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A wood floor is still pretty much the top choice for a residential floor finish in the UK. The beauty of using a wooden floor is the character and warmth it provides; it feels good underfoot and can also be used with underfloor heating depending on your sub-floor structure. There are two types of wood flooring; the most commonly used is an engineered floor which is made up of a core of cross-laminated plywood for stability and strength at around 16mm in thickness with a real wood veneer wear layer at around 4mm in thickness. The sides of the planks are what we call tongue and grooved together and glued into place. Oak is the most common of timbers to use, as well as walnut, ash, and beech wood. It can be heavily figured or patterned depending on how it is cut or sliced through the log when creating the thin veneer. The veneer is then stained, oiled, or varnished to achieve a certain look and colour. There are also many different price points and qualities to choose from depending on your budget. Oiled finishes are popular at the moment as opposed to a varnish or polyurethane finish which are viewed as toxic and less 'natural' looking. Generally, the planks will be supplied pre-oiled and will maybe need to be re-applied after a year depending on use. The alternative to an engineered floor is a solid wood plank floor which is milled from a single piece of timber, usually hardwood such as oak, ash, walnut or beech, among others. The thickness of the plank would be around 20mm. The downside of a solid wood floor is the cost - it's expensive. The stability of it, even though it will have been seasoned, will be prone to movement with heat and cold temperatures and may warp. Personally, I would never recommend a solid wood plank floor because of these reasons as there are many gorgeous engineered wood floor alternatives that can work in any sustainable residential interior application. We generally work with a company called Trunk Floor The reasons we work with them are the quality and range of colours and finishes available. I have found them to be flexible and professional. The planks are finished by hand at their Northern Ireland factory which provides the distinct look of their product. Their price point is mid to high end but worth the investment. Engineered wood floor is available in straight plank, herringbone, and chevron with more detailed patterns such as a basketweave. A straight plank is the most cost-effective option with the price rising accordingly for chevron and herringbone. We have recently used Trunk for a residential project using a wide plank at 240mm width in a character finish, meaning it has more knots and a Prime finish (fewer knots) in a chevron and wide straight plank. I would not recommend using a wooden floor in a bathroom or kitchen because of the moisture and potential water spillage which may expand and open the joints between planks. ✨ The Five Benefits of Hiring An Interior Designer ✨ Download Here Copyright Disclaimer: Not all photos used here are mine, all rights are reserved to the copyright owners. Sourced from the internet and Susan Van Meter Interiors.

I see new paint companies coming onto the market frequently, so, I thought it best to update my list of sustainable and healthy interior paints for residential and also commercial applications. The interior design and decorative paint marketplace are fiercely competitive with many of the companies claiming to be low in chemical toxicity or VOC free which technically isn't possible. We Brits spend an enormous amount of money on our homes to the tune of £14 billion annually of which £925 million of that is on paint and wall finishes. We love our homes and have fallen in love with the interior design of our homes too. Good-quality modern paints are low in VOCs. The best manufacturers have moved from producing oil-based paints (using petrochemicals) to producing water-based ones, to eliminate the harmful toxins. The problem is that it’s just not feasible for manufacturers to eliminate all such chemicals completely, although some say that they do. A true manufacturer of eco-friendly paints is likely to label all the ingredients on the tin, but even giving that information doesn’t mean the paint is truly environmentally friendly. For that reason, I have based my assessment on the following criteria: 🖌 Where the paints are manufactured 🖌 How the paints are manufactured 🖌 Breathability of the paints 🖌 VOC levels 🖌 The use of natural ingredients Ultimately, when you’re choosing a particular paint, you’ll have in mind which criteria are most important. It might be chemical content and minimising low indoor pollution or, possibly, how and where the paint was manufactured, thus keeping a low CO2 footprint. Hopefully, this guide will make that decision a good deal easier for you. 🌿 I'm adding a couple of manufacturers that I haven't featured before; Edward Bulmer and Bauwerk. EDWARD BULMER 🎨 The more I read about Edward Bulmer, his ethos and his paint range the more I realise our values are in alignment. Currently, the paint is manufactured by Auro in Germany with a soon-to-open factory in the UK, which makes better sense than shipping it across continents. Manufacturing the paint in the UK will create jobs and a zero carbon footprint. The colour range is comprehensive and very sustainable. Read more about it here: Edward Bulmer This is definitely a paint range I am planning to use more often as they are certainly not greenwashing and have a history of sustainability in their DNA. Top marks from me. Paint specification: 🌿102 colours. 🌿Low VOC's 🌿Water based 🌿 Pioneering plant-based 🌿 No plastic binders 🌿 Paints are compostable 🌿 No animal testing 🐶 🌿 Vegan 🌿 EU Ecolable 🌿 Currently made in Germany by Auro £££ Emulsion from £55- £98.00 per 5-litre tin. BAUWERK 🎨 I have seen the use of modern limewash paints a lot recently; it works well with wasi-sabi style that is popular at the moment as the application is textured, depth and has a seemingly random application. Bauwerk paints have an almost cult following as their colour range is huge and their paints forge a connection to nature on a fundamental level. They are completely natural - made from clay, minerals and beautiful natural pigments. Lime paints are made from calcium carbonate, a naturally occurring mineral contained in limestone (also found in eggshells, pearls and seashells). It is one of the world’s most abundant materials. As it's difficult (for some reason) to find exactly where the paints are made, I believe it's in Western Australia, with a head office in Germany. Because of where they're manufactured they will have a larger carbon footprint which doesn't make sense to me, especially as it's a sustainable paint. Interestingly, the UK market is their biggest. Paint specification: 🌿 Over 150 colours. 🌿 Solvent and VOC free 🌿 Non-Toxic 🌿 No animal testing 🐶 🌿 Vegan 🌿 Fireproof 🌿 Made with 100% green power 🌿 Breathable £££ Emulsion from £30 - £140.00 per 5-litre tin. FARROW & BALL 🎨🇬🇧 Farrow & Ball are now owned by a Danish company with the manufacturing still in the UK. I like Farrow and Ball. They are working hard to be the leaders in environmentally friendly paints – and they have an excellent colour palette. Their paints have near-to-zero VOCs and are manufactured in the UK. F&B’s manufacturing and waste policies are exemplary. They recycle 100% of the dry waste from their Dorset factory, where right now they’re recycling 97% of the liquid waste – including that at their on-site water treatment plant – and they’re working to get this up to 100%. F&B work with FSC®-certified printers to produce all their information materials – such as colour cards and brochures – as well as admin materials like postcards and letterheads, all printed on FSC®-certified paper and card. F&B complies with the Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) across all of its UK sites and is audited by the Environment Agency to ensure compliance. All around, I feel this paint company is making a concerted effort in all areas of its business. My builder, who has been in the business for 30 years plus, says out of all the “designer” paints, as he calls them, F&B is the best. (A few years ago a builder’s favourite would have been Dulux Trade, it doesn’t “cover” as well as it used to.) Paint specification: 🌿132 colours. 