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Sustainable Interior Design

Savvy Sourcing For Sustainable Interiors

  • Stay Home. Stay Safe. Breathable Eco Paints For Sustainable Interiors You Can Trust

    2020 and 2021 have been the years when our homes have taken on a new meaning and purpose. When “sustainable” has become a growing word attached to almost everything to tap into the conscious consumer, but more so now in uncertain times sustainable has its own meaning- survival. When ”Staying in is the new going… Read More

    Stay Home. Stay Safe. Breathable Eco Paints For Sustainable Interiors You Can Trust

  • WHAT’S INSIDE? EARTH CHANGING SUSTAINABLE INTERIORS

    When sustainability is at core, interiors usually reflect values as much as external projects and charity initiatives. At Earth Changers’ destinations, so much is always going on with community, conservation and culture, usually highlighting Earth Changer’s partners’ outside places, people & purpose and so don’t often look at what’s inside. So I teamed up with The Sustainable… Read More

    WHAT’S INSIDE? EARTH CHANGING SUSTAINABLE INTERIORS

  • Happy Healthy Baby Bedding

    With the new Royal baby in the headlines, I thought I’d bring you my top selection of beautiful ethical sustainable baby bedding, that is kind to baby and the environment. Babies skin is far more sensitive than adults and being much thinner, it is lightly to absorb toxic chemicals far more easily. Therefore the importance… Read More

    Happy Healthy Baby Bedding

  • Eco-Kids Furniture

    These are my top picks of contemporary kids furniture companies who are using sustainable or recycled materials and doing good things to help others in the process of making furniture for children, which are not mass manufactured around the Globe, gimmicky and full of toxic chemicals. Scout & Fable  Inventively handcrafted from wood, London based… Read More

    Eco-Kids Furniture

Welcome

Our environment is experiencing profound transformation. Oceans are swimming in plastic, forests and woodlands have been plundered and flattened, ecosystems are being annihilated, and animal species are on the brink of extinction.

At this moment in time, when plastic reigns as king, it’s almost impossible to live a perfectly green lifestyle. True, many of us dream of ecologically friendly homes and interiors which promote non-toxic materials and feel-good finishes. But these dreams usually come with a hefty price tag. Despite this, we can all make a difference. By cultivating our vision, educating our communities, and innovating like never before, we become the change we always dreamed about – no matter how big or small.

For consumers, change starts in the home and the spaces we inhabit. Sustainability is not merely a lifestyle choice but a life essential. When we contemplate the manufacturing processes of every item we purchase, a new consciousness comes into play. Ask yourself this: would you rather buy an artisan product, made ethically and with passion, or one that was created using immoral practices and heartbreaking slave labour?

I started the Sustainable Interior Design blog to cut through the highbrow ‘green police elitism’ that often pervades the industry. I wanted to offer crucial information that was easily accessible by you — the change makers. We are only buds at this stage. But like all buds, beautiful blooms follow. Join us as we warm hearts and change minds, transforming our homes for a truly harmonious future. Alone we are one. Together we are powerful – the custodians of the planet and the spaces we inhabit. Let’s cultivate something authentic and amazing. Ready to make it happen?

Get In Touch …

 

Latest Posts

Stay Home. Stay Safe. Breathable Eco Paints For Sustainable Interiors You Can Trust

2020 and 2021 have been the years when our homes have taken on a new meaning and purpose. When “sustainable” has become a growing word attached to almost everything to tap into the conscious consumer, but more so now in uncertain times sustainable has its own meaning- survival. When ”Staying in is the new going out” the lifestyle vibe from the year before took a new turn with a worldwide pandemic and ” stay home” got us all looking within and more so to those magnolia walls or tired paintwork, in blissful lockdown. With that in mind and a big emphasis on paints that breath and don’t cause respiratory issues and allergens due to their volatile organic compounds, here are my top five eco paint companies, with every other colour other than magnolia of course for your sustainable interior design needs.

