Search Results

With so many companies, institutions, people, etc. claiming to be environmentally conscious nowadays - I thought I’d put together this mini eco-dictionary to help us understand some of the key terms such as sustainability, green, eco-friendly and ethical. Especially in relation to our homes and interior design, allowing us to be better informed when we are specifying and buying product. I've included some photos of nature as a lovely reminder to what sustainable principles design strives to protect. Sustainable & Sustainability Sustainability means the item or action is generating environmental, social and economic benefits, while not using up too many resources or causing pollution. Sustainability is the most specifically defined of all three. At its core it comes down to the three P’s: people, planet and profit which are the social, environmental, and economic benefits protecting public health and environment over their whole life cycle, and after. Sustainability sets the focus on the future. Compared to ‘”green” and “eco-friendly,” sustainability has much higher standards. Sustainability includes eco-friendly activities and green products, but green doesn’t necessarily mean sustainable. For instance, a product made from renewable resources is considered green, yet if a life-cycle analysis shows that it required a lot of energy to manufacture and ship to you, and if there isn’t a proper way to dispose of the product, then it’s not considered sustainable. Sustainable interior design is about creating homes with emphasis on the health and wellness of families, individuals and our planet, by using design principles, products and materials that help reduce the use of chemicals, pollution, waste and reduce energy consumption. Eco-Friendly Eco-friendly means earth-friendly or not harmful to the environment. Not as broad as 'green', this term most commonly refers to products that contribute to green living or practices that do not harm the planet. Eco-friendly products and practices prevent contributions to air, water and land pollution. Making a truly eco-friendly product keeps both environmental and human safety in mind. At a minimum, the product is non-toxic. Green Green is related to almost anything that benefits the environment. Green is more broad than eco-friendly. The term Green has become more of a trendy word for people that are interested in helping the planet. Going green means improving the way we produce, buy, use, and throw away products. It means contributing less to air pollution and to landfills. Going green means doing things in ways that are friendly to the environment. Another term: GREENWASHING, meaning some companies often label their products "eco-friendly" or "environmentally friendly" without them truly being so. That is why it's important to research and investigate the true provenance and manufacturing processes of a product or practice. On a different note, I was interested to see the spiritual meaning of the colour Green: represents abundance, renewal, growth and nature. A harmonising, balancing and calming colour. Green is also a healing colour that gives healing energy to the heart. An appropriate meaning when used in this context. Ethical Ethical sourcing is the process of ensuring the products being sourced and selected are produced and obtained in a responsible and sustainable way, ensuring working conditions are safe, just, and not exploitative. As an example; part of a supply chain might engage in the use of a child labour, more than likely, well below the age of employment recognised by international standards and is therefore being exploited. The bottom line here is - all of the terms - sustainable, eco-friendly, green all work to cause little or no damage to the environment and protect for the future. Ethically made products ensure humans are not exploited in the process. Fair Trade It started with the Fair trade movement that protected coffee, cocoa and tea producers from low international prices. This is a precisely defined term that only comes with certification from an international governing body, such as Fair Trade Certified, the Fair Trade Federation, Equal Exchange, or the World Fair Trade Organization. Artisan The term artisan stands as opposed to the industrial process of production. Artisan products are usually handmade and crafted with minimal automation by skilled workers. However, the fact that something was handmade doesn’t mean that it’s sustainable. Clean, Nontoxic & Organic Clean is the most broad and implies ingredients, natural or synthetic, that are not harmful to your health. Nontoxic products are free from ingredients that can harm your health or the environment. When looking at products or materials for your home, we want to ensure their ingredients and manufacturing processes are nontoxic. Organic is a legally defined term to certify food, beauty products, and other agricultural products as being produced in a very specific way – mainly, as free from synthetic chemicals that are harmful to the environment and humans. #sustainbledesign #interiordesign #ecofriendly #greeninteriors #ethicaldesign #healthandwellness #healthyhomes Images: Via Pinterest and Upsplash

I first learned of Paul Rudolph when I moved to Florida from London. Big change, I know! I've always loved modern architecture, and Sarasota was one of our favourite destinations. So, I signed up for a mid-century modern tour when we were down there. We went to a couple of Paul Rudolph buildings - I was hooked. Rudolph was one of the leading architects in America in the 50s & 60s. Best known, but not universally beloved, for his Brutalist public works in concrete. He moved to Sarasota, Florida and partnered with Ralph Twitchell for four years until he started his own practice in 1951. This part of Rudolph's life was known as Sarasota Modern. Architecture The importance of pushing the boundaries is something that is taught as one of the fundamental rules of architecture when taking an introduction design course. It's the idea that your architectural concept should be so thoroughly thought out and executed that the design rules and logic are so apparent that they can be understood by anyone at first sight - even the layman. Paul Rudolph certainly understood, without a doubt, how to successfully design a building that could be read for what it was conceived to be. He pushed the envelope. He is known for his intensity and his consistent use of complex floor plans and rigid modular organizational system. Sarasota Modern The florida homes are one of the original and shining examples of minimalist design that many aspire to today. These designs have as little doors, walls, or even furniture as possible. Rudolph utilized built-in storage, ceiling heights and floor levels that varied to create spaces both cozy and dramatic. Seen here at the Cohen House, Sarasota. The sunken lounge area called a conversation pit - genius. Some of the photos were taken by me on the tour, so aren't the best! Interior Design And now for the iconic glam stuff. Rudolph had an apartment in Beekman House, Manhattan. It's glam and a bit glitzy, but filled with detail. Checkout the ceiling: reverse conversation pits, the plates recessed into the walls, the glassy ceiling and wall surfaces, all very Hollywood glamour, with a modern twist, and, the colours... There's a lot of inspiration to be found here if you're thinking about taking some of the details and interpreting them into a contemporary interior space. #midcentury #glamour #colour #detail #interiordesign #interiors #paulrudolph #inspiration #architect Photo credits: Susan Van Meter and Pinterest.

