Houseplants and terrariums are great ways to bring some low-maintenance greenery into your home. Plants positioned on shelves and incorporated into your interior scheme will uplift the room. Design objects in their own right, houseplants are right at home in any room.
From bedrooms and living spaces to kitchens and bathrooms, a well-positioned houseplant will never go amiss. We spoke to Emma Sibley from London Terrariums to find out her top tips for looking after your houseplants.
Where do I position my terrarium?
Terrariums like to be kept out of any direct sun or heat. This is because the glass can act as a magnifying glass so any intense sun can quickly burn the plants. We suggest a bright spot away from south-facing windows and not on heated floors as this can also cook plants. As you’re dealing with living things, the plants need a certain amount of sun so they can photosynthesise. So make sure they’re in a room with natural light.
What if my home is short of natural sunlight?
The plants that we use in terrariums are all plants that like a low light anyway. But if you really don’t have much natural light, place for terrarium in the sunniest spot you have. If this still isn’t enough, you can supplement with grow lights or LEDs that simulate the rays of the sun.
How much should I water my terrarium?
When we have finished making your terrariums we give them a few sprays of water. After this our motto is ‘if in doubt, do not water’. The beauty of closed terrariums is that they generate water themselves.
As the plants photosynthesise, the heat and oxygen created condensate on the inside of glass causing stare droplets. This helps to create a really high humidity - the perfect environment for these tropical plants. You should see small water droplets gathering on the inside of the glass.
As long as you continue to see these over the next months and years then there is no need to water. If you’re worried that your terrarium is looking a little sorry then you can always introduce a little more water. Spritz it with one or two sprays from a spray bottle. It is so easy to over-water terrariums so steer clear from pouring any water in.
Is plant food necessary for houseplants and terrariums? If so, what kind?
For terrariums, plant food is not necessary, you want the plants to grow slowly and stay small. However, I would always suggest using plant food for your houseplants in spring when they all start growing again.
How regularly do I need to change houseplant pots?
Changing pots really depends on which plants you are dealing with. But once every two years for most medium houseplants should be fine. Smaller ones may need to be changed every year to ensure they don’t get root bound. You can tell is something is root bound when the roots start growing out the bottom of pots.
When houseplants get a bit larger they won’t need changing as often. You can just top up the top layer of compost with fresh compost to restore some of the nutrients. However, if you notice the plant getting bit top-heavy or root-bound then it may be worth re-potting.
Do I have to trim my houseplants?
There are two main reasons why you may want to trim your houseplants, and both are to promote new growth. Firstly, you should trim a houseplant if you notice any broken or damaged leaves or stems. Plants spend excess energy trying to repair these when it’s actually better to chop them off at the stem’s base. This energy can then be used towards strong and healthy new growth.
Secondly, you may want to trim your houseplants to train them. Something like a Rubber Plant may benefit from this. If you want it to grow tall and not bushy then trim any new side stems to promote growth upwards.
What houseplant is this?
The best thing to do is get your hands on a houseplant book. I’m going to promote my one now - you can pick up The Little Book of Houseplants and a flick through to find your plant. If it’s a bit more unusual, googling a description of the plant should also work.
What do I do if I have to change the pot but I can’t get any materials during lockdown?
There is usually not a massive urgency in changing the pot. If you are worried you can trim the plant. Most plants should be able to wait until you can get compost and a bigger pot.
Do I need special houseplant soil?
We would suggest well-draining houseplant compost for most houseplants. For desert plants we use cacti and succulent compost. We would always suggest keeping away from any compost containing peat.
I accidentally kill every plant I buy, what kind of a houseplant should I get?
We get asked this question a lot. The answer is to take time to read up on the plant you have bought. Make sure you know the conditions it likes, how often to water, how much humidity it likes and how much sun it needs.
Again, it’s easy to find this info in most houseplant books. For general easy-to-look-after plants I suggest Devils Ivy (trailing plant), Mother In Law’s Tongue (Snake Plant) or a Peace Lily.
How do I propagate plants?
There are a few different ways to propagate your plants, by division, taking cuttings and grafting. Division is the easiest but I would absolutely recommend Root, Nurture, Grow book by Studio RoCo. We also sell lots of propagating tools like these Ceramic vessels by Plantation.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Tips & advice
As the centre of the home, a modern living room that’s designed round you and your tastes makes all the difference. Whilst structural elements like the room’s layout and paint choice matter, you’ll also want to consider furniture. No matter how contemporary the space, if the furniture in it is dull and lacklustre then it won’t feel like a modern living room.
