Whether you’re a homeowner refreshing a single room or an interior designer working across a full residential development, sustainability matters. Today’s clients expect more than great design and a luxury look—they want quality materials that align with environmentally conscious values. And when it comes to luxury curtains and custom blinds, there are now more eco-friendly fabric options than ever.

At Allegra Interiors, we’re proud to partner with leading textile houses like James Dunlop, Mokum, Zepel, Warwick and Hoad—all of whom are embracing innovation, transparency, and sustainability in fabric design and manufacturing. That means recycled fibres, PVC-free options, low-impact processes, and beautiful natural materials like cotton, hemp, and linen.

Let’s take a look at how sustainable curtain and blind fabrics are reshaping the future of interior design—for large-scale projects, full home fit-outs, and individual homes alike.

The Rise of Eco Design in Australia’s Luxury Homes and Commercial Projects

In recent years, Australia has witnessed a significant surge in eco-conscious design, particularly within the realms of middle-to-luxury residential and commercial developments. This trend is driven by a combination of environmental awareness, regulatory frameworks, and market demand for sustainable living and working spaces.​

Growing Market for Green Buildings

The Australian green building market is experiencing robust growth. In 2023, the market was valued at USD 3.2 billion and is projected to reach USD 5.2 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40% during the forecast period . This expansion underscores the increasing prioritization of sustainability in the construction and design sectors.​

Residential Sector Embracing Sustainability

Affluent and middle-income homeowners are leading demand for green, sustainable housing, with energy-efficient homes having 4% fewer days on the market and over 16% more listing views. Additionally, 87% of potential buyers are willing to pay an average of 15% more for a home with green features such as energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and sustainable building materials. As these become standard in middle-income and luxury homes, it reflects a shift towards environmentally responsible living without compromising on comfort or style.​

Commercial Developments Leading the Way

The commercial building sector, responsible for approximately 25% of Australia’s electricity consumption and 10% of its carbon emissions, is also making significant strides in eco design. Developers are adopting green building practices to reduce operational costs and meet the growing demand for sustainable work environments. Notably, Australia has been recognized for having the most sustainable built environment globally, according to the 2022 GRESB Real Estate Benchmark.​

Government Initiatives and Industry Standards

Government policies and industry standards play a crucial role in promoting eco design. The Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star rating system, established in 2003, assesses the sustainability of buildings and communities, encouraging environmentally responsible construction practices . Such frameworks have been instrumental in guiding both residential and commercial projects towards higher sustainability standards.

Consumer Demand Driving Sustainable Design

Consumer preferences are increasingly influencing the adoption of eco-friendly designs. A growing number of Australians are seeking properties that offer sustainability features, recognizing the long-term benefits of energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. This shift is evident in both the residential and commercial sectors, where demand for green buildings continues to rise.

Why eco-friendly luxury fabrics matter for designers and homeowners

Window furnishings do more than complete a space—they contribute to energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality. But conventional fabrics often come with environmental drawbacks: synthetic fibres made from virgin plastic, chemical-heavy coatings, and PVC-laminated backings.

In contrast, sustainable fabrics offer:

Lower environmental impact

Reduced waste and emissions

Natural, breathable materials

Improved indoor air quality

Transparency in sourcing and manufacturing

Durability and long-term value

For interior designers, especially those working on premium homes or commercial spaces, these qualities tick multiple boxes. They meet the brief for style and performance, while also meeting growing demand for sustainability—whether from eco-conscious homeowners, design-savvy clients, or developers seeking Green Star certification.

Recycled and recyclable fabrics for modern projects

Recycled textiles are becoming a go-to for stylish, environmentally friendly interiors. Whether you’re fitting out a coastal Airbnb, a boutique office, or a high-end apartment, recycled polyester fabrics offer excellent durability, UV resistance, and visual appeal.

James Dunlop and Mokum are at the forefront, producing sophisticated designs using Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified yarns. Their collections often feature fabrics made from post-consumer waste like plastic bottles, which are re-spun into soft, high-performance yarns. Many are also recyclable at the end of their life—ideal for large-scale projects where lifecycle thinking matters.

Zepel also offers a growing selection of eco-conscious performance fabrics, ideal for roller blinds, Roman blinds, and outdoor applications. Many of their collections are designed with long-term resilience in mind, making them perfect for hospitality or high-traffic spaces.

PVC-free and low-toxin window coverings

PVC might be a common material in cheaper blockout blinds—but it’s far from sustainable. It’s derived from fossil fuels and can release toxic chemicals during production and breakdown. Designers and developers seeking greener specifications are now turning to PVC-free options that are safer and smarter.