Over the lockdown there was a bit of a house plant boom. Spending so much time inside, we wanted to bring some of the outside in. Thankfully, this draw to become closer to nature has carried on. Do you want to inject some energy into your spaces this spring? Are they feeling a little lifeless? Or maybe your minimalist/neutral interior needs a brush of colour. Indoor plants can be a simple solution that provide 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! SVM Interiors prides itself on employing biophilic design as a part of our core design ethos. Biophilic design works to boost occupants health by increasing their connection to nature. Some key methods of Biophilic Design include the use of: Natural and non-toxic materials Direct nature: Plants and flowers Indirect nature: References to nature (such as a foliage printed wallpaper) Natural light & light design Fresh air and cleaner air quality Natural shapes in furniture, objects, and decor Think of the calm that overcomes you on a relaxing walk in a park, beach, or a blossoming garden. It’s an innate sensory response; it lifts our mood! This response is what biophilic design aims to mimic. Currently, 54 percent of the world’s population live in an urban environment. By 2050, it’s estimated that percentage will increase to 66 percent—two thirds of the world’s population. On top of that, humans spend 93 percent of our time indoors! What are the health benefits of houseplants? Reduce stress and anxiety: lowering your blood pressure and inspiring a sense of overall calm. Filter the air: plants can improve the quality of the air in a space via photosynthesis, helping you breathe cleaner air - which is especially important in cities. Help you sleep more soundly: some plants emit oxygen at night, an increase in oxygen is a proven sleep aid. Boost your immune system: Plants increase humidity and decrease dust, which can help combat colds and allergies. Increase productivity: Plants helps one stay more focused and boost creativity, mood, and memory. How should you prepare to add plants to your home? You want to play around to see what looks best where, however, to make it easier there are a few things to take into consideration first: Analyse your space, which areas need to be brightened and where should you add more subdued plants. The pot or container will live as a piece of furniture in the space, so it’s best to find something that will cohesively tie into the rooms palette. Group plants together the way that they naturally grow. This not only makes care easier, but avoids any fight for space. Choose locations that best fit the light requirements of each plant and go from there. People say to avoid clutter, but the more the merrier - if that brings you joy! Biophilic Design Principles: On display here in our Hyde Park project What to look for & where to buy houseplants? The most eco-friendly choice for purchasing your houseplants is from your local nursery. However, if you're ordering online or from a larger company - look for retailers that work closely with local growers and are transparent about CO2 emissions, pesticides, water usage and plastic packaging. The Conscious House Plant Company A fabulous small online business that prides themselves on ethically sourced, peat-free soil, plastic-free packaging, and special coconut fibre pots. I love their backstory - pure eco-friendly ingenuity and dedication! Founded in 2020 - Growing their own plant collection at home they started to question what the environmental impact was. After some research they found they had no idea how the plant was grown or what they were unknowingly contributing to. The impact of peat soil, pesticides, plastic to name a few. They started repotting their houseplants in a peat-free compost mix they had made themselves and found the plants were thriving. They repotted in terracotta pots instead of buying bigger plastic pots - they wanted to add to their houseplant collection but had no desire to encourage the manufacturing of more plastic pots. As a result they started to search for alternative pots and found they did exist. The most beautiful coconut fibre pots, previously considered a 'waste product’ repurposed to make pots. A sustainable pot for indoor plants. However, it was hard to purchase a good range in the UK. Responsible growers was next, growers that use natural resources and organic ways to grow the plants. The idea of The Conscious Houseplant Company was born. (via The Conscious Houseplant) Planning a kitchen refresh this spring? ✨ Our guide Eco-Kitchen: Layout & Open Plan Pros and Cons can prepare you! ✨ Learn how to have your kitchen work to improve your lifestyle.

KITCHEN WORKTOPS. Natural stone, mainly granite, has dominated kitchen and bathroom design for the last 20 years. In the past 5+ years, we've seen quartz get its turn in the spotlight. The quarrying and manufacturing processes for marble and other natural stones can have negative environmental impacts. That's why I love that Quartz has become a real contender for many home refurbishments. Natural stone suppliers get annoyed with misinformation about quartz, because a lot of quartz that's made in China or Turkey use plastic-based resins, which is a pollutant. So, it's important to do the right research into how and where the quartz is made. I have created an ‘at a glance’ list of facts about what it is, performance, and environmental impact - so you'll know what to look for! ⭐️ If you’d like to know more about marble and natural stone alternatives, download this FREE GUIDE - 10 Alternative surfaces to natural stone and marble CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NOW ⭐️ QUARTZ: AT A GLANCE FACTS Quartz is the second most abundant mineral on earth. Many think that quartz is a stone, but it actually forms as a crystal. It has been mined for years and is commonly used in applications outside of kitchens, notably watches and electronics. Quartz is widespread. It forms in all types of rock. When rocks are eroded over time, quartz is turned into sand or deposited in the soil as well. Most white sands are composed of quartz. This means quartz is not usually shipped from great distances, (Although can be!) which reduces the environmental impact and boosts sustainability. It endures longer than many other materials, this means that it does not need to be replaced as often. It is very dense and therefore incredibly heavy. Quartz never needs to be sealed and it is not prone to cracking or staining. This means there's less exposure to harmful chemicals that are used to seal other natural stones. It is a low-maintenance option that has superior durability over granite and other natural stone. The surface is not porous like natural stone. Therefore, it will not stain and it is very easy to clean. Quartz can be made with recycled materials such as glass and broken ceramics, mixed with non-toxic binders. It can then be coloured to replicate marble veining. The material holds up well with heat, abrasive cleanings, oils, and more. It is available in 20 or 30mm sheets or slabs. Quartz is so durable that many manufacturers offer warranties on their quartz products. Silica dust is a by-product of quartz in the fabrication process. That is why it is important for those working with this material to be protected as it is known as carcinogenic. For quartz to be truly sustainable it needs to be 'glued' together (the binding agent) with a non-toxic material. Silestone uses one as do Altrock, a UK-based manufacturer. Quartz can be handcrafted to create veins and patterns that breathe life into each surface. Pure, natural quartz is combined with pigments, resins and expert craftsmanship to mirror the inspiration we find in the natural world. Take a look at some of these gorgeous examples below. You can get the same look and feel of marble without costing the earth! Different examples of Quartz patterns and veining You will need a good fabricator to cut and fit your worktop, they will come and template your top for you. To template your worktop you need the following in place: Your base and wall cabinets fitted. Either your actual sink or the DVF file supplied by the manufacturer so the fabricator can cut the correct size hole in the workshop. The same for the range or hob so accurate measurements can be taken. Items such as tap holes and socket outlets (backsplash or pop-up) can be drilled on-site. Polished edges are normally completed in the workshop but (small sections) can also be done on-site when fitting. ⭐️ Download our free guide for a list of alternative stone and marble suppliers CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NOW ⭐️ KITCHEN BACKSPLASH. Whether they make a statement because of its material, color, pattern, or texture, or a more understated design, a backsplash can be a beautiful part of the kitchen. A place for you to express your personal style and have a bit of fun! Of course, it’s a hardworking feature, too, protecting walls from splatters, splashes, and grease as you cook, so it’s imperative that a backsplash is easy to clean to make keeping the kitchen pristine an easy task. However, if you want to go with something like copper for the aesthetic, go for it! When it comes to tiles, porcelain, quartz or ceramic are some of my favourite more eco-friendly options. What you choose for your kitchen backsplash depends on the style of kitchen you are going for. If budget allows, I would continue the worktop on the wall to the underside of the cabinet, in the same materials or thinner - if your supplier can do that. Otherwise, it would need to be in 20 or 30mm thickness. This can look elegant and luxurious. I would also suggest that the junction between the back of the worktop and the wall is not left as a line of silicone - this will get dirty and look unsightly over time. It is better to finish this with a small upstand, of 100mm less or more, in the same material as the worktop. Then, either paint the remainder of the wall or tile it - the ideal material is a washable and durable surface like a tile or stone slab. This can look striking and impressive. You can also go with a printed wall tile like the multi coloured marble imitation above (first from left) - that will definitely make a statement! ⭐️ Download the free guide if you want to see a list of alternative stone and marble suppliers CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NOW ⭐️

