FURNISH – HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT GALLERY WALL FOR YOU

A gallery wall is a fantastic way to add interest and personality to a space. Never underestimate the power of art to set the tone and energy in any room – and leave your own personal mark in terms of taste. Sometimes choosing a single piece of wall art just isn't possible – and so creating a gallery wall is the perfect solution. Here are our top 5 tips to create a high impact, cohesive gallery display for your interior.

1. CHOOSE YOUR BIGGEST ARTWORK FIRST
Find a large piece of art that you love, and use that to set the tone and atmosphere for your art display. Think about what else you have (or what else you’ll buy if you’re looking for new or second hand pieces) across a range of sizes which will complement the main piece but still sing their own song on your wall.

2. FIND A COMMON THEME OR COLOUR
Many people find that their gallery wall works best with a little order and consistency. You might choose a series of water images, for example, or perhaps animals or scenes. You may also want to theme the wall around a certain colour or set of colours that match your decor. Pops of colour in varying textures, shapes and tones work brilliantly so it doesn’t look too overdone, but to be honest, in gallery walls, everything goes – from totally matchy-matchy right through to seemingly chaotic!

3. MIX UP YOUR FRAMES
The most effective gallery walls mix up the frame types and sizes of artworks so that the display is a little haphazard. If choosing new, try to mix up sizes, shapes, colours, width or thickness and even old versus new. This might cause OCD-type tendencies to come out in some, while others relish the variety.

4. CHOOSE PORTRAIT AND LANDSCAPE
Choosing all portrait-orientation art can look a little too contrived, so make sure you have a mix of orientations to suit the space and keep things a little unpredictable. Plus a portrait-landscape mix will definitely use up the space better.

5 PLAN THE SPACE
Once you have collected all the pieces you want to display on your gallery wall, experiment with the layout. Measure your chosen wall space and plot out the dimensions on the floor using masking tape. Place your largest piece to the left or right of centre, and fit the other artworks around it, giving each one adequate space. Far easier than trying to do it on the wall! We are sure there will be an app for this somewhere – or some art sites might even offer a service, but if not, there’s a definite opportunity for someone! Happy plotting!

FURNISH | KEY INTERIORS TRENDS FOR 2022

From nature-inspired trends to fresh colour schemes, 2022 is shaping up to be an exciting year for interior design.

Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice shares the top 5 trends and how to get the look at home. Which is your fave?

ONE: JAPANDI

A hybrid of Scandinavian design and Japanese interiors, Japandi is an east-meets-west trend that combines relaxing, minimalist décor with a neutral palette and natural materials. “Japandi’s calming interior style encourages slow living,” Rebecca says. “With a huge shift in lifestyles, many of us have been looking for ways to lead a more balanced life.”

“One of the aspects of Japandi interiors is to reconnect with nature to boost our overall wellbeing. Channel this in the dining room with an oak dining table, linen tablecloth, earthen tableware and wooden cutlery. Touches of greenery complete the look.”

TWO: FEATURE WALLS & TEXTURED WALLPAPER

With a new year upon us, a lot of interior trends for 2022 are inspired by hope and optimism. One such trend is bold and colourful feature wall patterns. 

“A geometric wall with a colour block effect perks up a child’s bedroom with a big dose of personality,” Rebecca says. “Keep the rest of the room simple with a fresh white wooden bed for a light and airy feel.”

If a geometric feature wall seems over the top, textured wallpaper is a toned-down option and brings just as much impact. “Choose textured wallpaper with a tactile effect as it mimics the look and feel of real materials and adds dimension to your room. For example, pick wallpaper with a wood effect to give your space an elegant look.”

THREE: EARTHY, CLAY TONES…

Calming and comforting earthy tones like terracotta have proven to be popular searches online as revealed by sites like Pinterest. “The term ‘terracotta walls’ has increased by 86 per cent in the UK over the past year,” Rebecca reports. “These reddish-brown and tan hues colours will be a top pick for autumn and winter trends and sets the scene for elegant layering.” 

“In the bedroom, match a reddish clay backdrop with a grey velvet bed and cosy linen bedding for a calming (and grounding) feel. As a finishing touch, decorate with colourful flowers and chic ceramic accessories.

FOUR: BOLD YELLOW

To kickstart the year 2022, expect to see bright and bold colour trends such as Farrow & Ball’s ‘Babouche No. 223’. “This cheerful and uplifting yellow hue gives any space a welcoming touch,” Rebecca says. 

Use it as an accent colour to liven up a room. “Introduce a yellow staircase to give the living room an unexpected twist,” Rebecca says. “Choose a neutral base of white walls and a grey sofa to anchor the room and to highlight the burst of yellow. Complement the staircase through colourful artwork and cushions.”

FIVE: COTTAGE CORE

Taking inspiration from idyllic pastoral fantasies, cottage core embraces country-style living and a whimsical aesthetic. “Cottage core is a trend that has quickly gained attention from social media and tapped into interiors and fashion,” Rebecca explains. 

Adopt this style in the bedroom with the help of a muted palette and touches of foliage. “Layer a warm white or cream backdrop with green accents to create an English country cottage feel,” Rebecca says. “A white wooden bed instantly adds a rustic touch alongside accessories such as a rattan basket and pampas grass."

FURNISH | Eco-Friendly Cleaning for a Healthier 2021 By: Dirce Guerra

More and more people are making the switch to eco-friendly products for cleaning their home. In 2019 alone, the green cleaning market amassed $3.9 billion dollars globally in sales, and a study done on ‘going green’ showed that 77% of people want to learn how to be eco-friendlier. We’ve created a guide on eco-friendly cleaning hacks to help you go into 2021 with a healthier home. 

What’s so bad about conventional household cleaners?

The trusted household cleaning products you grew up with may not be so trustworthy when it comes to what they may be doing to your and your family’s health. Quite often the levels of toxicity are low per package, but over exposure can lead to a chemical build up on floors, surfaces, clothes and on your skin, hair and internal organs. Yikes!

Benefits of using eco-friendly and DIY cleaners

The most obvious benefit of using non-toxic cleaners is that they’re better for your health. But there are other benefits, too.

Better for animals. Eco-friendly cleaning products are generally cruelty-free and not tested on animals

Better for waterways. Cleaning chemicals that go down the drain end up in waterways and poison the water and wildlife.

Lower your carbon footprint. Natural products generally have recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable packaging to reduce landfill waste. If you use DIY cleaners, there’s no extra packaging waste at all.

Make your house smell delightful. No chemical smells — just natural, delicious plant scents.

Choosing eco-friendly cleaning products: A ‘how to’ guide:

If you’d rather buy your cleaning products than make them, you’re in luck. Small, natural cleaner brands are popping up all over, offering non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners for every job. Even the big brands are getting on board and creating lines of non-toxic or less-toxic cleaning products. Here’s how to choose the right ones:

Check the ingredients list. Before you toss that bottle of dish soap in your cart, check out the ingredients list. If you spot any of the terrifying ten, put it back on the shelf and continue your search. According to OrganicAuthority.com these are:

Phthalates

Benzisothiazolinone (BIT)

Methylisothiazolinone (MI or MIT)

Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI or CMIT)

Petrochemicals

Synthetic fragrance

Phosphates/phosphonates

Optical brighteners

Urea

Benzalkonium chloride

Look for certifications. Certifications such as Fair Trade, Leaping Bunny, Soil Association or USDA Organic, EPA Safer Choice, and FSC are all signs the product you’re looking at is safe for your household. 

BUT if you’d rather go DIY and au naturale at the same time, read on, as we have some handy tips for you:

Ingredients in DIY household cleaners

You probably have everything you need at hand to make your own highly effective, inexpensive, and non-toxic household cleaners. Store your homemade cleaners in tightly sealed glass or plastic bottles, and label them, because you WILL forget which is which. 

Mild dish soap. Mild dish soap — especially natural, non-toxic varieties — is a versatile cleaner around the house, and when you add it to other natural ingredients, it can take care of some pretty tough cleaning jobs. 

Vinegar. Vinegar is made from acetic acid and acts as a powerful natural cleaner that gets rid of grease, grime, dirt, and bacteria. Use whatever you’ve got in your cupboard — but white and distilled white vinegar work best.

Baking soda. Once a prized cleaner by Ancient Egyptians, baking soda is actually a salt that can be used to naturally clean your home. Employ baking soda to absorb odors, combine it with vinegar to unclog drains, and because of its slightly abrasive nature, baking soda can be used to remove stubborn stains.

Lemons. Lemon, like vinegar, is a terrific cleaning agent. The acid in lemons is antibacterial and antiseptic, and it acts as a natural bleach. The citrusy smell of lemons is refreshing and invigorating. Oils in the rinds can also help to clean and shine.

Essential oils. Essential oils are all-natural and biodegradable, and many contain powerful antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that make them remarkably effective at household cleaning. The best essential oils for cleaning include lemon, peppermint, tea tree, lavender, and sweet orange. 

70% to 90% Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is a disinfectant when it sits on a surface for at least 10 seconds. It evaporates quickly, can remove sticker residue, permanent marker stains, and more. Just don’t use it on marble!  

Microfiber cloth. Microfiber cloths have millions of hook-shaped fibers per square inch. These fibers grab onto dirt, grease, and microbes, greatly reducing germs on a surface and cleaning far more effectively than sponges or cotton cloths. 

DIY cleaner recipes — and where to use them

These highly effective, all-natural, homemade cleaners are inexpensive and easy to make, and they’ll clean pretty much every inch of your home with no dangerous synthetic ingredients.

In the kitchen

All-purpose cleaner

In a spray bottle, mix 1-½ cups water, ½ cup of vinegar, and 10 drops each of lavender, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils. Use this to clean just about anything from kitchen countertops, cupboard fronts, and appliances to sinks, tubs, and toilets.

Grease remover

In a spray bottle, combine a cup of distilled white vinegar, a couple of drops of mild dish detergent or pure castile soap, and a few drops of citrus essential oil. Shake well, and spray it on the greasy dishes, stovetop, microwave, or other surfaces, then wipe with a microfiber cloth. 

For super-duper greasy messes, make a baking soda and water paste, slather it on, let it dry, then remove it with a damp microfiber cloth. 

Stainless steel cleaner 

For filthy, greasy stainless steel, dip a microfiber cloth in rubbing alcohol, and scrub it down in the direction of the grain. To make your stainless steel gleam, dip a microfiber cloth in a bit of olive oil, and wipe with the grain to remove fingerprints and watermarks and hide scratches.

Oven cleaner 

Make a thick paste of baking soda, coarse salt, and vinegar. Add a few drops of mild dish soap. Slather the sides, floor, and roof oven with the paste, and let it sit overnight. Scrub it with a warm, damp sponge, and rinse. Give it a spray-down with straight white vinegar, and wipe one last time with a microfiber cloth.

Microwave cleaner

Grab a bowl and fill it with ¼ of white vinegar and a cup of tap water. Heat the liquid for five minutes in your microwave and allow it to cool slightly. Dip a microfiber cloth in the mixture to clean up stains. 

Garbage disposal cleaner

General cleaning/maintenance. To keep your disposal from stinking in the first place, get into the habit of eating citrus fruits, and toss the peels into the disposal after. The rough peels and their essential oils will help loosen and remove stinky gunk from the blades and make it smell delightful.

Intensive cleaning. For more intense cleaning, pour a half-cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a half-cup of vinegar — pour slowly. Put the stopper over the drain hole, and let the concoction fizz for five minutes. Remove the stopper, and run the disposal with the hot water running. 

For more convenient disposal cleaning, try making these garbage disposal bombs, and store them under your sink in a big glass jar.

Whole house

Disinfectant

Put 70% isopropyl alcohol, aka rubbing alcohol, undiluted into a spray bottle. Spray it anywhere that needs disinfecting — let it sit on the surface for 10 minutes, and wipe away with a microfiber cloth. Rubbing alcohol kills bacteria and viruses, including the coronavirus. 

Carpet and upholstery cleaner

General cleaning: To draw out odors and moisture, sprinkle your carpet or upholstery liberally with baking soda, let it sit for a few hours — ideally overnight. Vacuum thoroughly.

Light stains. Mix a teaspoon of mild, clear dish soap with one cup of warm water in a bowl. If the stain is wet, dab it dry, then soak it in a small amount of the soap mixture. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then dab and repeat until the stain is gone.

Heavy stains (wine, dog poo). For more stubborn stains, try using straight baking soda followed by a mixture of two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and one tablespoon of dish soap. If the stain is wet, blot it until it’s as dry as possible. Sprinkle the baking soda onto the stain, and let it sit for 10 minutes, then add the hydrogen peroxide mixture to the stain. Let the whole concoction sit on the stain for five minutes, then blot dry. Repeat as necessary until the stain has lifted. 