To help inspire you, we’ve compiled some of our favourite modern living room design ideas. If something catches your fancy, click on the image to find it at Heal’s.
Switch up the silhouette
One way to make your living room feel really contemporary is to rethink shape. One way to do this is to opt for a gently curved sofa or angular design to really make a statement. Remember to consider your comfort and lifestyle when choosing a sofa with a bold silhouette.
For example, if you like to lean back then a low back may not be right. Similarly, if you like to rest your head on the armrests then that rules out wood.
Traditional with a twist
Creating a modern living room doesn’t mean leaving traditional influences at the door. In fact, classic sofas are constantly being revisited to suit modern homes. Bold upholstery, metal accents and sumptuous cushioning will all bring a traditional sofa into the 21st century. Plus, with all the conveniences of modern technology and materials, a modern sofa should last much longer than an original.
Colour me green
Playing with colour is something you’ll find lots in this list of modern living room ideas. That’s because a splash of colour will instantly bring life to a room and make it feel more up to date. Be sure to pick a colour that you know you’ll love for years to come and isn’t driven solely by trends. If you don’t want to invest in a brand new sofa, consider using a throw to revitalise your existing sofa or armchair.
Colourful modern living room
A splash of yellow in an otherwise pared back space will lift the room and make it feel as fresh as the outdoors. Light colours like yellow, white and cream make the most out of natural sunlight to refresh otherwise dark rooms.
Plenty of pattern
Unless you’d like it to, pattern doesn’t have to mean chintz and kitsch florals. In fact, a subtle pattern can make a real difference to a modern living space. Try opting for tones in similar hues on cushions, curtains or even the sofa. We love the way this sofa draws in hues from around the room without overpowering it.
A modern living room
This living room embodies modern living. With dark wood floors, luxurious metal accents and bold, clean-lined silhouettes, this home is on the cutting edge of design. We love the way colour is added to the room through some choice textiles and accessories. Plus, the floor-to-ceiling windows bring brightness to the room and connect it with the outdoors.
Compact but cool
Smaller spaces still deserve to make a design statement. A slim-line sofa will make the most out of the space, whilst compact floor lighting adds a different dimension to the décor. We really like the way this modern living room has stuck to a core colour palette and accessorised with vibrant hues. This allows you to switch the room up each season, year or month without buying new furniture.
Airy and bright modern living room
No matter how modern an on-trend your living room is, no space is complete without comfortable furniture. Nowadays you don’t have to sacrifice style to achieve comfort. Opt for sprawling corner sofas with plenty of space for lounging and accessorise with plump cushions and sumptuous rugs. We love how modern this sofa looks paired with the contemporary wood burning stove and statement lighting.
Modern with a nod to the past
Modern interiors are sometimes strikingly traditional, with designs remaining current decades after they were first created. This is particularly true with mid-century furniture. This modern living room features a contemporary sofa that takes its design notes from the Art Deco era. One of the benefits of buying a modern sofa rather than an original is that modern technology means they’re often comfier.
Classic but make it bold
Want to keep your interior décor classic and elegant whilst making a statement at the same time? Then opt for a clean-lined, sophisticated sofa with vibrant upholstery. We think the teal blue sofa in this modern living room really enlivens the space and connects it to the outdoors.
Choosing a mattress is a minefield of technical terms and personal preferences. Plus, being in the midst of a pandemic makes it even harder to make an informed decision. To help you make an informed decision that’s right for you, your needs and your body we asked our Sleep Team to lend a hand.
Mousami, Sara and Siria are normally based in store and are genuine experts when it comes to helping our customers find the perfect place to rest their heads. We asked them to apply their years of experience to help you choose the right mattress from the safety of your own home.
Why should I spend more money on a handmade mattress?
Sara & Siria: A hand-crafted mattress should last you longer. The tufts in a tufted mattress help keep all the fillings in place. Most of our mattresses come with long warrantees guaranteeing a quality product.
Mousami: The attention to detail and time taken to create a handmade mattress means a longer-lasting finish. Standard mattresses often use glue to hold the mattress together and over time this causes soft layers to fall apart. Plus, if a multi layered mattress is not tufted the materials inside won't hold together for long. The tufting technique keeps the materials for shifting and sagging.
