One planet. Our tribute to World Environment Day.
On World Environment Day, we take a moment to reflect on our planet, learn about sustainable practices, and spotlight businesses leading the way in eco-innovation. (A kitchen made from coffee grounds? Yes, really — and it’s brilliant.)
The building and construction industry is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. While it was once believed to play only a minor role, a report by the Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) paints a more alarming picture. It reveals that over a building’s full lifespan, the carbon footprint of its interiors can rival — or even surpass — that of the structure’s construction itself.
As designers — the minds behind the plans, materials, and product choices — we hold responsibility for what gets used and how.
There are several key strategies that as designers we can implement to be environmentally conscious in our designs and recommendations for clients:
1. Focus on longevity
Think long-term, not quick fix. Skip the flimsy stuff — cheap materials might save money upfront, but they wear out fast and end up in the skip sooner than you'd like. Instead, go for quality finishes and furniture that wear well and age gracefully. A well-chosen chair should get better with time, not wobblier!
2. Focus on energy efficiency
Let the sunshine in! Incorporating more windows not only brightens up a space but also cuts down on the need for artificial lighting. When the sun clocks out, switch to energy-efficient options like LED bulbs to keep things glowing without guzzling energy.
3. Focus on low environmental impact
Choose materials and products that are kind to the planet. Natural and sustainable options like wood, wool, bamboo, jute, and terracotta not only look great but also tread lightly on the environment. The more organic, the better — it’s all about creating beautiful spaces without costing the earth.
4. Focus on air quality
Not all toxins are visible — indoor air pollution often comes from everyday materials that quietly release nasties like VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air. The fix? Choose low-emission materials and finishes that help keep the air clean and your conscience clearer.
Want to go the extra green mile? Bring the outdoors in. Certain houseplants don’t just look good — they also work hard to purify the air by absorbing pollutants like CO₂ and formaldehyde.
In a world overflowing with options — from tiles and carpet to clothes, furniture, food, and, well… waste — it can be hard to know where to look to find the right choice for your project. So, we’ve done the legwork and rounded up our top three businesses doing clever, creative things to help preserve the planet (that also look good!)
In no particular order –
FabBRICK: not your standard brick. Made from repurposed textiles (fast fashion anyone?), each brick is handcrafted to be one-of-a-kind. With rich textures, bold colours, and no dyes added FabBRICK is turning fabric waste into something beautifully recycled. Looking for a bold, and unique feature wall with a soft finish or a statement bookshelf? Try FabBRICK.
Tomas & Jani: Giving new life to overlooked products like stone dust, metal dust, recycled paper, pallets, bearers and coffee grounds they transform waste into attractive, affordable products… Their offshoot, KAVA, turns coffee waste into sleek, organic, plastic-free material - giving peace of mind to all our seven-cups-a-day coffee lovers. Have a look at their website.
Graham and Green: no material it seem is off-limits to this team. Since 1974 they’ve been sourcing and designing homewares that are not only stunning but ethically and environmentally conscious. Imagine: papier- mâché turned bookshelf units to seagrass doormats. Trying to find the right homeware piece? Look no further.
Solus: Specialists in sustainable architectural tiles, Solus offers ceramic, porcelain, and terrazzo options backed by certifications like ISO 14001 and EPDs. Their bespoke Spolia range transforms construction waste into beautiful, durable surfaces, proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.
At Tonik, we believe good design should do more than just look beautiful — it should act responsibly, tread lightly, and last well beyond trend cycles.
This World Environment Day, we’re reminded that every interior we design is an opportunity: to specify smarter, source more sustainably, and support businesses doing things differently. Whether it’s building a bespoke kitchen from coffee grounds or choosing a side table made from recycled materials, conscious design doesn’t mean compromising on creativity — quite the opposite.
As interior designers, we shape the spaces people live, work, and dream in. Let’s make sure those spaces respect the one home we all share — our planet.
One planet. Many possibilities. Let’s design with care.