I believe our kitchens should be designed and built to last. They should be timeless, but with lots of personality and character - which can be achieved by accessories and hints of colour that can be easily changed if desired. As society starts to move away from throw-away habits and trends, I look forward to more people fostering longevity and creating lasting interiors. I'm always on my mission to show you that sustainable can mean stylish. Here I show you how: sustainable kitchen design studios and eco-friendly materials you can use in your kitchen redesign! SUSTAINABLE KITCHEN CABINETS. I don’t need to tell you there are thousands of kitchen manufacturers to choose from at a whole range of price points. It can be overwhelming. Especially when you're looking for furniture and materials that tick all the right sustainable 'boxes'. The best place to start is to first consider a kitchen that’s manufactured here in the UK and made from FSC approved timbers. FSC stands for the Forest Stewardship Council and guarantees the woods you are purchasing come from well-managed forests that promote biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers. Helping to ensure our wonderful forests are maintained and alive for future generations. THE WAY CABINETS ARE MADE. Unless you are purchasing a solid wood kitchen, which isn’t always recommended because of potential shrinkage and expansion from the varying temperatures in a home, most kitchens cabinets are made from chipboard or MDF and then veneered in timber or spray painted. Of course, the construction and final finish depend on your budget and the style you want to create. To be honest there are not many kitchen companies that supply materials and products that limit the use of chemicals and use earth-friendly manufacturing processes to choose from. If you're out there let me know, I'm always happy to add you to my list! Quick Reference - Cabinet Material Options: Solid Hardwood can be made using lots of different types of wood. Some of the most popular include oak, walnut, cherry, and maple. You should opt for FSC accredited timbers. Especially when treated, wood kitchen cabinets can last for years. However, they can be more expensive and can expand and contract over time. MDF is more dense than hardwood and gives a smoother finish with no grain, making it ideal if you are painting kitchen cabinet doors yourself, to get a professional look. Plywood with a hardwood veneer face layered over a softwood plywood core can produce solid slab doors. It's affordable, available in large sheets and various wood species to allow a wood-look interior to your cabinet box. Chipboard is part of the same family of engineered wood as plywood, but is made from either wood chips or scraps. Another more affordable option. Stainless Steel can give you a sleek modern look. As well as shiny plain steel, stainless steel cabinets can be painted for a more interesting and colorful appearance, plus it's easy to clean. Let's take a look at my favourite eco-kitchen design studios. SUSTAINABLE KITCHENS. Sustainable Kitchens is based in Bristol. They produce modern, classic, and timeless kitchens using FSC timbers, water-based paint. They are committed to making the planet greener by offsetting as much carbon as possible. I particularly like their formaldehyde-free plywood cabinets. Their kitchens begin at £35,000 and upward. Plywood birch painted cabinets, with polished brass work surfaces. HOLTE. Holte is the only kitchen design studio to calculate the CO2-e impact of every product they make. This unique insight allows them to spot opportunities for innovation – in refinement of materials, design or manufacturing processes – to help drive down their emissions. They work with sustainability experts MÅLBAR to accurately calculate and verify all of their data, ranging from their materials, surface treatments, production, transportation; and even down to the final disposal. All of their woods are FSC or PEFC accredited and their Valchromat MDF core is made from woodchip waste and pallets. They're working to make all of their products circular. Quality and longevity are central to their design principles, ensuring your kitchen lasts and can be enjoyed for longer. They can also calculate the CO2-e of each proposal. This helps you make a more informed decision about the final choice of materials and styles. Love it! CABINET MATERIALS. Any combination of colour and finishes are possible, so you can be as creative as you would like. However, If this kitchen refurbishment is not in your forever home, I would recommend keeping to finishes and colours that might appeal to most people - just to be prudent. (perhaps not with a polished brass worktop or backsplash!) All that matters is that you love it and live with it. LINOLEUM. An interesting sustainable finish that can be applied to the face of the cabinets is linoleum - yes, you read that correctly! It can look very sleek - giving you a contemporary, sustainable, and hard-wearing surface. Years ago we used it for floors with inlaid patterns. It's only re-surfaced (forgive the pun) recently as an interior finish again. Available in a good selection of colours, this material can give you creative free reign. Forbo Nairn manufactures a product called Furniture Linoleum - these sage green cabinets are fronted with Forbo linoleum. They have a wide variety of colour options and many positive sustainable benefits. Here are the eco-benefits, taken from the Forbo Nairn website: Made from 97% natural raw materials, 72% of which are renewable and will grow back within 10 years The flax plant is Marmoleum's key ingredient, linseed oil. Marmoleum is made with 43% recycled content to reduce the need for virgin raw material Marmoleum is 100% biodegradable Of all the electricity used in making the flooring, 100% comes from renewable sources. Marmoleum performs well from the minute it's installed, but it also becomes stronger over time, making it more durable. And because it does not mark, any cuts will join together again and is easy to clean. Topshield2 finish, which, together with natural antibacterial ingredients, means it is hygienic and needs less cleaning with fewer harmful chemicals. The images above are credited to The Drawing Room, a Danish design firm, who have used lino on these cabinets to provide a very smart, modern look with clean lines. Gorgeous! KITCHEN STORAGE. If it feels like you never have enough storage in the kitchen despite tons of drawers and cabinets, it may come down to how you’re storing things. All the storage space in the world won’t help if the items inside of it are disorganized. Here are some of my favourite kitchen storage solutions that can keep your kitchen running smoothly. LEMANS CORNER UNIT One of my favourite super useful devices is the LeMans corner unit, this piece of equipment cleverly optimizes those tricky corners that one can never access properly, well now you can. LARDER CUPBOARD If you love the idea of a walk-in-pantry, but just don't have the space, you can still have somewhere to hoard your ever-expanding collection of jams and sauces. A larder cupboard will provide plenty of kitchen storage, plus they look gorgeous. Neptune has some lovely options. BUTCHERS BLOCK A butcher's block is a great addition to a kitchen, they look lovely, bringing that rustic vibe, but they also add extra space to prep, plus drawers or shelves for more storage space. There are fabulous secondhand options available - sustainable and tons of character! STORAGE CONTAINERS. A cost-effective and plastic-free option for food storage are these containers by IKEA. Made from glass with hardwearing and versatile bamboo tops. They’re also very reasonably priced, dare I say - cheap! IKEA has gone a long way in recent months to dispel their reputation as fast furniture manufacturers for a throw-away society - to re-invent themselves as concerned stewards of the planet. By 2030, they are committed to only using renewable and recycled materials and to reduce their climate footprint by an average of 70% per product. Let's hope they stick to this commitment. Smart plastic-free storage.

