The Circular Lifestyle of a
Sustainable Home

design

MAY '25

We’ve discussed many of these materials previously, but to keep you informed, here’s a list of some materials suitable for a closed-loop cycle:

Hemp Linen
Clay
Bamboo
Wood 
Jute
Stone


(You can hear more on why by reading: Our Material DOs and DON’Ts Blog)


Planned Longevity

In interior design, particularly during home remodeling, a significant amount of waste is generated. Some of this waste may be unavoidable, especially when older items removed from a home cannot be reused or recycled- but let's explore how we can establish a closed-loop system. It’s essential to incorporate materials into the space that can be recycled, reused, or decomposed. 

Now what exactly is a closed loop cycle? When selecting pieces, appliances and finishings in our homes we should focus on finding items where when the time comes to get replace them they can live on- either through reuse, recycling or composts (deteriorates). We are specifically looking for items in this case that are made from non-composite materials, reusable or designed for disassembly.

These are some of the labels we look for on the products we source: 
Recycled, reused, renewable and/or compostable feedstock 
Inert/non-toxic 
Non-composite/non-hybrid 
No secondary finishes 
Low-carbon 
Durable
Low embodied energy

From an architectural perspective, designing a circular lifestyle home requires consideration of the materials used in the structure, including insulation, electrical systems, plumbing, and more, over a span of approximately 15 to 50 years. At Coastal Interiors, we focus on space planning by considering how larger furniture pieces can be passed down through generations. Ideally, we aim for the lifespan of furniture in your space to be around 15 years minimum. For items with shorter lifespans, such as supplies, electronics, or decorative pieces, we strive to limit their quantity and plan for a lifespan of about 10 years.

Where will it go in 10 years from now?

Blog written by Lieske 

Thanks for reading! Be sure to read our other blogs found here.

Think Circular

By thoughtfully selecting materials and furnishings that prioritize longevity and recyclability, we can create spaces that are not only beautiful- but also environmentally conscious. At Coastal Interiors, we are committed to guiding you through this process, ensuring that every choice contributes to a healthier planet

Instead of...
Make - Use - Destroy

Think...
Continual Reuse

Download Our Free Printable
Compost and Recycling Guides