How to Source Home Décor Sustainably and Stay on Trend
Let’s be real: we all want homes that look like they belong in a coffee table book, but we’d also prefer not to torch the planet in the process. So, how do you create a space that’s as stylish as it is sustainable? Spoiler: it doesn’t involve beige-on-beige everything and a single struggling pothos plant in a corner.
Welcome to your crash course in conscious curation—because style without substance is so 2007.
image credit: Cave Interiors
1. Start With the “Why” (And Then Brag About It Later)
Sustainable sourcing isn't just about being a better person (though that’s a nice perk). It’s about:
Saving money in the long run,
Creating a home with real character,
And, let’s be honest, having a much cooler “Where’d you get that?” story.
No one ever got excited over “I bought it at Big Beige Box Store.” (ahem, homesense)
2. Thrift, But Make It Editorial
You’re not digging through a bin—you’re treasure hunting. Think of vintage shops, estate sales, flea markets, Facebook Marketplace, even the occasional curbside score (hello, street cred).
Here’s how to stay stylish:
Have a list. Go in knowing what you need (e.g. a side table), but stay open to form.
Know your eras. Mid-century, Art Deco, 70s Italian—each one has its vibe. Bonus: vintage is always trending somewhere on Pinterest. (take this quiz if you are not sure)
Bring paint and vision. Ugly color? Change it. Weird knob? Replace it. You’re not buying a thing, you’re buying potential.
image credit: Christian Bense
3. Buy Less, But Better
Trends fade. Landfills are forever.
When you do buy new, invest in:
Ethically made pieces (preferably from local or small-batch designers),
Natural materials like wood, linen, rattan, clay, and stone,
Timeless silhouettes that won’t scream “2022 fast décor haul” in six months.
If you’re going to splurge, make it something that feels heirloom-worthy.
image credit: Rachel Whiting
4. Mix Old and New Like a Pro
This is where trendy meets sustainable and sparks fly.
Pair that sleek new lamp with a battered vintage sideboard.
Hang modern art above an antique velvet settee.
Put sculptural candles next to old books and brass candlesticks.
The contrast makes your space feel curated, not copied. Like you, but with layers.
5. Shop Your Own Home (aka the Free Boutique)
Before buying anything, walk through your house like you’re a guest. You’ll be amazed at what you already have:
That blanket at the foot of your bed? Fold it over the sofa.
Stack books, add a plant, boom—instant vignette.
Reframe art. Relocate a mirror. Rearrange. Repeat.
Sometimes the trendiest look is just… perspective.
6. Upcycle. Repurpose. Reimagine.
That tired dresser? Try new hardware and a two-tone paint job.
Those chipped plates? Wall art.
Grandma’s dusty lamp? Give it a modern shade.
Trend = creativity. Sustainability = longevity. Upcycling = both.
image credit: Deane Hearne
7. Watch Out for Greenwashing
Don’t let “eco-friendly” labels fool you. Ask:
Is it made from recycled or natural materials?
Who made it, and how?
How far did it travel to get to you?
Is it built to last, or built to look sustainable?
“Trendy” is not the same as “transparent.”
8. Trends Are a Vibe, Not a Rulebook
Yes, vintage checkerboard patterns are having a moment. So is Murano glass. But if it doesn’t work for your space, skip it.
Trendy doesn’t mean copy/paste. It means inspired.
Build your home like a wardrobe: mix classics with a few “now” pieces, and let your personality do the heavy lifting.
In sum,
Curate consciously, style freely, and remember: nothing’s more fashionable than caring.
Unless it’s a 1970s Italian mushroom lamp. Then it’s a tie.
-Juliette