Zoë Feldman's Designer Tips To Sourcing Ethically

Concerns about global warming and the overall health of the planet seem have grown exponentially. The interior design industry and its consumers are rethinking its supply chain, shifting toward more sustainable practices, more ethical furniture, fabrics, and decorative objects. Decorating your home with ethics in mind is not about one particular look or style. It is however about considering the impact of your choices on the health of the planet. This includes the choices you make when it comes to materials such as paints, furnishings and the accessories you use to design your home.

We are all familiar with the concept of eco-friendly and sustainable materials but how do we necessarily incorporate this into our home? Is it actually possible to mix new and old and have the same luxury delivered responsibly, with low impact on the environment, and without compromising on style?

We asked Zoë Feldman to walk us through her designer tips to source ethically while still creating beautiful spaces. Zoë Feldman's Design firm specializes in implementing green practices into each project. Her tips will make it easier for you to be more mindful and less wasteful as you create a beautiful and unique home.

Concerns about global warming and the overall health of the planet seem have grown exponentially. The interior design industry and its consumers are rethinking its supply chain, shifting toward more sustainable practices, more ethical furniture, fabrics, and decorative objects. Decorating your home with ethics in mind is not about one particular look or style. It is however about considering the impact of your choices on the health of the planet. This includes the choices you make when it comes to materials such as paints, furnishings and the accessories you use to design your home.

We are all familiar with the concept of eco-friendly and sustainable materials but how do we necessarily incorporate this into our home? Is it actually possible to mix new and old and have the same luxury delivered responsibly, with low impact on the environment, and without compromising on style?

We asked Zoë Feldman to walk us through her designer tips to source ethically while still creating beautiful spaces. Zoë Feldman's Design firm specializes in implementing green practices into each project. Her tips will make it easier for you to be more mindful and less wasteful as you create a beautiful and unique home.

Concerns about global warming and the overall health of the planet seem have grown exponentially. The interior design industry and its consumers are rethinking its supply chain, shifting toward more sustainable practices, more ethical furniture, fabrics, and decorative objects. Decorating your home with ethics in mind is not about one particular look or style. It is however about considering the impact of your choices on the health of the planet. This includes the choices you make when it comes to materials such as paints, furnishings and the accessories you use to design your home.

We are all familiar with the concept of eco-friendly and sustainable materials but how do we necessarily incorporate this into our home? Is it actually possible to mix new and old and have the same luxury delivered responsibly, with low impact on the environment, and without compromising on style?

We asked Zoë Feldman to walk us through her designer tips to source ethically while still creating beautiful spaces. Zoë Feldman's Design firm specializes in implementing green practices into each project. Her tips will make it easier for you to be more mindful and less wasteful as you create a beautiful and unique home.

Eco friendly dining room interior design vintage dining room chairs and table

1. SHOP VINTAGE

"Freight adds cost and unnecessary emissions to your project. By sourcing local, you have the opportunity to learn more about the pieces you are purchasing, and the vendors that are selling them."

We agree, you don't have to compromise style with ethics. It's about filling your home with things that mean something to you and not just because it was cheap or easily available. Where and who made a product is just as important, as well as how it was treated. The distance your furniture and homewares has to travel to get to you impacts their footprint on the environment.

Sourcing vintage lamps to compliment a new console table can give a room that unique and ethical edge. It is a sustainable way to love the inherited pieces of furniture while mixing in new ones.

ethically sourced vintage table lamps for dining room design

1. SHOP VINTAGE

"Freight adds cost and unnecessary emissions to your project. By sourcing local, you have the opportunity to learn more about the pieces you are purchasing, and the vendors that are selling them."

We agree, you don't have to compromise style with ethics. It's about filling your home with things that mean something to you and not just because it was cheap or easily available. Where and who made a product is just as important, as well as how it was treated. The distance your furniture and homewares has to travel to get to you impacts their footprint on the environment.

Sourcing vintage lamps to compliment a new console table can give a room that unique and ethical edge. It is a sustainable way to love the inherited pieces of furniture while mixing in new ones.

2. PLAY WITH PAINT TO ACCENTUATE YOUR SPACE

Sustainability and beauty can coexist. Paint beautifies, adds character and personality to your home.However, harmful toxins aren't the only issue with fresh paint, harmful chemicals are also present in traditional paints and primers.

We suggest trying more eco-friendly paints. Thanks to increasing demand for eco-friendly paint options ,you will be surprised to find many ethical paint options to choose from.

