Three things I won’t use on my design projects

Interior Design styles may come and go but their materials will last longer than most of us. Every designer I’ve worked with over the last few decades has something that they wrinkle their noses at. 

My former employer Ken Fulk had a long time aversion to chenille fabric. In contrast Sherry Morse, another designer I worked with, loved Chenille but wasn’t always a fan of contemporary design. 

So what is it that I avoid? Hint, it’s not chenille.

Vinyl

Vinyl (also known as PVC) is everywhere but it’s my goal that it won’t be in any of my projects. Vinyl flooring is the most common use of PVC in my experience. But there is also fabric, wallpaper, window shades, and home siding all made with vinyl. 

What’s my issue with it? Vinyl is called “the poison plastic” because it’s terrible for indoor air quality and the manufacturing and disposal of it is very damaging to the environment, water sources, and the people in the surrounding areas.

PVC/Vinyl is a known carcinogen and is responsible for “Cancer Alley” In Louisiana. To learn more about Cancer Alley listen to the podcast Discarded. It’s a story about both environmental justice and also how these companies target black communities to put their awful plastic (cancer) making companies in their backyard. 

SWAP THIS TO THAT:

Sustainable Alternatives:

When I steer people away from vinyl flooring I recommend cork floors or tile. Both of these are much better options for you and the environment.

Fast Furniture

The EPA estimates that 9 million tons of furniture are thrown away every year in the US alone. Like fast fashion, fast furniture is a real problem and most of us are part of the problem. But the onus is really on the manufacturers. We as customers can only do so much and the large majority of people don't have furniture budgets that allow for furniture that isn’t something that has a five year lifespan. 

While it’s pretty easy for me to steer client’s away from Vinyl products, this one is definitely trickier. Furniture is a large investment, so really my goal is to work with clients to not throw away the furniture we are replacing. 

Instead of the dumpster, I recommend donating it to the Restore by Habitat for Humanity or another local non-profit who can come and retrieve the items so it’s easy for them. I also recommend trying to fix or do a DIY update on pieces of furniture. Another option is to post it on a Facebook group (for folks in Durango) or Craig’s List for everywhere else.

Also, whenever you’re looking for a new piece of furniture always check out some used options. I’ve found some of my favorite pieces off of Craig’s list and even on the streets of San Francisco!

SWAP THIS TO THAT:

Try luxury upcycling such as the coffee table in this image that was handmade by our one and only Buck for Ken Fulk.

The top is made from salvaged Moroccan doors (not to mention the vintage Moroccan rug it sits on).

Leather

Out of all three of my “don'ts” this one is by far the hardest material to avoid. Despite its association with luxury and durability, raises significant ethical and environmental concerns that make me reluctant to use it in my design projects. While I understand the appeal of leather and its timeless aesthetic, here are some reasons why I choose to avoid it:

Environmental Impact: 

The production of leather involves several environmentally damaging processes. Livestock farming for leather requires vast amounts of land, water, and feed, leading to deforestation and water scarcity. Additionally, the tanning process, which treats animal hides to make them suitable for use, requires the use of toxic chemicals such as chromium, which contributes to water pollution and poses risks to human health.

Sustainable Alternatives:

Right now there are three on the market with Desserto’s Cactus Leather claiming to be the most durable for upholstery. The other two that are being used are AppleSkin Leather and Pinatex’s Pineapple Leather. 

All three of these are being implemented across the fashion and home industries. Cactus Leather is being used in BMW’s upholstery! I can’t wait to design a piece of furniture that uses this type of vegan and eco-friendly materials.

SWAP THIS TO THAT:

The Mix Modular Sectional Sofa by Gus Modern is made with AppleSkin Leather. Vegan AppleSkin Leather is a new eco-friendly leather alternative, made in Italy from fruit fiber.

In conclusion, as an interior designer, I believe it is essential to prioritize ethical sourcing and environmentally conscious materials. By steering clear of vinyl, fast furniture, and leather (except for vintage pieces), I strive to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also contribute to a healthier planet and a more compassionate world.

I would love to connect with you - check me out on my website and social media platforms to stay engaged and inspired!

Follow Me on Social Media: Join the conversation on my social media accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest for regular updates, design insights, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my projects. Engage with me and other like-minded individuals who share a passion for sustainable design.

Collaborate and Connect: If you have a project in mind or would like to collaborate on an initiative that aligns with sustainable design principles, reach out to me through my website's contact form or direct message on social media. Let's work together to create spaces that make a positive impact.

Remember, each decision we make as designers and consumers has the potential to shape a more sustainable future. Let's join forces, embrace responsible design practices, and create spaces that reflect our commitment to a better world. Together, we can make a difference.

Thank you so much for reading this post! I appreciate you and hope you’ve found something helpful.

Want to know more about our sustainable interior design services? Email us here or you can book a complimentary call here.

Designing and facilitating a sustainable home and lifestyle for our clients is at the core of what we do at Dorothy Parker Design. Dorothy Parker is a certified Green AP through the Sustainable Furnishings Council and brings this unique knowledge to create a naturally beautiful home for your family.

Although Dorothy Parker is a Durango, Colorado native, she cultivated her design prose in San Francisco for more than two decades. For ten years, Dorothy worked with renowned designer Ken Fulk, who is now an influential tastemaker with international projects and offices in San Francisco and New York.