Vegan Design Secrets: Creating an Eco-Conscious Home
Designing an environmentally healthy home that’s as good to live in as it is to look at is designer Kishani Perera ‘s bread and vegan butter. The California designer, who herself practiced veganism for decades, considers reading the “ingredients” lists for paint, textiles, furniture, and finishes as important as reading the labels on foods. So when she set out to design a new Los Angeles home for an eco-conscious family, she studied every word on every label of every piece she brought in so that her clients could be sure their house is 100% vegan. Her principles opened our eyes to this smart, eco-conscious way to design any room. What is Vegan Design? Veganism is a practice and philosophy that avoids all animal products or products derived from animals. Credit: Noah Webb / Interior Design: Kishani Perera Start by Reading the Ingredient Labels So when she set out to design this new Los Angeles home for an eco-conscious family, she studied every word on every label of every piece she brought in so that her clients could be sure their house is 100% vegan. “Something may look good from the outside, and then you’ll discover wool strapping on a sofa or a milk product in a paint color,” Perera says. “It was my job to be thorough and not miss a single surprising detail.” Warm, earthy hues define the living room. Perera designed two ocher yellow vegan sofas, both made in Los Angeles, and anchored them with a vegan indoor-outdoor rug by Lulu and Georgia. To add to the organic vibe, she layered plenty of texture with woven floor vases from West Elm and a large cane shade on the floor lamp. Credit: Noah Webb / Interior Design: Kishani Perera Perera had the Design Within Reach chairs upholstered in an orange polyester fabric (Sherlock Courge by Pierre Frey). “I love this colorful, understated, and sophisticated space,” she says. Credit: Noah Webb / Interior Design: Kishani Perera Credit: Noah Webb / Interior Design: Kishani Perera Terra-cotta pendants in the breakfast nook were handmade in Mexico and cast light through their cutouts. Perera warmed up the kitchen with lots of natural woven materials, including organic rattan light fixtures by Kathy Kuo and woven window shades. Counter stools from The Future Perfect wear a vegan chenille by Kieffer Textiles that echoes blue notes in the breakfast room. Credit: Noah Webb / Interior Design: Kishani Perera
1. Decoding Paint Labels: The Key to a Truly Vegan Palette
One of the first things Perera tackled was the paint. Traditional paints often contain ingredients like shellac (derived from insects), tallow (beef fat), and even milk protein as binders or to achieve specific finishes. These aren’t just minor components; they constitute a significant portion of the paint’s composition. Vegan design secrets begin with a careful examination of the label. Look for paints explicitly labeled “vegan” or those that list plant-based ingredients like plant oils, soy, or cornstarch as binders. Consider paints with low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that can off-gas and impact indoor air quality. For instance, companies like ECOS Paints and The Real Milk Paint Co. offer excellent vegan options. ECOS Paints, for example, utilizes milk protein as a binder, but sources it from dairies that adhere to high ethical standards and do not engage in cruel farming practices – a nuanced consideration for truly ethical veganism. The Real Milk Paint Co., as the name suggests, uses milk protein, but it’s a natural, non-GMO ingredient, and their paints are known for their durability and beautiful matte finishes. The color choices have evolved dramatically in recent years, moving beyond the limited, often muted, options of the past. The clients in Perera’s project were particularly drawn to vibrant hues, and vegan paints allowed them to achieve a colorful and lively space without compromising their values. A hypothetical scenario: Imagine a family with young children. Traditional paints might contain lead or other harmful toxins. Vegan paints, especially those with low VOCs, offer a safer and healthier alternative for a child’s bedroom or playroom.
2. Sourcing Sustainable Textiles: Beyond Cotton and Linen
Textiles, from upholstery to curtains to rugs, present another area where hidden animal products can lurk. Wool, cashmere, silk, and leather are common but obviously not vegan. Even seemingly innocent materials like cotton and linen can sometimes be processed with animal-derived chemicals. Vegan design secrets involve delving into the fiber composition and production methods. Look for textiles made from plant-based fibers such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, jute, and Tencel (lyocell), which is derived from wood pulp. Pay close attention to dyes. Many synthetic dyes contain animal-derived components. Opt for textiles dyed with vegetable dyes, which are derived from plants like indigo, madder root, and turmeric. These natural dyes offer a rich spectrum of colors and a lower environmental impact. Companies like Annie Selke offer a wide range of vegan rugs made from sustainable materials and vegetable dyes. Consider the origin of the textiles as well. Locally sourced textiles reduce transportation emissions and support local artisans. A practical tip: When shopping for upholstery, inquire about the filling. Traditional furniture often uses down feathers or feathers from birds. Vegan alternatives include cotton batting, polyester fiberfill (though it’s a synthetic), or even recycled materials. For example, the salmon-colored sectional in Perera’s project utilized cotton batting instead of traditional wool filling, offering a comfortable and ethical seating option.
