6 Sustainable Home Design Trends, From Japandi to Recycled Modern

There seems to be a new sustainable trend popping up every week, from Gordon Ramsay's mouth-watering vegan steak to bikini hacks that turn one swimsuit into multiple options. By no surprise, sustainable home design is a buzzy topic, too.

From tiny homes to grandmillennial style, these sustainable home design trends encourage us to be more conscious and mindful of how we build and decorate our spaces. Here are some trends that might inspire you to make changes in your own home, too.

6 Sustainable Home Design Trends Worth Trying

1. Tiny Homes

Tiny homes are so trendy right now that even Elon Musk has moved into one. Not only do they look super cool and practical, but they're also a lot better for the planet—and your wallet. With an average size of between 100 and 300 square feet, they come with a lot of benefits.

Tiny homes save you a ton of money on energy costs, such as heating and cooling. Aside from less space meaning less energy output, it also means you have less room to fit stuff. Overall, this encourages you to take a closer look at what you already have, and cut back on buying the things you don't need. Buying less is one of the best things you can do for the planet.

2. Grandmillennial Style

One of the latest home decor trends is grandmillennial style, also known referred to as "granny-chic." This involves blending the items of two generations—millennials and their grandparents—and features lots of patterns (including walls adorned with bright colors and florals) and modern touches.

Unlike many others, this trend doesn't require you to purchase anything. It cuts down on furniture and decor waste by repurposing what you already have, or what you can find at thrift stores and antique shops. Time to go raid your grandma's house!

3. Recycled Modern

When you think of recycled, you may not imagine reusing construction materials that have already been in someone's home. That's exactly what this style of design does. It gives a second life to materials—including tiling, mosaics, and wood—that would otherwise end up in a landfill. According to Build Reuse, construction and demolition waste is the largest single-stream source of refuse in the United States.

Recycling these materials allows homeowners to see them as assets, not waste. Plus, you never know what cool DIY projects you can create with all different kinds of materials.

4. Living Walls

Listen up, plant lovers—you'll enjoy this one! What better excuse to grow plants than to use them as decor for your walls and roofs? Aside from looking pretty and providing a healthy growing environment for plants, living walls may also mitigate air pollution.

Before you get started, make sure you're setting yourself up for success by researching a few key factors first: location, plant selection, and maintenance. That way, you'll know you have the right space and tools for a thriving living wall.

5. Japandi

Japandi is a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian styles that screams minimalism. (It's a Pinterest favorite!) This style is all about getting rid of clutter, focusing on natural light, and finding the perfect blend of function and form.

One of the main design aspects is using more naturals, like bamboo for furniture, paper for lamps, and naturally-dyed fabrics—all things that can be eco-friendly. Japandi is also inspired by the idea of buying less and buying better. This might mean spending a bit more initially for quality items that will last you a lot longer.

6. Prefab Homes

Prefabs, short for "prefabricated" homes, have been around since the '60s. The assembly-line production to build these homes cuts down on waste materials and reduces weather-induced mold that forms during most on-site home constructions.

Prefabs use earth-friendly materials—like bamboo floors and solar panels—that are purchased in bulk, making them generally more inexpensive. Strict building codes also result in prefabs meeting a higher level of energy efficiency than traditional homes. Since every prefab different, it can be a super unique option for you to consider.

The next time you're renovating your home, keep a few of these trends in mind! As we continue to come up with innovative ways to save the planet, these design trends will only grow.

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