1. Journey into Sustainable Design Chloe’s passion for design started early, influenced by growing up near the first Body Shop. Her career began in furniture design, but a recession pushed her to write a handwritten letter to Anita Roddick, leading to a transformative role at The Body Shop. This experience shaped her commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, setting the stage for founding Materialise Interiors in 2005.

2. The Importance of Sustainable Practices Even during her studies, Chloe was aware of sustainability, using materials like recycled Tetrapak. At The Body Shop, she learned to screen suppliers for their manufacturing processes and materials, emphasizing the importance of transparency and ethical sourcing. Today, she integrates these principles into her work, advocating for the reuse of materials and careful selection of new ones to minimize environmental impact.

3. Interior Design Declares and Industry Change Chloe co-founded Interior Design Declares, inspired by her involvement with the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID). This initiative aims to address climate breakdown and biodiversity collapse by promoting sustainable practices within the industry. It serves as a collaborative platform for designers and suppliers to share knowledge and drive change together.

4. Tackling Toxicity in Design A significant part of Chloe’s advocacy is focused on reducing toxic chemicals, such as flame retardants in furniture. These chemicals, often mandated by law, pose health risks and hinder material recyclability. Through Interior Design Declares, Chloe campaigns for legislative change and increased awareness of healthier alternatives.

5. Achieving B Corp Certification Chloe’s journey to B Corp certification, a rigorous process taking about nine months, underscores her commitment to ethical business practices. B Corp certification reassures clients of a company’s dedication to environmental and social responsibility. Chloe encourages other businesses to pursue this certification to foster consumer trust and industry improvement.

6. Vegan and Regenerative Design Chloe is the first UK interior designer to be vegan design certified. She emphasises avoiding animal products and petrochemicals in design, advocating for materials like hemp, bamboo, and mycelium. Regenerative design, a step beyond sustainability, focuses on creating thriving ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity, aligning closely with Chloe’s holistic approach to interior design.

7. Practical Tips for Healthier Interiors For clients looking to optimise wellness in their spaces, Chloe recommends:

• Reusing and repurposing existing furniture to reduce waste.

• Carefully selecting non-toxic, sustainable materials.

• Maximising natural light and ventilation to improve indoor air quality.

• Incorporating Biophilic design elements to connect with nature.

• Using ethical business practices to support broader sustainability goals.

8. Chloe’s Book: Sustainable Interior Design Chloe’s book, “Sustainable Interior Design,” commissioned by Reba, explores 11 approaches to sustainability in interior design. It includes global examples and practical tips to help designers and consumers alike understand and implement sustainable practices. The book will be available in April at the Reba Bookshop and everywhere else in May.

Chloe Bullock’s work exemplifies the positive impact that dedicated, ethical design can have on our health and the environment. By integrating sustainable, vegan, and regenerative practices into her projects, she not only creates beautiful spaces but also promotes a healthier planet. Chloe’s insights and practical advice are invaluable for anyone looking to make their interiors more sustainable and health-conscious. Keep an eye out for her upcoming book to dive deeper into the world of sustainable interior design.

You can check out her website Materialise Interiors for more information. Plus follow her work on Instagram.And don’t forget to purchase her new book on the RIBA website here: Sustainable Interiors.

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