vision and get a free consultation.
Interior Designer
Kelvin brings a creative, collaborative spirit to every home remodel. With a background in Civil Engineering focused on Architectural Design and a certificate in Photorealistic Visualization from Vizacademy in the UK, he blends technical precision with artistic flair. His approach is all about finding smart, stylish solutions that work with each space’s unique challenges—whether that means embracing a structural quirk or helping clients refine bold ideas. Friendly, detail-oriented, and easy to work with, he’s dedicated to turning houses into homes that feel both functional and beautifully personal.