Sustainable interiors stores to explore
Here at Koivu we always try to give more back to the planet than we take from it. And we’ve noticed recently that we’re far from alone in this ethos.
More and more interiors companies are trying to do their bit to help the planet. From rejecting mass production to seeking out Fairtrade and FSC certificates, and from reducing plastics to building products to last. We’ve sought out some of Britain’s most sustainability conscious independents for all your interiors needs.
Contemporary Sustainability
Adventures in Furniture
Chiswick & Islington
Winner of a ‘Guardian Sustainable Business Award’ in 2011, Adventures in Furniture pride themselves on their eco credentials. They make all their furniture from FSC Certified or recycled wood and even use an eco rating system you can see the different sustainability credentials of each product.
Par Avion Co
Norwich
Par Avion Co describes itself as an environmentally conscious design partnership mixing traditional craft and modern styling to make furniture that is timeless and treasured for many years to come. Not only do they use natural and renewable materials that are carefully and locally sourced, but all their packaging is 100% recyclable, reusable or biodegradable too.
MAiK
Online
Driven by the belief that everyone should have the choice to invest in great, sustainable design, MAiK launched in 2016. Since then, they’ve continued their quest to discover the most sustainable way of living while building lasting long-term relationships with lots of wonderful suppliers who share their eco-friendy ethos.
Reclamation Stations
Doghead Designs
Clevedon, Bristol
Located just outside Bristol, Doghead Designs are waging war on consumerism, in particular mass market furniture that’s destined for landfill within years of purchase. Instead, they reclaim and up-cycle quality furniture using a range of specialist paint techniques. And even better they take commissions too!
Modish Living
Brighton
Coming to you from the south coast, Modish Living is a stylish online boutique selling a handpicked collection of beautifully crafted reclaimed, rustic and sustainable furniture and interiors. For them, sourcing natural materials without impacting our beautiful landscape has become a way of life.
Puji
Manchester
Puji specialises in the use of beautiful, reclaimed timbers such as mango, pine, oak and teak wood, aiming for ethical production in the UK and minimising environmental impact from their manufacturing process. They also work hard to recycle as much packaging as possible.
Fairtrade Fabrics
The African Fabric Shop
Yorkshire
With a wonderful fairtrade ethos that you can learn about on The African Fabric Shop site, this online store sells everything from large textiles and cloths to baskets and batiks. They buy most of our fabrics, beads and baskets directly from the makers and always pay a fair price that is usually higher than what local buyers pay. Magie even runs talks sharing photos and stories from her travels and research in Africa.
Stitched
Online
Made to measure curtain and blind manufacturers, Stitched, are proud of the stories behind their fabrics and the fibres from which they’re made. They are taking a stand against cheap synthetics that are harmful to the environment, having created over 200 ‘feel good fabrics’ that look great and have a neutral impact on the environment.
Square Flower
Brighton
Determined to prove that quality and ethics can go hand in hand, Square Flower built their supply chain from the ground up. They insist on fair trade certified cotton and make sure everyone in the supply chain gets a fair deal, a fair wage and can be sure of safe working conditions. Not only that, the GOTS certified cotton they use is free from pesticides and chemicals meaning it’s better for your health and reduces pollution in local water supplies too.
Low VOCs
Little Knights
Northampton
For environmentally friendly, family friendly decorating look no further than Little Knights. This is the only paint manufacturer that has been able to prove to the Advertising Standards Agency, their claims that they’re 100% VOC free. What’s more, it’s a delight to paint with, vegan friendly, gives off no odour and is antibacterial too helping to prevent mould and keep surfaces hygienic.
Koivu
Tonbridge, Kent
At Koivu we pride ourselves on the sustainability of our kitchens and do everything in our power to make sure we help look after the planet. If you have any questions about our process or the materials we use, please get in touch, we’ll be only too happy to talk.