Hardwood floor cleaner

Many conventional hardwood floor cleaners contain waxes, silicones, and oils that are terrible for your wood floors, leaving behind dulling residues and making them difficult to re-coat down the road. The best way to clean your wood floors is with a damp microfiber mop. The microfiber traps dirt and bacteria and leaves your floors shiny and clean. For really dirty wood floors, mix two tablespoons of mild dish soap in a gallon of warm water, and damp-mop with it.

Glass cleaner

The surprising key to streak-free glass cleaner is cornstarch. Whisk four tablespoons of cornstarch into a bowl containing a cup of hot water and a cup of rubbing alcohol. Pour into a spray bottle, and use it on mirrors, windows, glass stovetops, and other glass items. For best results, wipe the glass with a microfiber cloth.

Air freshener

Skip the poisonous plug-ins and freshen your air naturally with an essential oil diffuser, or make your own room spray with your favorite essential oils. Simply fill a spray bottle with equal parts distilled water and witch hazel. Add 20 to 30 drops of your favorite essential oils and shake to combine. Spritz around the room and add more essential oils if you want a stronger spray.

Bathroom & laundry 

Toilet cleaner

Use the DIY all-purpose cleaner for the toilet, or mix a cup of baking soda with 15 drops each of tea tree oil and lemon or orange essential oil. Sprinkle in the bowl, let it sit for a half-hour, then scrub as usual.

Mold remover

Vinegar kills 82 percent of mold species, so it’s a great addition to your collection of natural cleaners. In the bathroom, basement, or wherever else you find mold, spray the offender with full-strength distilled vinegar. Let it sit for an hour, then wipe. To prevent mold growth, spray the area with vinegar every few days.

Calcium buildup remover

Vinegar comes to the rescue again, this time helping you get rid of the mineral buildup on your showerhead and other water fixtures. If you can remove the fixture, submerge it in a bowl or bucket of white vinegar. If you can’t remove it, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and immerse your showerhead in the bag. Use string to secure the bag to the showerhead.

Laundry detergent

Making your own effective laundry detergent would be far more work and expense than it’s worth. Instead, invest in a high quality, all-natural detergent that’s powered by enzymes and non-toxic to the environment. 

Dryer sheets

Instead of using conventional dryer sheets that are packed with chemicals and synthetic fragrances, get yourself some wool dryer balls, and toss three or four in the dryer with your clothes. They’ll help reduce wrinkles and static, and they’ll also help separate your clothes as they tumble so they dry faster — meaning less energy use. If you like scented laundry, just add drops of essential oils to the dryer balls, which will soak them up and distribute them to your clothes.

Keeping your home clean doesn’t mean you have to use harmful chemicals. It’s easier than ever to find simple and healthy cleaning hacks to get your home spick and span on a budget with eco-friendly products. 

FURNISH | READY, SET, GROW! PLANT YOUR GARDEN WITH COLOUR THIS SPRING

The warmth of the Summer sunshine makes it the ideal time to enjoy your garden. Officially starting on Monday 21 June, the long-awaited season of longer, lighter days is when many gardens look their best, filled with colour and fragrance.
 
Whether you plant young seedlings in Spring and await seeing your efforts burst into bloom, or you’re looking for fast floral additions, the experts at Dobbies have shared their top tips to get gardens looking their best.

Dobbies Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said: “Summer is a busy time in the garden, with plenty to do but equally lots to enjoy as nature puts on its best sensory display of the year. As temperatures rise, it’s a time of exuberant growth, with potential dry spells meaning a little extra TLC needed to give your garden a healthy boost.
 
“Just as plants and lawns need some protection from the sunshine, don’t forget to regularly top up the sunscreen when working outside, stay hydrated and avoid spending too much time gardening when the sun is at its strongest. I tend to do watering, pruning, mowing and any extra planting first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon to early evening - the same applies if you’re working in the greenhouse. I find the cooler temperatures make it a much more enjoyable time of day to be pottering outside!"

Early Summer Gardening Action Plan…
 
Planting out

Once bedding plants raised from seed or young plants have been hardened off in a cold frame over a period of 7 to 10 days, they can now be planted out. More tropical feature plants such as Canna and ornamental bananas can also be planted.
 
You should remain vigilant of any late frosts or cold snaps and protect plants accordingly. In colder areas of the country, it may be wise to wait until early to mid-June.
 
Smart watering
Watering is key during peak summer months when your garden is less likely to get what it needs naturally from rainwater. Early morning is the optimal time to water plants, avoiding the hottest part of the day when this will quickly evaporate and allowing a chance for plant roots to take in what they need.
 
Late afternoon or early evening is ok for watering, so that the plants have time to drink up the water before the heat of the following day, but avoid watering too late at night as this can lead to fungus growth.
 
Make sure water is directed at the base of plants, rather than over the top, to ensure the water gets to where it is needed.
Water newly planted shrubs and perennials in dry periods, mulching well to help retain moisture. Adding liquid fertiliser, as per the manufacturer’s instructions, every fortnight to feed plants grown in containers and hanging baskets will help for healthy growth.
 
Light work of weeding
Warmer temperatures will herald the appearance of weeds in flower beds and borders. The quickest and easiest way to control them is to hoe them off before they get chance to get established, applying a thick layer of mulch over the soil surface to help keep any further weeds at bay. Mulching with organic matter, such as garden compost, also locks in moisture and, over time, helps to improve your soil, whilst giving plants a well-needed boost.
 

Practical pruning
Regularly dead-heading flower borders will extend the flowering season well into autumn, particularly for Dahlias, Roses and cottage garden Perennials.
 
Any early flowering herbaceous plants that have already died back can be cut back and tidied, whilst some will grow back with a second flush of foliage and flower for a late season display, such as Geraniums and Delphiniums. Spring flowering annuals, such as Forget-me-nots, will have faded now and should be lifted to make way for later summer plantings. Fill gaps with fast growing high summer bedding plants such as Dahlia, Cosmos and Nicotiana.

Prune Wisteria cutting whippy side shoots back to around five leaves to 20cm in length. Prune spring flowering shrubs, such as Deutzia and Weigela soon after flowering has faded to prevent them becoming overgrown. Remove spent branches with secateurs or loppers to allow new growth to develop as this will carry next Spring’s display.
 
Cottage garden plant support
In cottage gardens, make sure plant supports are in place and they’ll soon be disguised by fresh new growth. Sweet Peas should be growing strongly now. Use garden twine to tie-in growths to their supports. Once established, they will climb happily by themselves.
 
Take action to protect susceptible lush foliage of prized herbaceous plants, such as Delphinium and Hosta, from slug damage.
 
Early season herbaceous plants, such as Hardy Geranium and Oriental Poppies can be cut back after flowering to encourage re-growth of tidy, fresh new foliage. Geraniums will often put on a second, late season flower display. Mulch and feed for an extra boost. Clematis montana can be cut back after flowering to control growth if required. Also, tie in new growth on summer flowering Clematis and Honeysuckle.
 
Dead-head Roses to encourage repeat flowering. Feed them with Rose fertiliser and add a layer of mulch for an extra boost to support strong growth and a floriferous display. Roses are at their peak in June, making it the perfect time to choose new varieties to add to your summer display. We have a vast range of our new own brand roses now in store.
 

Show lawns some love
Lawns are put under extra pressure during high summer months, but established lawns that dry out and have brown patches will recover with some TLC and when rain returns - so don’t panic if they do.
 
Regular mowing is best for a healthy lawn, reducing the cutting height to help prevent drying out and when the grass is growing more strongly. Keeping the blades slightly higher will also help the grass resist the extra summer wear from garden games and stay at home picnics. For a lovely, lush green lawn, apply a high nitrogen summer feed.
 
Why not leave some areas of grass to grow to allow wildflowers to flourish, supporting wildlife and pollinating insects.
 
Wildlife wellbeing
According to a recent survey by UK charity RSPB, more than half of Brits said that spending more time at home over the last year has made them more aware of nature around them. The warmer months are a brilliant time for some garden wildlife spotting and to do your bit to protect the nature that lives on your doorstep.
 
Provide a wildlife haven with the addition of bird feeders, bird baths topped up regularly with fresh clean water and shady shelter. Encourage bees and butterflies with plenty of plants that will attract pollinators, such as Aster, Cosmos, Verbena and herbs like Sage, Mint, Rosemary and Thyme will also attract Bees.

Quick fix colour – Summer bedding plants

You can’t beat summer bedding plants for a colour burst and fast results. There are so many varieties to choose from, you can have beautiful flowers from late spring through till autumn. Whether you’ve got a large garden to co-ordinate, or just need a few pots to add colour to your balcony or windowsill, there are endless ways to use bedding plants, making them one of the most popular additions to any summer garden.

• Plant up some pots: Spruce up your patio or balcony with a few planted containers. Choose your plants and pots at the same time for a coordinated feel. Create a statement with several identical pots. Or go for an eclectic mix showcasing different varieties and colours. Terracotta pots or wooden containers will give you a traditional look, while eco-friendly plastics and bright colours will bring a contemporary feel.

• Try a hanging basket: Mix and match bedding plants in a hanging basket to create a high impact feature to liven up a doorway, wall or fence. For best results, pack in as many bedding plants as you can. Position upright varieties like petunias or begonias in the centre, with trailing plants like lobelia or bacopa around the edges to create fullness and a waterfall effect. Remember to water the basket every day and you’ll get months of lovely flowers.

• Brighten a windowsill: No garden? No problem. Bedding plants can help you make the most of whatever outdoor space you have. Choose a size and shape of container to suit and you can transform your windowsill or doorstep with beautiful blooms. Geraniums are always a good choice if your windowsills are exposed.

Know Your Bedding Plants
 

Impatiens: Busy Lizzies thrive in shade, so they’re a top choice if you want to brighten a shady spot. In pretty shades of pinks, reds, oranges, purples and white, this variety is ideal for bringing together lots of different colour schemes.
 
Begonias: Begonias are happy to grow in most conditions, making them perfect for all kinds of spaces. This pretty variety has small red, pink, and white flowers, contrasting with shiny, rounded, succulent leaves in bronze or green.
 
Trailing Petunia: You can’t beat Trailing Petunias for a spectacular hanging basket. Just a few plants create an enormous display, making them real value for money. This striking variety has blooms in vivid shades of pink, purple, blue, white and red.

To find out more about gardening advice, visit: www.dobbies.com/ideas-advice
 

FURNISH | 50 SHADES OF BEIGE: New Map Reveals The Colour Of The UK's Carpets

• 61% of the UK has a ‘beige scale’ carpet as cream, tan or light brown are trending.

• 2 in 10 Brits harbour a secret yearning for ‘Regal’ reds and ‘Peacock’’ blue carpets.

• The North West is predominantly grey

• Research reveals younger homeowners are seeking out coloured and patterned carpets for their homes.

It may have been a grey 2020, but according to the latest carpet colour scale, 2021 is all about being BEIGE.

Floor specialists, Tapi Carpets & Floors, asked 2,000 people about their carpet preferences; what they have in their homes and what colours they secretly love. And it would appear, while many homes currently adorn grey floors, it’s earthy, beige carpets that are fast becoming the most desirable.

A new map reveals nearly two thirds (61%) of British homes have “beige scale” carpet. Up in the North West and areas of Scotland and Northern Ireland. grey is the most dominant colour, with a gentle fade from the Midlands to the South East in an array of ‘French whites’, ‘Mahogany’ and ‘British Tans’.

 From the psychedelic sixties of The Queen’s Gambit to Bridgerton’s signature blues, the survey also revealed Brits are hankering for the return of coloured carpet.

The research, commissioned by Tapi Carpets & Floors, found one in 10 people have been inspired by TV shows to add colour into their home décor, with nearly 20% confessing to a love of ‘Guardsman’ red and ‘Peacock’ blue. 

And just under a third claimed to have once again reclaimed a love of patterned, textured or striped carpets – with popularity surprisingly surging in the under 30s. 

Brits may believe beige carpets are this year’s must-have interiors trend, but more than a quarter are also opting for wooden look or smooth floors in their homes to provide a functional, multi-use space. 

 Commenting on the research, Tapi Carpets’ Johanna Constantinou, said: “Lockdowns have forced many people into the great outdoors, to reconnect with nature and bring the outside in. This is reflected in the home with a rise in warm, earthy tones and a surge in beige based interiors.

“Interestingly, people are also embracing creativity in their homes, reclaiming their love of patterns, textured and coloured carpets or patterned vinyl flooring. In a world where trends are often driven by Instagram and Pinterest posts, young homeowners are proving to be more open to exploring colour than the generation before them. Something we believe we will see more of in 2021 across both carpets and flooring.”

