Oliver Heath creates an eco-chic bedroom

Oliver Heath creates an eco-chic bedroom

Eco-friendly designer Oliver Heath uses natural, reclaimed materials to create a tranquil bedroom.

Oliver Heath

House Beautiful\'s regular contributor Oliver Heath has a postgraduate diploma in architecture. A former designer on BBC\'s Changing Rooms, he now runs Blustin Heath Design, carrying out a range of design work. Oliver enjoys bringing eco-friendly design into people\'s homes.

Looking for eco-glamour

This room belongs to Samantha and Alex Radford, who had been looking for ways to create a relaxing space with a touch of glamour. The couple had considered decorating in a subtle palette of soft colours but weren\'t sure how to go about it in an eco-friendly way. We spend around a third of our lives in bed, so when it comes to thinking about an eco-style bedroom, high up on the list of priorities is making it both a healthy and nurturing space.

Eco-friendly paint

‘It\'s easy to create a healthier bedroom, think about reducing chemical toxins in the bedroom, too. Eco-friendly paints are now available that contain no harmful chemicals like synthetic pigments or solvents. Organic bedlinen and soft furnishings, which are produced without the use of pesticides or chemical processing are now more widely available, too, so there are plenty of alternatives\' says Oliver.

Add soft textures

A compact chaise longue makes an ideal spot for reading. Comfy seating in the bedroom means you can relax there any time of day.

19th-century covered linen French chaise longue, £1400, A&L Antiques. Faux driftwood small console, £98, Emily Readett-Bayley. Wooden chest of drawers, £795; white flower vases, £30 each; antique-effect tealight holders, £4.95 each; all Caravan Style. Large cushion, £20, Bhs. Mirande cushion in Ivory, £30, The White Company. Vintage linen sheet, £180, Parma Lilac. Candlestick holders, from £11; small bowl, £7.75; small storage jar, £16.75; all Sophie Conran at Portmeirion. Artwork from a selection at Virgin Vie At Home

Low-energy bulbs

‘Conceal low-energy lightbulbs in decorative lampshades or chandeliers. Make sure the light fitting you choose is suitable for the size of your lightbulb before you buy,\' says Oliver.

Lotus Flower Shade, from £60, Bhs

Revamp a vintage find

‘I found this reclaimed Edwardian wardrobe for just £40. I painted it, then added wallpaper to the door panels for visual richness,\' says Oliver.

Eltham Vine wallpaper in Sky Blue, £36 a roll, Sanderson. Large vintage suitcase, £85, Caravan Style. Museum chair, £275, Heal\'s

Subtle colour

Woven with fleece from traditionally reared alpacas, these cushions combine a cosy, natural softness with subtle colours, from £48 each, One Eco Home. The company researches its products to make sure they come from sustainable sources and avoid environmental damage.

Visit oneecohome.co.uk or call 0844 800 4114.

Spring clean your bed

Ensure a healthy night\'s rest with this Elite bed, £1775, from Vi-Spring. The company\'s mattresses are all made using 100 per cent natural materials such as lamb\'s wool, cotton and calico and its divans are made using timber from sustainable sources.

Visit vispring.co.uk or call 0800 592952.

Healthy walls

Claypaint, £24 for 2.5 litres, from earthBorn allows walls to breathe, preventing the build-up of damp. EarthBorn offers a range of eco-friendly paints.

Visit earthbornpaints.co.uk.