 

3. LAYER TEXTURE & FABRIC- GIVE YOUR SPACE SOUL

"We at ZFD believe your home should be a reflection of your story, and the best way to tell it is through meaningful, thoughtful items. Curating your space with intention will allow you to purchase only those items that are pleasing to you and empowers you to say no to trends that do not suit you. Understanding your needs and aesthetic is an important step in reducing waste and responsible purchasing. "

Consider handmade items at local markets such as soft furnishings to add personal style, or to give a room that unique and ethical edge while minimizing your ecological footprint.

Using new and original art to mix with reupholstering pieces of found furniture with modern fabrics is a great way to bring your look together.

 

4. CREATE TENSION BY MIXING PERIOD PIECES

"Keep beautiful pieces from the landfill by upcycling vintage and reclaimed elements in with your decor. Re-upholstery is a great way to add your unique spin on a vintage piece. And remember, not all vintage has to be granny chic. Use antiques the ZFD way by creating tension with the old and the new"

The best part about furniture reupholstering is that you can customize a furniture item exactly as you want. Look for solid wood furniture, like walnut, teak, oak or maple, they are durable, ensuring that it will last longer in your home.

Balance the look of a new sofa with vintage reupholstered armchairs.Antiques furniture pieces can be an eye-catching addition to any room, even the most contemporary, and make any home feel unique.

 

5.OVERSIZE VERSUS UNDERSIZE

"Choose original artwork and homewares made nearby, as well as locally designed furniture, curtains, cushions and throws. The distance your furniture and homewares have to travel to get to you impacts on their footprint."

Consider locally made organic materials when reupholstering furniture or selecting curtains. You may also consider decorating with natural accents and repurposed artwork.

Make the move toward environmentally practices when you consider your home’s interior design. By designing with a eco conscious approach, you support the health of the entire planet.

ethically sourced vintage table lamps for dining room design

2. PLAY WITH PAINT TO ACCENTUATE YOUR SPACE.

Sustainability and beauty can coexist. Paint beautifies, adds character and personality to your home.However, harmful toxins aren't the only issue with fresh paint, harmful chemicals are also present in traditional paints and primers.

We suggest trying more eco-friendly paints. Thanks to increasing demand for eco-friendly paint options ,you will be surprised to find many ethical paint options to choose from.

 

3. lAYER TEXTURE & fABRIC- GIVE YOUR SPACE SOUL.

"We at ZFD believe your home should be a reflection of your story, and the best way to tell it is through meaningful, thoughtful items. Curating your space with intention will allow you to purchase only those items that are pleasing to you and empowers you to say no to trends that do not suit you. Understanding your needs and aesthetic is an important step in reducing waste and responsible purchasing. "

Consider handmade items at local markets such as soft furnishings to add personal style, or to give a room that unique and ethical edge while minimizing your ecological footprint.

Using original art and reupholstering pieces of found furniture with modern fabrics is a great way to bring your look together

mix of old and new furniture  for ethical design

2. PLAY WITH PAINT TO ACCENTUATE YOUR SPACE

Sustainability and beauty can coexist. Paint beautifies, adds character and personality to your home.However, harmful toxins aren't the only issue with fresh paint, harmful chemicals are also present in traditional paints and primers.

We suggest trying more eco-friendly paints. Thanks to increasing demand for eco-friendly paint options ,you will be surprised to find many ethical paint options to choose from.

 

3. LAYER TEXTURE & FABRIC- GIVE YOUR SPACE SOUL

"We at ZFD believe your home should be a reflection of your story, and the best way to tell it is through meaningful, thoughtful items. Curating your space with intention will allow you to purchase only those items that are pleasing to you and empowers you to say no to trends that do not suit you. Understanding your needs and aesthetic is an important step in reducing waste and responsible purchasing. "

Consider handmade items at local markets such as soft furnishings to add personal style, or to give a room that unique and ethical edge while minimizing your ecological footprint.

Using new and original art to mix with reupholstering pieces of found furniture with modern fabrics is a great way to bring your look together.

1. SHOP VINTAGE

"Freight adds cost and unnecessary emissions to your project. By sourcing local, you have the opportunity to learn more about the pieces you are purchasing, and the vendors that are selling them."

We agree, you don't have to compromise style with ethics. It's about filling your home with things that mean something to you and not just because it was cheap or easily available. Where and who made a product is just as important, as well as how it was treated. The distance your furniture and homewares has to travel to get to you impacts their footprint on the environment.