🌿 Low VOC's 🌿 Water based, as all non-toxic paints need to be. 🌿 Recycle 97% of liquid waste 🌿 Recycle 100% of dry waste 🌿 Vegan 🌿 for all but two of their ranges - distemper paint contains leather derivatives. 🌿 No animal testing 🐶 🌿 Packaging made from 75% recycled material 🌿 Complies with ESOS - energy saving scheme at all of their sites £££ Modern Emulsion, £85.00 per 5-litre tin. LICK 🎨🇬🇧 A new company launched on the first day of the government lockdown in 2020. A catchy name trying to appeal to the millennial generation of new homeowners. Their USP (unique selling point) is the sampling. Say goodbye to buying sample paint pots and painting on walls. For £1.00 they send you an accurate as-it-is sample you can stick on the wall, which is a great idea. From an interior designers perspective, it's always a bit of a pain being able to show the accurate colour to a client on the wall. Only sold online. If you're struggling with making the right colour choice you can have a virtual consultation with one of their experts for £45.00. Getting colour right is incredibly difficult as there are so many contributing factors involved; orientation of the room, natural light source, if any, absorption from other materials in the room, all of these can dramatically change how a paint colour is seen - a headache for a lot of people. Paint specification: 🌿 50 colours (no gloss range) 🌿 Low VOC's 🌿 Partners with '4oceans' clean up - 18g of plastic cleaned from oceans per tin sold. 🌿 Partners with 'One Tree Planted' 🌳 🌿 Water based 🌿 Vegan 🌿 🌿 No animal testing 🐶 🌿 Peel and stick samples 🌿 Packaging is all recyclable and made in the UK ££ £38.00 per 2.5 litre can LAKELAND 🎨🇬🇧 Lakeland has an impressive list of high-profile companies and institutions that use their paints – from Facebook HQ in California to Clarence House, to Grand Designs TV show. Their paints are manufactured in the UK. They profess to be the only paint manufacturer that is VOC-free (other paint companies will say it is impossible to be chemical-free), along with the following: From their website they claim the following: Paint specification: 🌿180 colours 🌿 No heavy metals – No vinyl chloride, acrylic softeners, plasticisers or formaldehyde. 🌿 No phthalates, alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs), bisphenols, glycols. No pesticides, herbicides or toxins. 🌿 VOC free (although most paint companies would say this is impossible) 🌿 Free from all plastics. 🌿 All packaging is 100% recycled or recyclable. 🌿 Vegan 🌿 No animal testing 🐶 🌿Winner of four major environmental awards. £££ From £61.75 to £101.66 per 5-litre tin. EARTHBORN 🎨 This range of paint is well known for its breathable Claypaint, it is hardwearing, thick and creamy, has almost no VOCs and therefore no paint odour. The clay content helps to destroy airborne odours and contaminants, which is especially important in old properties where the damp is a concern. It’s perfect for use in kitchens and bathrooms where there might be a build-up of steam – a good alternative to limewash, which is the traditional form of permeable paint. The EU Ecolabel, established in 1992 and recognised worldwide, is an independent accreditation system for goods and services that meet the strict environmental criteria of the scheme. Earthborn paints are manufactured in Germany, which will increase its CO2 footprint through shipping. They are tinted in the UK. Paint specification 🌿 72 colours 🌿 Eco friendly 🌿 Breathable clay paint 🌿 Free from plastics. 🌿 Tins are made from 70% recycled metal. 🌿 Vegan friendly (3 casein products are not) 🌿 No animal testing 🐶 🌿 Carries EU Ecolabel. £££ £75.00 per 5-litre tin for Claypaint Emulsion. GRAPHENSTONE 🎨 VOC free, natural, breathable, and vegan meaning there have been no animals used in the testing or production of the paint in any form. Graphenstone is a Spanish company that claims their paints absorb CO2 as the paint is made from a 98% lime base which absorbs CO2. It has received excellent reviews. CO2 is a natural gas that we exhale as part of our breathing process and is harmless. But, it has become a global problem with major industries burning fossil fuels, resulting in high levels of both CO2 and methane emissions. This had created dangerous levels of pollution and global warming. Manufactured in Spain and then shipped to the UK. Paint specification 🌿 96 house colours 🌿 Low VOC's 🌿 Eco friendly 🌿 Breathable lime base 🌿 Absorbs CO2. 🌿 Contains Graphene - very strong, flexible, (graphite) 🌿 Vegan 🌿 No animal testing 🐶 🌿 Holds multiple eco awards - too many to mention ££ £70.61 per 4 litres of washable, natural interior wall paint - Grafclean Premium AURO 🎨 AURO has a reputation as the only paint maker in the world using exclusively natural materials. They have been perfecting paint for over 30 years with a consistent focus on sustainability and certified carbon-neutral production. Using only plant extracts, natural minerals and earth pigments, AURO has created matt paints that do not contain any plastic. They claim their paints are so pure they are compostable. It could be argued that AURO paint is the most ecologically responsible choice. 😲 Their colour palette does not have the huge selection of deep tones that you might find in others, say Farrow & Ball, for example. Their paints are breathable and vegan. AURO natural paints are free of toxic chemicals and harmful emissions. They are mainly emission-free so you can sleep in the room as soon as it’s been painted. Their natural paints have passed some of the strictest air-quality tests in the world. AURO fully declares the ingredients used in every product. AURO paints are manufactured in Germany, which increases its CO2 footprint. They are tinted in the UK. Note. they also manufacture for Edward Bulmer paints. Paint specification. 🌿 96 colours (emulsion) 🌿 Low VOC's 🌿 Eco friendly 🌿 Clay based in some ranges 🌿 Water based 🌿 Vegan - although some ranges contain animal derivatives. 🌿 No animal testing 🐶 🌿 Eu Ecolabel ££ £60–£70.00 per 5-litre tin for Premium washable emulsion, and Clay paint emulsion. If you need any further information on this topic, feel free to contact me here, I'm always happy to discuss a topic I'm passionate about! Alternatively reach out to me via one of my many social media platforms or by email: susan@susanvanmeter.com I look forward to connecting with you. 💚

How do trade discounts work? The dawn of technology changed our lives forever. This change seeped into every industry, including interior design. Before the internet, clients couldn't do their own product research. Many Interior designers would charge the full retail price. Now, interior designers can help save you money as well as spend it! Now, clients are more aware of the cost of some of the products designers are specifying. We value transparency as a core principle of our design ethos and have always provided a discount, even before the internet forced a change. Our Trade Discounts For You At Susan Van Meter Interiors we have relationships with unique, design-led, and high-quality brands where we can offer our clients the benefit of our trade discounts on the purchase of products for their residential home design and commercial projects. Our designer discounts range from 20 to 45%+, depending on the supplier. The benefits of buying from Susan Van Meter Interiors are: 🌿 Our full trade discount with our management fee of 25% on top means you could end up with a 20% discount. 🌿 A hassle and stress-free process. We take all of that away from you plus you benefit from our discount too. 🌿 The process is transparent and all paperwork is available should you require it. For property owners that are landlords, this service is essential to maintaining their bottom line and ROI. ✨ Contact Susan for a quote today ✨ For clients interested in a more eco-conscious approach we offer stylish, sustainable, and smart designs that don’t cost the earth. We can show you that sustainability doesn’t mean compromising style. ✨ The Five Benefits of Hiring An Interior Designer ✨ Download Here #procuremen t#pricing #interiors #design #residentialdesign #interiorcosts #product #costs Photos are sourced from SVM Interiors, Instagram and Pinterest. All rights are reserved to the copyright owners.