Cornish Milk Paints

What can I say about this Cornish discovery that ooze paint appeal, with a splash of Cornish charm complete with packaging as if straight off the milk float. Their ‘Cornish’ Inspired Mineral Paint, that has been formulated to replicate an old traditional milk paint finish, combining their Eco-Friendly and Vegan Mineral Paint formula. Made from 100% Natural Ingredients & Earth Pigments that do not contain any nasty chemicals or toxins, which damage our health and environment. In an earthy mix of colours to transport you to the magical landscape of Cornwall itself. My favourite Sea Pink after The flower ”Sea Pink” is a beautiful wild flower which grows around our famous Cornish coastlines. cornishmilkmineralpaint.co.uk

Reborn Paints

Reborn paints have a reliable no fuss go-to sustainable paint range and have for many years been dedicated to the formulation of environmentally friendly paints as a family business. When it comes to breathable paint for sustainable interiors and neutrals I love Reborn paint colour Chalk Stone, which is spot one colour wise and indeed I should know having lived on the South Coast and North Downs where chalk is prevalent. For those that like a vibrant colour palette then they have 28 colour shades to choose from including their eco-paint colour, Olive Oxide – a refreshing green and their Stone Blue a vibrant uplifting teal. rebornpaints.co.uk

Earthborn Paints

Earthborn clay paints have a luxurious mix of colours to choose from. Earthborn’s clay paint is virtually free of VOCs and other harmful emissions, being odour free, totally oil free and highly breathable, it also reduces dust and allergen build-up. For pink lover’s like me I love their Rosie Rosie a beautiful soft pink. For something a little more dramatic then why not try their Red Riding Hood, an earthy red that will be sure to create warmth and character to any room. earthbornpaints.co.uk

Little Greene

Little Greene’s eco paint range is a very English affair. Colours of England takes you on a nostalgic English journey of paint colours, with even their take on Magnolia in the colour mix. Their commitment to the protection of the environment saw them in 2004 as one of the first UK paint manufacturers to achieve the European environmental standard BS EN ISO 14001. Their water based paints have one of the industry’s lowest eco-rating, with VOC content now virtually zero. Meanwhile Little Green’s oil based paints have been delightfully reformulated using sustainable vegetable oils maintaining their quality and finish. For children their paints are toxic free opting for their Absolute Mat Emulsion, Intelligent Matt Emulsion and Intelligent Eggshell for furniture and woodwork. In fact I love their whole section devoted to child safe paints which come in a colourful choice children will love. littlegreene.com

WHAT’S INSIDE? EARTH CHANGING SUSTAINABLE INTERIORS

When sustainability is at core, interiors usually reflect values as much as external projects and charity initiatives. At Earth Changers’ destinations, so much is always going on with community, conservation and culture, usually highlighting Earth Changer’s partners’ outside places, people & purpose and so don’t often look at what’s inside. So I teamed up with The Sustainable Tourism provider Earth Changers  to get to the heart centre of trips and offer a designer’s view of some of Earth Changer’s partners’ souls.

Campi ya Kanzi, Kenya

A boutique sustainable eco safari run by the local Maasai community, which redefines luxury for a true sense of the real Africa, whilst preserving the natural habitat of the wildlife and supporting local Maasai people.

There is a sense of stepping back in time to a romantic bygone age of the African explorer, rather like a like a scene from Out of Africa. The safari eco lodges are made entirely from local materials, which embrace style and luxury.

Campi ya Kanzi Kilimanjaro view
Campi ya Kanzi twin tent
Campi ya Kanzi Kilimanjaro bathroom
Campi ya Kanzi Tembo House lounge

Campi ya Kanzi Tembo House loungeto warm wood and welcoming lounge fit for African explorers…

Campi ya Kanzi
Campi ya Kanzi Kilimanjaro tent

The large open windows and bare local wood construction give you a sense of being in a tree house. Ethical animals skins adorn the wooden floors and an expansive mural of the Masai landscape is a focal point, above wide four poster beds. The use of natural stone and wood blends effortlessly, with old safari camp gaslight style lanterns in the bathroom. The dining areas and lounge areas provide ever more luxury and comfort sympathetically designed using local materials and in an old worldly timeless style”.

