Why I Started an Eco-Friendly Interior Design Business

My Journey in Luxury Interior Design

For eight years, I worked in luxury interior design studios across London, where 80% of my time was a constant struggle between my values and the industry norms. The role offered an exciting blend of design and project management, allowing me to delve into lighting systems, furniture design, joinery, construction, and even unexpected subjects like butterflies (I’ll be writing a blog post on that later as part of my “Behind the Scenes of Luxury London Interior Design” series).

Despite the allure of working with high-net-worth clients and incredible spaces, a persistent question nagged at me—what about the environment?

As designers, frequent job changes are common. During my time in London, I worked at a variety of studios, some freelance, some permanent. Early in my career, terms like "sustainable," "carbon impact," or "cruelty-free" weren’t mentioned, at all. This absence was deeply troubling, as it conflicted with my core values—my lifelong care, passion, and love for the environment and animals, and my desire to protect them.

The Turning Point: House of Grey

As an interior designer, I tried to question suppliers about sustainability, but it seemed like most people in the industry either didn’t care or felt they lacked the time to consider it. High-end design is notoriously fast-paced and wasteful, often neglecting the potential for materials and furniture to have a second life rather than ending up in a landfill. The sheer volume of packaging waste at the end of each project was alarming.

I eventually found a studio that shared my values: House of Grey, where I worked for a couple of years. This studio has human health and sustainability at its core. Leading their first interior design project for a private client was refreshing. We put human health and sustainability at the forefront of every decision. For instance, we collaborated with Sebastian Cox, who shared our ethos. A workshop tour revealed that solid wood, unlike veneer, holds carbon and is more eco-friendly, though it requires specific manufacturing knowledge due to its natural movement with temperature changes. Using solid wood from trusted local sources provided reassurance about its origins, unlike veneers from exotic countries, even if FSC certified. Similarly, we worked with Atelier Cabinet Makers from Dorset. The founders, Rhiannon and Jamie, crafted stunning solid wood tables from locally sourced ash.

A couple of other memorable pieces were a side table made from recycled CDs by Dirk Vander Kooij, which featured a small label from one of the CDs—a unique nod to its history. We also designed a bed with a headboard made from coir, a cruelty-free alternative to feathers, a rare consideration in the industry.

By the end of the project, the house told a story of the craftspeople, their processes, and their materials, bringing meaning and connection to the collaborative design. The clients appreciated our work, and we felt we had made a positive contribution to their family home. If you are interested in this project, you can see the photography and read the article written by Dezeen, here.

Founding Cosu Studio

Having worked at numerous studios, I’ve found that luxury interior design can sometimes feel superficial. While the spaces are functional, beautiful, and perfect in every way, they sometimes lack soul.

With the climate crisis now a global concern, studios are increasingly addressing sustainability. As a result, suppliers are adapting and considering their environmental impact.

Despite these changes, even as a senior interior designer, my voice often lacked the necessary influence. It felt to me that my suggestions for sustainability were overlooked leaving me feeling a sense of guilt for not doing my part for the planet.

This led me to establish Cosu Studio, an interior design firm dedicated to thoughtful, eco-conscious design that brings depth and meaning to spaces. If our values resonate with you, please reach out—we’d love to connect.

Please know that while I don’t have all the answers regarding sustainable design, I am committed to finding them!

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