The kitchen is no longer just a practical and functional preparation space. With a shift towards socializing in the kitchen, it’s become more and more visible to those who live there - and their guests. I think we can all agree that the kitchen truly is the heart of the home. It’s where we come together over food, drink, or just to simply connect with one another. This means we need our kitchens to work for us in every sense of the word... Let's take a look at some of the crucial elements to consider to ensure your kitchen will look, feel and function at its best. KITCHEN LAYOUT Since we've been spending so much more time at home - the focus and attention on our kitchens has only increased over the past couple of years. We want our kitchens to function and flow better now than ever. The layout is the crucial ingredient to achieving such harmony. The ‘kitchen triangle’ is the relationship between the oven, sink, and fridge - the kitchen’s three main work areas. This tried and tested principle, developed in the 20th century, creates a flow of movement between the tasks of cooking, chopping/peeling, and storage. an example of a typical 'triangle' kitchen layout The ever increasing popularity of open plan layouts is another reason that our kitchens are all the more on display. They aren't closed-off where only behind-the-scenes tasks take place. This has inspired many architects and designers to propose the idea of an evolved kitchen triangle. Instead, moving away from the three distinct work areas to creating work 'zones' within the kitchen. For example, your baking zone should have everything you would possibly need to bake - measuring utensils, baking trays, rolling pin - and ideally be located near both your storage and oven. Your preparing “zone” has everything you need to prepare: knives, sieve, peeler, rubbish or compost, etc. Each should be tailored to meet your personal needs and interests in the kitchen. So before you make any decisions on your layout think about evaluating the work flow between each zone, and if they make sense with your lifestyle and needs. If you see the classic triangle working for you - great! But don't worry if not, it is only a guide, do what works best for you. Our only goal is to create a kitchen for you to truly thrive in. Some might say this move away from separate dining rooms to an open plan layout is a loss, but it depends on how you want your spaces to function and feel. So, let's take a look at the pros and cons to an open plan layout and you can get a better idea of which you prefer. PRO'S AND CON'S OF AN OPEN-PLAN LAYOUT When it comes to dining spaces in the contemporary home, the line has become quite blurred with one space flowing into the next. The Increasing popularity of open plan living has only propelled bringing the kitchen and other living spaces closer together. Our modern lifestyle and habits have shaped the dining experience to where the formal, dedicated dining room has been found rather deserted. While open plan lends to a more social and interactive environment, there are pros and cons to both. Take a look - What do you think? Pros: A spacious feeling. Physically more space, if you have an extension built or have a large footprint. Promotes socializing between family and guests. Inclusive to family and visitors. Continuity of finishes in the open-plan space. Harmony and flow between spaces. More casual and modern way to live your life. Freedom to move around. Cons: Lack of privacy when cooking Smells from the kitchen area can travel easier The kitchen needs to be kept tidy Can be noisy Might feel you need to spend more money on a kitchen especially if it is on display all the time No dedicated dining room for special occasions Natural light might not be as good (depending on architectural configuration) BROKEN-PLAN LAYOUT. If you're looking for a happy medium, let me introduce you to the 'broken-plan' layout. It's a solution that has emerged since we've been spending so much time at home. We want the feel of an open plan, but still have some privacy between spaces. Think of those that are working from home, having some distinction and seclusion between the kitchen and dining room when on a zoom call would be a nice relief. Half-walls, glass partitions, and shelving are some of the many tools that allow designers to create the so-called broken-plan kitchen. U-SHAPED LAYOUT. Cocooned on almost all sides by beautiful and practical cabinetry and tons of worksurface, classic U-shaped kitchen ideas are highly coveted layouts for homeowners as they offer so much space. A U-shaped kitchen layout contains an arrangement of different kitchen units positioned on three adjacent walls that form the shape of the letter u - leaving the top of the layout open for a doorway or an open plan living room. Practical and designed for effortless prep, cooking a meal should flow smoothly with everything you need to hand. DeVol Haberdasher's kitchen cabinets in a U-Shaped layout LET'S REMIND OURSELVES OF WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO ACHIEVE WITH A SUSTAINABLE KITCHEN. ✅ A healthy home that we create by adopting certain design principles, not dissimilar from how we would approach the design of any home interior. ✅ The biggest difference is the products that we use. We can make a positive difference by using sustainable, eco-friendly products and materials that help reduce the use of chemicals, pollution, waste, and energy consumption. ✅ We do not have a negative impact on the planet during the design and manufacturing process and thereafter. ✅ Long term value-added onto our homes. (not technically a sustainable achievement, but desirable!)