Why are natural materials important in a mattress?
S & S: A number of toxic chemicals are often used in the production of a synthetic mattress, making these types of mattresses less environmentally friendly. Wool, for example, has a natural flame-retardant quality so it doesn’t need to be treated with flame retardants and is completely non-toxic.
Materials like cotton are longer-lasting because they are compressed and tufted, compared to synthetic memory foam which breaks down a lot faster because, like a sponge, it retains moisture. Natural materials are generally more breathable, which means they regulate your body temperature.
On the other hand, foam and memory foam are heat-activated and are designed specifically to retain and use your body heat in order to contour to the body’s shape. This causes your baseline body temperature to rise over the course of the night. Because of this, memory foam can make you toss and turn, reducing the quality of your sleep.
What are the benefits of a mattress with latex?
S & S: Latex is a natural material produced from the sap of the rubber tree (Heves Brasiliensis) and unlike cotton and wool has an in-built recovery memory keeping the mattress plump with a springy feel. It’s hypoallergenic and is naturally resistant to mould and mildew. A latex mattress also helps to minimise the stress on joints.
What is the difference between tension and feel?
S & S: Tension refers to the strength of the spring relative to the gauge of the coil. Feel is how the mattress actually feels when laying on it. For example, a medium tension in our Organic 1500 feels slightly softer than the medium tension in our Organic 3000. Most of the mattresses to tend to feel slightly firmer with a higher spring count.
Some mattresses also feel ‘softer’ – this isn’t to say that the springs are not as supportive, but the fillings create a more sumptuous feeling as if you are sinking into the mattress rather than sleeping flat on top of it and this choice is matter of personal preference.
M: The overall feel of the mattress depends more on the how the materials inside are layered on top of the spring pocket layer. The darker and wirier materials like horsehair and horsetail often sit closest to the springs to provide more spring, support and firmness.
The lighter materials like wool and cotton provide a cushioning feel so they are the outer layers. You can have two medium tension spring mattresses but topped with different materials will change the overall feel as this is the layer you’re immediately lying on.
What’s the difference between pocket springs and coil springs?
M: Pocket springs offer more support than coil springs. The individual springs that make up the mattress are housed in their own little pockets and are free to work independently of each other, unlike coil springs that are all linked together and tend to move as one.
On an open coil mattress, movement spreads across the whole mattress, so if your partner moves in the night you will move too. With pocket springs, because the springs are individually housed, movement is isolated to that specific area of the mattress. This makes a pocket-sprung mattress ideal for people with two different body weights because they reduce that roll together movement.
How many pocket springs should I get in a mattress?
S & S: The more pocket springs you have the more localised support the mattress will provide as the diameter of the coil will have decreased to fit the greater number of springs. As a result, you have more springs working to support and contour around your body.
However, I usually tell customers not to focus too heavily on spring count. The reason being is that some retailers will have mattresses with spring counts in the tens of thousands but these would be very tiny tightly packed springs with not much durability to them. We tend to focus on the quality of our springs rather than quantity.
M: Buying a decent quality pocket spring mattress you should make you have a minimum of 1000 pocket springs for a king size mattress. 1500-2000 is high springs count and over 2000 is very premium spring count.
What are micro pocket springs?
M: Micro pocket springs are smaller pocket springs usually used by manufactures to increase the spring count as customers associate the number of springs to the quality of a mattress. A full sized spring will be a lot more supportive than micro pocket springs because it has more suspension so this will even out uneven weights more effectively.
What is ticking?
S & S: Ticking is the fabric that is used to cover mattresses. This can be made from cotton, viscose, wool etc. Again, a natural fibre will help with comfort and hygiene.
M: The composition can affect your quality of sleep, as some ticking is more breathable, like cotton and linen. The composition of the ticking can also make the mattress feel firmer.
What is side stitching?
S & S: Side-stitching helps keep the mattress’ walls firmly in place. The stitches go roughly 15-20 cm into the mattress with the thread going around the pocket springs and fillings to anchor everything into place. Higher-specification mattresses have more rows of side-stitching to help contain all the extra layers of fillings and give the mattress edges increased structure and longevity. The side-stitching on most cheap mattresses is usually there purely for cosmetic reasons and does not have the same structural function.
How often should I clean a luxury mattress?
S & S: Rotate or flip it three or four times a year - every season is ideal. We would also recommend that you do this more often when you first receive it to help the mattress settle – like breaking in a pair of good quality leather shoes. You can vacuum your mattress to remove any dust, hair and other debris.
