I’ve had an interior design business for over 10 years. I create beautiful homes and offices that I’m proud of, but up until recently, I was completely ignorant of the suffering and death that occurred just for the furnishings that I placed in my clients’ spaces. I can no longer design spaces created at the expense of beautiful animals and then look at myself in the mirror or look into the eyes of my children. My mission is now “compassionate design.” I create beautiful interior designs without harming our Earth or animals.

Up until a few months ago, I was a meat-eater. I also wore wool sweaters, leather jackets and boots, and so on. I was thoughtless. I never had made the connection between slaughtered animals and the food I ate or the clothing I wore.

One day, my daughters’ step-mom (we’re a very modern family, with lots of love between all), posted a disturbing PETA video of lambs being sheared. After viewing it, I was disgusted and in shock. The next day, she posted another PETA video showing the horrific treatment of cows on dairy farms. I began to “see”—or let me rephrase that, I could no longer ignore—the inhumane treatment of beautiful animals. I then read an article about leather sofas being made from dog skins from China. I could no longer hide behind the cowardly curtain of ignorance.

My personal journey, which led me to adopt a vegan lifestyle, has been deep and thought-provoking. It’s been one of several turning points in my life, right up there with the birth of my daughters and the death of my father. It has impacted me in every way, shape, and form for the better. Raising awareness, educating others, and transitioning my business to saving and protecting animals is going to be a very integral part of the next chapter of my life. It will be one of several roads I will take, and I’m feeling very happy and fulfilled about this decision. My path to a life of not harming animals as well as saving and protecting them has begun.

On that note, below is the first of many DiMare Designs “‘Vegan-izing’ Your Space 101” tips:

Down Feathers: Geese are horribly abused for their down feathers. They’re plucked, beaten, and strangled and often die during the torturous act of having their feathers torn out of their skin while they’re fully conscious. Manufacturers often use down in sofas, pillows, and upholstered goods, but more and more companies are creating down alternatives, which are not only an ethical choice but also a great option for those suffering from allergies. Plus, they’re less expensive. It’s a win-win situation all around. One of my favorite manufacturers is Pillowflex. However, most major retailers, such as Target and Restoration Hardware, also offer down alternatives. Take a look at this PETA video about down feathers.

Here’s a space I designed that’s vegan-inspired. Many of the materials in this space are cruelty-free: cotton and linen, along with alternatives to suede, silk, and wool.

The next “‘Vegan-izing’ Your Space 101” will focus on leather alternatives for furniture.

I look forward to inspiring others to make humane choices when decorating their spaces. I’ll show you endless beautiful, stylish, and comfortable options. I’m here to help, and I welcome any questions, comments, thoughts, or ideas you may have. I hope my passion and excitement about vegan design jumps off this page and touches you as the vegan movement has touched me.

Written by Deborah DiMare, the founder of DiMare Design, focusing on design therapy and vegan design. Deborah combines specific textures, scents, and colors with cruelty-free materials to create optimal thriving spaces. She grew up in New York and now resides in Miami with her daughters and dog Lucca, whose favorite pastime is being a total beach bum. Please see www.DiMareDesign.com and write to [email protected].