Our homes should be collected, not decorated. A collection of what we love. A meaningful space that tells a story of who we are. With that being a core part of my design philosophy, trends rarely hold much water. They are in no way a be all end all and should never dissuade you from authentically expressing yourself. I like to take them with a pinch of salt. That being said, trends can be a good pulse on how we are feeling and expressing ourselves as a whole. This is especially evident for 2022. After all, we’ve been through over the past two years; our homes have become the main setting for our lives. What does that mean for interiors? This year we’re seeing intentional interiors that promote a sense of comfort and put more of an emphasis on personality. Now more than ever we want interiors that improve our mood, health, and well-being. Below we’ve curated a list of 10 trends that we think do just that. Trends that will give you some inspiration - while preserving your home's unique voice. Here's to creating spaces that are a treat for all of the senses. Intermix: Materials and Design Styles Mixing materials and styles is certainly on the rise over recent years, but has since become a fixture. We have become more expressive, straying away from a ‘one style fits all spaces’ design style. We find joy and inspiration in different styles and genres, so it makes sense our homes would reflect that too. A way to embrace and demonstrate our own unique aesthetics. This has been a defining part of my personal style. Think classical proportions, assorted finishes, and a mix of antique and modern furnishings that are skilfully combined. I love the contrast of 19th-century crown moldings against the crisp, sleek lines of modernity, it is charming. Classic details that flawlessly balance the modern elements - yum! Bold Colours and Patterns Another outlet for our pent-up energy and creativity has seeped out into the colours and patterns we are choosing for our spaces. We’re steering away from palettes that might create a sterile or cold atmosphere in our homes. The colours we use in a space are proven to have an effect on our mood. This shift towards more vibrant and warm colour palettes means we want an injection of energy and comfort. Both I find fitting - we want to feel tranquil, joyful, and inspired at home. One of my favourite ways to inject some colour, texture, and pattern is with a gorgeous wallpaper. They’re here to stay! Return to Nature Our experiences over the past year have taught us that there is no better time to look at unlocking and maximising the many benefits of our relationship with nature; especially when it comes to the design and interiors of our homes. We’re seeing a resurgence in natural surfaces and materials across the board. As well as earthy tones and house plants - which can seem simple enough, but there are significant benefits to our health and wellbeing to be had when we incorporate these natural elements into our homes. It is scientifically proven through biophilic design. The use of natural materials, tones, light, plants, clean air, and non-toxic materials all work to create more tranquil and grounded environments. Many of us are already employing biophilic principles, without even realising it. Biophilic design is core to my design service and philosophy - I am so happy it’s catching on! Looking to Reinvigorate Your Home? We have you covered ✨ 5 Interior Design Tips For Spring ✨ Shades of Brown Browns are in! This trend comes as an amalgamation of our main themes for 2022: comfort & channeling nature. We even saw the resurgence of browns in fashion - natural and earthy hues. For interiors, browns work to bring a sense of the outside in and create a calming and cosy effect. Browns might just be the new black - providing an enveloping comfort without feeling overwhelming. From wooden furniture to cognac or terracotta walls, these browns make us feel closer to nature. Handmade & From the Earth More evidence of our overarching want to strengthen our connection to nature is seen in the art, objects, and surfaces we are surrounding ourselves with. Organic materials are imperfect; they add depth, texture, character and intrigue to a space. Handmade objects do this too. A perfect way to breathe life into any space. We’re starting to see art as objects we live and interact with, instead of static pieces that fade into the background. A Quiet Place The circumstances of the past year caused a shift in many aspects of our lifestyles - and we have had to adapt. One of the most prominent is working from home. We know our surroundings have a profound effect on our state of mind, which makes finding our own space especially important for our mental health. Managing to find a sliver of peace and quiet in a busy home can be a large victory for most! Whilst some of us were lucky enough to have a dedicated home office or secluded room to retreat to - some of us were not. This has inspired many to create a dedicated space to recharge or work in their own homes. A quiet room can keep us grounded and working at our optimal performance. Whether you want to read, draw, sew, or simply meditate and reflect - it’s a healthy, powerful practice that allows you time to be more present for your family and continue to achieve your full potential in this challenging time. Tactile Walls Design should excite the senses. Texture is one of my most treasured ingredients of design. A crucial aspect of the sensory experience of a space. Texture, much like wallpaper has found its way back onto our walls and into our hearts. A textured wall can elevate a design to another level - adding depth, character, and tactile intrigue. There are also biophilic benefits! Using natural fibres or materials on your wall have a calming effect on the space of those inside it. You can simulate any natural element, including stone, wood, and marble. Sustainable Vintage We all love a well-curated home, for us, vintage pieces are the essence of achieving that perfect mix. They add texture, contrast, and character to any style space and help express our personality within our homes. There's a reason why you can still buy furniture from decades or even centuries ago. These high-quality pieces typically come from natural resources, such as wood, stone, or metals. As such, they last longer than the often-manmade options on the market today. The resurgence of vintage and second-hand pieces not only aids in timeless style but is also sustainable. Adhering to my core design values of “stylish, sustainable, smart”. Buying vintage or upcycled helps to reduce landfills, carbon emissions, and excessive natural resource consumption. For example, the carbon footprint for a mass-produced chest of drawers is 16 times more than an antique counterpart. This also helps to decrease the demand for fast furniture. Funnily enough, vintage can also be trend-proof. Dedicating time and money into keeping our spaces on trend, only for the next style cycle to come and go and we're left with dated pieces. Investing in vintage pieces can save you from this "Trend whiplash”. Good design never goes out of style! Green is the New Neutral Even though brown is ‘in’, for me, green has been and continues to stay ‘in'. Green has been my colour of the year for years and years now - no matter what Pantone says. Whether it's included as an accent or you're going full-out monochrome, you can rarely go wrong with it. It embodies a sense of life, nature, renewal, and growth - bringing a sense of tranquility and rejuvenation to any space. Sculptural and Curved Furniture Organic shapes - the sculptural, curved edges are another symptom of our return to nature. They are also subconsciously perceived as more welcoming and safe. Think deep seats with curved edges! A perfect combination of nature and comfort. For me, design comes down to examining what we love and what we want to live with every day and for years to come. The next trend or style may help to communicate their own story for some, but not for others. If you end up paying them too much attention, your home can lose its unique voice. As a designer, my job is to find that magic synergy. Asking the right questions to understand what our clients really love, makes them smile, and gives them joy. Diving deep into who they are and how they use a space is the key to creating a home that they will truly love. Loving a space makes it timeless to those who live in it, and that’s what really matters. Let me help you tell your own story through design... Copyright Disclaimer: Photos used here are not mine, all rights are reserved to the copyright owners. Sourced from Instagram & Pinterest.