If there are any stains which have yet to set in, blot the area with a clean damp cloth. However, the best way to keep your mattress clean is with mattress protector – ideally composed of natural.
Finding the right mattress can be a real challenge, especially at the moment when trying one out in person is near impossible. We asked Sara and Siria, members of our Sleep Team, to tell us what exactly makes a good mattress. Sara and Siria are real experts, so hopefully their detailed description of the perfect mattress will help you to make an informed decision.
Mattress Size
First and foremost what size are you after? We always recommend that if you’ve got the space then go as big as you can. This will guarantee a good night's sleep, especially when sharing the mattress with someone as it minimises any movement you may experience from the other person.
With that being said, always make sure that you can get a large mattress through to your bedroom without bending or folding it. It’s vitally important to measure up for access as none of our mattresses come in a box and bending them would ruin the structure.
Type of mattress
You then might want to think about which type of mattress you would like to go for - i.e.: latex, memory foam, pocket sprung. If you’ve slept on a pocket sprung mattress your whole life and have been relatively comfortable with it then we would recommend sticking to what you know.
We wouldn't usually recommend a memory foam mattress unless you’ve tried one overnight before. It can be a bit hit or miss with memory foam mattresses as they do feel quite different to pocket sprung ones.
The memory foam conforms to your body’s contours throughout the night giving you quite a snug fit and reduces movement. It’s this characteristic which makes latex memory foam perfect for people with joint problems or mobility issues: moving during sleep might cause discomfort and wake you up. You don't want to buy a new type of mattress, try it at home for the first time and not like it.
Purchasing a mattress is a long term commitment (8-10 years minimum!) that you must get right. If you are after a more natural or organic product then it's best to go for a pocket sprung mattress in our Organic or Natural Sleep range. Most of these mattresses use all natural fillings with no foam or latex present. Here’s a tip: if you are moving home, remember not to bend or roll your mattress as it can damage the springs. Keep your mattress well-wrapped and laid flat while in transit.
Tension
The next thing to consider would be the tension. We would recommend you go by the weight guidelines. If you weigh roughly between 11-16st/70-100kg then we would say to go for a medium tension. Anyone weighing under 11st/70kg would be a soft tension and anyone over 16st/100kg would be a firm.
It’s a common misconception that we quite often get from customers that the firmer the better, or if you have any sort of back issue then you should go for a firm. This is quite the contrary and in some cases a firm mattress can do more damage than good. You're going to want a mattress that gives you support in all the right places.
It's always good to go for the correct tension according to your weight and, if after 30 nights it still doesn't feel right, then you can think about taking advantage of Heal’s Comfort Promise. If a couple is varied in weight then you can go for a zip and link mattress with two different tensions.
Try it out
On a normal day the best advice we can give is for customers to come into store and spend as long as they can on the mattresses. Laying on them, jumping on them, napping on them. We can also help assess their spine alignment. It truly is the best way to get a real feel for them.
Ensuring your furniture is made using sustainable woods is a great way to make your interior design more eco-friendly. Thanks to their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, trees and plants are essential parts of our ecosystem. Unfortunately forests are not always sustainably managed and illegal logging and deforestation are still major problems.
We’ve compiled this handy guide to help you make the right choice when choosing your wood. In it we’ll provide answers to some of the most common questions about sustainable woods.
What makes a wood sustainable?
When it comes to wood, sustainability is all about provenance and type. Poorly sourced wood often involves the unregulated chopping down of trees. This leaves large empty spaces, destroys natural habitats and, if the tree isn’t replaced, removes a carbon absorber from the ecosystem.
Sustainable forestry balances the needs of the environment, wildlife and local communities to preserve forests for future generations. Sustainably managed forests are stewarded to protect eco-systems, prevent damage to the landscape and ensure tree logging is done in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner.
Sustainable wood also includes using recycled and reclaimed timber. This can be sourced from local scrapyards, auction sites and through specialist companies. Repurposing second-hand wood is the often the most eco-friendly option.
How to tell if wood is sustainable
You can be fairly certain that most wood sourced from countries in the EU are sustainable. This is because the EU has introduced comprehensive laws to protect woodlands and forests. Thanks to these laws, buying European wood is often the most sustainable choice.
