Sustainability has ceased to be an added value to become an essential axis within contemporary interior design. As Laura Huerta, our Interior Design Director, and Enrique Quirós Domínguez, Specification Manager at Sonae Arauco, commented in Espacios que Hablan, environmental awareness has transformed the way we conceive, produce and inhabit spaces, especially in the hotel and contract sectors.
From industry to the user: certification and environmental value
During the conversation, Enrique highlights a key point: sustainability is no longer exclusive to the industrial sector, it has reached the end consumer. “It has become normalized to incorporate certified products, materials with that added value of recycling and environmental certifications. The presence of these certifications in spaces is now valued, whereas before it was more limited to the industry itself.”
This shift has pushed manufacturers and designers to adopt recycled and certified materials not just to meet regulations, but to align with real market demand. Products with certifications or eco-labels add tangible value to design, increasing client trust and elevating the reputation of the project.
A change in mindset
What once seemed like a passing trend has now become a priority in both creative processes and material specifications. As Enrique puts it: “I think consumers are now gaining a real benefit from knowing they are using products with environmental improvements of all kinds in their personal spaces.”
Including recycled or certified materials is no longer the exception, it’s the standard. This widespread practice not only reflects greater environmental responsibility within the industry but also a growing desire to stand out through conscious design.
Design with Purpose
Sustainability has expanded the scope of design. It is no longer just about aesthetics or functionality, it’s also about ethics. The integration of low-impact materials, energy efficiency, and product durability are now essential pillars for any project that aims to last and connect meaningfully with its users.
Sustainable design is not only more responsible with the environment, it’s also more relevant and meaningful.
📺 Watch this excerpt of the episode on YouTube and dive into this discussion about the future of luxury hotel interior design.
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