Oliver Heath shares his passion for eco design

How to achieve eco chic in the home and the future of eco design

House Beautiful's regular contributor, Eco designer Oliver Heath runs his own design consultancy Blustin Heath Design as well as EcoCentric, an online store that specialises in ethical and eco-friendly homewares and gifts. With the launch of his new book Urban Eco Chic, Oliver explains to Karen O'Grady how we can achieve eco chic in our own homes and what constitutes the future of eco design.

 

 

 

Q: Where did your passion for eco-living and design come from?

A: I grew up in Brighton playing every summer on the seashore which gave me a passion for the sea. At 18 I became a windsurfing instructor and taught people how to respect nature in order to take care of themselves whilst at sea. These experiences and lessons added to six years at architecture school (Oxford Brookes and the Bartlett, University College,) combining my passions for the environment with those of the built environment. I became interested in the ideas of architecture and design that worked with nature rather than constantly struggled against it - and so the birth of Eco Chic!

 

Q: What are the basic principles of Urban Eco Chic in the home?

A: There are three principles that need to be in balance to create the contemporary style that is as good to live with as it is for the environment - these are Technology, Nature and Vintage. It's a style that balances form and function so that homes are eco-friendly, and express character and identity.

 

Technology
Technology is an exciting area that is constantly developing; becoming smaller, better, faster and importantly more efficient. Embracing all that technology has to offer will allow us to make our lives less wasteful, more efficient and to gather more of what occurs naturally around us - such as renewable energies from the sun, wind earth and sea.

 
Nature
Nature is an essential component to our lives and one we sometimes take for granted. It should be remembered that we are not master of nature but part of it. The use of natural materials not only brings textural sensuality to the home, but also allows us to choose sustainable and naturally renewable materials - ones whose impacts onto the environments, if responsibly managed will have a reduced impact on the environment. Better for us, better for the planet...brilliant!

 
Vintage
The term vintage is an umbrella term that opens us up to the glamorous worlds of the antique, the ingenuity of reuse, and even the excitement of flea market finds. It's about making the most of what we have already produced, and finding new ways of using these pieces  But more than just finding new ways of using old things its about using the sense of style that the object posses, about borrowing from its past to add to your own.

 
These three corner stones of Eco Chic; Technology, Nature, and Vintage can be interpreted in a number of different ways and can help you solve style and functional dilemmas when trying to create your own eco home and lifestyle.

 
Q: Can anyone achieve Urban Eco Chic at home?
A: Yes, it's a style that's open to interpretation an offers the chance for real personalisation through the use of nature and particularly vintage. It may take a little more time and research but the results will create a better home to live in, that will cost you less and reduce your homes impact on the environment. I don't think it gets better than that!

 

Q: What materials are best to use in the home?
A: I would always advocate materials that don't let off gas toxins - many such as formaldehydes, volatile organic compounds, phthalates and brominated fire retardants are now found commonly in our homes. Although the impacts of these chemicals vary, they can create breathing difficulties, some are hormone disruptors and they can affect allergies and asthma. Urban Eco Chic is about creating better environments both inside and outside of homes. Natural paints such as Earthborn paints offer wall coverings without the volatile organic compounds of conventional paints that let off gas which can create breathing difficulties.

 

Q: Where do you recommend people look to buy vintage furniture for the home?
A: Look at antique shops, junk shops, markets and car boot sales. The latter often can offer some real bargains. But it's also worth looking online, whether its auction sites or just virtual salvage yards.

 

Q: Is there an easy first step people can take to achieve a green home?
A: It's easy to reduce your electricity bills by changing your light bulbs to energy saving bulbs. Take a look at www.est.org.uk for more energy saving tips

 

Q: What are the most common ways people waste energy in the home?
A: Leaving appliances on standby, not turning taps off and not insulating attic spaces. Even simple drafts can account for up to 15% of the heat loss from your home.

 

Q: What inspires your design today?
A: I'm inspired by nature and the incredible ways it solves problems through evolution. My family also challenge me to find solutions for a better way of living that won't impact on the environment tomorrow.

 

Q: Do you have a favourite eco-design?
A: I love the Trans Glass range or recycled glass vases designed by Dutch designer Tord Boonjte, that we sell at EcoCentric. He has designed a range of vases, jugs and candle holders from recycled wine bottles - without a doubt eco classics for the future. To view the glassware range, click here...

 

Q: What's the future for eco-design in the home?
A: Our homes will need to step up to the challenge that we are facing through climate change. We need to create better homes that are more comfortable, use less resources, have less toxins and cost us less to run. Our homes and lifestyles don't need to be compromised by the effects of global warming, on the contrary they can be happy, nurturing better places to live.

 
Urban Eco Chic by Oliver Heath, published by Quadrille is available to buy at www.ecocentric.co.uk, £19.99.

Special discount for Allaboutyou readers
Readers of Allaboutyou.com can buy Urban Eco Chic by Oliver Heath, published by Quadrille (ISBN 9781844006182) at the special price of £16.99 (normally £19.99) with free p&p. To order please call direct on: 01256 302699  Quoting ref: 1EM and have your credit details ready.

 
To see Oliver Heath's eco-home makeovers and style tips, click below...

Nine ways to add eco chic to the home


Give a living room vintage charm


Oliver Heath creates an eco chic bedroom


Oliver Heath makes a bland conservatory beautiful