Do you dream of having some extra space but don't want to go to the hassle of extending? Would you love to have a dedicated separate space just for you such as a home office, a quiet room for meditation or yoga practice, or somewhere to park the in-laws when they visit? (and no I don't mean a garden shed!) If you have a garden then all of this is possible with these very clever pre-fabricated solutions - Berts Boxes. Bert and May started out as specialists in reclaimed tiles many years ago. They have evolved over the years and are now collaborating with Box 9 Architects to create some really very clever "boxes" that are built for your gardens. Designed with nature in mind the finishes include reclaimed woods, tiles, and any materials that remind us of our natural surroundings and ideally have a low CO2 footprint offering the latest in eco-friendly design, whilst still providing a stylish, sustainable, and smart addition to your home. Their core range consists of four module sizes, The Study Box at 9sqm, The Studio Box at 34sqm, The One Bed Box at 43sqm, and The Two Bed Box at 62sqm. These innovative designs have been meticulously planned and are built by expert craftsmen. Delivery is aimed at within 14 weeks from order. The steps are simple, pick your Box then personalise it with their curated range of finishes and fittings. Each Box is unique due to the ever-changing selection of reclaimed and hand-made materials. Pricing starts at £27,500.00 for the Studio to over £100,000.00 for the 2-bed version. If you are interested in expanding your home, creating an extra room for a home office, or creating a granny flat these are perfect solutions. They remind me of the type of hotel rooms created by the Soho House team at Soho Farmhouse with structures that blend into the landscape. Check out their website for more details on this clever garden room solution. Berts Boxes. STYLISH. SUSTAINABLE. SMART London based Sustainable Luxury Interior Design For exquisite interior design, eco-solutions and inspiring ideas join our Green & Glam community!

Can an interior be sophisticated and sustainably luxurious and still have elements of Biophilia within it? Yes, I believe it can. Our project, from the latter end of 2019, illustrates this principle perfectly, and in fact, the initial concept for it was a platform covered in plants that the clients lovingly nurtured. We embarked on the project without the mention of the, now popular, Biophilia buzzword trend that many of us want to include within our homes, the plants were a natural source of inspiration. 🌿 WHAT IS BIOPHILIC DESIGN? 🌿 Biophilic Interior Design means incorporating nature into our indoor environment. It comes from the word Biophilia – meaning Love of Nature. Biophilic Design focuses on creating a calming space with a visual connection with nature while improving wellbeing, health and productivity. It doesn't just involve the use of plants but also by introducing natural materials such as wood, stone, cotton and linens, it definitely moves away from the use of man-made materials. The apartment is in a Grade II Listed Building in Paddington, close to Hyde Park, an up and coming area in the West End. Below, is the entrance lobby to the apartment showing the raised platform with numerous plants. This client, as so many of my clients do, have a very good eye and sense of style, they wanted to use a wallpaper that magnified the feeling of being in a "jungle". We used Osborne & Little Folium Green wallpaper which is one of my favourites, printed in the UK with water-based paints. A nicely sustainable interior wallpaper. 🌿 The ceiling was painted with a Craig and Rose paint 'Angelica 1829' and matched perfectly. The entrance door to the roof terrace was also covered in the same paper with a perimeter wooden trim to create a "hidden" door. This is seen directly under the wooden slatted blinds. We created contrast and visual break moving from the "jungle" into a serene but bright white space in the hallway creating a link between the entrance and lounge and dining area, by using a Roger Oates stair runner that picked up on the colours of the entrance lobby, and with the installation of a beautiful Versaille style floor which is hand finished in the UK and supplied through Treehouse Flooring. The cupboards, handrail, spindles and newel post are new in a traditional but improved traditional style to the original. Functional storage was created under the stairs. The light and bright hallway provided the transition into the glamorous lounge and dining room, painted a Craig and Rose 1829 Pink Beige, paired with green accents. This colour combination became part of our own branding as we loved it so much. The scope of works in this room included, new floor, cabinetry, repairs to the lathe and plaster ceiling with recessed downlights with no bezel (rim to the edge) new electrical 13A sockets and switch plates. We used switch plates that are painted with the wall colour, they are discreet and surprisingly easy to keep clean. The dining colours work especially well together; the brown silk of the shade, the wool weave of the chairs, the Versaille panel oak flooring, plants here and there, and the pink earthy tone of walls create a serene and relaxed yet sophisticated space. Dining area before the transformation. We blocked up the door into the dining and lounge and created a new opening around the corner. Can you spot the TV - it's the fish! We really enjoyed working with this client and helping them create this sophisticated, understated luxurious apartment with touches of nature creating a balanced and stylish London home. 🌿 💚 All images SVM Interiors Ltd. STYLISH. SUSTAINABLE. SMART London based Sustainable Luxury Interior Design For exquisite interior design, eco-solutions and inspiring ideas join our Green & Glam community!

These Eco-Resorts are Going Green to Stay White! Hitting the slopes to ski or snowboard connects us to nature in such a powerful way. The feeling of traversing the expansive mountainous terrain is like no other. Breathing in the crisp air and reveling in the stunning landscapes - it’s one of the most unparalleled ways to experience the beauty of nature. Such a connection puts us in a particularly poignant position to show just how much we appreciate it. We can give that love back by ensuring that our holidays are as kind to the planet as possible. Just a few simple changes can make a big difference! Here are some of the eco-pressures that ski tourism poses to the environment: Spike in popularity: Forces resorts to keep up with demand by expanding, increasing water reservoirs and snow cannons. Artificial snowmaking: Snowfall starts later and stops earlier each season, snow cannons require a lot of water and energy to cater to the change. Impact on wildlife: Some of the routines and habitats of wild animals are disrupted. Transportation: The carbon footprint of hotels, snow cannons, and lifts all pale in comparison to the cars that get us there. Taking shared transportation like a train, bus, or plane is actually better for the planet than driving a car. So, which resorts have pledged to tackle these issues? Let’s take a look at four of the top eco-friendly ski resorts… Saas-Fee, Switzerland Why is Saas-Fee referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Alps’? Saas-Fee has the freshest air in the Alps. It has been car-free since 1951, incredible! The peace and quiet from their holistic environmental efforts not only work to benefit the environment but improve the overall quality of life for its residents and guests. It is regarded as one of the greenest resorts in the world. They continuously work to reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact, and strive to reach carbon neutrality. They use 100% clean energy from local hydraulic power, provide zero-emission electric public transportation, and more! They have long been pioneers ecological alpine tourism - Saas-Fee was the first resort in Switzerland to introduce fees for bin bags in 1994, which meant residents sorted rubbish exactly and lead to them producing less waste in general. Marmotte Mountain Eco Lodge, France Luxury meets sustainability. As its name suggests, the cabin has been built with green technology and is fully self-sufficient and able to completely power itself with its advanced renewable energy systems. The luxury ski chalet sleeps up to 10 guests, and is located just 1km from Chamonix in the beautiful hamlet of les Nants. The chalet enjoys the most stunning views on offer within the Chamonix Valley. In 2010 Chamonix launched its own pioneering climate and energy action plan, with an intention of cutting carbon emissions by 20% by 2020. SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental, Austria This resort takes their pledge to the environment seriously, from water and energy reduction to heat recovery. Every snow cannon and lance is fed by 15 reservoirs, all of which are filled naturally with snowmelt water. They use solar energy to power their lifts and any surplus is used to power the rest of the resort. They use waste heat to warm the resort - by utilising their waste heat they save approximately 10,000 litres of heating oil, which in turn results in a saving of 32 tonnes of CO² emissions. They also offer charging stations for electric cars. If you're looking for a larger resort, you're in luck - The SkiWelt is Austria's largest interconnected ski area. It has 90 Cable car lifts and Ski lifts! Laax Resort, Switzerland Laax produces 100% of its renewable electricity through hydroelectric and solar power plants. Photovoltaic systems at rail stations and the conversion from oil to pellet heating systems and heat pumps allow for further CO2 savings. Their engine data systems help snow groomers to travel within the most efficient speed range to reduce fuel consumption. Even waste heat from the engines of the rail systems is used for the heating needs of surrounding buildings. Laax also hosts a monthly ski clothes repairing session to promote the reusing of equipment, and has e-car charging stations available throughout the resort. Take a look at our other Christmas Blogs: ✨✨ Fabulous Christmas Fireplaces or We're Dreaming of a Green Christmas: A Guide To Making This Your Most Eco-friendly Christmas Yet! ✨✨ STYLISH. SUSTAINABLE. SMART London based Sustainable Luxury Interior Design 🌿 Most images are sourced from Pinterest. Apologies if the original source has not been identified. For exquisite interior design, eco-solutions and inspiring ideas join our Green & Glam community!