4. Kitchen and Countertops: Vegan Choices for Culinary Spaces
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and ensuring its elements align with vegan principles is crucial. Countertops often contain resins derived from animal products. Opt for countertops made from materials like quartz, granite, or recycled glass. Kitchen cabinets should be constructed from sustainably sourced wood and finished with low-VOC paints or stains. Look for appliances that do not use animal-derived materials in their construction or packaging. Even seemingly small details, like the handles on cabinets, can sometimes contain plasticizers derived from animal fats. Vegan design secrets extend to the selection of kitchenware as well. Choose cookware made from stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic, avoiding non-stick coatings that might contain animal-derived components. The kitchen and breakfast nook in Perera’s project showcased natural materials like rattan and woven textures, complemented by vegan fixtures and sustainable countertops. The terracotta pendants and woven window shades added warmth and an organic feel to the space. The counter stools, upholstered in a vegan chenille, echoed the blue tones in the breakfast room, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Consider the origin of your kitchenware – opting for locally made or ethically sourced items further supports vegan values.
5. Lighting and Hardware: Small Details, Big Impact
Often overlooked, lighting fixtures and hardware can contain hidden animal products. Some lighting fixtures use shellac or animal glues in their construction. Hardware, like cabinet knobs and pulls, can be made from materials like bone or horn. Vegan design secrets involve careful selection of these smaller elements. Choose lighting fixtures made from sustainable materials like bamboo, wood, or recycled metal. Opt for hardware made from stainless steel, brass, or ceramic. Look for companies that explicitly state their products are vegan. For example, many modern lighting companies offer fixtures made from recycled materials and without any animal-derived components. The brass sconces in the library, for instance, provided both illumination and a touch of vintage charm, while avoiding any animal products. The selection of vegan lighting and hardware demonstrates a commitment to holistic vegan design, extending beyond the larger furniture and architectural elements.
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6. Embracing Color: Vegan Pigments and Vibrant Hues
Historically, finding a wide range of colors that were also vegan was a challenge. Many traditional pigments were derived from animal sources. However, advancements in color technology have made it possible to achieve a vibrant spectrum of hues using plant-based dyes and mineral pigments. Vegan design secrets involve embracing these options to create a colorful and expressive space. As Perera discovered, the availability of vegan paints has exploded in recent years, allowing designers and homeowners to fill their homes with bold and cheerful colors. Explore paints that utilize pigments derived from plants like berries, roots, and flowers. These natural pigments offer a beautiful range of colors and a lower environmental impact than synthetic dyes. The living room in Perera’s project exemplifies this, with its ocher yellow sofas and vibrant accents. The use of color wasn’t chaotic; instead, certain hues were repeated throughout the house, creating a sense of cohesion. Consider the psychological impact of color when choosing a palette. Warm colors like yellow and orange can create a sense of energy and optimism, while cool colors like blue and green can promote relaxation and tranquility. The ability to incorporate a wide range of colors without compromising vegan values has significantly expanded design possibilities.
7. The Benefits Beyond Ethics: Health and Sustainability
Adopting vegan design secrets extends far beyond ethical considerations; it offers significant benefits for health and the environment. Vegan paints and textiles often have lower VOC emissions, contributing to better indoor air quality. Sustainable materials reduce the demand for resources and minimize waste. Choosing locally sourced products reduces transportation emissions and supports local economies. By prioritizing vegan design, you are creating a healthier, more sustainable home for yourself and your family. The project in Los Angeles aimed to educate people about environmentally friendly interior design, demonstrating that it doesn’t require sacrificing style or comfort. The result was a home that was not only beautiful and functional but also aligned with the values of its owners. This approach to design reflects a growing awareness of the interconnectedness between our homes, our health, and the planet. The focus on natural materials, vegetable dyes, and sustainable practices creates a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. It’s about creating a home that nurtures both people and the planet.