As Brits remain housebound, a quarter claim to have more disposable income to spend on home interiors than ever before. 

Johanna continued: “It’s clear the pandemic prompted people to invest in their homes and it’s likely this is to continue. In fact we have already seen a 65% rise in searches for carpets in January as people look to replace their carpets and flooring and explore new options to cope with spending more time in their homes.”

As more people struggle with working from home, home-schooling or a combination of both one in 10 said they worried about colleagues seeing their “ugly home interiors”, and have even decorated a smart backdrop to make their home look more impressive.

Today 42% claim flooring determines the look and feel of people’s home décor choices meaning flooring has become one of the most important decisions you can make when creating an interiors scheme.

FURNISH | SPRING CLEAN! ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING FOR A HEALTHIER 2021

With all the #WFH and #StayAtHome changes over the last year, we’ve been spending so much more time in our homes (which has been admittedly stifling for some, but such a relief to others who dreaded the daily grind of the commute and an unhealthy workplace!) Whatever your thoughts on the matter, spending more time at home means more debris and dirt being generated there, which in turn means more cleaning is required. But traditional chemical-based cleaners affect our health. A LOT. So we’ve teamed up with eco-home expert Dirce Guerra to look at some eco-friendly options for cleaning, to make our homes healthier, happier and still spick’ n’ span as we move towards spending more of our time there.

*This blog contains links to Dirce’s own blog

More and more people are making the switch to eco-friendly products for cleaning their home. In 2019 alone, the green cleaning market amassed $3.9 billion dollars in sales, and a study done on ‘going green’ showed that 77% of people want to learn how to be eco-friendlier. We’ve created a guide on eco-friendly cleaning hacks to help you go into 2021 with a healthier home. 

What’s so bad about conventional household cleaners?

The trusted household cleaning products you grew up with may not be so trustworthy when it comes to what they may be doing to your and your family’s health. 

Benefits of using eco-friendly and DIY cleaners

The most obvious benefit of using non-toxic cleaners is that they’re better for your health. But there are other benefits, too.

Better for animals. Eco-friendly cleaning products are generally cruelty-free and not tested on animals

Better for waterways. Cleaning chemicals that go down the drain end up in waterways and poison the water and wildlife.

Lower your carbon footprint. Natural products generally have recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable packaging to reduce landfill waste. If you use DIY cleaners, there’s no extra packaging waste at all.

Make your house smell delightful. No chemical smells — just natural, delicious plant scents.

Choosing eco-friendly cleaning products

If you’d rather buy your cleaning products than make them, you’re in luck. Small, natural cleaner brands are popping up all over, offering non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners for every job. Even the big brands are getting on board and creating lines of non-toxic or less-toxic cleaning products. Here’s how to choose the right ones:

Check the ingredients list. Before you toss that bottle of dish soap in your cart, check out the ingredients list. If you spot any of the terrifying ten, put it back on the shelf and continue your search.

Look for certifications. Certifications such as Fair Trade, Leaping Bunny, USDA Organic, EPA Safer Choice, and FSC are all signs the product you’re looking at is safe for your household. 

Ingredients in DIY household cleaners

You probably have everything you need at hand to make your own highly effective, inexpensive, and non-toxic household cleaners. Store your homemade cleaners in tightly sealed glass or plastic bottles, and label them, because you WILL forget which is which. 

Mild dish soap. Mild dish soap — especially natural, non-toxic varieties — is a versatile cleaner around the house, and when you add it to other natural ingredients, it can take care of some pretty tough cleaning jobs. 

Vinegar. Vinegar is made from acetic acid and acts as a powerful natural cleaner that gets rid of grease, grime, dirt, and bacteria. Use whatever you’ve got in your cupboard — but white and distilled white vinegar work best.

Baking soda. Once a prized cleaner by Ancient Egyptians, baking soda is actually a salt that can be used to naturally clean your home. Employ baking soda to absorb odors, combine it with vinegar to unclog drains, and because of its slightly abrasive nature, baking soda can be used to remove stubborn stains.

Lemons. Lemon, like vinegar, is a terrific cleaning agent. The acid in lemons is antibacterial and antiseptic, and it acts as a natural bleach. The citrusy smell of lemons is refreshing and invigorating. Oils in the rinds can also help to clean and shine.

Essential oils. Essential oils are all-natural and biodegradable, and many contain powerful antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that make them remarkably effective at household cleaning. The best essential oils for cleaning include lemon, peppermint, tea tree, lavender, and sweet orange. 

70% to 90% Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is a disinfectant when it sits on a surface for at least 10 seconds. It evaporates quickly, can remove sticker residue, permanent marker stains, and more. Just don’t use it on marble!  

Microfiber cloth. Microfiber cloths have millions of hook-shaped fibers per square inch. These fibers grab onto dirt, grease, and microbes, greatly reducing germs on a surface and cleaning far more effectively than sponges or cotton cloths. 

DIY cleaner recipes — and where to use them

These highly effective, all-natural, homemade cleaners are inexpensive and easy to make, and they’ll clean pretty much every inch of your home with no dangerous synthetic ingredients.

In the kitchen

All-purpose cleaner

In a spray bottle, mix 1-½ cups water, ½ cup of vinegar, and 10 drops each of lavender, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils. Use this to clean just about anything from kitchen countertops, cupboard fronts, and appliances to sinks, tubs, and toilets.

Grease remover

In a spray bottle, combine a cup of distilled white vinegar, a couple of drops of mild dish detergent or pure castile soap, and a few drops of citrus essential oil. Shake well, and spray it on the greasy dishes, stovetop, microwave, or other surfaces, then wipe with a microfiber cloth. 

For super-duper greasy messes, make a baking soda and water paste, slather it on, let it dry, then remove it with a damp microfiber cloth. 

Stainless steel cleaner 

For filthy, greasy stainless steel, dip a microfiber cloth in rubbing alcohol, and scrub it down in the direction of the grain. To make your stainless steel gleam, dip a microfiber cloth in a bit of olive oil, and wipe with the grain to remove fingerprints and watermarks and hide scratches.

Oven cleaner 

Make a thick paste of baking soda, coarse salt, and vinegar. Add a few drops of mild dish soap. Slather the sides, floor, and roof oven with the paste, and let it sit overnight. Scrub it with a warm, damp sponge, and rinse. Give it a spray-down with straight white vinegar, and wipe one last time with a microfiber cloth.

Microwave cleaner

Grab a bowl and fill it with ¼ of white vinegar and a cup of tap water. Heat the liquid for five minutes in your microwave and allow it to cool slightly. Dip a microfiber cloth in the mixture to clean up stains. 

Garbage disposal cleaner

General cleaning/maintenance. To keep your disposal from stinking in the first place, get into the habit of eating citrus fruits, and toss the peels into the disposal after. The rough peels and their essential oils will help loosen and remove stinky gunk from the blades and make it smell delightful.

Intensive cleaning. For more intense cleaning, pour a half-cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a half-cup of vinegar — pour slowly. Put the stopper over the drain hole, and let the concoction fizz for five minutes. Remove the stopper, and run the disposal with the hot water running. 

For more convenient disposal cleaning, try making these garbage disposal bombs, and store them under your sink in a big glass jar.

Whole house

Disinfectant

Put 70% isopropyl alcohol, aka rubbing alcohol, undiluted into a spray bottle. Spray it anywhere that needs disinfecting — let it sit on the surface for 10 minutes, and wipe away with a microfiber cloth. Rubbing alcohol kills bacteria and viruses, including the coronavirus. 

Carpet and upholstery cleaner

General cleaning: To draw out odors and moisture, sprinkle your carpet or upholstery liberally with baking soda, let it sit for a few hours — ideally overnight. Vacuum thoroughly.

Light stains. Mix a teaspoon of mild, clear dish soap with one cup of warm water in a bowl. If the stain is wet, dab it dry, then soak it in a small amount of the soap mixture. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then dab and repeat until the stain is gone.

Heavy stains (wine, dog poo). For more stubborn stains, try using straight baking soda followed by a mixture of two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and one tablespoon of dish soap. If the stain is wet, blot it until it’s as dry as possible. Sprinkle the baking soda onto the stain, and let it sit for 10 minutes, then add the hydrogen peroxide mixture to the stain. Let the whole concoction sit on the stain for five minutes, then blot dry. Repeat as necessary until the stain has lifted. 

Hardwood floor cleaner

Many conventional hardwood floor cleaners contain waxes, silicones, and oils that are terrible for your wood floors, leaving behind dulling residues and making them difficult to re-coat down the road. The best way to clean your wood floors is with a damp microfiber mop. The microfiber traps dirt and bacteria and leaves your floors shiny and clean. For really dirty wood floors, mix two tablespoons of mild dish soap in a gallon of warm water, and damp-mop with it.

Glass cleaner

The surprising key to streak-free glass cleaner is cornstarch. Whisk four tablespoons of cornstarch into a bowl containing a cup of hot water and a cup of rubbing alcohol. Pour into a spray bottle, and use it on mirrors, windows, glass stovetops, and other glass items. For best results, wipe the glass with a microfiber cloth.

Air freshener

Skip the poisonous plug-ins and freshen your air naturally with an essential oil diffuser, or make your own room spray with your favorite essential oils. Simply fill a spray bottle with equal parts distilled water and witch hazel. Add 20 to 30 drops of your favorite essential oils and shake to combine. Spritz around the room and add more essential oils if you want a stronger spray.

Bathroom & laundry 

Toilet cleaner

Use the DIY all-purpose cleaner for the toilet, or mix a cup of baking soda with 15 drops each of tea tree oil and lemon or orange essential oil. Sprinkle in the bowl, let it sit for a half-hour, then scrub as usual.

Mold remover

Vinegar kills 82 percent of mold species, so it’s a great addition to your collection of natural cleaners. In the bathroom, basement, or wherever else you find mold, spray the offender with full-strength distilled vinegar. Let it sit for an hour, then wipe. To prevent mold growth, spray the area with vinegar every few days.

Calcium buildup remover

Vinegar comes to the rescue again, this time helping you get rid of the mineral buildup on your showerhead and other water fixtures. If you can remove the fixture, submerge it in a bowl or bucket of white vinegar. If you can’t remove it, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and immerse your showerhead in the bag. Use string to secure the bag to the showerhead.

Laundry detergent

Making your own effective laundry detergent would be far more work and expense than it’s worth. Instead, invest in a high quality, all-natural detergent that’s powered by enzymes and non-toxic to the environment. 

Dryer sheets

Instead of using conventional dryer sheets that are packed with chemicals and synthetic fragrances, get yourself some wool dryer balls, and toss three or four in the dryer with your clothes. They’ll help reduce wrinkles and static, and they’ll also help separate your clothes as they tumble so they dry faster — meaning less energy use. If you like scented laundry, just add drops of essential oils to the dryer balls, which will soak them up and distribute them to your clothes.

Keeping your home clean doesn’t mean you have to use harmful chemicals. It’s easier than ever to find simple and healthy cleaning hacks to get your home spick and span on a budget with eco-friendly products. 

FURNISH | HOME ACCESSORIES FOR NOW

Moving house has got to be the best ever excuse to go shopping for homeware - as if I ever really needed one! The most fun part of our recent move has been all about making our new place look and feel like home. Naturally we brought everything we 'need' with us, but it's always lovely to add a few fresh items to personalise a new environment and celebrate new beginnings.

If you've been in the same home for years, the quickest and easiest way to inject life into your living environment is with new accessories, something I particularly love to do coming into Spring.

With the arrival of fabulous homeware stores on our doorstep in recent years - from Oliver Bonas to Anthropologie - plus an endless supply of online options, I thought I'd share a few of my top home accessory haunts.

OLIVER BONAS - from pink velvet love seats to chrome bar carts and the most fabulous collection of vases, Oliver Bonas is a treasure trove of pretty homeware. They also do awesome lighting, mirrors and coffee table books.

ANTHROPOLOGIE - bohemian luxe homeware that reflects its fashion line, with vintage style glassware, pretty crockery, dreamy light fittings and soft furnishings. Also offers a made to order service.

ORENDA LIVING - from stylish storage and wall art to luxury handcrafted furniture, Orenda Living  (Belfast and Derry) are specialists in true craftsmanship.

SOSTRENE GRENE - authentic Scandi style from this Danish retailer specialising in clean lines and pretty decorative pieces, such as pretty side tables, stools and shelving as well as kitchenware.

HOMESENSE - homeware at discount prices from the sister brand to TK Maxx. The place to go for soft furnishings, scented candles and one off statement pieces. Based locally at TK Maxx in Newtownabbey, it also has outlets in Dublin, Derry and Cork.

IKEA - needs no introduction as a one stop shop for pretty much every decorative and functional item you might find inside a home... don't miss the lighting, rugs and planters.

