Nine ways to add eco chic in the home

Nine ways to add eco chic in the home

Create a relaxing and friendly living space for all the family with Oliver Heath\'s guide to adding eco chic

From tea to candles

Fill teacups with melted wax to make your own candles. Go for soya or palm wax, which won\'t give off sooty smoke when burned. Add a few drops of essential oils, like jasmine or lavender.

Nostalgic accessories

Use scraps of vintage fabrics. Old headscarves and ribbons will make unique patchwork cushions or throws.

Local and lovely

Look for furniture made in the UK. You won\'t use air miles to transport it and you\'ll be supporting local industry.

Timeless class

Choose well-crafted furniture in a timeless style. Classic looks will last and blend seamlessly with your home.

Image: Louise Body, taken from Oliver Heath\'s book Urban Eco Chic, £19.99, published by Quadrille 

Wooden wonder

Buy wooden homeware from sustainable forests. They\'re easy to find on the high street. Look out for a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) stamp.

Online finds

Source quirky and unique items on the internet. Online junk shops like Trainspotters have lots of unusual accessories and furniture.

Image: EcoCentric, 14 Bacon Street, London E1 6LF , taken from Oliver Heath\'s book Urban Eco Chic, £19.99, published by Quadrille.  

Character property

Retain the character of your home. Don\'t replace sash windows with PVCu - get someone to refurbish them.

Switch off

Save energy by taking TVs and stereos off standby. Argos stocks a master-plug extension lead, £29.99, that you plug all your equipment into and turn off using a remote control.

Light the way

Energy-saving bulbs can give off a glare. Oversized, warm-coloured fabric shades will create a subtle glow.

Click here to see Oliver Heath add vintage charm to a family living room