Easy eco updates for the home

Follow eco-chic designer Oliver Heath’s clever ideas to give old furniture and fabric a new lease of life

Cupboard love

Sometimes all it takes is a simple lick of paint to transform a tired piece of furniture into something smart. Before you start, clean the surface then sand it lightly to give the paint greater adhesion. For a smooth finish, try using a clay paint that's low in toxins and apply with a roller. A clever trick is to paint the unit in a shade that's lighter or darker than the surrounding wall colour. That will make it feel like it really belongs in the space. Not only will it reduce your environmental impact by keeping perfectly good furniture out of the dump, you can take the piece with you when you move.

 

Simple linen curtains

There's something about the quality and weight of vintage linen that's incredibly appealing. And it's easy to transform plain linen sheets into a stylish window dressing with just a few skills. You might want to
sew a decorative trim along one edge of each panel. Then hang them at your windows using curtain clip rings, and the fabric will softly filter light into your room, creating a romantic and delicate feel.

 

 

 

Make new from old

I'm always picking up fragments of vintage fabric from markets and using them to make cushion covers. Don't throw away old buttons. Collect them in a jar, as they're a great way to add character to your cushions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Create a sparkling display

I love collecting things, especially when they're simple and functional, like these cheese graters, which have been reinvented as tealight shades. They're effortless but brilliantly effective, and all your friends will be impressed by your ingenuity.

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