Last month, I hosted a decluttering challenge in my Design Digest community and it was a resounding success! A recurring question was, “What should I do with furniture and accessories I don’t want?” While I often direct clients to this blog post, the advice assumes that these items are of high quality and worth selling or donating.
The reality is far more stark: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that Americans discard over 12 million tons of furniture annually, contributing to 5% of landfill waste. This might seem like a small percentage, but since 1960, this figure has skyrocketed by 450%. In fact, the EPA reported that by 2017, 80% of purchased furniture ended up in landfills 🤯. The reasons are simple: people buy items that are either poor quality and destined for a landfill, or they purchase without a plan, resulting in pieces that don’t work in their space.
In addition, the EPA notes that construction and demolition waste from renovations contribute a staggering 145 million tons to landfills.
So, what can you do to be more environmentally friendly?
Plan Before You Shop
Before making a purchase, have a clear plan. Don’t buy something on a whim. A client once purchased four different console tables for her foyer, trying to find the right one. It wasn’t until we collaborated that I found the perfect console for her—a piece that has now been a cherished part of her home for over 9 years!
Smart Spending Strategies
Knowing where to save and where to splurge is crucial. In the case of my client’s the console table, it is in her formal foyer. She loves to decorate for the seasons and various holidays but it’s not used daily. Because it’s used primarily for decorative purposes, it didn’t need to be a high-cost item. This proves that with careful planning, you can create a beautiful, sustainable home without unnecessary waste.
We all deserve the occasional treat for our homes, but problems arise when we spend without a plan or a budget. Establishing a plan and budget for a room refresh helps you make smarter decisions, avoid unnecessary purchases, and limit what ends up in landfills.
Select Timeless Pieces
Our motto is Modern Living, Timeless Designs. When making renovation or décor decisions, selecting timeless pieces not only enhances your home but also helps our planet because you’re not forced to replace them when they become ‘dated.’
Confirm It Fits
Measure your space to ensure the new piece will fit, including checking doorways and hallways the furniture has to travel through. Confirm the color by ordering a fabric or finish chip. Most importantly, decide on the quality of the item before shopping. Sometimes, we buy something because it “looks good in the store,” but once it’s in our home, we realize it’s poor quality or craftsmanship.
Walk Away and Revisit Later
If you want to buy something, add it to your cart or wish list, but wait at least 24 hours before making the purchase. When you revisit it later, you may find you’ve lost interest or realize it doesn’t work with your overall vision, saving you from an unnecessary buy.
Remember, when buying for your home, always have a plan in place to ensure your purchases are intentional, well thought out, and of the quality you desire.
As an interior designer, I know that the key to creating stunning, well-designed spaces lies in the sources you have available. I’ve meticulously selected every retailer featured in the RETAIL ROLODEX. These are the same sources I trust for my own home, and now they’re at your fingertips. Whether you’re furnishing, decorating, or renovating, you’ll find everything you need, all vetted through the lens of impeccable design.