ONLINE

While all of the above retailers have an online presence, we can often find completely unique pieces at those specialising in an online only service - and hopefully cut costs while we're at it. A few of those I like to shop from my sofa...

DARLINGS OF CHELSEA - multi award winning established British brand specialising in luxe furnishings, from gloriously oversized footstools to velvet sofas that will make you never want to leave the house again.

ETSY.COM - independent creators making things they love. A great place to work directly with designers on a bespoke piece, made to your own specifications.

NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM - an edit of unusual pieces by independent makers and a great place to source personalised pieces.  

MADE.COM - design led furniture at affordable prices. Think sumptuous velvet furniture, coloured glass lighting and chrome accents.

HM.COM - a brilliant resource for anyone building a home from scratch or wanting to add a few design accents. Homeware at High Street prices.

 Zara Home is now online too – albeit slightly limited, but we LOVE what we’ve seen so far!

NEXT is a bit of a staple when it comes to home, and we’ve really fallen in love with lighting at NEXT of late. Plus mirrors. They always do a good statement mirror.

FURNISH | BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN…

Spending time in nature is wonderful for our health and happiness, from reducing stress to enhancing our creativity. While nothing beats a stroll in the fresh air of our gorgeous countryside, some days a weather-weary stroll seems impossible, so it’s good to have some nature indoors, where we can enjoy the benefits 24/7.

To create an optimal outside-inside environment, think about creating a space within your home (or indeed, throughout your home) that reflects the beauty, shapes and colours of nature in a way that fits your environment and your lifestyle. This could be warm autumnal hues and rich wood, a bright beach vibe with natural textiles or a peaceful, airy space filled with greenery.

It's all about blurring the lines between your inside and outside spaces, combining traditional elements of both.  

PLANT IT

Want to make a difference right here, right now? The quickest and easiest way to bring the outside in is by introducing house plants. From a potted olive tree in the hallway to leafy monstera by the sofa or sweet succulents in the kitchen, living, breathing plants will instantly give your space a more vibrant, natural feel. Add drama by playing with different sizes, shapes and colours and introduce greenery at various levels in the room - hanging from the ceiling, cascading from a book shelf, or on a window sill - as well as the standard floor and eye level options. If you travel a lot or struggle to keep plants alive for longer than a week, there are some great artificial ones around, though the real deal provides actual health benefits.

Certain house plants can:

• help diminish harmful toxins in the home

• improve humidity by helping restore moisture to the air 

• combat harmful household chemicals

• release oxygen at night, helping you breathe easier

• remove harmful toxins that naturally build up in the home

• purify the air 

All that, and they look gorgeous!

GO NATURAL

There are so many ways to incorporate natural materials in your inside space. Wood is the most versatile and pairs perfectly with natural colours... if larger items like floors, doors and tables aren't an option, choose a striking centre piece such as a wooden coffee table, mantelpiece or chair. Things like pebbles, branches and driftwood also add beautiful - and completely unique - naturally decorative elements.

INJECT COLOUR

You all know how much I love colour when it comes to fashion; and the same applies to my home. Incorporating rich and vibrant tones and textures in a colour scheme is a really fun way to bring the outside in - from soft furnishings, flowers and accent pieces to framed artworks and photographs. There's nothing lovelier than waking up surrounded by colour whether on a grey day or one when sunlight is streaming through the windows.

THINK SEASONAL

While I'm not suggesting an interior overhaul as the seasons change, (it doesn’t fit or sit well with my feelings on sustainability), but it's lovely to add a few little seasonal touches at different times of year. Switching up things like cushions, throws, bedding and ornamental pieces are some of the easiest ways to do this. Add a wreath made of natural materials or statement vase in seasonal tones - and have fun with lighting - from candles to indoor/outdoor fairy lights, both completely acceptable all year around in my book!

REFLECT YOUR ENVIRONMENT

If you live in an area of natural beauty, you might like to reflect this in the colours and textures of your home... go as subtle or bold as you like. Live near the beach? Add a few shells on your bathroom windowsill or a huge cobalt blue artwork in your hallway. Country folks, think foliage and wood. And city dwellers, let your creativity run wild with elements of favourite locations in your space - printed wallpaper and rich paint tones are a great place to start.

FURNISH | Top kettle & toaster picks for 2020

What is a kitchen without a kettle & toaster?! I mean I personally don’t drink tea and I don’t eat bread, so why do I need either? Or do I?!

Well, whether it’s a comforting cup of tea & toast for a visiting friend or family member (and Valentina’s daily toasted VEDA), or filling up a hot water bottle or boiling water to cook with, these truly are kitchen essentials.

In the UK we drink more than 165 million cups of tea a day – something that we couldn’t manage with our trusty kettles, but with so many to choose from, which one should you go for? We have chosen our top picks - those that function easily, are quick to boil/toast, comfortable to use and, most importantly to me, they look nice, obviously!

I guess like a best friend, a good kettle & toaster should be reliable, long-lasting and completely dependable! Here are my faves:

Dualit classic 72820 kettle: £119 Toaster: £199.99

This British-made kettle is a registered Quiet Mark appliance, and its “whisper boil” function certainly lives up to its name – it’s as quiet as they come. It also ticks all the boxes when it comes to design and function; the kettle sturdily fits into its base with barely a wobble, it pours smoothly, and has a comfortable, ergonomically-designed silicon grip handle. It has a window which measures capacity in litres (maximum 1.7L) and cups, so you can fill it with the exact amount of water you need, and save time, energy and wastage in the process. Its 3000W output means it’s efficient, even when boiling seven cups of tea. This kettle and toaster also looks the part; its stylish chrome and copper finish making it a stylish addition to any home.
The toaster parts are all fully repairable and replaceable meaning it will last a lifetime.

Russell Hobbs and Emma Bridgewear collection £69.99-£79.99

Two stylish new breakfast ranges launched last year thanks to an exciting collaboration between two of the UK’s leading household brands - Russell Hobbs and Emma Bridgewater.

The Russell Hobbs and Emma Bridgewater ranges feature the recognisable and much-loved Polka Dot and Toast & Marmalade patterns. The striking designs are available on two flagship Russell Hobbs’ products including; 2 slice and 4 slice toasters, and 1.7 litre and 1.5 litre kettles.

With both companies sharing a reputation for quality, design and craftmanship and products made for the heart of the classic British home, the charming designs on the new range will add a cheerful touch to any kitchen. The classic black and cream of the Toast & Marmalade design will easily complement any colour scheme, and the soft, multicoloured Polka Dots will inject some brightness and fun in to the kitchen. The perfect present for an Emma Bridgewater fan!

The Polka Dot and Toast & Marmalade kettles will be available for £79.99, with the 2 slice and 4 slice toasters available for £69.99 and £79.99 respectively. The range will be available to buy from exclusively selected retail partners.

DeLonghi distinta flair 1.7L kettle silver KBI3001.S: kettle: £124.99 toaster: £102.99

With its matte grey and chrome colourway (it’s also available in blue), this DeLonghi kettle and toaster look sleek on a countertop – and it’s slight, too. Despite the kettle having a 1.7L capacity, it’s actually quite small, great for those with modest-sized kitchens. Its boil is slightly on the noisy side when compared to other models on the market, but the kettle is comfortable to fill and pour – its wide, drip-free spout pours well. Handily, it has a light either side, which turns off when the water has boiled, so would suit both left and right-handed users.

Morphy Richards rose gold collection 102040 traditional kettle & toaster both £34.99, Currys

Available in ocean grey and midnight blue, this good-looking kettle and toaster is far more than just style over substance. Thanks to its 3000W output, the kettle boils efficiently, while also handling a capacity of 1.5L. It conveniently denotes two, four and 8 cup measurements on its display window, and with the handle situated above the spout, you have complete control when it comes to pouring. It doesn’t have the quietest boil, but it’s not the loudest either – you can still have a conversation while you’re waiting to make your brew.

Prestige 1.7L Eco Kettle and toaster set £79.99 Prestige

Definitely a kettle worth considering for its low cost and good performance scores. It's lightweight, so won't strain your wrist and it boiled water quickly, both on its minimum and maximum capacity. It has a useful, 360-degree swivel base, an illuminated water gauge, and for safety it has boil dry protection. The only drawback is that it's not the most sleek looking kettle!

Bugatti ViaRoma £99

Sleek style your thing? This ViaRoma kettle will be right up your street. Made from 18/10 stainless steel, this highly polished kettle will make a real statement. With a whistle function to let you know it’s boiled, this kettle is an essential in any modern kitchen.

The stunning Inspire collection from Russell Hobbs will add a touch of style to any kitchen work surface this winter, with three new on-trend colourways being added to the range.

The kettle has a perfect pour spout, so there’s no messy spills, and sits on a 360° base for ease of use. It also features quick boil technology, boiling one cup in 55 seconds, making it perfect for an eco-friendly household – and those who need a cuppa in a hurry!

Everyone has their own perfect slice of toast. The Inspire toasters both feature an extra lift function, so toast can be checked on without cancelling its cycle, and variable browning control, perfect for individual toast preferences.

The Inspire Kettle is RRP £39.99, the Inspire 2 Slice Toaster £34.99 and the Inspire 4 Slice Toaster £49.99. The Inspire range is available to buy in major retailers nationwide including John Lewis and Amazon, with the new colourways exclusive to DSG and Currys.

Smeg 50s retro KLF03BLUK kettle: £114, toaster £116 AO

Like the rest of the brand’s kitchenware range, this kettle and toaster is chic, sturdy, and offers a touch of retro-inspired fun. As you’d expect, it’s available in a range of colours, from classic to bright, all of which carry the brand’s trademark sheen. The kettle has a fast boil powered by 3000W, a simple press-button lid and a smooth pour. Smeg lovers will certainly not be disappointed. And I am one of them!

Alessi Plissé kettle £79.00

Add structure and form to your kitchen with the Matt Black Alessi Plissé Electric Kettle designed by Michele De Lucchi. The unusual pleated design of this electric kettle reflects its name 'Plissé' meaning fabric that has been treated to form creases. Starting off with folded paper, Alessi then created the 3D shape in thermoplastic resin, creating this haute couture look. A truly high-end, stylish kettle, ideal for a modern home decor, it is also available in white.

Siemens breakfast set toaster £100 each

Siemens toasters and kettles are designed for those who appreciate beauty. At breakfast, the focus should be on enjoyment. That starts with making toast, boiling water and brewing coffee in a state-of-the-art kitchen appliance. Innovative technologies ensure that tea water is at the right temperature and toast is browned to perfection. And they look good. Siemens has combined cutting edge technology with a distinctive design language: high-end materials, a clear, modern design idiom and harmonious colours. For example, stainless steel brightens up at the breakfast table. Its pleasant feel, fine gleam and easy care make it a design classic that Siemens uses in a variety of ways. In combination with the colours white, dark grey, black or dark red, stainless steel catches the eye, making a simple yet elegant impression. With Siemens appliances, breakfast is not just a culinary delight – it’s also an aesthetic delight.

FURNISH | DECK THE HALLS

It's fa-la-la-la-finally time to deck the halls and get the tree up! If you've been putting it off, don't get your tinsel in a twist - I have some suggestions to make each element as streamlined and effortless as possible.

A REAL TREE

You just can't beat it. Even if you add nothing but lights, it will look and smell beautiful and add instant festive spirit to your home. Hillmount Nurseries is my annual go-to for Christmas tree shopping and we've already picked up a ceiling-high absolute beauty this year.

HOLLY & BERRIES

Pick up a huge bunch at your local florist, either on its own or with a mix of greenery and snowberries. Pop it on the mantlepiece and window sills... dot around a few candles and giant bows. Done. For a table centrepiece, add colour with bright flowers, fruit (eg apples and pears) and tall candles or little glass votives.

WREATH

Wreaths are one of my favourite Christmas decorations and provide such a lovely welcome for guests. I actually made my own this year from gorgeous fresh berries and absolutely love it.

Diptyque Protective Pine candle £53

CANDLES

You've heard me profess my love for candles already in this post, but I can't resist picking up a Christmas scented one (or two) each year. Diptyque's Protective Pine candle smells like being in an actual Winter wonderland and I don't think I can resist... I mean the beautiful votive effectively makes it a Christmas decoration too!  Do take care to stay safe if you're planning to get merry with candles in the room. There are some brilliant faux Church candles and tealights that work brilliantly for table centre pieces in particular.

Mistletoe & Fir candle, M&S £10.

LIGHTS

Draped over garden trees, the porchway, windows, fireplaces, bannisters - there is no such things as too many fairy lights in my book. Fill your boots.

WRAPPING

I'm all for sustainable gift wrapping and LOVE the idea of presents wrapped in newspaper or brown paper, accessorised with foliage. Drawn-on bows are even a thing now - anything to reduce waste is a plus in my book.

