Sustainable Materials in Interior Design 2023

Sustainable materials are shaping the future of interior design, as the industry increasingly prioritizes environmental responsibility without sacrificing beauty or functionality. Throughout 2023, designers and homeowners alike have sought innovative ways to reduce the ecological footprint of their spaces, focusing on materials that are renewable, responsibly sourced, and designed to last. This commitment not only helps the planet—minimizing waste and carbon emissions—but also promotes healthier living environments for everyone. The demand for sustainable materials has inspired exciting developments in production techniques, supply chain transparency, and creative applications within the home and commercial spaces. By embracing sustainability, interior design is entering a new era of mindful, conscious creation.

Innovative Plant-Based Materials

Bamboo for Modern Interiors

Bamboo has become a staple in sustainable interior design for its exceptional renewability and mechanical strength. As one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, bamboo can be harvested within a few years, unlike hardwood trees that take decades to mature. Its versatility allows it to be used for flooring, wall panels, and even furniture, all while providing a distinctly modern yet warm aesthetic. Designers and homeowners favor bamboo not only for its green credentials but also for its hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties—making it an excellent choice for health-conscious environments. In 2023, enhanced processing techniques are further increasing bamboo’s durability, broadening its appeal for residential and commercial projects.

Cork’s Natural Charm

Cork is derived from the bark of the cork oak tree, which regenerates after harvesting, providing a truly sustainable source of material. This natural insulator offers unique acoustic and thermal benefits, making it ideal for flooring and wall applications. The visual texture of cork, with its warm tone and tactile appeal, adds character to interiors and helps create inviting, comfortable spaces. Recent developments in cork composites and surface treatments have expanded its usability, enabling it to appear in new product lines, from furniture to decorative accessories. Cork’s resilience to moisture and resistance to mold further reinforce its place in sustainable interior design in 2023.

Mycelium’s Biomaterial Revolution

Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, represents the cutting edge of plant-based innovation in sustainable design. This living material can be grown into custom shapes and densities, offering limitless possibilities for interior elements such as wall tiles, acoustic panels, and even lampshades. Mycelium-based materials are fully compostable at the end of their lifecycle, ensuring a minimal environmental impact. With rising interest from both designers and consumers, companies are rapidly developing scalable mycelium-based products that combine biomimicry, efficiency, and beauty. In 2023, mycelium is proving that organic waste can be transformed into high-performance objects with unique visual and tactile qualities.

Recycled Materials Reshaping Design

Reclaimed wood has retained its status as a top choice for sustainable interiors, offering a second life to materials salvaged from old buildings, barns, and factories. Each piece carries its own story, marked by distinctive grain patterns, weathering, and patina that cannot be replicated with new wood. Utilizing reclaimed wood reduces deforestation and waste, aligning perfectly with circular economy principles. Technological advances in processing and treatment ensure that reclaimed wood is durable and safe for modern use, making it suitable for flooring, beams, furniture, and wall treatments. In 2023, designers are increasingly blending reclaimed wood with contemporary materials for striking, eco-friendly interiors.

Low-Impact Finishes and Paints

Zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints represent a major leap forward in sustainable interior materials. Unlike conventional paints that release harmful chemicals into the air long after application, zero-VOC options ensure safer, cleaner indoor environments. Modern formulations are not only low in toxins, but also highly resistant to fading, chipping, and stains, making them practical for high-traffic areas and homes with children or pets. In 2023, major paint brands are expanding their palettes and finishes, making it easier for eco-conscious customers to find products that align with both their aesthetic and environmental values.

Responsible Sourcing and Certifications

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Wood

The FSC certification has become the gold standard for sustainably sourced wood, guaranteeing that forests are managed in an environmentally responsible and socially beneficial manner. FSC-certified wood is carefully tracked from forest to final product, ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain. Designers who choose FSC materials can confidently support reforestation efforts, biodiversity preservation, and fair labor standards. The increased availability of FSC-certified lumber and veneer products in 2023 is driving broader adoption in furniture, cabinetry, and architectural millwork.

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Fabrics

The Global Organic Textile Standard is a widely recognized certification for organic fibers, encompassing strict ecological and social criteria. GOTS certification ensures that textiles—from organic cotton to wool and flax—are produced without toxic pesticides, bleaches, or dyes, and with fair labor practices at every stage. The demand for GOTS-certified fabrics is surging in interior design, making it easier to source sustainable upholstery, draperies, and linens. By choosing GOTS-approved textiles, designers and clients are supporting not only environmental preservation but also human dignity and community health.

Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products

Cradle to Cradle Certified™ products are designed with the entire lifecycle in mind—factoring in material health, recyclability, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness. This holistic certification is setting a new benchmark for truly sustainable interiors, offering transparency and inspiring innovation in material design. Cradle to Cradle products can be found in everything from wall coverings to modular flooring systems, echoing a commitment to circularity. In 2023, the visibility and variety of Cradle to Cradle Certified™ offerings are empowering designers to make choices that go beyond greenwashing, supporting a regenerative approach to materials.

Urban Mining and Salvage

Architectural Salvage in Contemporary Spaces

Architectural salvage involves retrieving usable building materials—such as doors, windows, beams, and hardware—from structures slated for demolition or renovation. These elements can be creatively integrated into new projects, lending character and history to contemporary interiors. The practice reduces demolition waste and the need for new materials, while celebrating craftsmanship that may be difficult or costly to reproduce today. In 2023, designers are increasingly championing salvage, pairing vintage elements with modern aesthetics to achieve one-of-a-kind, sustainable spaces.

