Sustainable Paint; Where creativity and responsibility unite
You will already be aware of the transforming effects a simple coat of paint can provide to a space. The toxic components used to create many well-known paint products however are generally not acknowledged, causing damaging environmental effects to our planet. In 2018 ignorance is no longer bliss and so this weeks journal entry explores the importance and benefits of luxury eco-paint; a product that remains creative whilst honouring our environmental responsibility.
Sustainable Paint; Where creativity and responsibility unite.
In 2018 ignorance is no longer bliss. The importance of environmentally responsible products is gaining momentum, luxury paints included, but identifying brands which produce with minimum ecological impact can still be notoriously difficult...
How paints are formulated isn’t something most people are acutely aware of - or even think to question yet the reality is most well-known paint producers create their colour ranges with toxic chemicals which are not only bad for the environment but also our own health.
Most modern-day manufacturers create their paints using the three main components of pigment, binder and a carrier. Many of the ingredients used within these combine toxic chemicals such as cadmium, lead, chromium, petrochemicals, solvents, benzene, and formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds otherwise known as VOCs. Whilst organic, the chemical compounds of VOCs evaporate easily into the atmosphere and so are a particular concern environmentally, contributing to climate change.
Numerous health problems are linked to these chemicals, from less severe issues such as eye irritation to problems much more serious; respiratory disease, asthma, skin disorders, liver or kidney damage and even cancer. The most concerning aspect of these chemicals however is the fact that many paints continue to emit dangerous VOCs years after their initial application.
Due to rising industry concerns environmental regulations have been put in place, forcing paint manufacturers to reduce their VOC content however many brands still include solvents and chemical pigments.
There are however a handful of brands who are pioneering with non-toxic paints, acting positively and responsibly to minimize the ecological impact paint has to both ourselves and the wider environment. Two brands in particular, Little Greene and Paint & Paper Library are revolutionary in their approach, producing luxury, high quality paints which remain creatively progressive whilst honouring their social commitments.
Little Greene
Little Greene are a brand whose philosophy is centered around a commitment to protecting the environment and in 2004 they were one of the first brands to achieve the required environmental standards. Every aspect of their business is considered against this philosophy whilst ensuring no compromises are made within the products they manufacture.
Little Greene's water- based paints carry the paint industry's lowest eco-rating with VOC content at virtually zero. This eliminates any concerns regarding solvents releasing into the atmosphere and any respiratory issues which could otherwise have been affected. Oil-based paints are formulated using sustainable vegetable oils without compromise on quality, renowned within the industry for their superior finish and longevity.
Paint tins are produced using recycled steel with the added benefit of being able to be recycled again after use - another instance where Little Greene strives in comparison to their competitors. The company has also recently moved into a new head quarters located in Manchester, designed specifically around their eco-values with solar powered energy for both their general offices and paint manufacturing.
Paint and Paper Library
Paint and Paper Library are another brand whose values align with long-term environmental sustainability:
“With creativity comes responsibility and with beauty comes duty. We make every effort to minimise any negative impact on the environment and health.”
Every product they produce is made by traditional methods, incorporating eco-friendly ingredients which not only make a visual impact but positively exceed current environmental regulations, including VOC.
Sustainable Paint Stockist
Little Greene and Paint & Paper Library are two brands we regularly specify within our projects, not only for aesthetic appeal but for the numerous health benefits too - which improve the overall experience of any space.
We’re also prestigiously part of both brands carefully curated stockists and so we’re able to the supply to the general public. As part of our own environmental commitments all paints are made-for-you with fast-tracked delivery.
Our studio is open Monday-Friday 9-5, for further information please get in touch via our contact form.
The Simple Life; soothe your senses
In a volatile world our quest for contentment can, at times, feel out of reach. Embracing an ethos of simplicity by acknowledging our needs over our wants, can in many ways counteract this struggle to find peace, soothing the senses for everlasting satisfaction…
Simplicity, as an ethos, has particular resonance within the world of interior design.
Is less more? It’s sentiment that’s often associated with minimalism but leading a simpler life doesn’t necessarily have to involve a barely-there aesthetic. It can be soothing, not sterile, providing a calm canvas that’s curated through mindful choices which acknowledge our needs before our wants.
Not filling our homes with mindless ‘stuff’ provides invaluable benefits, allowing a space to breathe which subsequently highlights the design choices made within it. The average house has 300,000 objects inside, most of which rarely add any value in our day-to-day lives. An appreciation of object’s and their narrative value, whether that be collectables or iconic furniture design, is integral as an approach when crafting a space to leaves us filled with contentment.
Sustainable Style
Our emotive response to the elements used within a space is influenced by how we interact with them, on a functional level and so investing in key, high-quality items is undoubtedly important.
Appreciating the craftsmanship and skill needed to create iconic design and the inevitable cost involved should be viewed as an investment - a word not used lightly. Most noteworthy design brands increase prices year-on-year, allowing the everlasting designs that they produce to retain their value if resold at a later date. Carefully selecting quality elements which provide purpose as well as sustainable style not only last a lifetime but as a result also become part of our lives, our story, and we form a deeper emotional connection to a space overall as a result.
Modern Simplicity
Lighting is particularly significant when creating modern simplicity. Often appearing pared-back, accent and task lighting is in-fact applied with great attention to detail, achieved through mindful decisions with results not dissimilar to statement lighting. Cleverly coupling functional elements with hidden lighting such as mirrors, cabinetry or structural components enhances their purpose elegantly, adding immense value to them and in turn, our lives. Human interaction with directional lighting is equally important. The ability to adjust lighting according to a spaces needs again assists with the functionality of a space whilst reducing the number of individual lighting components needed.
Cohesive Colour
Curating colour that will nourish your soul can too be approached in a simple way by harnessing colours holistically according to the needs of a space. Our minds naturally associate simplicity and balance with stereotypical stark whites but in reality colour and hue selections, if considered, can provide calmness and a feeling of contentment too. Applying single use colour, known as a monochromatic scheme, can be used with great effect to simplify a space, as can picking contrast colours with the same depth or tone; this cohesion providing a sense stability.
Interior symmetry
Symmetrical balance is integral when creating a simple, serene space. Repetition or mirroring along a central axis is often seen in nature, ourselves included, making the process of how we view visuals much simpler and what we see more memorable. We’re able to focus clearly on individual elements with the amount we see kept to a minimum and these measured choices soothe our senses, leaving us with the contentment needed for true happiness...
simplicity inspiration
Browse through our Pinterest boards here.