Of course you can go to town with stars, baubles, tinsel and whatever takes your fancy, but there's something to be said for the simplicity of keeping things as natural and sustainable as possible, with tonnes of foliage and pared back decorations. Whatever style you go for, do what makes you and yours happy - and have fun with it!

FURNISH | Smells Like Autumn

One of my favourite things about darker Autumn evenings is the pleasure of closing the shutters (I live in an old house) and lighting a few candles once I have Valentina in bed. Even if I’m working it helps to lift the mood by setting a natural light gauge very much in the chill zone. And now that the clocks have gone back, it’s the perfect time to share some of my favourite candles that make my home look and smell warm and welcoming this Autumn.

Quite a few of my picks are pretty spendy tbh, but I've discovered through trial and error that the best scented candles are worth every penny. My trick is to light them for an hour or two, then distinguish and leave plain candles burning into the wee small hours. A quality candle will fill the room with scent in this time and often linger into the next day, plus the good ones burn up to 50 hours... that's a whole lotta feel-goodness! If you’re conscious about smoke, then most of these guys offer oil diffusers too, which are perfect for lingering, subtle scents.

NEOM happiness-scented-candle -£46

NEOM Happiness

NEOM candles are 100% natural and contain the highest quality essential oils, designed as a wellbeing treatment as well as smelling divine. Happiness is as smile-inducing as it sounds, thanks to seven essential oils of white neroli, woody and powdery mimosa and zingy lemon, to help you feel more positive and balanced.

£58

Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka

A rich and sensual scent, Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka is scented with the hand-harvested sap of the Namibian myrrh tree, mingled with comforting warm almond and lush vanilla notes of the Tonka bean. Smells like an ridiculously handsome man tbh.

£45

Bella Freud Ginsberg is God

The ultimate fashionista fragrance, Bella Freud's Ginsberg Is God candle has a fresh green scent defined by notes of Fig Leaf, Vine Leaves and Tomato. Frankincense, Wormwood and Leather add depth and intensity. Plus it looks flippin beaut.

Malin + Goetz_tobacco_candle -£42

Malin + Goetz Tobacco

This eco friendly natural wax candle has a long-lasting smoky aroma from a blend of botanical ingredients, including basil, chestnut honey and ylang ylang, with a base note of tobacco and bourbon vanilla. Super warming and atmospheric.

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir London Edition -£52

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir London Edition

Love the packaging of this city edition which celebrates the Jo Malone scents most loved by different cities around the world. Pomegranate Noir came top of London's list and features notes of smoky guaiacwood, spicy Casablanca lily, and of course, juicy pomegranate. The ultimate Autumn Winter scent.

Diptyque Feu de Bois -£47

Diptyque Feu de Bois

Close your eyes while burning this and you may just drift off to a fabulous open fireside in a forest cabin...or castle if you prefer! Feu de Bois is scented with essential oils to create a unique woody firewood fragrance.

Hush Fig + Blackberry Leaf -£25

 Hush Fig & Blackberry Leaf

A delicious fusion of juicy figs and forest fruits ripe for picking is coupled with the aroma of freshly cut autumn flowers. Coconut adds a creamy, but not overpowering, sweetness.

Fir & Firewood Candle, Anthropologie -£16.jpg

Fir & Firewood

How pretty is this Capri Blue Fir & Firewood candle from Anthropologie? With a fruity, green aroma of apple, clove, fir, pine needle, white birch, cedar, vetiver, and musk.

Field Day Fireside -£5.95

Field Day Fireside

I love to support local brands and Field Day candles give some of their much pricier neighbours a run for their money. Fireside is my favourite, reminiscent of a fragrant peat fire burning in a country cottage... with notes of Tobacco, Vetiver & Amber

GOUTAL £66

Find the magic of Christmas in Goutal’s elegant Une Foret D'or Candle, a truly decorative object, presented in a clear glass streaked with gold. Their diffusion is optimised by a very compact perfumed wax made with natural essences. Fresh and full-bodied, spicy and fruity. The flavour of citrus fruits, orange and mandarin from Brazil, the slightly acid bark of the pine from Siberia, heavy with an unforgettable scent of resin. A scent with the clarity of snow and the warmth of a house filled with impatient, excited children on Christmas Eve.

La Perla £60

This Silk Peony candle boasts a captivating blend of fresh citrus, vanilla Madagascar and, of course, peony. Part of a collection that combines the most renowned fashion fabrics with flowers, colours and raw materials, thesmartvesselwith its gold-tone plaque looks just as good as thearoma within it smells.

FITNESS AND HEALTH | MY ODE TO EARTH: FIFTY WAYS TO SHOW YOU LOVE HER

The path to a more sustainable life may seem a little daunting and admittedly it can take a bit of getting used to (like remembering to always have a keep-cup or water bottle to hand, or even turning off the tap while brushing teeth), but it isn’t really that hard, and the benefits are TOTALLY worth it.

Actually, on that note, do you know that 22,000 coffee cups are disposed of in Ireland every hour? I don’t know what the number is for the UK, or Europe, but if we all swapped to a reusable option, think of the difference that would make! And never mind the coffee cups and lids; there are millions of non-recyclable coffee pod capsules thrown into landfill each year. I dread to think what the global total on those has been since their invention not so long ago. 

Our oceans are being destroyed, our air is polluted, animals are being made extinct and forests diminishing rapidly. Now is not the time to think 'someone else will do it' or 'it's only one plastic bag/straw/cup/whatever'. Or God forbid, you are among those who think climate change isn’t happening [insert scary face emoji here!]

For the past few years, cutting down on my use of plastic and living a more sustainable way of life has been high on my New Year’s resolution list. Slowly but surely – and on some matters, rapidly and immediately – I am making changes and feeling better for doing so. I am excited to see that change for sustainability has now become a prominent topic in the media as well as in my peers’ conversations both online and in person. It is a global crisis after all.

We ALL need to make changes now before it's too late. Some will say these small changes aren't enough, and in some ways they're right. Corporations and governments, big and small, need to act too, but positive individual decisions are a good place to start to change your thinking and habits.

Thinking that one small change won't have a ripple effect is wrong, because the alternative is to do nothing and suffer an increasingly polluted world. Some corporations – and lots of smaller producers - are thankfully using plastic alternatives and choosing more ethically sourced and environmentally recyclable, multi-use materials for their products which makes it easier for us individuals to make better choices. The truth is, if all of us made small little changes it would make a BIG difference, because it’s easy to gauge the tip of the iceberg if you only just multiply all of your daily actions by every person you've ever met - it all adds up. And with billions of people on the planet now, we are creating an awful lot of unrecyclable rubbish with nowhere to go for a very long time.

I have created a list-to-self to keep myself right and I thought I would share my top tips to help you (and me) go more green…  I can’t promise that I do all of these currently – but I am trying every day to adopt more and more of them into my daily decisions.

SECTION 1: AT HOME

1.    Choose an Energy Provider that is Eco-Conscious

Data released in 2017 shows leading energy companies are responsible for a big chunk of carbon emissions. In Australia there is a Green Electricity Guide which lists the best performing retailers in the energy sector. We definitely need one of those in every country. And we should be choosing energy providers which have renewable assets, close to zero emissions, a strong public position against investing in fossil fuels and doesn’t have contracts to buy energy from fossil fuel power stations.

2.    Invest in Energy/Water Efficient Appliances – or Use wo/Manpower!

Kitchen and laundry appliances can account for up to one third of the amount households spend on electricity.  Pick appliances that reduce your power usage, and have water-saving fixtures attached to taps, showerheads. Choose a washing machine and toilet with a great WELS rating. And while we’re at it, use these less often. Do you really need a dishwasher cycle when a sink full of water and some elbow grease will do? I haven’t had a dishwasher or a microwave or a tumble drier in almost five years now and I love it! And as Ma in Derry Girls said, it is sacrilege to use the washing machine for a half load! Think full loads every time for economy - and the environment. When they’re washed, hang your wet clothes on a drying line or rack instead of using a powered dryer. And consider hand washing your clothes, particularly if you only have a few items to clean.

3.    Switch Off!

We don’t need all of our appliances to be left on standby. Switching RIGHT OFF will save power. Take those charger plugs out of the wall when they’re not actually charging! Choosing lightbulbs which are more environmentally friendly also helps, as does switching off the lights when you’re not in the room. Use LED lighting or CFL bulbs instead of incandescent lighting as it’s proven to last longer, which reduces the need to keep purchasing light bulbs. Open up your blinds and use as much natural light and sunshine as possible before switching on your light bulbs.

Not having the TV/ radio/ music in the background when we’re not actually/actively listening/watching will not only save electricity, but you might even be more productive if you work near a TV. They have their own magnetic fields and can honestly interfere with your brain waves. True fact!

Plus, turn your heating off if you’re out for the night and look for more flexibility in the programming boxes to allow you to set timings on an easy app. Put on an extra layer of clothing instead of turning on the heating. Seriously, doubling up on your socks does wonders! This applies to business premises too, I used to get so cross when my team would have the temperature set at 26C and be sitting there in vest tops! Make sure to switch everything off in the evenings and at weekends.

Other tips:

·         Put up a no junk mail sign on your letterbox to limit the amount of paper waste.

·         Start timing your showers. Or better yet, invest in a shower timer and/or a water-saving shower head.

SECTION 2: IN THE KITCHEN

4.    Cook it Yourself.

Not only will you save a bundle of money and probably eat better, but you might even realise you really enjoy cooking and preparing food for yourself – and others! Look at it as an adventure and an experiment using as much fresh (unpackaged!) produce as possible – maybe try to go vegan as many nights a week as you can, because less meat production is good for the planet overall, not to mention your health. Plus, it’s easy to head over to YouTube or even Insta for ideas & inspo if you don’t like traditional recipe books. I’ve covered ethical and sustainable food shopping further down…

5.    Meal Prep

Meal prepping not only saves time, but it can also be energy efficient especially if you’re using the stove or oven. Create enough food for leftovers to prevent having to use your stove/oven every single day.

6.    Cook More Efficiently

Cover your food when cooking in pots and pans on the cooker – this traps heat and can help cook your food faster, thereby reducing the amount of cooking time.

7.    Sustainable Utensils

Use eco-friendly & sustainable cooking utensils and gadgets like bamboo, moulded bamboo, or stainless steel. Bamboo is stronger and more durable than wood, and bamboo forests replenish themselves faster than tree/wood forests. Plastic utensils along with melamine utensils are known to leach chemicals when exposed to heat, contaminating food and potentially causing health issues.

8.    Store Well. And Invest in Eco-friendly and Reusable Food Storage

Being aware on how to properly store your groceries, and how long they keep, can be a good reminder and incentive to use them before they go to waste – ultimately cutting down food waste and saving you money.

Right now I am loving the new food pots from S'nack by S'well and S'well Eats. Food waste is now major consumer issue that will need to be resolved and heightened awareness around single-use plastic bottle waste will transcend into food. In fact, this behaviour is already being embraced on high street with several restaurant chains and cafes allowing their customers to take food away with their own containers. This can't happen soon enough as a recent report from The Guardian stated that the UK generates 11 billion items of packaging waste from lunches and food on the go each year. That is WAY too much and by choosing and using your own reusable food pots, much of this waste can be eliminated. While I’m on this point, please stop accepting disposable cutlery and napkins too. You don’t (always) need them!

Other reusable food storage options include The Swag bags, beeswax food wraps or silicon bags for lunch staples. Not only does this reduce your use of single-use plastic, but it will make your food last longer and save you money in the long run. Me like-y! 

Also, find an empty space in your refrigerator or freezer and stuff with crumpled newspaper or full water bottles (try to avoid the plastic ones) – this improves cooling and saves electricity and money.

9.    Food Waste

According to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment one-third of the one million tonnes of food waste in Ireland comes from households. 60% of this waste is avoidable as it's leftovers and food that’s past its sell by date. This is such an easy fix - just buy less but shop more regularly. Plus – use your nostrils and dip your fingers to test food, sometimes the date on the pack is a guideline and the food is still OK (not always of course, but you know the drill).

For the time poor, try to meal plan and batch cook where possible, freezing food in portions to defrost and eat throughout the week. Use a compost bin. Sometimes life gets in the way and you end up out for dinner a couple of times when you weren't planning to, don't beat yourself up over it but make the effort to throw away less food. You'll save money too.

10.  Plant a Garden

It doesn’t matter if you only grow your own herbs in a window box or one tomato plant by the kitchen window; once you catch the growing bug and taste the amazing flavour difference that homegrown brings, you will only want to do more, get better, and grow bigger. The important thing is just to get started. It’s so very cheap to start a garden and the rewards reaped are awesome, not to mention delicious! A word of warning: start small. Smaller than you think you can handle. Especially if it’s in the ground and will need to be weeded often!

