Green Interior Design: Buy cheap, toss tomorrow? Young designer resists the temptation.

Did you know that IKEA is the third largest consumer of wood? I didn’t, until I read Brisbane designer, Daniella Gri’s blog, Generation Green. At 26, she respects the fact that her parents still have the same leather couch they bought when she was born. Our “buy cheap today, we’ll toss it tomorrow” mentality has fueled her passion for encouraging people to buy quality, classic pieces that stand the test of time. Here, Daniella shares her philosophy with Design Everyday: Daniella Gri, Senior Interior Designer, WGArchitects Your thoughts on green design? My philosophy is about longevity. It is so important to find good quality products that will last. I also specify Australian Made products wherever possible and look for products that are recyclable or have recycled content. I encourage my clients to buy furniture which will last and to buy something that is a ‘classic’ rather than whatever is in fashion. We live in a disposable environment where people buy ‘cheap’ sofas but have to replace them every couple of years – what is this waste doing to our environment? Selecting the right sofa? I take into account the type of fabric which will be the most practical for my clients. For instance, if they have children I would recommend leather. And, what sort of configuration would be ideal for their lifestyle? If they like to lie in front of the TV – then I would recommend a sofa with a chaise. Favourite brands? I look for anything Australian made. Jardan is one of my favourites – classic designs which will never go out of fashion. All of their products are hand made using sustainable and high quality materials in Melbourne. I also encourage modernising... buying old and re-upholstering or adding colourful throw cushions for a new dimension. Favourite fabrics? I personally love leather - practical and forever fashionable. I would never recommend anything that is heavily patterned but, rather a colour which is neutral. Thank you, Daniella. You’re an inspiration to all of us (young and the not so young...) to be patient, hold out for quality and embrace the principles of good design. Have you succumbed to buying cheap, only to regret it later? Daniella Gri is the Senior Interior Designer for WGArchitects. Her team produces creative and noteworthy designs throughout Queensland and are currently working on several high-end residential and commercial projects. For more “Generation Green” insight, visit her blog.

Thankyou for sharing this article - her blog is very interesting. As an ikea shopper myself I have never thought about the environmental consequences of cheap furniture. Many thanks for bringing this to the surface - more people need to be educated about
this issue as we move forward to a greener future. I will definitely think twice before buying furniture in the future and ensure it stands the test of time.
Jo 06-Aug-2011 05:38 PM

I have succumbed to buying cheap furniture in the past only to toss it out a year or 2 later – I believe the likes of Ikea are smart in that they make their furniture of poor quality so their customers need to keep coming back every couple of years to
replace their items. It is also interesting when Daniella mentioned to stay away from trends because this is also what keeps drawing consumers back (increasing profits for retailers) every season because people think they need to stay up-to-date. I would be
very interested in seeing how interior designers create their designs because general people are only influenced and persuaded with marketing they see on TV by these big retailers.

Joe - G2 Group 08-Aug-2011 10:56 AM

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