How do trade discounts work? The dawn of technology changed our lives forever. This change seeped into every industry, including interior design. Before the internet, clients couldn't do their own product research. Many Interior designers would charge the full retail price. Now, clients are more aware of the cost of some of the products designers are specifying. We value transparency as a core principle of our design ethos and have always provided a discount, even before the internet forced a change. Our Trade Discounts For You At Susan Van Meter Interiors we have relationships with unique, design-led, and high-quality brands where we can offer our clients the benefit of our trade discounts on the purchase of products for their residential home design and commercial projects. Our designer discounts range from 20 to 45%+, depending on the supplier. The benefits of buying from Susan Van Meter Interiors are: 🌿 Our full trade discount with our management fee of 25% on top and still saves you money. 🌿 A hassle and stress-free process. We take all of that away from you plus you benefit from our discount too. 🌿 The process is transparent and all paperwork is available should you require it. For property owners that are landlords, this service is essential to maintaining their bottom line and ROI. ✨Contact Susan for a quote today ✨ For clients interested in a more eco-conscious approach we offer stylish, sustainable, and smart designs that don’t cost the earth. We can show you that sustainability doesn’t mean compromising style. ✨ The Five Benefits of Hiring An Interior Designer ✨ Download Here #procuremen t#pricing #interiors #design #residentialdesign #interiorcosts #product #costs Photos are sourced from SVM Interiors, instagram and Pinterest. All rights are reserved to the copyright owners.

THE CLIENT We have been working on a home for a professional couple with a young family. The client found me via social media, first Facebook and then Instagram. She was looking for a designer with principles that aligned with her own; namely sustainable and ethical interior design. It's nice to be approached by a client via social media; it doesn't happen often as most of our referrals come via word of mouth and recommendations. The homeowners had employed a contractor prior to hiring SVM. It didn't go well. They were let down, the company went bust and couldn't finish the job. It is so disappointing to hear these types of stories that happen much too often. This time around, they decided to hire a professional interior designer to give them peace of mind. SVM made the vision a reality, chose the contractors from our trusted team, and liaised between the two to ensure the whole project came together seamlessly. THE VISION The client wanted to create a home, based on the 'Wabi-Sabi concept. Follow this link to our blogs offering an in-depth explanation of what Wabi-Sabi is, its principles, and how to implement them into your interiors. In brief, it means: Wisdom in natural simplicity - appreciating the beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete" in nature. The fleeting nature of time and decay. Think of the fading of autumn leaves. Students of the philosophy are taught to seek beauty in the most fundamental and natural. Wabi-Sabi Inspired Interiors & Materials THE DESIGN PROCESS We created this image of the living room based on these design principles, I'll explain a little about those principles and how we approached it. Everything was stripped out, apart from the fireplace, they wanted to keep it stone; a natural material. We then built a picture of the room by layering, function and aesthetics. MOOD BOARD All Wabi-Sabi principles work in tandem to create a more peaceful, authentic and healthy home ✨ Contact Susan for a quote today ✨ FLOORING We decided upon a wide 240mm straight plank (not chevron) engineered wood, with a good veneer wear on it, from Trunk Floor. Their 'character' finish with random knots is slightly imperfect, lending to our wabi-sabi principles. This supplier is my go-to flooring company because they manufacture in Ireland and finish by hand offering many colour options. Pricier than some online suppliers, but worth it. WALLS Wabi-sabi focuses on raw textures. Materials like wood, stone, leather and metal are embraced for the way that they age and stain, rust and wear. How, even after the toll of time, they become more beautiful. That is why we have used limewash paints as they are a gorgeous way to add some depth and texture to the walls. Beauwerk does them beautifully. Their paints forge a connection to nature on a fundamental level. They are completely natural - made from clay, minerals and beautiful natural pigments. Beauwek Limewash Paints We are having a specialist paint the limewash on the wall, even though it looks like a randomly applied finish, these types of techniques never are. We are using One & Maike who specialize in wall treatments, with the main contractor prepping the surface for them beforehand. Another finish worth considering is micro-cement, which has a rougher texture and a weathered & worn look, exactly what we are after for a wabi-sabi inspired interior. LIGHTING Lighting is discreet but functional, with accessories kept to a minimum and simple but beautifully conceived furniture in natural materials, forms and finishes. You will see by the renders the use of natural and live wood, raffia, metal, glass and wool. FURNITURE & HARDWARE I particularly love this Movimento coffee table with the charcoal effect top that our client found. Movimento create unique pieces, pushing the boundaries of form and function. We do, of course, use many different suppliers depending on the style our clients are trying to achieve. The hardware for the doors are black, as are the doors. The boldness of the contrast between the black and beige provides visual impact. We use Buster & Punch hardware with less expensive options by Heritage Brass. From our tried and tested team of experienced contractors, we decided on one which was right for this project. I cannot stress enough how important it is to hire the right contractor, it will make or break your project. If you are looking for a "One Stop Shop" when it comes to the design and management of your home we can put the right team together for you and deliver a hassle and stress-free project. ✨ Contact Us Here ✨ Copyright Disclaimer: Not all photos used here are mine, all rights are reserved to the copyright owners. Sourced from Instagram,Pinterest & SVM Interiors.

Every minute the equivalent of one rubbish lorry of plastic is dumped into the ocean. Most plastic waste ends up being dumped in giant landfill sites, burnt or left to pollute the environment. Yet, despite efforts by environmentalists, only 9 percent of plastic waste is successfully recycled. June 5 is the UN World Environment Day, marked each year to highlight the importance of the environment. #OnlyOneEarth The 2022 World Environment Day campaign #OnlyOneEarth called for collective, transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore our planet. 143 countries take part in World Environment Day and focus on environmental concerns ranging from plastic pollution to global warming and sustainable food production to the protection of wildlife. This year one of the main focuses was ‘Beat Plastic Pollution'. We can make changes to our routines but we know change has to be made on a larger scale. What kind of measures are we seeing to help curb plastic pollution? ON TRACK FOR A 'CURE' In March of this year Heads of State, environment ministers and other representatives from 175 nations, endorsed a historic resolution to end plastic pollution by the end of 2024. The landmark resolution addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, including its production, design and disposal. “Today marks a triumph by planet Earth over single-use plastics. This is the most significant environmental multilateral deal since the Paris accord. It is an insurance policy for this generation and future ones, so they may live with plastic and not be doomed by it.” - Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. How can we apply this ethos to our interiors? Only a couple of years ago, it was very difficult to find sustainable furniture and decor options. Let alone stylish ones. Now, slowly but surely, some suppliers in the industry are starting to prove, what I've been saying all along, that sustainability doesn't mean compromising on style. At the same time, with so many companies guilty of greenwashing, it can be tough to tell if they're really as kind to the environment as they claim to be. So, how can you tell who's the real deal? We look at the following parameters: Materials Used: Natural, Sustainably Sourced, Recycled, or Renewable Production Methods Circular Economy, Life-cycle Consideration: Durability and Recyclability Locally Manufactured and Produced (Mostly UK based, some European) People Planet Profit: What do they do for their community and workers? Carbon Footprint Offsetting Recyclable Packaging Made to Order Other Planet Friendly Measures: Planting Trees or Donating To Eco-Friendly Charities ✨ Take A Look At Susans Services & Request A Quote Today ✨ Taking all of these points into consideration, we put together a list of brands that we think marry true sustainability with refined style. ANOTHER COUNTRY Another Country was founded in 2010 with the principal aim of being a wholly sustainable company that designed and made natural contemporary wood furniture and home accessories. As the name suggests, the collection reimagines farmhouse furniture for contemporary living and puts a refined spin on classic rustic pieces. Ten years on, they not only adhere to their founding principles but have also become a certified carbon neutral company that embraces wellbeing principles. They call this designing for ‘The Natural Home’. Love it! Their loose and