11.  Beeswax wraps

Clingfilm, which is made from plastic, can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. Tin foil is only recently recyclable but can be tricky as some recycling plants can't process it as easy as aluminium cans. It also needs to be clean. I have only bought one roll of clingfilm in my life and I am not a fan of foil ether, except at Christmas for the turkey. A great alternative is beeswax wraps which are popping up everywhere. They are made from natural beeswax, tree resin and jojoba oil and are easily moldable around jars, lids and plates in the fridge. They are also perfect for sandwiches and lunches in your bag, and you can rinse them off and use again. You can buy from Irish company Ireland Beeswax Wraps here.

12.  Water bottles

It’s hard to believe that this one hasn’t quite sunk in yet. Even my seven year old wonders why we sell water in shops when we have water in our taps (plus water bottles). I went to uni in Aix-en-Provence in the south of France and there are over 150 fountains in the city centre – which were all natural water sources as far back as Roman times. Let’s start that again! With drinkable water fountains and taps starting to appear everywhere in big cities like London, I am eagerly anticipating the days when we have water fountains everywhere and can refill at our leisure. We should note here too that drinking water over other juices, or diuretic teas/coffees is best for the body and mind.

To help nudge you in the right direction, please remember that when it comes to bottled water, it takes three times the amount of water in the bottle to make the bottle itself which holds the actual water. You'll be saving money and the planet if you BYO, even if you are already good at recycling the bottles you do buy. My favourites are from Sip n’Swell and the ones from Bobble Bottle which have a natural charcoal filter at the top.

13.  Juice the off-cuts of your vegetables and fruits or pop them into morning smoothies. At worst, use a compost bin and use the rich soil for your garden or herb patch.

14.  Repurpose glass jars. Repurpose any and all containers that you can actually!

15.  Use washable metal straws instead of disposable plastic straws. Or just grow up and don’t use straws at all, you’re not five for goodness sake!

16.  Use cold (or at least cooler) water when hand washing dishes.

17.  Make your own coffee instead of buying takeaway… and on that note – COFFEE…  The coffee industry almost merits a section on its own – forgive me if I talk at length but…

 18.  Coffee Cups* I know these are usually takeaway items, but I thought I’d include them here in the kitchen section because coffee falls into the food category for me.

This is one of the easiest and most cost-effective switches you can make. With almost 366 disposable coffee cups being used every minute they create an incomprehensible amount of waste. Buy a KeepCup or other type of reusable cup that you can bring out and about with you. I have now made a rule for myself that I am not allowed to buy a takeaway coffee unless I have mine with me.

Also, most coffee shops will offer a small discount on your morning latte if you are using one which is even more of an incentive to try. In our office, we have our own IMAGE branded KeepCup for everyone on the team, so perhaps you could encourage your company to do the same.

19.  Coffee Pods

I’m turning to Australia for this one as I love the innovation from Crema Joe.  It is estimated that Aussies are consuming a whopping 6 million disposable coffee capsules each day. This statistic indicates the popularity of coffee pod machines across the country, but it also flags a serious contribution to the global landfill issue. 

There’s no question that coffee is a much loved and important daily ritual for many of us, but the environmental impact is becoming one we can no longer ignore. The planet is slowly being suffocated by coffee capsules that take over 500 years to breakdown, all the while releasing toxic carbon emissions.  The good news is that there are alternatives to disposable coffee pods.

In 2015, Crema Joe took a stand against single-use coffee capsules by offering consumers eco-friendly options for popular pod machines. Made of stainless steel, their leading SealPod capsule is infinitely reusable, which means consumers can now significantly reduce the environmental impact of their coffee pod machine.

Since launching, Crema Joe has estimated that their customers are now preventing over 11,500,000 coffee pods from heading to landfill every year. But this pales in comparison to Australia-wide figures for single-use capsules.

With over one million Nespresso pod machines in homes across Australia, not to mention other brands, the reality is that over 131 billion pods could still be making their way into landfill each year. Crema Joe founder, Kayla Mossuto says, “Educating consumers on product waste is key”.

 “If everyone with a capsule machine made the switch to reusable coffee pods, our annual impact on landfill could be reduced by 45,896,676 cubic feet. Just to put it in perspective, that’s the equivalent of 52 Olympic sized swimming pools every year!” Kayla adds, “There is a lot of ‘greenwashing’ that goes on in the coffee capsule market. Many are under the misconception that recycling is the answer, but it’s simply not.” Unfortunately, the majority of coffee capsules are made from non-recyclable composite plastic. And, for those capsules that can be recycled, it is suggested that less than 5% are actually being recycled appropriately. That’s because spent capsules can’t be tossed into household recycling bins. Our general recycling plants just aren’t equipped to process products so small.

Coffee pods must be taken to special drop-off points to be properly recycled. However, it’s also important to note that the collection and recycling of coffee pods in itself is energy-intensive. The transportation, storage and processing of the pods produce waste and CO2 emissions. “As consumers, we need to take more responsibility for the items we consume and understand the impact it will have for our future, and our children’s future.” Check them out at www.cremajoe.com.au

20.  Mend and Make Do

You can make your own Play-Doh, shampoo, laundry detergent…and all of these things are not only a lot cheaper, but often also healthier and might even just be fun to make. Mrs R Ganics from Helen’s Bay does classes all over the country – sign up and learn, it’s so fun! www.mrsrganics.com And aside from cleaning products, you can also learn to make your own curtains, cushions, clothes, throws, table decorations – and so much more from old clothes.  Plus you CAN do many everyday home repairs and renovations – and the sense of achievement (also, slight smugness TBH) once they’re done is fantastic! Leave the plumbing and electrical to the pros, but you can definitely learn most other tasks. Tune in to a YouTube tutorial near you for anything these days.

21.  Switch to simple cleaning solutions

You’d be amazed at the number of things you can clean with just baking soda and vinegar. Throw some essential oils into the mix and a nudge of elbow grease and you’ll have the cleanest house on the block. You’ll need fewer bottles of stuff under the sink, have less to worry about ending up in your children’s nostrils, mouths and pores, plus you’ll never have to run from the bathroom due to toxic fumes from a bottle again. Old essential oils like orange or lemon that have otherwise lost their effectiveness are great for freshening up bathrooms. I put a few drops inside the toilet paper roll or in the toilet.

SECTION 3: SHOPPING

This could be a whole blog on its own – and maybe I’ll write another blog about this, but for now… some key points….

22.  Put a buying freeze on yourself and learn to appreciate the things you have. Read the books in your shelf, wear the clothes in your closet, (shop your own wardrobe!) pack up and cycle through the toys in your kids’ rooms so they become new to them every few weeks, and just focus on the things you’ve already acquired in life. If you absolutely must get something new, make yourself get rid of (recycle, re-sell) two other similar things to make room for the new thing. So if your kids want a new toy, they have to get rid of two old ones. If you want a new pair of jeans, get rid of two pieces of clothing you’re not wearing. You’ll not only bless others, but you will also be blessing yourself by having less to sort through and clean. Personally, I have a rule that I can’t shop online until I have some money in my PayPal account (from selling my old things), so I just have to get tougher on myself to buy less in general.

 23.  Buy quality items and share them with others. I’m a huge fan of hand-me-downs and I’m astonished by what some people end up throwing away. Set up book and clothing swaps with your friends and neighbours. Pass on toys to other generations of children in your family.

 24.  Shop Locally & Ethically.

I’m really lucky to have a great collection of shops in my town where I can pick up fresh fruit and vegetables and locally raised meat or fish all in one trip by foot. I know that’s not always practical, but if you start supporting the smaller, locally owned food businesses in your community, you’ll not only be helping the local economy, but you might also find yourself eating healthier, in-season foods, learning to cook new things and making some new friends. This applies to fashion and accessories too. Even beauty! Plus, it’s likely there’ll be less plastic packaging too. Do I need to insert a reminder here about bringing our own bags? I often want to kick myself when I forget mine as I know each new plastic bag bought/made is one that won’t be disposed of for a very long time. I’d rather carry 10 items in my arms than bring another plastic bag into the world.

25.  Buy Second Hand or Previously Owned Clothes (Or Just Buy Less…)

And when it comes to shopping for fashion - the world’s biggest pollutant industry - choosing to own or buy less helps more, of course, but if you’re still not ready to give up fresh fashion forever, then think about charity shops and the growing sharing/fashion hire sites and the resale industry – which can all be a massive treasure trove of gems if shopped strategically. Try to consider eBay, HEWI, Vestiaire Collective, dePop and other second-hand sites as much as new clothing e-tailers. Doing this does help make a dent – albeit a small one - in the massive mountains of textiles and clothing waste around the world. And according to VOGUE Business, the resale market is on the rise – so get with the programme baby!

26.  Support Local Crafters and Artisans

Look for local makers, crafters and artisans making cool things from previously used textiles and materials – find them via cool stores like Studio Souk or the craft collectives dotted everywhere.

27.  Choose Natural Fabrics and Fibres

Also, try not to purchase non-recyclable fabrics and fibres; those £20 pleather trousers will take about 500+ years to decompose, so maybe consider cotton, linen, hemp and wool instead as your first options. Be sure to check out Fairtrade labels too, which means the item of clothing has met certain social, economic and environmental standards.

28.  Look for Campaigns to Get Involved With (but not just for spending reasons)

For an affordable option on the high street check out H&M’s Conscious clothing line, or donate your old clothes to H&M, (just ask for the garment-collecting box, often located next to the cash desks), you’ll get rewarded with a voucher. M&S and other retailers have similar recycling options and Zara has recently committed to be 100% sustainable by 2025, which is to be applauded. Well done Zara!

SECTION 4: SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY

29.  Non-Plastic Shower Products

Another great place you can ditch the plastic bottles is the bathroom. A lot of beauty products are sold in containers that are easily recyclable, but it is even better for the planet to cut down on buying them at all. This is going to be my newest switch out, after hearing suggestions from Taz Kelleher on @sustainablefashiondublin.

Instead of buying big bottles of shower gel, switch to old school soap instead. It's sold in cardboard packaging which can be recycled and most of them foam to a rich, thick lather which is a perfect replacement for those cans of shaving gel too. ***Note to self... Be sure to check out what chemicals are in the soap to give it that foam and how good or bad they are….

Other products like shampoo, conditioner and body moisturiser can also be bought in bar form. Lush, in particular, do great, inexpensive versions of these that will last ages. Check out their massage bars which melt into the skin when rubbed over the body. Switching out these few products will drastically reduce the plastic you are using on a monthly basis.

30.  Invest in a Bamboo Toothbrush

One of the easiest switches to make is your toothbrush, from plastic to bamboo. These are now easily available (in Belfast or Dublin, try Avoca) and are so much better for the environment. It is estimated that 3.6 billion plastic toothbrushes are used a year and given that they take almost 500 years to biodegrade, every toothbrush you've ever thrown away is still out there somewhere.

With most bamboo versions, the bristles are still plastic which is more hygienic as they don't hold any moisture like natural bristles. But the handle is bamboo which is much better for our planet as you can pop it in the compost bin when you're ready to replace it. Alternatively, Irish brand Virtue brush has a 100% bamboo handle and compostable Nylon-4 bristles, making it completely eco-friendly. They also plant three trees for every toothbrush sold online proving that even the smallest of changes makes a difference.

31.  Sanitary products

Only in the last few years have we seen sustainable periods become something discussed in the mainstream. Given that, on average, a woman will have up to 500 periods in her lifetime, this can create a huge amount of waste whether you use pads or tampons. Luckily there are so many alternatives now to choose from that aren't single use. Most of these feel quite alien to what we're used to, but it would help even if we switched out half of what we use on our periods to sustainable options.

A moon cup: there are lots of versions of this now but they all work a similar way. It is a soft, silicone cup used to collect menstrual blood for up to 8 hours. It will last you for years so no need to use the estimated 22 sanitary products per period.

Washable sanitary towels: these are popping up everywhere now in all their multi-coloured glory. Shaped like a disposable pad, they are made from cotton and have poppers on the wings to attach to your underwear. There are loads to choose from on Etsy.

Plastic free tampons: All those applicators from every tampon you've ever used? Yep, they're still out there somewhere. Switching to ones without applicators is eco friendly as the tampon itself will biodegrade after about six months. Brands like Natracare offer plastic free tampons that are 100% cotton. Alternatively, if you find tampons difficult to use without one, Dame have created a reusable applicator which is fantastic idea.

Period pants: No we're not talking about the huge pair you hide at the back of the drawer when your period rolls around but underwear that is period proof. SheThinx is an amazing brand which creates underwear that can hold up to two tampons worth and are both washable and reusable (they also look nice too).