White Christmas? We’re Dreaming of a Green One! Being green this Christmas doesn’t mean being a Debbie Downer. It’s not about making anyone feel guilty, it’s about finding a balance between our old traditions and new habits. It’s a time for showing love and gratitude - let's extend that to our planet as well. During Christmas time we are especially prone to over consumption in many ways. However, it’s easier than you think to reduce your consumption and help the environment, by making very minor tweaks and swaps to your Christmas routine. With a little effort and imagination we can make it a new family tradition this year to go green... So, let’s make this Christmas our most eco-friendly yet! Here are my simple tips, tricks, and ideas on how to do so... Rent Your Christmas Tree Did you know you would have to use a fake tree for over 10 years for it to be more sustainable than the real deal? So, what’s the happy alternative where you can support local business, wildlife, & help the environment? You can rent a real tree from a local farm, decorate and care for the tree during the festive period, then they will pick it up and replant it in January. With this zero-waste option you get to enjoy the magic of a healthy tree and not have to worry about what to do with it after the new year. A simple google search will help you locate your nearest Christmas tree rental service. You should always rent a Christmas tree from a grower local to you so that travel doesn't counteract the environmental benefits. Here are a couple of London based suppliers: Christmas on The Hill Holly Berry Trees London Christmas Tree Rental Recycle Your Christmas Tree Come January 7 million Christmas trees will be dumped into landfills. If you’re buying a real tree, make sure it’s FSC-certified (responsibly sourced). To avoid the landfills come new year, it’s great to have a plan to recycle it in place! Recyclenow will show you drop-off points in your area, where your old tree will be recycled into chippings for local parks and woodland areas. Opt for Eco-friendly Crackers You could either buy 100% recyclable crackers or... Replace single-use crackers with reusable ones. They are made from natural materials and allow you to add your own personalised plastic-free gifts. The perfect eco-friendly finishing touch to the lunch table! Check out these fabulous sustainable picks: Kaneo Nancy & Betty Ecovibe Green Gift Giving Gift giving is one of the joys of Christmastime. However, we want to be thoughtful with how we spend our money. Haven’t you received gifts that you were so thankful for but it ended up in the back of a cupboard collecting dust? You are not alone. Nearly 50% of adults in the UK have received gifts they did not want and will never use. Here are a few gift giving tips that will ensure your money is well spent and that your gift is truly cherished: Quality over Quantity: One of my favourite sentiments that holds true over many things in life. Buying fewer but better-quality gifts lessens the possibility of gifts going to waste and can be kinder on your wallet too. Gift an Experience: There’s no better way to avoid the landfill and reduce demand for natural resources than by gifting an experience. It’s a definite way to give your loved ones something that they won’t soon forget. Whether it's a concert or experience in nature - it’s a unique way to bring people together. Highgrove garden tours are glorious! The perfect gifted experience. I have taken the champagne & tea tour a couple of times and still want to go back! Materials are Key: Keep the materials that the gifts are made for in mind. Avoid single-use plastics that can’t be recycled, ensure woods and papers are made from FSC certified materials, and opt for organically made clothing and organically grown foods. Shop Vintage, Handmade, & Local: Antique/vintage clothing, art, decor, and furniture is also a must. Second-hand products are the perfect way to give a green gift that extends the lifecycle of existing products and helps to cut down demand for new resources. Shopping local can also reduce the carbon footprint of delivery and, more than likely, manufacturing as well, especially if it's made by hand. Send Earth-Friendly Christmas Cards There is a special magic in the tradition of sending Christmas cards. Here are a couple of green options to ensure you won’t end up costing the earth: FSC Certified Cards Cards that feature the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo on the back guarantee that the paper has been sourced from ethically and sustainably run forests. Recycled Cards Cards made from recycled materials and printed using renewable energy. 1 Tree cards even use vegan inks! Plantable Cards Companies like 1Tree Cards plant one tree (in an area of mass deforestation) for each card you buy, and also come with seed tokens to grow flowers for bees. It’s a lovely way to make your gift that much more thoughtful - as well as benefiting the environment Wrap Up Sustainably Look for wrapping paper made from recycled or FSC-certified paper. Avoid plastic ribbon and tape, and foil-backed papers, or those with glitter which aren’t recyclable. There are also fun tape-free wrapping techniques you can learn online. Reusable packaging can be a unique and beautiful touch to your gift! Re-Wrapped has lots of prints and patterns made from recycled paper to choose from. Ecovibe has sustainable tags, paper tape, gift bags, wrapping paper, ribbon, and twine. Deck The Halls Decorating our homes one of the best ways to spread Christmas cheer! Here are a few of my favourite picks for earth-friendly decorations: Nkuku Everything from Nkuku is made with natural, recycled and reclaimed materials using sustainable methods of production. From gorgeous garlands to stylish wreaths, and to beautiful recycled glass baubles and tree toppers, Nkuku has it all. They also support and work with skilled artisans throughout the world and ensure they are paid a fair wage and work in ethical conditions. Natural Wood Company We talked about renting a Christmas tree, but what about one that’s made sustainably and lasts forever? This wooden tree from Natural Wood Company is made from FSC accredited kiln dried oak. The fabulous craftsmanship allows each branch to be shaped to whatever formation you might desire. A unique and gorgeous alternative! Arena Flowers The most ethical florist in the UK? Arena Flowers. With their stunning arrangements you can have peace of mind knowing that everything is ethically sourced and all workers are paid a living wage. Their arrangements are long-lasting and curated by hand. Candles The aroma of Christmas is one of the most important ingredients that creates that magical atmosphere! For me, there is no better way to get into the Christmas spirit with a