upholstered items are made with 100% natural materials by UK-based specialist partners. I love finding manufacturers that transparently lay out their sustainable practices, like below. Another Country's Sustainable Practices GRAYPANTS Responsible design is at the core of Graypants ethos. Stating that sustainability is much more than just using recycled material. They've been able to maintain their core values as a design studio and manufacturer by producing their products locally, with local talent and local materials. Their furniture is made of recycled materials and FSC-certified wood using a low-waste strategy. One year ago they opened a second studio in Amsterdam so they could produce locally for the European market. In Europe, they've been able to take it a step further and support social works programs to help employ people with disabilities who have a hard time finding hands-on creative jobs. TOM RAFFIELD A responsible and sustainable approach is at the heart of everything Tom Raffield does. They started this long before the word “sustainability” was fashionable. For them, it is a calling and not just a business. A calling that they put their heart and soul into - and have for over a decade. Throughout the company’s history, they have been guided by their founding values, which compel them to put people and the planet first. As a design-led brand, crafting functional pieces with long-lasting quality, sustainability has always been their goal. UK-based and made, a signature look of theirs is steam-bending - an energy-efficient process that relies only on heat and water and produces very little wastage; the brand even reuses any excess water that has condensed in the steamer the next time wood is heated. “I truly believe that sustainability should be synonymous with good design, much like quality and function are, and that this is the answer to over-consumption and the environmental challenges we face." - Tom Raffield, Founder. JENNIFER MANNERS Jennifer Manners /re/PURPOSE PERFORMANCE Collection takes a sustainable approach to timeless rugs. Comprised of uniquely plush recycled water bottles, these hand-knotted rugs are a luxurious yet functional solution to the need for rugs built for the hard wear of life. A single rug uses upwards of 6000 water bottles in its making. They developed a proprietary two-step process that makes these fibres mimic the look and feel of natural wools without losing the invincibility that has become synonymous with plastic. Bleach-cleanable and moisture-resistant, built to last several generations. Because of their durability, they can be used indoors and out. Recycled plastic bags are used to ship these pieces. TAKT Beauty in simplicity and exceptional sustainable ethos. All of the Danish design brands' pieces have been awarded the EU Ecolabel, which vouches not only for the sustainability of the materials used, but also for the consideration of the environmental impact a product has in its lifetime. Takt know, like us, there is too much hot air when it comes to sustainability. They make a point to be different. Aiming to clearly explain the efforts we make to help you live sustainably, they believe in transparency and certifications, such as B-Corp. They believe this is the only way for you to ensure that there is substance behind it all. They provide full cost and carbon footprint transparency and a breakdown for each. One of my favourite styles, the Soft Lounge Chair, is designed through TAKT’s Eco System Design principles and is shipped component based as flat packs. They can pack 5 to 7 times more products in the same volume and therefore minimise CO2 emissions during transportation. "We designers have a role to challenge the materials, production, processes, and people so that we can help develop and maintain modern craftsmanship" - Thomas Bentzen KIM MARKEL Absolute sustainable style. Kim Markel’s first collection, Glow, recycled the plastic waste of old eyeglasses and lunch trays into translucent, candy-hued furniture. Markel pushes for a circular economy industry. She proves new ways to minimise and reuse waste with each new collection. ✨ Take A Look At Susans Services & Request A Quote Today ✨ SEBASTIAN COX Sebastian Cox furniture is designed and made with a nature-first perspective. They look to our ancestors who used a relatively limited palette of biodegradable and renewable materials creatively, to make objects that were functional, simple, understandable and as a result, beautiful. Sebastian Cox design and make for a better future in a forward-thinking, zero-waste, carbon-counting workshop and studio in London, England. They even manage woodlands for biodiversity and resources in Kent, England. SEAQUAL X CAMIRA FABRICS Before their time, Yorkshire-based textile brand Camira began producing recycled fabrics 20 years ago. Now, they have teamed up with Seaqual - a global initiative that connects fishermen, scientists, NGOs and authorities to remove and upcycle marine litter. Camira’s new collection of fabrics are woven using ‘Seaqual’ yarn and each metre is made from the equivalent of 26 plastic bottles. Waste made wonderful, transforming this most resilient of materials into a fabric as fluid as the waves by which it was inspired, and which it seeks to save. Capturing the depth and breadth of the seasonal shorescape, each of the 27 colorways. The color palette encompasses bold brights, muted modern tones and perfect pastels, there is a shade and style for every interior KONK Konk does not believe in a throwaway culture. Their furniture is made for life - it’s solid, hardwearing and ages with character. Working in partnership with One Tree Planted, they donate to plant a tree for every single order they receive. Everything is handmade to order in their Bristol workshop by an expert team who all share a passion for making. Because it is all bespoke, means they can customise your piece to almost any size and spec, and nothing goes to waste. DESIGNBYTHEM Designbythem Confetti furniture collection includes everything from recycled plastic tables and chairs to sofas and planters. When designing their products they consider all of the environmental impacts throughout the product life cycle. This includes not only the materials, finishing, packaging, transport and waste of the products but also the serviceability of the products and how they can be repaired, reused and recycled at the end of their life. All of their products, at the end of its useful life, can be collected by DesignByThem at a negotiated transport fee for product repair, reuse or recycling as part of our product stewardship program. Many of their products are designed to be repaired to prolong their life and avoid recycling and landfill. TOM DIXON Cork is Tom Dixon's new 'dream material' and we love it too! By repurposing this wonder material for their range of extremely fat edged and chubby silhouette furniture, they have taken full advantage of the elasticity, the sound absorption and waterproof nature of cork. Combined with its natural beauty and the fact it can be continuously recycled, it makes a unique set of sculptural furniture with superior functionality. The Cork collection features a shelf, stool and three tables, with chubby, rounded silhouettes that are designed to let the material shine. Because cork can be harvested without harming the tree that it grows on, it is recyclable and carbon negative. This has caused a resurgence of its use in design and architecture circles. ECOBIRDY Sadly, 80 percent of plastic toys end up in landfills, waste incinerators, or even the ocean. Ecobirdy created a system that starts with the collection those old, unused plastic toys, passes through the recycling phase and ends with the design and production of pieces of furniture. The collection of kids' furniture is entirely made of recycled plastic from European waste. Each step is based on social and environmental responsibility. An accompanying storybook and school-programme have been designed to introduce youngsters to the circular economy and inspire them to contribute to a more sustainable future. Amazing! JOTT STUDIO Jott design products for a circular life. Instead of a one-way ticket to landfill, everything they make will eventually be reborn as usable raw materials. All of their Furniture is handcrafted in their workshop in Gloucestershire using only British Timber. This Timber only travels 200 miles from woodland to workshop. They engage with the whole product cycle, from sourcing, to making, to using, to eventual end of life recycling. REVIVE INNOVATIONS Made from 100% recycled CDs, Revive's innovative signature material RE-CD transforms post-consumer waste into a beautiful & robust material. We had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with the founder at Clerkenwell Design Week! Revive Innovations is working to improve CD recycling infrastructure, whilst creating beautiful circular products made entirely of discarded CDs (RE-CD). Instead of spending over a million years degrading in landfill, old CDs are being transformed into beautiful and unique design pieces. ANGUS ROSS Angus Ross source oak from their collectively owned, local bluebell wood. Angus Ross take a very holistic approach to sustainability - working directly with nature, encouraging natural regeneration and bio-diversity, improving the overall health and resilience of the woodland. They also work with local estates and Scottish saw-millers to ensure that Scottish native hardwoods such as oak, ash and cherry are not wasted but transformed and treasured! Most of their furniture is made to commission. It is all hand-made in their workshop in Perthshire. They make tables, chairs, cabinets, sculptural benches, desks, storage and functional public art. ✨ Take A Look At Susans Services & Request A Quote Today ✨ Photos are sourced from the respective brands listed here. All rights are reserved to the copyright owners.