Lapa Rios, Costa Rica

As a guest here, you have a real connection to the surrounding environment of the rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, sympathetically designed using natural, local materials enhanced to blend with the natural setting.

There is a sense of being at one with nature without foregoing any comfort.

All the senses have been considered to maximize the experience of each guest. Large open locally sourced wooden walled screens allow for panoramic views of the ocean and the canopy of exotic trees, to be experienced with all the senses and allow for natural ventilation.

Lapa Rios Costa Rica
Lapa Rios Costa Rica
Lapa Rios Costa Rica
Lapa Rios Costa Rica
Lapa Rios Costa Rica

Lapa Rios Costa RicaThe internal bathroom materials of granite, green walls and wood remind you that you are always at one with nature here.

Lapa Rios, Costa Rica

The beautiful locally sourced and crafted wooden floors and the full height wooden beamed ceilings enhance a sense of space to each eco bungalow at Lapa Rios. The feature handmade four poster wooden beds are sheer luxury, with airy sensual sheer white muslin canopies. Luxurious organic cotton bedding and locally made textiles, the colours and textures blending with the surrounding landscape. All of the handmade locally sourced wooden furniture, has simplistic organic shapes that are about appreciating the materials used. Guests step out onto a wide wooden private deck to experience the breathtaking views, sights and sounds of the ocean, rain forest and birds. Each is complete with its own lounge furniture all made from locally sourced materials. What could be better than an open air outdoor shower, with planting, designed for complete privacy, in lush lime green surrounded by rainforest? An amazing experience in itself. The internal bathroom materials of granite, green and mesh walls and wood remind you that you are always at one with nature here, with all energy harnessed from the elements in this enviable position: solar water heating and wind from the ocean to pump and produce power. Lighting is simplistic and creates a wonderful ambiance at night with the shimmering moonlight sky from the panoramic ocean sky.

Click here for more information and to enquire about Lapa Rios > 

Jicaro Island, Nicaragua

What could be more idyllic than escaping to a totally sustainable tropical island getaway, in your very own two storey eco lodge? “Built using local materials, each casita blends effortlessly into the surrounding landscape of exotic trees at the edge of the lake.

There is a true sense of experiencing nature from each of the architecturally well-designed eco lodges, raised high above the ground to encompass the elements in full natural glory, and like being in a spacious treehouse.

Jicaro Island Ecolodge
Jicaro Island Ecolodge
Jicaro Island Ecolodge
Jicaro Island Ecolodge
Jicaro Island Ecolodge

Jicaro Island EcolodgeYour private deck area is high in the trees providing natural shade, glorious views and connection to nature and the lake from your own hammock.

Jicaro Island Ecolodge

The interiors have a sense of space and design. Fascinatingly, the interior of each eco lodge has furniture made from the salvaged wood from Hurricane Felix in 2007. The locally-sourced FSC alliance certified tropical hardwoods used in the construction are aesthetically pleasing utilizing natural light, space and materials in harmony with each other, and the simple furnishings of white and green compliment the colours of the natural surroundings. The private deck area of each lodge is high up in the trees providing natural shade, with glorious views and connection to nature and the lake from your own hammock. The ambient dining experience, has furniture beautifully and simplistically constructed from locally sourced wood for comfort. Outdoor dining is enhanced by the glorious views”.

Click here for more information and to enquire about Jicaro Island Ecolodge >

Chumbe Island Coral Park

The go-to destination for lovers of the ocean, Chumbe Island is the world’s first private Marine Protected Area and coral Park. Each beach bungalow is designed with surreal organic shapes that reflect the local boat building tradition and soar above the sky, connecting you to the ocean.