32.  Cotton Pads

They might feel insignificantly small in comparison to other polluters, but most females between the ages of 20-50 use roughly three a day, every day. Imagine seeing that amount used in a year stacked in front of you, it adds up to over 1,000 cotton pads! You can buy re-useable cotton pads which can be popped into the washing machine and used again on Etsy and in Urban Outfitters. Or make like your granny (or me!) and stick to a cotton or muslin facecloth.

33.  Cotton buds

Luckily for us there are so many biodegradable version of cotton buds now that there is no longer a need to purchase the plastic ones. We use them for so many things that they are hard to replace with an alternative, or anything reusable. Go eco instead and choose ones that aren't made from single use plastic.

34.  Razors

I’m mostly lasered, so have few body hairs left to remove as part of my beauty routine, but I do still shave every now and again. I’m pleased that I don’t use the wholly disposable razors which contain most plastic and are therefore most damaging, but  even my Venus with its replaceable heads still results in a lot of plastic back into the world. Wax strips are the same. And hair removal creams pump chemicals back into our water system. My top tip here would be to give up the wholly disposable razors for good and challenge the companies to come up with better solutions which don’t wreck the planet. If you can afford it, go laser and reduce the need for hair removal in the future.

A very old school option is a safety razor. Investing in one that is good quality, with a weighted handle will last you a lifetime. All you need to do is replace the blade, which is far less waste and as they are so sharp, do not need to be replaced as frequently. Key tip: take a tutorial on using these as there is a knack to getting it right (and not ending up with a bloodbath!).

Also:

35.  Check product ingredients – I’ll do a separate blog on which ones are most damaging, but check out Sarah Jossell online, she is a fab beauty editor and a real champion of eco and sustainable beauty.

36.  Go makeup free for one week each month.

37.  Limit the amount of water you use to brush your teeth. Turn off the tap!

38.  Make your own face cleanser and scrub. Again, Mrs R Ganics does great classes to help you learn to make your own cleanser. One good class will teach you a lifetime of products and tips! Personally, I love a bit of natural oil and warm water on a good old fashioned face cloth, you can’t beat it!

SECTION 5: COMMUTING AND TRAVELLING

39.  Buy a second-hand bicycle and start using it to commute everywhere.

40.  Take stairs over the elevator. This also doubles up as a booty workout of course.

41.  Use public transport. It’s also an excellent opportunity to catch up on reading and other things you couldn’t do if you were driving.

42.  Make Fewer Car Journeys - so many car journeys are, in fact, needless. Cars are responsible for emissions of air pollution and greenhouse gases. Choose to go without your car and walk or ride a bike or scooter to work, grab a train, bus or car pool with friends, or use ride share services to do your bit to reduce emissions into the environment.  Every little bit counts.

SECTION 6: SUSTAINABLE OFFICE OR WORKPLACE

43.  Go paperless

I’m proud to say we went paperless in our office between 2014-15 and we were collecting, re-using and recycling all single-sided paper before that from 2008. It’s incredible how many people and businesses still don’t do this! Shame on you! In a digital world, paper is mostly unnecessary in any business, so say no to unnecessary paper/posted invoices, receipts. Opt to have all your bills and bank correspondence sent via email and avoid printing tickets to festivals, events, concerts and flights when digital QR codes are available via your smart phone. In fact, get rid of your home printer. This will encourage you to seek a printer when you absolutely need it.

As for lights & electronics, the rules for home apply here too – switch off!

Sustainable baby items

44.  Switch to cloth diapers/nappies.

Sustainable gifting

45.  Save gift bags and boxes for future use.

46.  Give people experiences instead of things. (I’m a massive fan of this, as any of my friends, family and exes will attest!)

Sustainable lifestyle

47.  Spend more time outside. Plant a tree with someone, or for someone! Go for walk and talk meetings/catch ups instead of sitting eating food your body doesn’t need.

48.  Shared Reading: Borrow books from the library or swap with friends instead of purchasing them directly (even though it pains me not to support writers by saying this!) Also - read your favourite newspaper publications online instead of reading the paper versions.

49.  Adopt pets instead of buying them from a breeder. There are so many orphaned pets out there who need a family. And the same can be said for children!

50.  Recycle Medicines: Bring unused medicines back to the pharmacies who can recycle them efficiently (although many just incinerate them, which isn’t good). Have a sniffle? Carry around your own handkerchief instead of using disposable tissues.

BONUS BALL: Create a video, a slideshow or a blog post of how you implemented these ideas and publish them publicly to help spread the word. Follow cool sustainable people or organisations on your social to keep the topic front of mind and receive fresh ideas as often as possible.

FURNISH | WIPE A SMILE ON YOUR FACE...

Here at #TheFWords we are partial to a fancy doormat. I mean they clean your shoes, stop mud trailing through your home and they greet you every single time you step through the door so you might as well make it worth looking at, right?!

When I discovered these super-cute doormats at Red Candy I wanted them all (don’t worry, for once I was good and stopped myself at two…I mean obvs both doors should feel the fun-factor).
Finally it was time to say goodbye to the little brown mat that can probably be found on doorways across the country and say hello to these little beauties, the smoochiest door mats I ever did see. From wildlife to quotes to pretty designs these are a great pick me up after a hard day

The perfect first impression, guests (& delivery men/women alike) can’t help but smile and comment on my bright door display and every time I open my door I am greeted with something much cooler than the standard mundane beige mat (which is totally fine if that is your thing, but you all know I LOVE a bit of colour and so why should it not transgress to my front door mat as well?).

With so many designs in all shapes and colours you are guaranteed to find something a little of you…

(All items stocked by Red Candy. See the full range here - https://www.redcandy.co.uk/doormats)

FURNISH | AN INTERVIEW WITH SUPER CREATIVE GEMMA BAUDEVILLE

Just in time for Christmas, our editor Cathy caught up with NI export and super creative Gemma Baudeville who looks after some of the most chic shopping windows across the world…  Harrods? Check. Dior? Check, check, check!  

Gemma, tell us a little about yourself:

I’m Gemma, 34 years old and living in London. I’m very single (it’s impossible to meet men in this city!) but like it that way.

I grew up in Belfast and then Newtownards, in a naturally creative family, (we get it from my mum),  I have always been very committed to anything fashion - making quite a few bad sartorial decisions in my time! Right now I am Head of Creative Retail for Millington Associates – a design and production company in London specialising in creating brand experiences – creative moments to inspire consumers.  We work with the world’s biggest brands, Nike and Burberry are two of our biggest clients and  I personally manage the likes of Harrods and Christian Dior.

Where did you go to school/uni?

I went to Our Lady and St Patrick’s College in Belfast, and dramatically decided uni wasn’t for me 1 week before I was due to start. I had fallen out of love with Art at that point and the way it is taught in the curriculum. I don’t feel as though the opportunities in creative careers are discussed as widely as they should be and I found it all too traditional.

 Where do you live now?

I moved to London to pursue a dream 6 years ago, that dream was simply to make something of myself that my parents and I could be proud of and to wake up every morning wanting to go to work! I am living my dream now and loving it. And am glad to show that university isn’t always the path.

 Tell us the career path - what took you to where you are now?

I went from job to job trying to find my way, anything from a phone shop, a fashion retailer, to a bank, learning customer service as I went.

An old friend and previous manager called me to ask me to apply for Apple and that’s where my understanding of superbrands really developed. Living and breathing their ethos everyday was invaluable to what I do now, applying myself to a brand’s mindset. I never did it for the technology- I admire Apple and how they have made their mark.

I took the opportunity to move to London and I haven’t looked back - ready to forge my way back into a creative career, I spoke with various recruiters and kept turning down interviews in I.T. and finance until I landed in my dream role @ Millington Associates. I do genuinely believe the stars aligned for me somewhere and my graft was recognised. After 3.5 years at Millingtons, I am now Head of Department and sit on the Board of Directors – it can happen if you commit!

Any highs or lows in there?

So many! I wasn’t a traditional student, I guess I was a bit of a rebel in the eyes of my teachers as I didn’t want to follow the career paths they suggested for me. I had no one to turn to for advice on achieving ‘crazy’ dreams like becoming a textile designer or working in window creation. When I ditched Uni I felt like I was letting everyone down.

I do now think there was a path for me, I had to learn lessons along the way before I was ready for a job like I have now.

I think my proudest moment was standing on Hans Crescent outside Harrods this Christmas – it was 2am, pouring with rain, and I had just watched our Christmas Tree be lit up, our windows revealed, I had a pop up being installed for Dom Perignon and the grotto was knee deep in installation. It was 5 months of hard work but hey, did I achieve a dream come true!?  

Advice for anyone new starting out in this area?

Study the brands you want to work with, learn their aesthetic, what makes them tick, what makes them unique. Contact production companies like ours and show your passion – a well written email and CV goes a long way. What can you do to make yourself stand out? Start as crew/ an assistant and work your way into the area you want to be.

No job is too big or too small for any of us, I’ve climbed in many a window to fix some snow and made 1000 cups of tea but I will say this: DON’T WORK FOR FREE - you are a creative and you deserve to be paid for your work.

Favourite creative project?

Working in collaboration with Harrods and the paper artist Zoe Bradley we created a chandelier to hang high above the heads of Harrods visitors for their ‘Social Butterflies’ campaign.

This is a complex and nerve wracking task but it was a joy to work on, Harrods are a super supportive client and Zoe is an amazing artist, because of Harrods fire regulations Zoe couldn’t complete the design in paper so they commissioned us to create her work for the very first time. It looked sensational!

Best Christmas window ever? Not necessarily your own projects? (Or top 5 if you cant narrow it down)

I may be biased but I think Dior Parfum @ Harrods nailed everything we love about Christmas this year. I could feel the excitement building when it was being built in our studios and when I see people taking photos and videos outside Harrods my heart gets fuzzy! [Cathy: And this is how we connected, I did just that and shared a video of the Dior j’adior window in Harrods on 30 November!].  The whimsical nature of using paper like structures, the glint of gold, movement in the London Eye and for me the subtle gifting aspect is what Christmas windows are all about, white is unforgiving so the finish had to be perfect.  As a consumer I don’t want to take pictures of a window that feels product heavy, these windows perfected that- making the product a part of the magic. It evokes emotion in Londoners and visitors with the iconic buildings yet feels like that peaceful Christmas day in a city.

What are your top tips for decorating a chic home this Christmas?   

• Switch up your lights, add a few different size sets to really add magic. I have one set that twinkles and another that is static so it doesn’t feel as much like you are at a rave! The new style of little lights on a thread go a LONG way. I decorated huge blossom twigs with them to close in the living room and make it feel like a winter wonderland.

• If you are doing a colour theme, keep pictures of your already purchased decorations on your phone to marry up the colours, I bought one bauble that was way too pink in haste so that’s gone to the back of the tree! Switch up tone, I have some coral in there and then paler champagne.

• Buy a bauble every time you visit a new destination, your tree will be full of memories of good times and each decoration will tell a tale. I only started this recently but I am so excited for my tree in years to come. My parents’ tree gives us all that feeling of home due to the stories that hang from its branches.

• I’m hosting my first Christmas dinner at my gaff this year, and my table dressing has sent me in to over drive! I’m mixing up the metals and using winter foliage with tiny fairytale touches- toadstools are my mums favourite! Antique pattern bowls balance the modern with the traditional and I absolutely hate a cracker! (The hat has never fit me!)

• I learnt from my sister that eucalyptus makes a Christmas so fill your house with it, tie your napkins with a sprig and add it to the bows on your gifts. A few days before Christmas rinse your local florists of foliage and berries, add these into your tree for a really fresh look.

 There you go guys - get ready to sparkle!

Merry Christmas, love Cathy xo

FURNISH | Romantic and Cozy Living Room Ideas for Winter Season

As temperatures drop outside why not add some warmth into your home this winter. Our guest blogger Tracey Clayton shares her top tips for revamping your living space this season…

Cold weather, snow and grey sky – that doesn’t sound so inviting, right? But, a warm and comfortable living room where you come back after hard day’s work – that surely sounds delightful! You don’t need to spend big money to turn your living room into a comfortable area for hibernation during weekends. Even though it’s cold outside, you can add a few romantic and warm touches and turn your living room into a magical wonderland!

Light your living room

Along with low temperatures, snow and wind, winter is also known for grey days, when the sun is stubbornly hiding behind the clouds. That’s why you will need some extra lighting in your home. However, be careful not to use too many or too bright lights! Your living room should be like an oasis where you can relax, drink a cup of coffee and nibble on chocolate while you are watching your favorite movie on TV. Therefore, consider getting warm light bulbs or even put string lights close to your couch. String lights are not just New Year’s decorations – they can be a great way to set up the atmosphere for a romantic dinner with your sweetheart. And, if you want to make your living room more alluring, then light up a few candles too.