Finding beauty in the imperfection of nature and accepting the natural cycle of growth and decay. Wabi-sabi developed from Buddhist philosophy, dating back to the 13th century. "Wabi” is from the root “wa” which denotes harmony, peace, tranquillity, and balance - implying imperfection and simplicity. In comparison, “sabi” by itself denotes the “bloom of time”. The effect of time on an object. It's a wisdom in natural simplicity - appreciating the beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete" in nature. The fleeting nature of time and decay. Think of the fading of autumn leaves. Students of the philosophy are taught to seek beauty in the most fundamental and natural. We can apply the Wabi-sabi philosophy and ethos to our own lives. Which naturally flows into our interiors - the way we live and what we surround ourselves with. I especially wanted to share this with you because it beautifully fuses many of our fundamental design and lifestyle philosophies: Connection & Kindness To Nature: Biophilic & Sustainable Design Intentional Interiors: Creating Meaningful & Authentic Spaces Healthy Homes: Interiors That Work To Improve Our Health & Lifestyle Wabi-Sabi can create a more peaceful and authentic sense of home. CONSTANT PURSUIT OF PERFECTION In our modern world, one that is heavily fuelled by the constant need for more and better, we find ourselves often wanting the best of everything. A perpetual pursuit of perfection. Wabi-sabi in contrast encourages us to embrace the transience and imperfection of life. A reality that dictates an essential truth - "nothing lasts forever, nothing is fully complete and nothing is perfect". Learning to accept life as it is, rather than what we think it should be. Above all, to value simplicity and authenticity. Not just celebrating the flawed, but seeing beauty in it. Implementing these philosophies can offer an escape from our hectic modern lives. It could be the perfect remedy - allowing us to find balance and de-stress. So, how exactly can we translate Wabi-sabi philosophy into our interiors? HONOUR IMPERFECTIONS “In nature nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.” - Alice Walker Wabi-sabi values asymmetry, irregularity, and evanescence. Ergo, its love for natural materials and organic shapes. Elements that share a jagged simplicity. Raw wood, a pebble shaped by the tides of the ocean, or a handmade ceramic. Each is distinct in its own way, making them beautiful, despite their imperfect shape and texture. When it comes to translating that principle into our interiors - think of furniture built from bare knotted timber, floors of rustic stone, pitted concrete walls and surfaces, woven rugs, and intriguing hand-made textiles. Elements that have been weathered by age and acquired the kind of patina that adds warmth and character. Collectively they add depth, texture, character and intrigue to a space. Cultivating a lived-in look rather than "show-home chic". However, this doesn't mean that wabi-sabi inspired interiors can't be luxurious. It's a blend of simplicity and sophistication that values authenticity, character and beauty - over gaudy, sterile spaces. The Japanese practice that perhaps most exemplifies the spirit of wabi-sabi is kintsugi. Kintsugi is the art of golden joinery, in which broken objects – usually ceramics – are mended with gold-dusted lacquer A COLLECTION OF WHAT YOU LOVE We believe our homes should tell a story of who we are. The best way to do that is to comprise your interiors of things and elements that you truly love. Wabi-sabi believes your home should be a reflection of that feeling. Not what is dictated by current trends. Design choices that come from the heart. Above all, your interiors should bring you joy. This gives you freedom when it comes to channelling wabi-sabi into your interiors. Choose what you're most allured by. Make intentional choices that work to honour how you want to live your life. When we combine this notion with the rest of the Wabi-sabi concepts we see how they all work in tandem to create a more peaceful, authentic and healthy home AUTHENTICITY The fundamental principle of wabi-sabi interior design is a connection to nature and organic materials. Bare, real, authentic - not pretending to be something it's not. Channelling this, we want to choose original pieces, over something mass-produced. Quality over quantity. Think vintage, antique, or handmade furniture, decor and objects. These older pieces are not only more authentic but lend to the core philosophy of wabi-sabi - that beauty morphs with age but never fades. Proof in point, antique pieces that look even more stunning with time. They add character. Tons of it. Not only that, but the benefits keep on. Buying second-hand is more eco-friendly, has a lower carbon footprint, better quality, and can be a good investment. CONNECT TO NATURE Wabi-sabi teaches us to embrace nature. For us to watch and learn from it. So, what could be a better pairing? Biophilic design and wabi-sabi principles. They go hand-in-hand. Biophilic design works to shape grounding environments that bring us closer to nature, whilst working to improve our mood and health. Biophilic principles are similar to those of wabi-sabi: the use of natural materials, earthy tones, natural light, plants, clean air, and non-toxic materials. Channel nature through natural materials such as woods, stone, woven, linen, cotton, and silk. Also with indirect references, such as a foliage printed wallpaper, and direct references, such as plants and flowers. Wabi-sabi goes takes Biophilia to the next step - a more holistic approach to creating tranquil and authentic spaces that centre us EARTH TONES Colour is perhaps the most powerful ingredient in developing the mood of a space, more so than any other factor. Different hues rouse certain emotions, so your choice is key to determining the atmosphere of a space. Colour psychology, the way our brain connects emotion and colour, is responsible for this. For wabi-sabi interiors, we want a colour palette that works to create an atmosphere and feeling of harmony and serenity. Colour psychology proves that nature-inspired palettes can do just that. Earth tones are versatile - cosy or revitalising - working from one season to the next. Think, sage, green, brown, muted blues, taupe, burnt orange, fired tones, and more. Muted or vibrant - they don't have to be dull. They can reflect and complement the natural materials in your scheme. DESIGN FOR THE SENSES Design should be a treat for all the senses. Texture is one of my most treasured ingredients when creating an intriguing space - a crucial aspect of the sensory experience of a space. Wabi-sabi focuses on raw textures. Materials like wood, stone, leather and metal are embraced for the way that they age and stain, rust and wear. How, even after the toll of time, they become more beautiful. Embrace worn paint or wallpaper, crumbling plaster or weathered concrete. There can be something charming about a distressed glaze of an uneven paint finish. Limewash paints are a gorgeous way to add some depth to your walls. Beauwerk does them beautifully. Their paints forge a connection to nature on a fundamental level. They are completely natural - made from clay, minerals and beautiful natural pigments. We’re using them in an upcoming project, see the renders below. For this project, we channelled wabi-sabi themes, materials, textures, and elements. SUSTAINABILITY The wabi-sabi concept encourages us to take a sustainable approach in all areas of our lives. It's about being intentional in all of our choices. Whether it's using natural materials or opting for vintage pieces. However, it's about more than eco-friendly practices. Wabi-sabi encourages us to improve our relationship with our planet. To see the beauty in it, all of it. Moreover, honouring it. Changing our outlook on life. I hope there are some Wabi-sabi principles that have inspired you That you can channel them into your interiors to de-stress and find balance & tranquillity Copyright Disclaimer: Photos used here are not mine, all rights are reserved to the copyright owners. Sourced from Instagram & Pinterest.