There is a sense of being a real life Robinson Crusoe here in your own handmade constructed boat-shaped beach bungalow.

Chumbe Island Coral Park
Chumbe Island Coral Park
Chumbe Island Coral Park
Chumbe Island Coral Park

Chumbe Island Coral ParkLet down the front of the Banda bungalow for your ocean views!

Chumbe Island Coral Park
Chumbe Island Coral Park
Chumbe Island Coral Park

The blues and yellows used for the interiors reflect the surrounding colours of the ocean and beach, with local folk art creating a sense of place with the local culture and traditions here. The blue screeded floors give a sense of floating in a boat on an azure ocean, with driftwood furniture, with its naturally forming shapes to create interest. The open outdoor bathrooms in organic shapes allow light and nature to be fully experienced, with modern white sanitaryware and natural grey tones that complement the driftwood used. Views are architecturally framed from the semi upturned boat-shaped dining area which connects you to the ocean, ambiently lit with candlelight.

Click here for more information and to enquire about Chumbe Island Coral Park >

Checkout Earth changers fabulous destinations and travel experiences  www.earth-changers.com

Happy Healthy Baby Bedding

With the new Royal baby in the headlines, I thought I’d bring you my top selection of beautiful ethical sustainable baby bedding, that is kind to baby and the environment. Babies skin is far more sensitive than adults and being much thinner, it is lightly to absorb toxic chemicals far more easily. Therefore the importance of natural chemical free bedding is recommended. Thankfully there are some great choices on the market now to choose from, since the days of polyester and terry towelling. Here is a roundup of my favourites.

Bubbaboo

Bubbaboo uses sustainable bamboo for its fun swaddling blankets that are silky soft and breathable. In a range of playful designs to choose from.The perfect fabric for safely swaddling a baby to sleep. The bamboo swaddling blankets also hold anti-bacterial and thermo-regulating properties, preventing overheating and discomfort whilst also helping to draw moisture away from the body.  Bamboo is an all-natural material that contains naturally occurring antimicrobial properties making it healthy for us and non-toxic for the planet. As all new mums will testify having a multi-use cover on hand that is easy to clean is a must have, Bubbaboo’s bamboo swaddle blankets make the perfect cover for nursing mums, as a burp cloth and stroller sun cover blanket.

bubbaboo.com

ImageSource@bubba-boo.com

The Bamboo Baby Company

The Bamboo Baby Company supply sustainable baby bedding and linens made from 100 % organic bamboo viscose, softer than cotton and naturally breathable to regulate baby’s temperature. Bamboo also has natural antibacterial properties and being good for the environment in its growing process. I love the colour combinations in baby pink and blue. They are presented in a Fairtrade drawstring bag, a nice touch if you are giving one as a gift. They also manufacture a cot bed made from chemical-free sustainable bamboo wood.

thebamboobabycompany.com

ImageSource@thebamboobabycompany.com

Little Green Sheep

Love the simple no thrills ethos of Little Green Sheep who create beautiful natural nursery products for little people, that are free from chemicals. They are the creators of the first Award Winning organic baby cot mattress and also have some great bedding. Little Green Sheep’s natural organic mattress offers support, with a springy coconut coir and super soft cotton, and Wool. Breathable and anti-allergenic, wool is the perfect ingredient for cot mattresses. It’s also a little known fact that Wool is naturally fireproof, meaning every Little Green Sheep mattress passes UK and European fire regulations without the use of any chemicals. With the risks to health from fire retardants to furnishings added to many products unlabelled, Little Green Sheep have done their research to bring a cot mattress that is free from any nasties for a healthy growing baby. Naturally Hypoallergenic, their Wool mattresses also absorb and disperse moisture away, creating a clean, dry environment that’s resistant to dust mites & bacteria growth. Also naturally breathable and a natural insulator, wool helps baby stay cool in the summer & warm in the winter; important as babies can’t regulate their own body temperature until 2-3 months old. Little Green Sheep also do a selection of organic natural bedding and mattresses protectors that are really are worth checking out as a new mum.

thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

ImageSource@thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

Piccalilly

These cute jersey cotton coot sheets sets by Piccalilly also come in a handy drawstring bag and make great new baby gifts. In a selection of colourful print designs from ladybirds, steams trains to elephants and rainbows, they are sure to delight. They have won a Junior Magazine award. 100 % Certified Soil Association Cotton and GOTS Certified and manufactured in the UK.

piccalilly.co.uk

Imagesource@piccalilly.co.uk


Eco-Kids Furniture

These are my top picks of contemporary kids furniture companies who are using sustainable or recycled materials and doing good things to help others in the process of making furniture for children, which are not mass manufactured around the Globe, gimmicky and full of toxic chemicals.

Scout & Fable 

Inventively handcrafted from wood, London based designer and dad, Leo O’Callaghan of Scout & Fable, designs and makes imaginative, functional early years interactive children’s furniture, with a modern retro look. Furniture prices are very reasonable and range from £50 upwards. I especially love this custom Treehouse Bunkbed with its storage. www.scoutandfable.com

Team 7 

Team 7  make environmentally friendly kids furniture made from solid wood, certified for their ecological and sustainable production methods. My favourite piece is this desk a simple and well designed piece, in my opinion. A fabulous desk for children and teenagers, as it adapts into a drawing board, as well as the height of both the legs and top may be increased, making it very functional with a child’s growth. With plenty of space for storage.  They also do adaptable children’s furniture from nursery to teenage years, so are worth checking out. www.team7.co.uk

Bunny and Clyde

Another company with great ethics, design and quality, made in the UK are Bunny and Clyde. They pride themselves on using only sustainably forested solid wood and birch ply to make their functional luxury kids furniture. All the finishes they use are guaranteed to be 100% non-toxic, all natural and environmentally and baby friendly. They also offer a bespoke furniture and interior design service, as well as organic mattresses and bedding from baby upwards. I especially like the ‘three in one cot’ Coco design that adapts with a child’s growth, from a cot to early years bed to a teenage daybed. www.bunnandclyde.com

 

Ecobirdy

Netherlands based Ecobirdy have come up with a design solution for recycled plastic that is a prolific problem. They highlight that 90 % of toys made from plastic have a  six month lifetime and 500 plastic bottle caps to make a standard plastic toy and 80% end up in landfill. They have an interactive educational program with schools to help kids learn about plastic waste and get involved in collecting and recycling plastic waste to be then be turned into products. They have many awards for their innovation and eco-design and have a permanent Exhibit in the V & A Museum of Childhood. This is a design company dealing with the  C21st catastrophe of plastic pollution. Made from 100% recycled plastic. All of ecoBirdy’s products are made of ecothylene®. An innovative material – developed by ecoBirdy – that separates the recycled plastic by colour. This gives every product an original and unique look. Children’s furniture which is very tactile and collectable. www.ecobirdy.com

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Things to look out for and ask for are when sourcing children’s furniture :

‘Greenwashing’ – there will be much of this now as every company claims it is eco-friendly or sustainable. Do your homework. Yes it is hard to know the origin or process when Little Johhny’s Formula One painted car bed looks so fabulous and you could be told its made from sustainable wood, child-friendly paints etc. The Key is to buy honest materials and look for transparency if the company does not carry certifications. However, do keep in mind that many young companies or small independent designer, makers do not have the financial resources for certifications, so common sense must prevail.

Low VOC paint or finishes for painted furniture if you can, like Earthborn Paints, Reborn, Little Greene , Organic Natural Paint Company are few. Their VOC paints are well below the EU regulations of 30g/L.

