At Hardt Studio, we believe good design isn’t just about how a space looks—it’s about how it engages with the world around it. For many of our clients and peers, that means considering how a home impacts the environment. Whether you're aiming to make a fully eco-conscious home or simply want to make a few better-for-the-planet choices along the way, we’re here to offer guidance.
In this post, we’ll walk through the building blocks of a more sustainable home, from construction materials to finishing details like textiles and stone, offering thoughtful recommendations for those who are interested in designing more responsibly.
Starting from the Outside: Structural & Exterior Materials
If sustainability is a priority in your project, the earlier you start thinking about it, the more impact you can have. That begins with the bones of a home—what it’s made of, and where those materials come from.
Some clients choose to explore reclaimed or recycled building materials, like salvaged wood or recycled steel. Others opt for more efficient insulation (such as recycled denim or cellulose), or request high-performance windows and roofing to reduce energy use over time. If you're seeking an even larger impact, consider how your project can incorporate biocomposite materials derived from the earth, which can significantly reduce chemical processing and emissions. Even sourcing materials locally, when possible, can lower the environmental impact by minimizing transportation emissions.
None of these are requirements, of course. But if you're curious about how to reduce your home’s carbon footprint at the foundation level, these are great places to begin asking questions.
Interior Finishes: Paints, Stone, and Woodwork
Inside the home, there are countless design decisions—and just as many chances to make small, meaningful shifts toward sustainability.
Paint & Finishes: Choosing low-VOC or no-VOC paints (VOC stands for volatile organic compound) can improve indoor air quality and reduce the chemical load in your home. For reference, Behr has a low or no VOC paint collection linked here. For those seeking natural alternatives, limewash or clay-based paints offer a beautiful texture with minimal environmental impact.
Stone & Marble: If you love the look of marble or natural stone, but are concerned about the sourcing process, consider asking where the material comes from or exploring engineered alternatives that use recycled stone content. There are options out there that strike a balance between style and sustainability.
Wood & Cabinetry: For those who care about forest stewardship or air quality, materials like FSC-certified wood or cabinetry made without formaldehyde-based glues are worth looking into. Reclaimed wood also tells a story and adds depth and texture with far less environmental cost. For example, pictured below, a recent project we completed utilized a reclaimed wood dining table. The link to the product can be found here.
Textiles & Soft Goods: Comfort with Intention
Pillows, rugs, curtains, and upholstery bring warmth and personality to a space—but they’re also an easy area to lean into sustainability without sacrificing comfort or beauty.
Fabrics: Natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, wool, and hemp can be wonderful alternatives to synthetics. If you're interested in making more sustainable choices here, look for third-party certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) that help verify how fabrics are made.
Rugs & Throws: Handwoven, natural fiber rugs and throws not only feel great underfoot, but can also be more biodegradable and ethically made. There are so many beautiful options available now that combine style with responsible sourcing.
Furniture & Upholstery: One way to reduce waste is to reupholster existing furniture or invest in vintage pieces. If new furniture is a better fit, choosing well-made, long-lasting pieces is a sustainable act in itself.
Why It’s Worth Considering
The built environment is a significant contributor to global emissions and waste—but it’s also an area where real, tangible progress can be made. We understand that sustainability isn’t everyone’s top priority, and that’s okay. But for those who care, even a few mindful material choices can make a lasting difference—not only for the planet, but for the health and longevity of your home.
In Closing
Sustainability in design doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. It’s about finding balance, asking thoughtful questions, and making informed choices that align with your values. Whether you're planning a full renovation or simply picking out new pillows, there are plenty of ways to bring intention and care into the process.
At Hardt Studio, we’re always happy to help guide clients who are curious about sustainable options—and to meet them wherever they are in that journey. If this is something that matters to you, we’d love to have the conversation.