Warwick’s ‘Halo’ collection features durable PVC-free coated fabrics that perform brilliantly in our range of soft furnishings, furniture and accessories—especially important in commercial fit-outs or rental developments where durability is key. These fabrics are also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, meaning they’re free from harmful substances and safe for occupants.

Zepel’s FibreGuard fabrics meet strict standards for low chemical emissions. This is a major benefit for aged care projects, education facilities, healthcare interiors, and any environment where air quality and wellbeing are non-negotiable.

Natural fibres with modern appeal

If your project calls for softness, elegance, or biophilic design cues, natural fibres like linen, cotton, and hemp are ideal. These materials create a sense of warmth and calm, while also offering exceptional sustainability credentials—when sourced responsibly.

Mokum and James Dunlop specialise in traceable European linen, produced in Belgium and Italy using traditional low-impact methods. Their linens are dyed with low-emission, water-saving processes, and many are OEKO-TEX certified. These fabrics work beautifully in residential projects where texture, tone, and natural beauty are front and centre.

For family homes, boutique developments, and wellness spaces, cotton-linen blends from Warwick and Hoad deliver versatility with a soft, breathable feel. Look for options made with Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) certified cotton or recycled cotton, which use significantly less water and support better farming practices.

Hoad’s Hemptech range, which includes hemp-linen blends, is also worth considering for eco-luxe interiors or environmentally accredited builds. Hemp uses minimal water, grows rapidly without pesticides, and creates a beautiful, tactile drape.

Locally made, sustainably delivered custom curtains and blinds

When working on large-scale or multi-residential projects, sourcing local can make a big difference. At Allegra Interiors, we design, supply, and install custom-made curtains and blinds right here in Melbourne—keeping things local, reducing freight emissions, and supporting Australian craftsmanship.

Our fabric partners, including Zepel, Warwick and Hoad, maintain Australian operations and warehousing. Many also design and manufacture in Australia or New Zealand, reducing the environmental footprint of international shipping and ensuring faster lead times for large or time-sensitive projects.

Interior designers working on commercial fit-outs or residential developments can also benefit from the greater design control, customisation options, and streamlined logistics that local supply chains offer. No long waits, no offshore production delays—just reliable quality, faster delivery, and a lighter footprint.

Certifications that matter for your projects

Environmental claims mean little without third-party validation. That’s why we only work with suppliers who are transparent and certified. Look for these certifications across our recommended fabric brands:

OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Free from harmful substances, safe for human health

Global Recycled Standard (GRS): Verified recycled content and ethical manufacturing

Greenguard / Greenguard Gold: Low chemical emissions for healthier interiors

ISO 14001: Environmental management systems in manufacturing

BCI (Better Cotton Initiative): Sustainable cotton farming and fair labour

If you’re working on a Green Star or WELL-certified building, these accreditations support your material selection criteria and contribute to certification points.

Design freedom meets sustainability

Eco-friendly no longer means limited. Thanks to advances in textile design, today’s sustainable fabrics are rich in variety—think softly textured sheers, bold jacquard weaves, matt-look blockouts, and statement prints made with water-based inks.

Whether your aesthetic leans minimalist, classic, coastal or contemporary, there’s an environmentally responsible fabric to suit.

With Somfy motorisation for indoor and outdoor shades also available through Allegra Interiors, you can further enhance sustainability by automating light and temperature control—reducing energy use and increasing comfort for building occupants.

Partner with Allegra Interiors on sustainable, luxury interior design projects

At Allegra Interiors, we work closely with interior designers, architects, developers, and homeowners to deliver eco-conscious window treatments that align with each project’s vision and values.

Whether you’re fitting out a multi-residential development, refreshing the interiors of a hotel or restaurant, or sourcing luxury custom drapery for a new-build home, we bring decades of experience, trusted partnerships, and a commitment to quality craftsmanship.

We support you through every stage—from fabric selection and measuring to delivery and professional installation. And with access to Australia’s top sustainable textile brands as well as custom curtain tracks and home automation, you can specify with confidence, knowing your project supports a cleaner, healthier future.

A Breath of Fresh Air: Fabrics That Look Good and Do Good

More than ever, clients care about what’s behind the curtain. From recycled fabrics to low-VOC linings and responsibly grown linen, we’re helping designers and homeowners alike embrace sustainable choices—without compromising on style.

Ready to create something beautiful, practical and planet-friendly? Let’s talk about your project. Whether it’s one room, an entire home, or a large-scale commercial space, Allegra Interiors is here to help you bring your sustainable design vision to life.

Book an on-site consultation with our team or contact us to to browse our full collection of eco-certified fabrics from James Dunlop, Mokum, Zepel, Warwick and Hoad.