What are VOCs you ask? They are nasty, you cannot see them they are invisible, their full name is Volatile Organic Compounds, which are organic chemicals that have a high vapour pressure even at normal room temperature. So effectively a room can become a sealed toxic box you are living and breathing in, to put it bluntly. Other nasty off-gasses and chemicals are listed at the end and their symptoms.(2) Hard to avoid especially as off-gases give off toxic gases upto 5 years from new sometimes more. So buy VOC free or low VOC paints, coverings, organic fabrics and materials. Watch out for sealers and sealants. There’s no point putting in a natural floor if you’re bunging on a chemical toxic sealant to that floor for instance, same applies to worktops. Mattresses, cushions, pillows, sofa filling go for natural. For example-wool and natural fibres like 100% cotton have a natural fire retardant. Years ago mattresses and sofas were made like this. There are companies that do and they are good for your health and the environment and they last.

MDF: Consider that fun kids furniture is often made from MDF due to its versality. However, the bonding agent is melamine urea-formaldehyde, phenolic resins and polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (PMDI) highly hazardous to humans*.

A  few Articles you may wish to read on the high health risks of MDF. It was banned everywhere but the UK interestingly and the feel good interior TV programmes made us all crazy for using it in interiors and thus it has been used widespread especially kids furniture.

**Dated Feb. 2019 Factual Evidence on The Harm to Health From MDF

  https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/feb/09/mdf-furniture-toxic-fumes-formaldehyde

Report Dated 2013

http://wpif.org.uk/uploads/mdf%20the%20wonderboard%20sept%202013.pdf

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/formaldehyde/formaldehyde-fact-sheet

Report saying MDF is safe to use: http://wpif.org.uk/uploads/mdf%20the%20wonderboard%20sept%202013.pdf

*There is, however, Zero Formaldehyde MDF on the market, so ask, if you are employing the services of a designer/ builder / contractor. 

I want to see clearer labelling and transparency on all products brought into the home and the built environment, from the manufacturing of those products and those bought off the shelf and I urge you to add your concerns to a new enquiry, not just about kids furniture or furnishings, but all products that are part of the indoor build environment: at home, in schools and offices. Off-gasses from furniture, furnishings, flooring and wall coverings, appliances and the risk to health is not made up or scaremongering, it is very real. Even Breast Cancer UK is calling for this regarding ‘fire retardants’ alone in this (report)**. I am personally astonished having worked in the industry how cavalier professional interior designers and tradesmen are around this. The desire for how things look has had a greater cost to the environment and the public’s health and in my opinion, this has to change. Interior designers and decorators are not regulated probably in the UK and this also must change as the trust element is open to abuse.

30 th April 2019: The Environmental Audit Committee launches an inquiry into the impact of toxic chemicals in everyday life on human health and the environment. The inquiry will focus on how toxic chemicals are used in everyday products, such as furniture, food and toys, current government regulation of these substances, and the environmental and human health problems associated with them.

http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/environmental-audit-committee/toxic-chemicals/oral/101403.html

***https://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/uploads/Background_Briefing_Flame_retardants_21.9.17.pdf

***For Indoor Environment Testing you go to BRE 

Other nasty off-gasses and chemicals (2)

Formaldehyde is a colorless chemical with a strong odor that is commonly found in pressed-wood products,MDF, glues, adhesives, plywood, fabrics, and product coatings. The National Cancer Institute states that side effects from short-term exposure include: watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation. Long-term exposure could mean cancer, since formaldehyde is also classified as a human carcinogen.

Acetaldehyde is a chemical used in the production of perfumes, polyester resins, dyes, rubber production and as a leather tanning agent in production. It is classified as a probable human carcinogen. Side effects include: irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.

Benzene found in detergents and dyes used on some furniture. Used as a solvent for waxes, resins, and plastics and in the manufacturing process of furniture.Side effects include: drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, irritation of eyes, skin, and respiratory tracts, blood disorders including reduced numbers of red blood cells and aplastic anemia, adverse reproductive effects on developing fetuses, and increased leukemia incidence.