gorgeous scented candle. Gold Moss Candles are hand-poured and made with natural, renewable soy wax, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free fragrance and essential oils, cotton wicks, and packaged in recyclable amber glass containers. They also go one step further and plant one tree for every sale, amazing! Make your own decorations Give your home an eco-friendly rustic Christmas aesthetic. Bringing the outdoors in not only gives you Biophilic benefits - but is an easy way to create inviting, stylish, and eco-friendly seasonal decor for the home. Let’s swap out the tinsel for natural foliage! Also, rather than buying new, you can upcycle old decorations or make your own from spare material from around the house. Eco-Friendly Sparkle Enjoy the sparkle of Christmas by using LED lights and using candles where you can. A simple way to lessen your energy consumption this Christmastime. There are now even solar-powered Christmas lights available. However, these work best for those where there is enough daylight to power them during the winter months. Go Green With Your Advent Calendar Instead of buying single-use advent calendars, buy or make a fabric or wooden one. You can then fill it up, year after year, with treats of your choosing. Here are a few of my favourites: Fortnum & Mason Wooden Tree Advent Calendar Liberty Recyclable Best Beauty Calendar Etsy Fabric Calendar Curb Your Food Waste Food waste is responsible for 11% of global greenhouse emissions. UK homes average 7 million tonnes of food waste each year. Nearly a third of people admit to throwing away more food than usual come Christmastime. How can we combat food waste this year? Plan your food needs in advance. Don’t buy items solely because they are traditional - make sure they will be eaten. Shop local, organic produce. Buy seasonal fruit and vegetables - more resources and chemicals are required to farm those that are not in season. Eat less meat. ✨✨ Take a look at our Guide to Fabulous Christmas Fireplaces next! ✨✨ STYLISH. SUSTAINABLE. SMART London based Sustainable Luxury Interior Design

The image of a roaring fire and stockings hung from the mantel is an image many of us have grown up with. It immediately says "Christmas is here"! Our fireplaces can be the festive focal point of the room, either decorated dramatically or simply. I love the look and smell of an open wood-burning fire, but, It's worth noting that some areas in the UK are smoke-free and you can't burn wood or coal. However, there are good clean and sustainable options available (see more about this below) A simple white brick-painted fireplace with a wood-burning fire. The photo below is the opposite of the white, clean and crisp Christmas style above. Dark walls, candles, and holly give this fireplace an inviting cosy, and somewhat edgy look. Which do you prefer? Can I burn wood in London? The Clean Air Act of 1956 was aimed to control domestic air pollution by introducing “smokeless zones” where only smokeless fuels could be burnt. London is a smokeless zone, meaning that the burning of wood and coal is not permitted. However, you can burn smokeless fuel which is manufactured to produce less smoke. Smokeless fuel is still a fossil fuel, not a renewable source, and therefore not sustainable. You will also need to install an air brick for ventilation and make sure you are using the right fuel type for your fireplace. How do we decorate a luxury residential interior designed fireplace in a sustainable way, and are there different types of fires that are more sustainable than others? The answer to this is, yes - BIOETHANOL FUELED FIRES! My favourite go-to fireplace supplier for our sustainable luxury interiors is Chesneys, they have this to say. "As an increasing number of people acknowledge the urgent need to protect the environment, Bioethanol Fires are growing rapidly in their popularity and use. Clean and easy to install, Bioethanol Fires are ecologically friendly, burning fuel extracted from plants during a full combustion process. In addition to offering a responsible climate-friendly choice, BioEthanol Fires provide the opportunity to install a living flame fire without the need for a chimney or expensive installation costs. Providing that an electricity supply is available, an Ethanol Fire can be installed in just about any location" From my experience, it is worthwhile to install an air brick in smaller spaces to keep air flowing as it will burn oxygen, and create a little condensation. In larger rooms, you can probably get away with not having an air brick. Ribbon flame Ethanol fires are popular to create a modern look in your home. You can also create a more traditional look with Ethanol using a fire basket and fake logs or coals. ECO - TIPS FOR YOUR FIREPLACE. 🌿 Do not burn unseasoned firewood. The combustion process of burning a log is disrupted if the wood contains too much moisture. “Green” wood creates a lot of pollution and greatly increases the amount of creosote that is deposited in a chimney lining. 🌿 Always burn seasoned firewood. When you use dry firewood and use the most environmentally friendly burning practices, the amount of particulate matter that is released into the air is greatly minimized. 🌿 Burn hardwoods. Hardwood trees burn cleaner, longer, and hotter than softwoods. Some examples of hardwood trees are oak, maple, walnut, ash, cherry, poplar, and birch. Only use waste off-cuts of course! 🌿 Avoid a smoldering fire. Burn a hot but safe fire, since it will yield greater efficiency and achieve full combustion. A smoldering fire yields a lot of smoke and releases hazardous particulate matter into the air. The less smoke there is, the more heat is produced. 🌿 Keep your chimney clean and in good working condition. Have a professional chimney sweep do an annual cleaning and inspection. If a chimney is in a state of disrepair, it results in less efficient venting and more pollution. 🌿 If you don’t already have one, consider getting a fireplace insert for your open-hearth fireplace. The efficiency of a fireplace insert can be up to 80%, whereas a regular fireplace usually only has about a 10% efficiency, at most. 🌿 Install a BioEthanol burning fire. My favourite maximalist decorated fireplaces for Christmas, you'll see my minimalist ones below. My minimalist favourites. Green and white are always effective, simple and crisp. ✨✨ Next, take a look at our Blog: We're Dreaming of a Green Christmas: A Guide To Making This Your Most Eco-friendly Christmas Yet! ✨✨ STYLISH. SUSTAINABLE. SMART London based Sustainable Luxury Interior Design 🌿 Most images are sourced from Pinterest. Apologies if the original source has not been identified. For exquisite interior design, eco-solutions and inspiring ideas join our Green & Glam community!