Metal Recovery from Urban Waste

Metals recovered from old appliances, vehicles, and infrastructure form an important part of urban mining’s sustainable innovation. Aluminum, copper, steel, and brass are in high demand for use in architectural features, lighting, and decorative objects. Because metals can be recycled repeatedly without degrading their quality, utilizing recovered metals significantly reduces the environmental impact compared to mining virgin ores. The growth of specialized recycling facilities and marketplaces in 2023 is making it easier to source reclaimed metals for sophisticated, forward-thinking interiors.

Repurposed Masonry and Stone

Repurposing bricks, tiles, and stones from demolished urban structures helps to preserve valuable resources and maintain cultural continuity within cities. These materials can be cleaned, cut, and reused for new applications, including accent walls, flooring, and landscape features. Salvaged masonry and stone often feature unique patinas and colors that convey a sense of history while reducing the carbon footprint associated with quarrying and processing new material. In 2023, designers are leveraging the authenticity and durability of repurposed stonework to create interiors that are both environmentally conscious and visually compelling.

Insulating Materials for Comfort

High-performance insulation derived from recycled or renewable sources has become essential for sustainable interiors. Materials such as recycled denim, cellulose, and sheep’s wool offer excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, enhancing occupant comfort while reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems. The benefits of these materials extend beyond energy savings; they are also safer to install and contribute to improved indoor air quality. In 2023, advances in insulation technology are widening the range of green products available, allowing for custom solutions that blend performance, safety, and sustainability.

Low-Energy Window Solutions

Innovative glazing technologies are revolutionizing the way interiors interact with the outdoors. Low-emissivity (low-E) glass and triple-pane windows minimize heat transfer, enhancing natural daylight while keeping interiors temperate throughout the year. Pairing high-efficiency glass with frames made from recycled aluminum or sustainably sourced wood further enhances the green profile of any space. By reducing the need for heating and cooling, these window solutions are key drivers of energy efficiency in modern interior design. In 2023, smart window systems incorporating dynamic shading and photovoltaics are gaining popularity for their ability to actively regulate indoor environments.

Thermal Mass and Natural Stone

Utilizing the inherent thermal mass of natural stone, concrete, or adobe can help maintain stable indoor temperatures and lower energy demands. These materials absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling. Sourcing stone locally or considering recycled aggregate options minimizes further environmental impact. Designers in 2023 are revisiting traditional techniques for integrating thermal mass, combining them with modern aesthetics to create interiors that exemplify both elegance and energy efficiency.

Innovative Composite Materials

Wood-Plastic Composites (WPC)

Wood-plastic composites combine recycled wood fibers and plastic waste to create sturdy, low-maintenance materials for flooring, decking, and furniture. These composites prevent wood and plastic waste from ending up in landfills, offering a long-lasting alternative to traditional materials. Their resistance to moisture, pests, and UV light makes them ideal for various interior and semi-exterior applications. In 2023, innovations in coloring and texturing techniques have improved WPC’s aesthetic possibilities, enabling architects and designers to craft beautiful, eco-efficient spaces without compromising performance or style.

Eco-Resin Surfaces

Eco-resins are a class of plant-based or recycled-content polymers used to create countertops, wall panels, and decorative accents. Unlike conventional petroleum-based plastics, eco-resins are formulated with renewable ingredients, significantly reducing their carbon footprint. These surfaces often incorporate recycled glass, stone, or wood, creating unique visual narratives that highlight the story of the material’s journey. In 2023, eco-resin technology is facilitating custom surface solutions that merge functionality, hygiene, and visual impact—all while adhering to strict environmental standards.

Natural Fiber Panels

Panels made from natural fibers such as hemp, jute, and kenaf are gaining momentum as sustainable alternatives for walls, ceilings, and partitions. These fast-growing plants require minimal water and chemicals to cultivate, and their fibers can be processed into rigid or flexible panels with excellent acoustic and thermal properties. Natural fiber panels are lightweight, strong, and compostable at the end of their use, offering a full-circle approach to design. The trend in 2023 is toward integrating these panels into both residential and commercial settings, celebrating their raw beauty and low impact on the environment.

Hypoallergenic and Non-Toxic Surfaces

Choosing hypoallergenic and non-toxic surfaces has become a priority for designers focused on creating healthy living environments. Sustainable flooring options such as cork, linoleum, and bamboo are naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and bacteria, reducing potential allergens in the home. Furthermore, selecting adhesives, sealants, and paints free from hazardous VOCs ensures safer air and fewer respiratory irritants. In 2023, the growing market for non-toxic, sustainable products makes it easier than ever to design interiors that support both environmental and personal health.

Materials that Enhance Mood

Design is increasingly recognizing the psychological impact of material choice. Natural lights, warm woods, earthy stone, and tactile textiles can foster feelings of comfort, relaxation, and positivity in a space. Biophilic design principles—which stress a connection to nature—are guiding material selection, with an emphasis on organic forms, textures, and colors. By prioritizing sustainably sourced materials that invite touch and sensorial engagement, designers in 2023 are creating spaces that nurture mental and emotional wellbeing as much as environmental responsibility.

Antimicrobial Finishes

The demand for antimicrobial materials has surged in response to growing awareness of public health and hygiene. Copper alloys, bamboo fibers, and silver-infused surfaces provide natural antimicrobial properties without harmful chemicals. These finishes can be incorporated into high-touch areas such as handles, switches, and countertops, offering continuous protection against bacteria and viruses. In 2023, sustainable antimicrobial options are at the forefront of product development, integrating health-focused technologies with responsible sourcing to ensure interiors are both safe and eco-friendly.