Vinyl Acetate is a chemical used in the production of polyvinyl, adhesives, paints, films, and lacquers. Most of its effects involve the respiratory system, and include coughing and inflammation.

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), a category of toxic flame retardants, used in sofas and mattresses. It accumulates in the environment, in breast milk, and “biomagnifies” in the food chain. It can also be transported long distances and remains persistent in its environment. It has been known to have adverse reproductive, developmental, and neurological effects.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is used in carpets, leathers and upholstering to make them waterproof and stain-resistant. Nasty as it accumulates in the environment and you. It stays in body for upto 4 years and longer where it causes: liver toxicity (hypertrophy, necrosis, and effects on the metabolism and deposition of dietary lipids), kidney toxicity, and developmental effects (survival, body weight changes, reduced ossification, altered puberty, and retarded mammary gland development), and cancer.

Trichloroethylene is a VOC used as a solvent in dry cleaning and metal degreases. Classified as a known human carcinogen. Side effects include: adverse effects on developing fetuses, light-headedness, drowsiness, headaches, and effects in the liver, kidneys, immune system and central nervous system.

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in flame retardants, they come out of foams, plastics, and fabrics and pollute the air, while also accumulating in the environment. Health Risks: Adverse neurobehavioral effects

Phthalates chemicals used in many products, from plastics to tablecloths to furniture. Found in floor tiles, furniture upholstery, carpet backings and packaging. Health risks: They are considered major endocrine disruptors that interfere with natural hormone regulation and production. They can affect development in children, resulting in changes in male hormone production, altered sexual differentiation, and changes to reproductive organs. In addition, prenatal exposure to some phthalates has resulted in deformities of the genitals and anus.

Perchloroethylene used for dry cleaning fabrics. Side effects include: kidney dysfunction, neurological effects and behavioral changes, impairment of coordination, dizziness, headaches, sleepiness, and unconsciousness. Long-term exposure has been associated with several types of cancer including bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Welsh Wool Weaver’s Melin Tregwynt – Keeping the Welsh Tradition Alive. Sustainable Interior Fabrics Made in Wales.

Image credits @melintregwynt.co.uk

With so much focus this London Fashion Week on sustainable fabrics in fashion, I thought I would share one Welsh Wool Weaving Mill in Wales who are producing beautiful timeless woven Welsh Wool fabrics for interiors as well as fashion – Melin Tregwynt.

Image credits @melintregwynt.co.uk

Having spent lots of happy days in Wales as child exploring the magical Welsh landscape – the Welsh storytelling and rich tapestries have always interested me. There were once hundreds of Welsh wool weavers in Wales, where local sheep farmers would bring raw wool fleeces to be processed and woven into beautiful fabrics each one unique.

Image credits @melintregwynt.co.uk

Sadly over the years the tradition has declined. However, Melin Tregwynt, a three generation family business are keeping the Welsh heritage of wool weaving alive through the production of their beautiful Welsh wool woven fabrics. They are now consciously sourcing local Welsh wool for their production, after the political constraints of sheep farming that meant wool was being shipped from New Zealand and Australian farms back to Britain for production. A rather crazy scenario when Wales, like other areas of Great Britain has the perfect terrain for sheep farming. Thankfully with the help of HRH (Prince Of Wales) The Cambrian Mountains Initiative (CMI) has created Cambrian Mountains Wool – an initiative to reconnect local Welsh sheep farmers, designers and wool manufacturers like Melin Tregwynt.

Image credits @melintregwynt.co.uk

Melin Tregwynt’s ‘Tapestry’ Collection combines vibrant colours of traditional Welsh Tapestry patterns. Originally every Welsh weaver had their own pattern. Tapestry patterns that are timeless and tell a story are created by two layers of fabric that are woven one above the other, interchanging at points forming ‘pockets’, and enabling bold areas of pattern to be created. Historically, a strong 2-ply yarn was used to weave these fabrics and this, combined with the double cloth structure, produced a practical and hard-wearing fabric.