WORKING ON A LISTED BUILDING It is quite often we work on listed buildings here in London. One of our current projects is located just behind the Bank of England, which is an incredible area for stunning classical ‘old empire’ architecture and steeped in history, as you can imagine. A Grade II * listed city of London Pied e Terre. HISTORY OF THE BUILDING 7 Lothbury is a Grade II * listed building. It was built in 1866 by George Somers Clarke in the Venetian Gothic style. It was originally built for the General Credit and Discount Company and then later occupied by the Overseas Bankers Club. Although it received Grade II* listed status in 1964, the building was under the ‘at risk’ list in 2005 before it was redeveloped. The building was converted for residential use by the developer in 2007. Today it’s a collection of 11 private flats. “Located in London's Square mile at the heart of the City Of London's financial district. Lothbury is located behind The Bank of England and sits next to St Margaret Lothbury a church rebuilt by the office of Sir Christopher Wren, and still serves as a parish church, as well as being the official church of five Livery Companies, two Ward Clubs and two Professional Institutes. It also has connections with many local finance houses, all of which hold special services each year.” Grade II * listing means the building is of “special interest warranting every effort to preserve it” THE INTERIOR The entrance lobby and stairwells have been beautifully preserved, with detailed wooden carved panels and metalwork. Unfortunately, the flat we are working on has little to no original internal architectural features. However, on two of the external/internal elevations, it does have the most amazing gothic-style windows. This original internal face of wall and windows are not to be touched - without prior consent from the City of London Planners. This means a listed building consent application needs to be submitted along with plans and any details specifying the intended works. Even if we want to penetrate the internal face of the wall with a 13A socket, wall light, or section of the staircase, we need to apply for permission before the works are carried out. The client inherited the furniture from the previous owners along with a raised first-floor platform they had installed without consent and blocked off a chunk of window in the process. Of course, the new owners want to rectify this along with all approved City of London Listed Building consents. THE BRIEF To push back the platform from the face of the window, relocate the staircase in a different style, new flooring lighting, kitchens, and bathrooms. As you can see from the photo the current configuration leaves much to be desired. Initially, the client was set on a staircase that projected from one section of the platform into the main room made of glass and metal as this was what they had in their other home. It took many, many different layouts for the client to decide on where they wanted the staircase to be located. They finally decided on the rear wall where the lighting feature they inherited, is installed. Of course, to ensure this works a structural engineer has to make sure the new platform can be supported. VISUALISING THE SPACE This is a fly-through we created for the client with temporary furniture placements to give an idea of the space. We still have a lot of work to do to finalise the scheme. It is really important to fully understand and ‘get into the head’ of our clients so we can interpret and create a space tailored to them. A piece to that puzzle is the finishes and colours they are drawn to. Renders help them actually see those selections, instead of trying to visualise by themselves. This saves both of us time and money in the long term, ensuring they get exactly what they're looking for. A provisional render we had done of the kitchen area with the staircase in the originally desired location, but difficult to support without having obtrusive beams and posts. These additional renders allowed us to realise we want to go in a different direction with some of the elements. Stay tuned for more updates on this project as they come!

Featuring: Harriet Darlow, Lettings Manager, Winkworth West End London is one of the most beautiful and busiest cities in the world. It attracts investors from around the globe. We have amazing new developments and existing period properties that need to be rented and purchased. To maximise that potential, a beautifully furnished and presented property shown off to its best advantage will make for a speedy let or sale. FURNITURE SOLUTIONS So, how can you set your property apart from the rest? Through our collaboration with Winkworth, we are offering Furniture Solutions so you can increase your ROI and make any property feel like home. SVM offers seamless, hassle-free professional help to landlords, investors, and private homeowners who want to increase the value of their property and reduce void periods by providing the following: First-class creative design and industry knowledge Stress-free, fast, economical and luxurious results Increased desirability of your property Measuring and space planning Bespoke selections where required Maximise your return on investment Click below to learn more LETTINGS MARKET Thinking about letting out a property this summer? You may have some questions, for example, if summer is a difficult time to find tenants, or how has the pandemic affected the market? One person we work closely with, Harriet Darlow lettings manager for Winkworth West End, has the answers for you! Harriet sees a significant pick up in the central London letting market from mid-June to the start of October. The applicants can range from overseas students to partners at law firms in Lincolns Inn Field, to a Professor at UCL, there is a diverse mix of professionals searching for the right property. In the height of summer, offers can go to sealed bids and you can expect up to 15 viewings per property per day. It is certainly a busy season! Surprisingly, Harriet feels Covid is having very little impact on the lettings market in Central London at present. Borders are fully open so the overseas market is as buoyant as usual for this time of year. She expects to see her biggest Summer yet. Sealed bids will come into play from July to the start of October. It’s the organised applicants who look now and get the best pick of properties for a reasonable price - so, don't hesitate to give her a call if you're looking to let. What sets Winkworth apart from its competitors? Harriet says “What we offer, over and above our main competitors, is a wealth of knowledge. There is usually a high turnover of staff in Estate Agency but Adrian and Rod in Sales have been here for 25 years and myself 6 years. We trade as a Franchise business model, so both tenants and landlords receive a more personal service than what other agents offer but we also have the scope and reach of a corporate international business”. Contact Winkworth below for a free, no-obligation viewing of your property whether you would like to rent or sell - together we can help maximise your ROI Harriet Darlow Lettings Manager Winkworth West End 55 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1BS 0207 240 3322 sales or 0207 240 3337 lettings harriet@winkworth.co.uk Copyright Disclaimer: Photos used here are not mine, all rights are reserved to the copyright owners. Sourced from Instagram & Pinterest.

SOCIAL MEDIA & REAL ESTATE EXPERT FEATURE BY TANYA BAKER IG: @TANYABAKERPROPERTY The world is connected. No matter where we are, we can message, post, or tweet, so our family and friends can enjoy our updates. Life has changed forever, but have estate agents? Twenty years ago, before the launch of Rightmove, estate agents worked on an applicant list, manually keeping in touch and pro-actively matching buyers and sellers. While this does still happen, it is highly diluted. Technology has replaced the manual process, and many agents have become reliant on the portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla. Both portals operate buying alert systems so viewers can be instantly updated when new homes become available, replacing the need to contact multiple agents. Technology is here to stay, but since an estate agency is a people business, it needs relationships forged with buyers and sellers to deliver optimal results. Top-performing agents use technology to leverage but most importantly, reach more buyers, even on a personal level. 75% of homeowners have a social media account. A staggering statistic. However, more shocking is that 66% of buyers are not actively looking. They stumble upon a house for sale through word of mouth, a For Sale board, and now through social media. For many of us, social media has become a huge part of our day to day lives, especially during the pandemic; it allowed us to all stay in touch! When I set my agency up I realised buyers and sellers liked to see what I was doing (much like we all enjoy seeing Susan's fabulous project updates and sneak peeks!). So, because I spend so much time focusing on social media, my clients get to see what I’m up to and how I work personally, they don’t have to wait for a buyer to walk down the high street to see their home... I deliver the property details to them, on their phone, iPad or PC, wherever they are. Using the latest social media profiling, their property will receive a unique geo-targeted advertising campaign on Facebook and Instagram - pro-actively reaching every buyer possible, with the platform intelligently learning who are the right buyers and finding more of them. Thank you, Tanya! Fabulous insight, as usual, very interesting! ✨ For more from Tanya visit her Instagram & Keller Williams Profile ✨ Copyright Disclaimer: Photos used here are not mine, all rights are reserved to the copyright owners. Sourced from Instagram & Pinterest.

