The designer discussed what green practices look like across ages and areas.
By Elisa Fernández-Arias
As part of NKBA | KBIS’ Sustainability Month this April, the association reached out to Sharon L. Sherman, CKD, ASID, NCIDQ, CID, of Thyme & Place Design LLC to talk through generational differences when it comes to those driving sustainability in kitchen and bath. As a designer who incorporates eco-friendly solutions, Sherman explained the preferences of different age groups and regions, green strategies, and seamless ways to integrate ecological products.
NKBA | KBIS: Which generation or generations are leading the way in terms of sustainability?
Sharon L. Sherman: I am not sure it has anything to do with generations but regions. Some regions have made recycling much easier for more people to participate. I find that some areas of the country are more involved than others when it comes to sustainability, regardless of the generation. Personally, I am at the very tail end of the Baby Boomers (who, according to data, are not the most concerned), and I am very conscious of sustainability. In Europe, there’s a cross-generational commitment to sustainability. My kids are Millennials, and I know that they are concerned and are beginning to have the financial wherewithal to use that power in choosing which products and companies to buy from. Gen Z is probably as concerned but without the financial power.
NKBA | KBIS: What preferences do different generations have when it comes to sustainable solutions? What strategies and solutions are they using?
Sharon L. Sherman: I know that Millennials and Gen Z follow and support ethically aligned brands and products. They do understand that the future is theirs and that they can make an impact with the choices they make. My kids love to shop at vintage shops, grow their own produce in indoor gardens and are much less concerned about having the latest fast fashion. They don’t spend beyond their means, but that may be the way they were raised. If you grow up in a home where these values are important, you tend to embrace those ideals.
NKBA | KBIS: Do you usually bring up sustainability, or do your clients? Does this vary based on age?
Sharon L. Sherman: As a designer, I always include conversations about sustainable practices and the products we are using in my clients’ homes. Regardless of age, clients coming to me know this is part of my design DNA and what I will be bringing to the project. When a client tells me they not only love their home but love the way their home makes them feel, I know I have done my job.
As more people experience this type of design in the way their homes are designed and built, more people will look for this type of design service. Sustainability goes beyond just the products; it is a lifestyle and commitment to not just living a healthy sustainable lifestyle but living within that sustainable lifestyle.
NKBA | KBIS: What do you find yourself educating each generation on most when it comes to sustainability?
Sharon L. Sherman: How to apply the principles of a sustainable lifestyle and sustainable products.
Choosing products that will enhance their health physically, mentally and emotionally is what most clients are looking for when designing their homes. People feel good about doing good for the environment, those in their community and the community at large. If something is easy to add to your daily routine, it doesn’t matter what your age is.
Here is an example: at KBIS, I saw an under-sink composter. Most people, regardless of age, would compost if it didn’t involve collecting the scrapes, taking them outside to some type of container and committing to tending to the container to turn the scrapes into usable soil. Now, if you had a composter that separated the liquid from the solids, deposited it into a container that tended to the waste and magically transformed it into composted soil, more people would sign on.
Finding solutions for sustainability that everyone at any age can seamlessly integrate into their daily routine is an absolute yes. Indoor air quality can be improved with a ventilation system that turns on with the range top, brilliant! This means better air, less cleaning of the cabinets and counters surrounding the cooking area, less cleaning solutions, longer life of the products — sustainability at its best.
NKBA | KBIS: When it comes to the future generation – Gen Zers – what sustainable choices do you envision them making in the future, as they eventually become homeowners?
Sharon L. Sherman: Their whole lives have been influenced by climate changes, pollution and clean water issues. I do think they will look to make sure they can live in a home environment which will provide a level of comfort combined with a strong sense of products which will promote healthy living. I know they will be using indoor gardens, choosing natural materials and looking for lasting products.
I just came back from the Round Top Antiques Show. Many younger aged designers and shoppers are looking for vintage and antique pieces to use in their homes. Repurposing and reusing pieces will continue to gain acceptance to make a positive change in the world. I can see that there is a commitment to aligning with values they can live with.
