The Sunday Edit | Sustainable Living
A cabinet made of scrap wood by Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek. Credit courtesy of Piet Hein Eek/The Future Perfect/Source: CNNStyle
With climate change becoming increasingly visible in the past few years, the term “sustainability” has been on everyone’s mind. But, beyond the discourse of some big companies—from oil conglomerates to big box stores—who maintain a good conscience by loudly echoing the small measures they’re taking to reduce their footprint on the planet—we as individuals may wonder what we can really do to reduce our own impact.
Environmentalists say landfills are becoming clogged with the mass-produced “fast furniture” that consumers discard. Pieces of furniture, above, that were thrown away with the garbage on the streets of the Upper East Side of Manhattan in 2021/Source: The New York Times
At The Magnusson Group, we always have home contents on our mind. As much as we may have once enjoyed shopping at big box stores like Ikea on a student budget, we now know that purchasing fast furniture will inevitably end up in landfills due to its lack of durability. What may be inexpensive in price, turns out to be quite costly for our planet.
Yinka Ilori's bright upcycled chairs/Source: CNNStyle
Now for the good news. With the rise of eco-consciousness, vintage stores are back on trend. Vintage clothes and consignment shops have always had their die-hard followers, and for good reason, as they offer unique and stylish pieces for a bargain. The need to have a more stylized home with unique furnishings and decor, paired with the will to reduce our impact on the planet, has led people to scour through giant flea markets, vintage shops and antique fairs.
"The Haven", A Mid Century Modern Solid Walnut Credenza/Source: Modern Cre8ve
The rise in popularity of mid-century modern furniture alone, is a solid example of people’s enthusiasm for vintage home decor. (And if you’re on the hunt for dreamy MCM pieces, we always seem to have a fantastic selection available). There is a reason why a lot of antique and vintage furniture has lasted that long, too. The quality of craftsmanship on these special pieces cannot be compared to what is available in big box stores, despite it being in new condition. This shift in perspective emphasizes the importance of actively making a choice to embrace an eclectic style, rather than opting for uniform living room & bedroom sets.
IKEA's Circular Product Design Guide/Source: IKEA.com
With growing calls for sustainability, the concept of circular design has also gained increasing traction over the last decade. In this model, furniture would be made with upcycled materials, be designed to last longer and be recyclable or reusable. In a current sustainability strategy, IKEA is using only renewable or recyclable materials in all of its products by 2023 in an effort to cut emissions to net-zero.
Vintage Pyrex/Source: NPR
The idea of sustainability is everywhere. Reduce, reuse, recycle and upcycle have all become buzzwords now. From everyday objects (who wouldn’t rather use old Pyrex dishes then plastic filled with chemicals?! – some designs even go for 5 times the price they used to sell for in the 70s), to the ones accompanying your most precious and special moments like an engagement or a wedding.
Tab Vintage’s wedding collection includes gowns by Yves Saint Laurent, Halston and Thierry Mugler/Source: The New York Times
Now more than ever, brides are routinely looking for vintage wedding dresses (who wouldn’t be excited by a vintage Dior gown?) and designing their event with shabby chic styles like mixed and matched chairs and even China! When it comes to hardware, many brides would rather have a beautiful old cut diamond in an art deco setting as their engagement ring, rather than newly manufactured one from a well-known brands. (especially at a time when fair wages and working conditions across the world have become a subject of greater scrutiny). That said, why not consider having part of your wedding registry be from an antique store or vintage shop? You will always find unique, beautifully crafted and stylish items there. Items that will allow you to truly make a singularly designed home, with interiors that are uniquely you.
Link Library
Why Antiques are the Eco-Option
Like Fast Fashion, 'Fast Furniture' is a Problem for Our Planet
‘Fast Furniture’ Is Cheap. And Americans Are Throwing It in the Trash
Online Auctions Are Catching On - Here’s Why
The Best Ways to Incorporate Vintage into Your Wedding Day
An Unconventional Wedding Registry Part 2: Going Vintage
Does Your Family's Century-Old Pyrex Still Rule The Kitchen?
-Co-Authored by Heather Zises, Marketing Director and Anne-Claire Regan, Appraisals & Client Liaison
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