A HOME ENERGY RENEWAL That spring feeling, I love it. It’s a fusion of our craving for change and a reflection of nature itself. As flowers blossom and come to life again, we want to as well. With each sunny day here in London, I sneak in a walk through Greenwich park every chance I get. I have already been so inspired by what has slowly started to blossom. There’s a natural desire to bring some of that colour, life, and vitality to our interiors. We all know how much the look, feel, and atmosphere of our spaces can impact our mood. A refresh of our home environments can inspire a shift in our outlook; getting us motivated and inspired. Revitalizing us for the warmer months ahead. Preparing your home for spring isn't about going out and buying all new furniture and decor. Making some of these simple changes to your spaces can revitalize your home without spending next to anything. DESPITE THE FORECAST, LIVE LIKE IT'S SPRING People in many places around the world don't experience a seasonal shift between winter and summer. This doesn't stop them from channelling the spirit of spring. Spring can simply be a state of mind when it gets down to it. We can evoke it in many different ways. Our first step to preparing your home for spring is shifting your perspective. Here in London, we've luckily had a couple of sunny stretches so far but quickly reverted to grey and overcast. However, as soon as I start opening windows, letting the fresh air in, it welcomes renewed energy into my home. No matter the weather. That state of mind is one of renewal, revitalization, and tranquillity. It's about channelling the feeling and energy of spring. So, once we've gotten beyond the weather outside and we're feeling inspired - What simple changes we can make to our interior to take it to keep that renewed energy flowing? REVITALIZING ENERGY Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese traditional practice that claims that a life force exists in all things. Feng Shui practices harness those energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment. Looking to these practices to welcome a revived energy into our homes for spring just makes sense! DECLUTTER The first, and arguably the most important, step to refreshing your home is getting rid of items that no longer work for you and your space. Clutter is like a backed-up pipe in the energy flow of your home. Objects or items are considered clutter if they get in the way, don’t have a use or place, or distract you from what's important. You don't want to spend time and energy juggling your things. Start with one room at a time, take each object and ask yourself if it has a place in your life or "sparks joy" - if not, donate or recycle it. This not only declutters your space but frees up space for new opportunities. Decluttering your space can help declutter your mind! With what you have left, make sure everything has a home. This helps you keep things organized. Also, don't pressure yourself into doing it all in one go if you're feeling overwhelmed. Doing a little bit each day can help you gradually tackle whatever is at hand. REIMAGINE YOUR LAYOUT Next, what about reworking the layout of your furniture and objects? According to Feng Shui, making sure energy flows freely is crucial to a harmonious home. Take a fresh look at each room - move to different vantage points throughout the space and get creative. It's a trial and error process, see what you like as you go along. You will be able to instinctively feel if the energy of a space is flowing. Make sure there aren't any awkwardly placed pieces of furniture obstructing any pathways. Keep it simple and functional. Like I said earlier, you don't need to go out and buy a whole new look for each room. Reimaging your layout will bring a new sense of life to the space without having to spend any money - it's kind to the planet and your wallet. BIOPHILIA & HOUSEPLANTS The most obvious way to inject some energy into your spaces this spring? Indoor plants can be a simple solution that provides more benefits than you may think. Plus, they are a more permanent solution than freshly cut flowers. The right plants can not only add texture, colour, and intrigue but also elevate one's mood and health! Bringing the outside in is one of the key principles of Biophilic design - and it's not something I only do for spring, but year-round as a part of my core design ethos. It works to boost occupants' health by increasing their connection to nature. There's no better time to introduce Biophilic Design into your interiors! Some key Biophilic Design methods you can incorporate into your spaces: Natural and non-toxic materials: Wood, stone, cotton, linen, sisal, etc. Direct Nature: Plants and flowers Indirect Nature: References to nature (such as a foliage printed wallpaper) Natural light & light design: Windows, avoid harsh fluorescent lighting, create ambience Fresh Air: Clean air quality, air purifiers when needed Natural Forms: Organically shaped furniture, objects, and decor Earthy Colour Palettes: Calming & grounding hues for walls, decor, and accessories For more on Biophilia, the benefits of houseplants, and where to buy them: ✨ Check out our Guide House Plants: Biophilia For Spring ✨ BACK TO BASICS Walls, windows, and lighting - getting this trifecta up to scruff and in sync is a combination sure to transform any space. LENS TO THE OUTSIDE Your windows are the lens to the outside world - filtering in natural light. It only makes sense that making sure that the lens is sparkly clean will brighten a room and help bring the outside in. A FRESH COAT Another way to achieve a new look without spending too much - is a new colour palette for your walls. A new paint colour will have a dramatic effect on not only the look but the atmosphere of your space. It's more of a commitment, but the most guaranteed path to a brand new look. What colour to choose? Pastels are an obvious choice, however, it doesn't have to be a "springy" colour per se. Earth tones aren't particularly bright but work to bring the outside in. Biophilic principles tell us how they can have a calming and revitalizing effect - exactly what we are trying to achieve for our renewed spaces. Earth tones can also be more diverse, working well year-round. Either way - it's all about achieving your new aesthetic for the space, go with whatever your heart desires! I'm loving aubergines at the moment. Moody, warm and overall yummy! LIGHTING Lighting is everything. I am a bit of a lighting freak. No matter where I am, I always notice the lighting of a space. If the lighting is too harsh or isn't in harmony with the mood of the occasion, time of day, or feel of the space - I simply can't ignore it. With that said - the right lighting can cast a space in a brand new glow. It shouldn't be an afterthought. It's one of the most direct ways to create a new atmosphere and look for a room. Lighting can affect our mood - motivating or calming us. Here are a few lighting design tips: More than one source of lighting to a room: Overhead, accent, floor, sconces, and task lights. Analyze the room: Is there direct sunlight & which direction does it come from? Are there certain tasks you'll need more light for? etc. Light the corners: Dead corners can instantly become an intentional design feature. Don't overdo overhead lighting: Avoid washing out the space. Ambience: Dimmers are a must so you can respond to changes in natural light and adjust for the right mood. SWITCH IT UP Rearranging your decor and swapping it out for brighter, lighter pieces is another simple way to reimagine your spaces this spring. The smallest changes to your scheme can make a big difference. By investing in alternate accent pieces like lampshades, hand towels, dishware, blankets and pillows - you can inject fresh colours, textures, and patterns into your schemes. Next, newly curate your bookshelves, tables, and artwork. Play around with things and get creative, you never know what might work. Another way to make a big difference with a (kind of) small change - is switching out your area rugs. For example, sisal for the spring and summer months can give a more airer feel to a space - while a plush, cosy rug for the autumn and winter months instantly warms the room. Want some styling inspiration & tips for spring? We've got plenty here! ✨ Click here for our Ten Interior Design Trends For 2022 ✨ THE FINISHING TOUCH The perfect finishing touch to creating that renewed spring atmosphere? A fresh scent. These two candle brands are yummy, chic, and kind to the planet. August & Piers One of the most stylish sustainable candle brands on the market. Poured into luxury ceramic, they're packaged in plastic-free recyclable material designed by artist Petra Borner. Their wax is a blend of soy, bee and rapeseed which is 100% natural and paraffin-free. And the wicks are made from cotton. Aery These gorgeous candles are Made in England. Aery are a fragrance brand that combines beautiful sensory experiences with sustainable ingredients. They produce high-quality fragrances in the form of candles, salts and diffusers, that help to elevate human wellbeing and decrease anxiety through the power of aromatherapy. They're vegan, come in fully recyclable packaging, and shipped carbon-neutral - if that's not enough they also plant a tree for each purchase! Copyright Disclaimer: Photos used here are not mine, all rights are reserved to the copyright owners. Sourced from Instagram & Pinterest.

