How can we work more sustainably on our homes?

Over the last few years, and increasingly so these last 24 months, we have become highly aware of the impact we have when choosing what we use in our homes. From looking for a new sofa, flooring or even just a piece of furniture, it is becoming normal practice to look for pre-loved or sustainably sourced pieces in our homes - hallelujah! 

 

During a property renovation or refurb of a property it can be quite a challenge to use sustainable materials, as often you need things last minute. The way we have worked with this on past jobs is to plan as much as possible into the project. 

 

Making material lists whilst looking at ways to use pieces from reclamation yards: reconditioned taps, floor tiles, granite, marble and lighting are examples of materials that can all be sourced early on if you plan it into the project. Of course we still need to use new pieces, gas and water pipe work and electrical fittings for example, however, there are now more and more companies offsetting their waste and offering carbon neutral options, and Newland Homes developers have set a net zero carbon at the end of their project in Twickenham, the first in its kind in the UK : https://www.newlandhomes.co.uk  

 

There are growing systems for greener construction, from rain water harvesting to air source heat pumps, and it is a very exciting time to be working in developments as the need for change creates new opportunities. 

 

Porter and Gold are sourcing and styling the show home and the co-living spaces at a stunning sustainable homes development in Kings Weston, Bristol: https://www.brightgreenfutures.co.uk/projects/water-lilies/  

Working with the director of Water Lilies, Steffie Broer, we are creating spaces that are functional and beautiful - using purely crafted, antique and vintage pieces. It is a real honour to work on a project like this - we cannot wait to see it finished, furnished and take photos! 

 

We are also working on several smaller projects, including sourcing office furniture for a stylish ‘working from home’ room, and an entrance and storage project for a home. The ‘working from home’ room is a challenge, not that it's hard to find second hand office furniture (for Bristol see a great selection here! https://www.gazelleoffice.co.uk), but finding pieces that look good and timeless at the same time! We think a simple good quality office chair with a wooden table for a desk looks awesome, as well as these amazing stand up desk options from Helve: https://www.helves.co We are also sourcing shelving and looking at plants and art work for the wall to make the client's zoom background more interesting. 

 

 

If you would like to discuss your property project, large or small, and how we could help you source beautiful, original and sustainable pieces, please do book a free 30 minute call with us to see if we are a good fit - this will be a no obligation chat not a sales pitch.  

 

Love x Porter & Gold