Sourcing vintage lamps to compliment a new console table can give a room that unique and ethical edge. It is a sustainable way to love the inherited pieces of furniture while mixing in new ones.

2. PLAY WITH PAINT TO ACCENTUATE YOUR SPACE

Sustainability and beauty can coexist. Paint beautifies, adds character and personality to your home.However, harmful toxins aren't the only issue with fresh paint, harmful chemicals are also present in traditional paints and primers.

We suggest trying more eco-friendly paints. Thanks to increasing demand for eco-friendly paint options ,you will be surprised to find many ethical paint options to choose from.

3. LAYER TEXTURE & FABRIC- GIVE YOUR SPACE SOUL

"We at ZFD believe your home should be a reflection of your story, and the best way to tell it is through meaningful, thoughtful items. Curating your space with intention will allow you to purchase only those items that are pleasing to you and empowers you to say no to trends that do not suit you. Understanding your needs and aesthetic is an important step in reducing waste and responsible purchasing. "

Consider handmade items at local markets such as soft furnishings to add personal style, or to give a room that unique and ethical edge while minimizing your ecological footprint.

Using new and original art to mix with reupholstering pieces of found furniture with modern fabrics is a great way to bring your look together.

4. CREATE TENSION BY MIXING PERIOD PIECES

"Keep beautiful pieces from the landfill by upcycling vintage and reclaimed elements in with your decor. Re-upholstery is a great way to add your unique spin on a vintage piece. And remember, not all vintage has to be granny chic. Use antiques the ZFD way by creating tension with the old and the new"

The best part about furniture reupholstering is that you can customize a furniture item exactly as you want. Look for solid wood furniture, like walnut, teak, oak or maple, they are durable, ensuring that it will last longer in your home.

Balance the look of a new sofa with vintage reupholstered armchairs.Antiques furniture pieces can be an eye-catching addition to any room, even the most contemporary, and make any home feel unique.

5.OVERSIZE VERSUS UNDERSIZE

"Choose original artwork and homewares made nearby, as well as locally designed furniture, curtains, cushions and throws. The distance your furniture and homewares have to travel to get to you impacts on their footprint."

Consider locally made organic materials when reupholstering furniture or selecting curtains. You may also consider decorating with natural accents and repurposed artwork.

Make the move toward environmentally practices when you consider your home’s interior design. By designing with a eco conscious approach, you support the health of the entire planet.

 

4. CREATE TENSION BY MIXING PERIOD PIECES

"Keep beautiful pieces from the landfill by upcycling vintage and reclaimed elements in with your decor. Re-upholstery is a great way to add your unique spin on a vintage piece. And remember, not all vintage has to be granny chic. Use antiques the ZFD way by creating tension with the old and the new"

The best part about furniture reupholstering is that you can customize a furniture item exactly as you want. Look for solid wood furniture, like walnut, teak, oak or maple, they are durable, ensuring that it will last longer in your home.

Balance the look of a new sofa with vintage reupholstered armchairs.Antiques furniture pieces can be an eye-catching addition to any room, even the most contemporary, and make any home feel unique.

 

5.OVERSIZE VERSUS UNDERSIZE

"Choose original artwork and homewares made nearby, as well as locally designed furniture, curtains, cushions and throws. The distance your furniture and homewares have to travel to get to you impacts on their footprint."

Consider locally made organic materials when reupholstering furniture or selecting curtains. You may also consider decorating with natural accents and repurposed artwork.

Make the move toward environmentally practices when you consider your home’s interior design. By designing with a eco conscious approach, you support the health of the entire planet.

ethically sourced reupholstered furniture mixed with new
"we consider all the work we do to be in pursuit of leaving the world a bit more beautiful than how we found it." - Zoë Feldman
repurposed vintage picture frames for gallery wall design
vintage mirror ethically sourced for living room
reupholstered furniture for eco friemdly interior design living room project

Sustainable Furniture Favorites



Meet Zoë Feldman Design

Zoë’s design aesthetic is a modernized classicism influenced by art, fashion, architecture, and, of course, each individual client. Through a series of discussions and surveys she learns the style, needs and desires of the client as well as that of the space, to create a timeless, functional and unique environment. Drawing inspiration from the traditional style from her New York training and education, with her early exposure to modern art and design, Zoë works with clients to create a space to suit their personal needs. Her finely tuned knowledge of color, detail and function allows her to work in a range of styles to construct a signature look tailored to reflect the space in which she is working.

Instagram - @zoefeldmandesign

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