A RICH CULTURE As we witness the ongoing Russian invasion, the Ukrainian people have seen their lives change overnight. Even though the political situation in Ukraine has been turbulent for the better part of a decade – architecture and design in the country had been flourishing like never before. Ukraine is a country rich in culture and creativity. Thriving with talented architects and interior designers. Here we will highlight some of those talented designers. These interiors represent contemporary Ukrainian design, showing a mix of different styles, cultural eras, and much more. These creatives are leaving their mark on contemporary design, while some are reviving traditional and endangered craft techniques. Each inspires me with their unique styles and poignant design philosophies - I’m sure they will do the same for you. YAKUSHA DESIGN Yakusha Design is a multidisciplinary design studio founded in 2006 by Victoria Yakusha. They are a one-stop shop for architecture, interiors, creative direction and product design. 'Live design' is the studio’s philosophy and signature approach, and is very in keeping with my design philosophy. It's the idea that design is ever moving and feeling. Through a deep connection to nature, their spaces speak through different senses encouraging their guests to feel, not only to look at. Their minimalist, yet sensual spaces do just that. Their collection ‘Faina’, launched in 2014, takes its roots in the country’s cultural heritage, is deeply connected to nature, and is representative of a modern Ukraine. Victoria takes traditional Ukrainian design techniques and fuses them into modern interpretations. “I have got a serious “push” on creating design collection in 2014 when Ukraine had a most dramatic moment in a modern history, we were in a few steps from losing our land, identity, culture, so many things and it pushed me to create a design collection that would celebrate Ukrainian culture, traditions, our roots.” - Victoria Yakusha on what inspired her to create the ‘Farina’ collection Their gallery is where Yakusha demonstrates her dedication to nature and history. The gallery spaces, pictured below, are inspired by the earth, with dark tones and use natural, sustainable materials throughout. To “respect the spirit of the space, its history” - they used and highlighted many of the building's original features. “Traditions would always be my source of inspiration, they give me not just ideas for my design, but the power, encapsulated in so many generations before us, all their knowledge of how this world is functioning and how should we live in harmony and peace. I believe in the value and practical meaning of this knowledge for human’s future.” - Victoria Yakusha on tradition & her design philosophy BALBEK BUREAU Balbek Bureau is a Kyiv-based architecture and interior design studio founded by Slava Balbek in 2009. They design bespoke commercial, corporate and residential spaces, with an emphasis on building a culture of socially-sustainable spaces within the industry. The Balbek Bureau’s team value, protect and develop the environment they live in. They are eager to make the Ukrainian cities more comfortable and intriguing for their residents, taking into consideration their historical and cultural heritage. Balbek analyses existing and neglected buildings, and discovers ways to create adaptive reuse architecture, making their projects socially sustainable. This allows them to create bespoke interiors that reimagine tradition while breeding innovative environments. “The key message balbek bureau conveys through its projects is that architecture and interior design are a powerful tool for change." I love it, Balbek's core mission is very in keeping with my design philosophy - Sustainable design that is kind to the planet, a treat for the eyes, and works to benefit the future for all of its inhabitants. SERGEY MAKHNO Makhno studio, founded in 2003, creates projects intertwining Ukrainian traditions, world trends and the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, the forces of nature, human talent and the architectural mind. What is wabi-sabi? “Wabi” is from the root “wa” which refers to harmony, peace, tranquillity, and balance - implying imperfection and simplicity. On the other hand, “Sabi” by itself means “bloom of time”. It is expressed by the effect of time on an object. Wisdom in natural simplicity - appreciating the beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete" in nature. Finding beauty in the imperfection of nature and of accepting the natural cycle of growth and decay. Perfectly imperfect, yet another part of my design philosophy. Their tagline is fitting - "Art to live in". Their projects are a treat for all of the senses. They respect nature and create projects in collaboration with it. They choose natural materials and colours: such as wood, concrete, copper, clay, and flax. Love it! RINA LOVKO Another designer cherishes our relationship to nature through their work. Rina Lovko Studio specializes in bespoke residential interior design and is known for incorporating flowing lines and channelling the uniqueness of nature in their projects. Lovko believes that trees, mountains, music, human beings – everything, has their own sound frequency, energy, and character. Finding harmony between them is kept as the core principle in the studio’s projects. Following these ideals, she works only with natural and sustainable materials, refusing any kind of imitation. Curved forms, organic shapes, and warm tones define Rina's spaces. Lovko believes that each person and place dictate the conditions, and the architect, as a medium, must be able to read them. Only such an approach will give the desired result. OLGA FRADINA Olga Fradina is an interior designer, ceramist, and graphic artist. She has been designing interiors for more than twenty years - specializing in private homes and apartments. In her projects, Olga mixes elements from different styles to give the interior a timeless, not momentary, character. Combining details from different eras and cultures. Character and timelessness, are two of my most crucial ingredients to quality design. She mainly uses living materials and textures, and mostly natural colours. On par with Biophilic Design, channelling organic forms and natural materials - is another pillar of my design ethos. She believes that the best way to create a truly "living" interior is to create a personality-oriented design. In her projects, she works with technical innovations, advanced engineering, and new materials, and combines all this with elements of traditional crafts, vintage items and modern art. According to her, the presence of art in any interior can personalize the space, in this regard, she often collaborates with artists, graphic artists and sculptors. HOW CAN WE HELP? RAZOM FOR UKRAINE Razom has set up an emergency response focused on purchasing emergency medical supplies that are delivered straight to warehouses and points of delivery in Poland and Ukraine. GLOBAL GIVING Donations will support humanitarian assistance in impacted communities in Ukraine and in surrounding regions where refugees have fled. UN CRISIS RELIEF You can set up a one-off, weekly, or monthly donation through the United Nations. Funds will go to helping the UN and their humanitarian partners operating in Ukraine to support immediate relief on the ground. WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN Within hours of the invasion, WCK began serving hot meals to Ukrainian families fleeing their homes at several border crossings. As they continue to expand through more crossings across the country, WCK is also supporting local restaurants in eight Ukrainian cities in preparing meals, as well as neighbouring countries. Copyright Disclaimer: Photos used here are not mine, all rights are reserved to the copyright owners. Sourced from the Designer's own websites, instagram, and google.