Saying that, unfortunately illegal logging still exists in Europe so always look for official certification. A good thing to look out for is the FSC logo. Wood that’s accompanied by this logo means it’s been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. This means it’s come from a forest where trees are replanted in the place of those cut down.
The PEFC logo is also a signifier of sustainable wood. This mean’s the Programme for the Endorsement of Forestry Certification approves the wood as it comes from a sustainable forest.
Which woods are endangered?
Some rare woods can be sourced sustainably but there are some endangered woods that should be avoided. These include wenge, Brazilian mahogany, ebony and teak, particularly teak from Burma. If you’re unsure if it’s sustainable, visit Friends of the Earth where you’ll find a guide to buying sustainable wood.
Why is rosewood is no longer used?
In 1992 Brazilian rosewood was banned internationally as a result of the large-scale environmental destruction and tropical deforestation it created. In order to harvest the in-demand wood, tropical rainforests were being razed to the ground and it had quickly become known as the most endangered wood.
You can still buy antique rosewood furniture today but it often comes at a cost because of the wood’s scarcity. Instead, santos palisander is commonly used as a sustainable alternative to traditional rosewood. Also known as Bolivian rosewood, this sustainable wood mimics the beautiful graining and reddish hue that rosewood is coveted for.
Top sustainable woods
Be careful, because even the most common woods can be badly sourced so always check where it’s come from. For example European larch is normally responsibly sourced from plantations whilst Russian larch is often taken from ancient forests. To make sure you’re using sustainable woods only buy from reputable sources. When sourced properly, the below woods can be incredibly sustainable.
Bamboo
Unlike softwoods that can only be harvested in 10-20 years, bamboo can be harvested just 3-5 years after planting. FSC certification doesn’t apply to bamboo so there isn’t a universal way to ensure it’s sustainably sourced. Check out the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan website for more information about sourcing ethical and sustainable bamboo.
Oak
Oak is one of the most popular woods and is used throughout our homes for flooring, furniture and much more. Buying oak with an FSC certification is essential because illegal logging is still rife. Alternatively, reclaimed oak flooring is widely available and would make a great sustainable choice.
Douglas Fir
This versatile wood is most commonly sourced from Europe and North America. Whilst European Douglas fir is regulated and often comes from well-managed plantations, in the past North American fir has been logged irresponsibly. Unfortunately the same can be said for Canadian fir.
Read more about it here.
When something has integrated LED technology it means that the LEDs are fixed and cannot be easily removed. LEDs are largely considered to be the future of lighting so they’re often integrated into modern lights.
However, many consumers are plagued by fears of longevity and their light becoming redundant once the LED module runs out. Here we lay out the pros and cons so you can decide if integrated LEDs are right for you.
Pro:
Creative freedom
Integrated LEDs can allow for more creative designs. In recent years LEDs have advanced to the extent that they are flatter, smaller and more pliable than ever before. This technological leap has liberated designers and allowed them to explore lighting like never before. Designs such as the Ribbon Pendant Light and Michael Anastassiades’ Arrangement series are perfect examples.
Con:
An intergrated LED has an expiration date
Integrated LEDs pendants will need to be replaced when the light stops working. However, with the increased use of LEDs, brands have begun offering replacement modules. For example, Tom Dixon’s LEDs are designed to be replaceable and Heal’s offers a five-year guarantee on all own-brand integrated LEDs.
Pro:
LED's last longer
LEDs last longer than standard bulbs and make an excellent choice over incandescent bulbs. According to DM Lights, the average LED module can last for up to 30,000 hours. This means that if you use your light for five hours every day it can last for up to 16 years. It is only after this time that your LED module will need replacing, giving it a very long lifespan.
Pro:
LED's use less energy
LEDs are renowned as a low-energy alternative to traditional halogen bulbs. Because they use less energy they are better for the planet and also more cost effective. As of 2018, the EU banned importing new energy-wasting halogen bulbs so it could be that in the coming years we see them less in our homes.
Con:
How sustainable is it really?
Yes LEDs use less energy, but how sustainable is something that may need chucking away at the end of its lifecycle? With more and more brands offering replacement modules this is gradually becoming less of a concern. However, it’s always best to check with the supplier if replacements are available.
Pro:
A more versatile glow
Lighting can really make or break a room and LED technology will definitely help. These state-of-the-art modules are often compatible with dimmer switches so you can change the room’s ambience to suit you.
Convinced by integrated LEDs? Discover our collection here.
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