Image credits @melintregwynt.co.uk

Upholstery and furnishing fabric swatches can be ordered through their website and they do special commission projects, having worked with Mulberry, Margaret Howell, Tate and Heals. They also have an online store where you can order cushions, throws, and blankets, lighting, tableware.

Image credits @makeitbritish.co.uk

Few Reasons Why Wool Is The Perfect Fabric For Sustainable Interiors

*It naturally has a very tensile structure, so has a great longevity for interior fabrics. 

*It is very eco-friendly – in production as it uses less energy and British sourced wool means there are no need for imported cottons reducing the carbon emissions & footprint in its production.

*100% natural and biodegradable.

*Wool is a healthy interior fabric for carpets and interior furnishings because it stores away pollutants in the air (VOCS) more so than any other fabric. 

*Naturally It is fire resistant and fire retardant.

Links:

melintregwynt.co.uk

http://museum.wales/wool

http://cambrianmountainswool.org

Image credits @melintregwynt.co.uk


OLIVER HEATH DESIGN

Oliver Heath Design are experts in Biophilic Design & its benefits to Health and Well Being

Oliver Heath Design is a sustainable architecture and interior design practice focused on improving health and well being in the built environment. They specialise in creating more productive, happier and healthier spaces to live and work in, by improving the human connections to nature.

HOW CAN THEY HELP YOU?

  • Spatial Design Services: They offer full interior and architectural design services benefiting a range of spaces including workplace, hospitality, education, exhibitions, residential & retail environments.
  • Consultancy Services: They offer industry expertise & insightful research based services including trend forecasting, seminars, workshops, pre & post-occupancy studies on Biophilic Design & well being.
  • TV, Media & Communications: With an established media profile – working with the BBC, Channel 4 & National Geographic Channel – Oliver is able to deliver broadcasting, public speaking and editorial skills for a variety of live and pre-recorded activities.
  • Product Design: Oliver Heath Design works with existing brands to develop new products for domestic & commercial environments, that enhance sustainability, health and wellbeing

Oliver Heath Design’s human centred design incorporates Biophilic Design principles to deliver tangible and financial benefits to the triple bottom line of people, planet and profits.

Biophilic Design uses human’s innate attraction to nature and natural processes to improve the many spaces we live and work in. Key aspects include improving natural light, improving views onto nature, incorporating natural materials, textures & patterns, ventilating spaces and creating restorative spaces.

Through strengthening the human connection with nature we can deliver significant benefits to the health and well being of the many spaces we live and work in with a research led approach and demonstrable results.

(Images Copyright Permission c/o of Oliver Heath Design)

www.oliverheath.com

E2 ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIORS

Founded in 2007, E2 have established a  reputation for designing beautiful and innovative buildings. E2 take pride in achieving distinctive designs of outstanding quality that enhance and add value to homes, businesses and developments.

E2 are approachable, open minded architects and technicians. They will help you create buildings and spaces that are comfortable, enjoyable and life enhancing.

“Our approach to each project, big or small, starts from the same position; objectivity, respect, care and attention. In our work we seek to empower progress through a collaborative approach with our clients. We strive to exceed expectations of the value great architecture can bring to a project.”

Whether for a new build one-off house, multiple unit mixed use buildings, or for creating striking contemporary interventions to heritage and Grade Listed buildings, their expertise lies in merging innovative contemporary architecture with high performing energy efficient building techniques and sympathetic restoration to bring you a building which is greater than the sum of its parts.

E2 were recently shortlisted for BD online’s Young Architect of the Year Awards 2016, named winners in Evening Standard’s ‘New Home Eco+ Living Award’, commended in the British Homes Awards in 2015 and voted Top UK Eco Home in The Guardian with our flagship project, The Pavilion, a project which proves that:- eco can be sexy!

E2

E2 Architecture and Interiors

www.e2architecture.com

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