Celebrate the winter with DIY decorations

The Christmas tree and decorations are back in the box and you can’t help but feel a bit blue about it. Who says you have to take all the decorations down? Actually, you just need to adjust them a bit. Fake snowballs can look beautiful hanging in garlands over your firelight mantel or inside the basket on the table. Put some cinnamon sticks, pine cones and vanilla grains inside a Mason jar and you will have a timeless decoration with a wonderful scent for your table in the living room! Wrap a piece of cloth at the end of a fir branch, tighten it with a silver or gold ribbon and place those tiny ornaments on your shelves.

Bring in the softness

Nothing feels better than having your feet warm all day long. Underfloor heating is a great option, but just isn’t visually enough, right? If you have wooden floor tiles, then half the job is already done. Now all that is left to do is get yourself a few fluffy, soft round rugs and spread them all over the floor. The best part is that you will be able to sit on the floor as well and enjoy a glass of wine in front of the fireplace while you’re comfortably leaning on a couch.

Play with the colors

If your living room is painted white and you can see snowy hills from your window, it is time to break that frostiness with some colors! Get vibrant blue, red and gold pillows and spread them on your couch. Add a light beige, soft blanket at the edge of the couch so you could keep your feet warm while you are munching on popcorn and reading a book.

A piece of tradition

If you are a book lover and have quite an impressive collection on your shelves in the living room, then it’s time to give some final, traditional touch to it. Bring in an upholstered armchair and place it in front of your home library. You can make it even more beautiful by having a small pillow and a blanket in the same color close by. Once you choose a book for this afternoon, sit down, sip on warm tea and relax.

Knits all around

One of the things that remind us of winter and the holiday season the most is a knitted sweater, but who says that it has to end with that? Surround yourself with knitted stuff in your living room as well! Instead of an ordinary blanket, snuggle under a knitted one. When you are sitting in your armchair, rest your tired feet on a knitted pouf. And, by all means, wear your favorite knitted sweater!

Even though it feels that winter will last for eternity, it just isn’t so, and if you do all the things mentioned above then you may actually enjoy it and prolong that holiday atmosphere until spring comes around.

About the author:

Tracey Clayton is a working mom of three girls. She’s passionate about fashion, home décor and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.”

FURNISH | IKEA CLASSICS

IKEA’s latest collection celebrates some of its most iconic products from the 50s through to the 00s.

There’s nothing like a 1990s product being called ‘vintage’ to remind you how old you are, but when it’s a design classic by Swedish design giants IKEA, it’s cool with me. In IKEA’s new vintage-inspired collection, the brand’s designers have looked to past collections and design history from the 1950s through to the noughties as inspiration for future products and they’ve brought back fan favourites, updating them for today and encouraging people to reimagine their classics and keep them forever.

IKEA’s latest limited-edition collection embraces some of its most classic products including the KLIPPAN sofa (I have two here in the office!) and the LÖVBACKEN side table, which have stood the test time, in terms of both quality and design style, since they first came into the IKEA range many decades ago.  

The collection will have three launch moments - August, October and December - each of which will re-introduce iconic IKEA products in the style and design of certain decades and bring fan-favourites bang up to date.

Launching this August is the first stage of the collection, inspired by a ‘50s and ‘60s look. Some of IKEA’s very first iconic products were produced in this time including the first flat-pack product, the LӦVET (now LӦVBACKEN) side table. Other new products this month include the GAGNET armchair – the handmade product which was launched in 1958 when IKEA’s first store opened in Almhult, Sweden. The famous POÄNG chair and KLIPPAN sofa also get a makeover in August, with new covers and accessories, a ‘hack’ for the classics.

In October, the ‘70s and ‘80s design trends return with the RÅANE armchair, which launched in 1983 and challenged the traditional design of the armchair with its mesh material finish. The KLIPPAN will get new covers in vivacious red, yellow and blue to match the rest of the launch’s style.

The final stage of the “Re-imagined Classics” collection launches in December with the minimalist ‘90s and ‘00s, mixing untreated, blonde Scandinavian woods with graphic patterns. 

This was also the era when functionality came into play through hidden storage, for example with the IKEA PS 1995 storage bench for use throughout the home.

The “Re-imagined Classics” collection launches in three different stages from August to December and will be available in IKEA stores only. Check it out here:

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/ideas/classic-furniture-designs-reimagined-1364644638945/

FURNISH| HOW TO DEVELOP GOOD HOME TIDINESS HABITS

According to recent research one of the greatest sources of stress for many adults is the cleanliness of their homes, in fact an American study by the Huffington Post revealed that a whopping 81% of men and 87% of women felt their house was too cluttered. This has led to a dramatic increase in people opting to invest in storage units to store belongings that just don’t fit into their homes.

To help you de-clutter your home and feel more relaxed we have created these home tidiness habits that are not only super-easy but will also help bring some feng-shui back into your home (and you).

Getting Into a Routine

Perhaps the most effective way of ensuring that your house continues to stay neat is to get into the habit of regular cleaning, so keep in mind some of the routines of people who keep a tidy home. First thing in the morning, make your bed. When you’re cooking, scrub the dishes and put away any kitchen supplies you’re using so the sink doesn’t become a leaning tower of pots and pans. Then, afterward, turn on the dishwasher, and empty that dishwasher in the morning. Do laundry regularly. Dust and vacuum on a timetable. (Spot-clean one weekend, deep-clean the other one, and so on.) Finally, adhere to the cleaning principle that parents have been telling their children for generations: A place for everything, and everything in its place. And if it doesn’t have a place, throw it out.

Cleaning Your House

Now that you’ve adopted useful cleaning habits, make sure you’re doing them efficiently. Establish a cleaning regimen that you stick to. The tasks will vary for each part of your house. In the kitchen, soak the microwave trays in a pan of warm water, wipe down the appliances, and dust out the grit and crumbs from behind them. In the bedrooms, spray the mirrors with a glass cleaner, and dust those hard-to-get nooks and crannies of the furniture – the bedposts, the footboards, the windowsills, and so on. Then, throughout the house, after you mop and vacuum the floors, be sure to scrub the baseboards with a damp rag. Also, consider getting a Swiffer with an extendable handle that lets you reach up into the corners of the ceiling.

Tidying Up the Garden

For many people, their lawn or garden is the largest square footage of their property. So even if your home is all sparkling appliances and stainless appliances, you won’t feel like the space you live in is clean if the backyard is patched with mud and the driveway is cracked. Here are some tips to make the exterior of your home as spiffy as the inside. Clean the gutters and scrub the windows. Power-wash the side of the house to remove any grime. Pat down mulch around your garden to give it a clean, consistent look that will also help the plants pop with color.  And the moment you see a weed, bend over and pick it.

“Tidy house, tidy mind” is a phrase that’s been bandied around forever because it points out a truth: We are more relaxed when the space around us is neat and spare. The mental benefits of decluttering include better focus, lower anxiety, and the ability to separate what we want from what we need. In other words, discarding messes from our lives helps us let go of what we’re holding onto and steer forward into the future.

Author
Alice Robertson began her career in the home organisation industry as a professional house cleaner. After cleaning and organising her clients’ homes for years, she decided to open her own home organisation business. Over the years, she has built an impressive client list, helping to make spaces in homes and businesses more functional. She recently created tidyhome.info as a place to share the great cleaning and organizing advice she has developed over the years.

Image via Unsplash

FURNISH | DREAMIEST KIDS’ BEDROOMS EVER

Nearly all little girls dream of a perfect princess bedroom, right? Well I certainly did and all I got was pine bunk beds and a shared wardrobe with my big sister! But a gal can dream….. And I was taken back to my childhood dreams when I came across Circu, the ultimate luxurious brand for children’s bedroom furniture. The Portuguese brand creates unique, magical furniture with an exceptional design.

They cover every child’s fantasy - from princess beds to rocket ships and hot air balloon beds. Plus, each product can be customised to suit your child’s interests and tastes.  Imagine your child’s face walking into their newly designed bedroom which looks like something straight out of a fairy tale.

My favourite piece is the Little Mermaid shell bed which is inspired by Disney’s Princess Ariel. This is a unique item that will highlight the decor of any little girl’s room - I can only imagine the squeals of delight from Valentina if she walked in to find this in her bedroom! It is produced entirely in fiberglass, it sits atop rocks and features two round halves joined by a reinforced hinge area, which allows the structure to stand still without closing or sealing. The finishes are in a paint pigment with a pretty pearlised effect. The inside of this shell bed is pure magic and fantasy, featuring a small round mattress and a glowing colour-changing light coming from the top shell, turning it into a relaxing space and sensory environment.

As well as their amazing beds, Circu designs everything else you would need for your child’s room - from an amazing cosmo chandelier to a magical mirror/TV.  Just flicking through the catalogue has brought out my inner child! 

If you want to have a look for yourself (maybe don’t show your kids, they will want it all!) Check out the company’s website here: http://www.circu.net

FURNISH | ¡Arriba, Arriba!

Anticipation is growing for Frida Kahlo’s flagship V&A exhibition opening this summer (I am a massive fan and already have it firmly marked in my calendar…), so Mexico and Mexican motifs are firmly on my radar. Cinqo de Mayo marks the start of the summer season and offers the perfect excuse to look to the Central American country for dynamic decorating inspiration.  

We all know that super-sunny Mexico is known for hot temperatures, hot dishes, and hot, hot colours. Opting for a Mexican-inspired decor is a failsafe way to lift your winter-weary interiors, replacing staid Nordic noirs and minimalistic mid-century with vibrant vibes and a joyful positivity.

Cult Furniture is a perfect pit stop for bright furniture and fun home accessories required to catapult your home from Redcar to the Riviera Maya. Hot on my wish list is the Moda Rocking Chair in bright yellow. If details matter, then this chair definitely has it all! The ultra-bright yellow shell is placed on a criss-cross wire base with two solid-wood rockers creating a sophisticated and timeless piece that is every bit as stylish as it is relaxing! Oh and if you’re not quite ready to go all-in brights, you will be glad to know it also comes in a range of colours…

www.cultfurniture.com

PS – if you love Frida as much as I do, check out my previous Frida Kahlo post HERE

FURNISH | MAVERICK WITH FABRIC

In an era of all-beige and all-white interiors (or, if you’re me, all-grey), Swedish furniture and furnishings experts IKEA have partnered with Savile Row tailor William Hunt to create suits using IKEA textiles and fabric to encourage people to bring their personality and overall sense of style into their home with IKEA products. The really fab suits, (pictured below), are certainly  unique, and have been created using SOFIA, ROSENRIPS, NEDJA and KUNGSLILJA fabrics, which mirror existing products by the retailer including POÄNG chairs, STOCKSUNDT sofas and bedding. 

The Saville Row partnership comes hot on the heels of a new IKEA survey which shows NI as being one of the most confident regions in the UK when it comes to styling at home. In fact, 91% of shoppers in Northern Ireland are confident enough to express their personality in home interiors décor, making us the most confident region of the UK, with London proving to be the least (64%). However, those who were not so confident when it comes to decorating gave reasons such as not knowing how to include colour and patterns in the home that suit their style (64%) and not knowing what is on trend (10%). IKEA is now helping those who are curious about colour and particular about patterns to find out their personal every day style and bring it into their home, simply and affordably, using textiles.

Carol McSeveny, Textiles Leader, IKEA UK & Ireland who started her career in IKEA Belfast said: “We’re seeing an increasing number of people playing it safe when it comes to decorating and furnishing their home. But, when the home can act as a canvas for self-expression, why keep things beige and boring? People use fabric in fashion to show off their personality and we want people to replicate this in their home through textiles.” Carol continued; “We are excited to be working with William Hunt as he is the ultimate “maverick with fabric” and has demonstrated, through the IKEA suits, how textiles can be used to express yourself and your home”

William Hunt said: “I love the idea of people taking fashion and style and embracing it by taking it further into their homes. Our partnership with IKEA is important as we are encouraging the public to push themselves just a little, and to show off their character in their own homes. We create heroes out of ordinary men and women through our suits, and likewise the IKEA suits create heroes out of everyday textiles and furniture”.

If you’d like to take the maverick personality test, and get inspired by IKEA’s textile style feed, including watching the latest clever TV commercial, just visit Be a Maverick with Fabric online. Plus, a limited number of the stunning IKEA X WILLIAM HUNT suits will be available for the public to get their hands via an online competition on the IKEA UK website: www.ikea.com/gb/en/ikea/threepiecesuit     Entrants must simply answer a question about how they express their personality in the home to be in with a chance of winning. #wonderfuleveryday.