Here’s a radical idea: what if luxury wasn’t about excess space?

Interior designers are challenging traditional notions of luxury, embracing sustainability without compromising on style. This week’s guest on Disruptive Design is one of the designers at the forefront of this movement, Summer Jensen, founder of Hawk & Co., who’s proving that opulence and environmental responsibility can coexist beautifully. Click play on the video below to watch DNN Editor in Chief Courtney Porter’s conversation with Summer Jensen:

The shift towards sustainable luxury

Gone are the days when luxury meant rare, exotic materials sourced from far-flung corners of the globe. Today’s discerning clients are increasingly aware of their environmental footprint. They’re demanding spaces that not only look stunning but also reflect their values.

Summer Jensen’s firm has been ready for this shift because they’ve been practicing it all along. Drawing inspiration from her Hawaiian roots, she brings a deep respect for nature to her designs. “It becomes this concept of not trying to fill space with anything that’s more than necessary,” Jensen says.

A new approach to luxury design

Jensen’s philosophy focuses on:

1. Highlighting a home’s best features through thoughtful finishes and architecture

2. Incorporating biophilic design principles

3. Creating a strong connection between humans and nature

4. Masterfully playing with light and shadow

But it’s not just about aesthetics. Jensen is committed to using honest, sustainable materials and supporting superior craftsmanship. She creates unique spaces that resonate with their surroundings, proving that luxury can be both sustainable and deeply connected to its locale.

Sustainable furniture: The heart of eco-luxury

When it comes to furniture, Jensen has strict criteria:

• Biodegradability: “For me, biodegradability is really big,” she says
• Honest construction: Favoring pieces that can be easily recycled
• Ethical manufacturing: Researching brands to ensure alignment with sustainable values
• Social responsibility: Considering the impact on local communities

She highlights brands like Amara rugs, praised for their community investment, and European manufacturers like Polyform and Baxter, who benefit from stricter environmental regulations.

Sourcing sustainable luxury

Speaking of Europe, Jensen points out that sustainable luxury is more readily available there due to stricter regulations. American manufacturers are playing catch-up, but change is coming. “We need to [start] with our voice,” Jensen says, urging designers and consumers to demand more sustainable options.

Beyond products: A holistic approach

Sustainable luxury extends beyond product selection. Jensen advocates for a lifecycle approach, considering everything from construction to eventual deconstruction. She’s always looking for innovative ways to repurpose materials, like using broken stone slabs for tiles.

And let’s not forget about wellness, which might very well prove to be the selling point for sustainability. Above else: You are selling a feeling and in this case, it is about how the client feels in their home. Jensen poses a powerful question to clients: “Do you want a healthy environment or do you want one that’s toxic?” It’s a no-brainer when put that way and makes sustainable luxury an easy sell.

The future of sustainable luxury

Jensen is excited about future projects that blend sustainability with community-focused luxury. Her dream project involves reimagining multi-generational housing developments with integrated food equity initiatives and luxurious, biophilic design throughout.

While sustainable luxury often comes with a higher upfront cost, the long-term value is undeniable. Energy-efficient systems provide ongoing savings, and healthier living environments contribute to overall wellbeing.

Rethinking space

Here’s a radical idea: what if luxury wasn’t about excess space? Jensen challenges the notion that bigger is better:

 “The best way to be sustainable is also just in simplifying and reducing.”

She suggests capping luxury residences at 3,500 square feet, encouraging more thoughtful, quality-focused design approaches. It’s about doing more with less – a true hallmark of sustainable luxury.

The new standard of luxury

Climate concerns will continue to shape consumer preferences, and the eco-conscious approach championed by designers like Summer Jensen at Hawk & Co. will become the new standard. These pioneers are proving that you can have your cake and eat it too – or in this case, have your stunning home and be healthy in it too.