If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space, be it a balcony, terrace or sprawling garden, it’s natural you will want to enjoy it throughout the year. As a garden isn’t just for summer, read this article to discover our top tips for enjoying it all year round.
A splash of colour
Whilst not all plants will flower continuously all year round, make clever choices when planting your border and your garden will always be colourful. Opt for flowers with a long life that will bloom from early summer until late autumn - we like Asters, creeping phlox and crocuses.
Plants that bloom later in autumn include amaryllis, dahlias and begonias. Popular winter flowering plants are winter aconite, snowdrops and Cyclamen coum. Plus, hardy plants like lavender will often provide colour well into the colder months. Even when flowers aren’t in bloom you can add a splash of colour through some carefully chosen accessories.
Invest in a heater
On a gloomy day in the depth of winter you could be forgiven for not wanting to step foot outdoors. However, the addition of a heater around your seating area makes all the difference. If your outdoor space is near the house then you could affix one to the wall. If not, opt for a freestanding heater.
Fire pits or chimineas enhance the atmosphere if your outdoor space allows for it. Position chairs around it to spread heat evenly and voila, you’ve created the ultimate outdoor spot to unwind.
Winter light
As the nights grow longer, you’ll be needing a little extra light in your garden, balcony or patio. For lights to be outdoor suitable they normally need to be rated at at least IP44. IP ratings highlight just how waterproof a light is and allows you to decide if you feel comfortable storing it outdoors.
If you’d rather not invest in outdoor-specific lighting then a portable lamp could be for you. Whilst not built to be left outdoors, they are compact enough to move outside when needed. Just be careful not to leave them outside as poor weather would likely damage them. Whilst bright white LEDs are an option, we recommend a warmer glow to help create a nicer ambience.
Shelter from the storm
Nothing makes an outdoor space feel more welcoming than the knowledge that you can’t get rained on. This shelter can come in many forms, including a permanent gazebo, wall-mounted awning or robust parasol. In summer these multifunctional garden accessories protect you from the midday heat, and in cooler months they shelter you from the occasional shower.
If you’re worried about a gazebo feeling flimsy or looking cheap, have no fear. Plenty of modern and contemporary gazebos exist that won’t blow away in the wind or collect rain. Take a look around and find one that really suits you and your space.
Bring the garden indoors
If you live somewhere where spending time outside during colder months is unthinkable, why not bring it inside? When planting, use pots and prioritise plants that also thrive indoors. When winter comes, bring them inside and position them in a well-lit part of your home.
Conservatories and sunrooms in particular work well. Some plants you may want to consider include Caladiums, geraniums and begonias. Similarly, houseplants present a convenient way of bringing a little bit of nature indoors.
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Trends & Lifestyle
In celebration of National Bed Month, we’ve complied our top tips for getting a good night’s sleep. Run by The Sleep Council, this National Bed Month runs throughout March. Its goal is to highlight the importance of a comfortable bed on getting a good night’s sleep.
The Sleep Council’s website is packed full of advice on how to transform your bed into a relaxing haven.
Ambient lighting
Creating the right ambience in your room is essential and one of the best ways to do this is through light. As the sun sets our bodies start creating melatonin, a hormone that helps to promote sleep. If you’re exposed to bright light before bed then this can disrupt your hormones.
This is also why experts recommend switching off mobile phones, televisions and tablets an hour or so before bed. To encourage the release of melatonin opt for lamps that cast a warm light in the bedroom, rather than bright white lights.
Similarly, our bodies are naturally wired to wake up with the sun. We all know how unpleasant it is waking up to bright lights being switched on or curtains being thrown open. A sunrise alarm clock mimics the sun’s movements to ease you into waking up. Alternatively, leaving the curtains slightly ajar will do the same job for free.
Improve air quality
Whilst a candle is great for creating a relaxing scent, some people are sensitive to the particles they emit. If that is you, why not blow the candle out an hour or so before you head to bed? The beautiful scent will remain whilst leaving time for the air to clear. A great way to purify the air without using electrical equipment is to introduce air-filtering plants to the space.
Plants like aloe vera and Japanese peace lilies are naturally good at filtering air and look great whilst they do it. If you’re still struggling with mould or dust, it might be worth investing in an air purifier. These clever gadgets can help to filter out dust, smoke, mould and more.
Air moisture is as crucial as its purity. Of course the easiest way to do this is to keep air circulating by leaving windows and doors open. However, that isn’t always possible. Instead you can opt to use a humidifier if your room is too dry or a dehumidifier to remove dampness.
Find the right temperature
Being too warm or too cold in bed can easily disturb your sleep. Rather than relying on sticking a leg outside the duvet to regulate your temperature, why not reconsider your bedding? If you find yourself feeling chilly at night, look into getting a duvet with a higher Tog.
It may also be worth keeping cosy blankets to hand if you often wake in the night feeling cold. Memory foam mattresses are renowned for trapping heat and also make a good choice for cold sleepers.
If being too hot is an issue for you then make some simple changes to get a good night’s sleep. Mattresses with springs will help to regulate your body temperature and duvets with a lower Tog will retain less heat.
When it comes to bedding, opt for materials like linen which is more breathable than cotton. Find out more about how to select the right duvet and pillows using our detailed buying guide.
Invest in the right mattress
On average we spend 26 years of our lives in bed and a mattress can make or break whether you have a good night’s sleep.
Shopping for a new mattresses is often a minefield. Our top tip for you is to try them out in person by visiting a showroom. If that isn’t possible, then reviews, well-informed websites and phone calls can help you make your decision. But remember, every person sleeps differently so take reviews with a pinch of salt.
If you’d like to find out more about your sleeping position and the best mattress for you, read this.
With the increasing threat of the climate crisis, it’s essential we address our spending habits in all walks of life. For example, buying sustainable furniture with a low or non-existent impact on the environment. Sustainable furniture comes from using recycled materials, renewable resources and natural finishing products that don’t release toxins.
Furthermore, the manufacturing process should be environmentally friendly. For example, using locally sourced materials, green energy and non-toxic treatments. Keep an eye out for certifications from third-parties like the Forest Stewardship Council, the Soil Association and the Carbon Trust.
Ligne Roset
Sustainability and eco-consciousness have always been central to Ligne Roset’s ethos. Based at the foot of France’s Bugey Mountains, Lignet Roset aspires to protect its beautiful natural surroundings by using ‘clean’ manufacturing methods. This dedication is seen throughout Ligne Roset’s production process.
For example, every material it uses comes recommended by France’s Institute of Technology for Forest-based and Furniture Sectors. Vinyl and water-based glues, which have no impact on the environment, replace solvent-based glue.
Furthermore, it has replaced all carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic materials with ecological alternatives. To create further control over this process, the environment is considered from the outset. Environmental issues, potential lifecycle and materials are all considered when Ligne Roset’s team first starts designing.
Recycling is integral to Ligne Roset, with all foam, cartons, leathers, fabrics, wadding, polyethylene and paper being recycled. Even wood cut offs heat the factory during winter to minimise waste. Read more about Ligne Roset’s commitment to the environment and sustainable furniture here.
“Far more than a strategy, we favour a philosophy imprinted with respect for human beings and their environment… Our environmental practice is nurtured by the concepts which have always guided us: creativity, innovation and quality.” Pierre Roset
Vinterior
Another way to buy sustainable furniture is to buy vintage or pre-loved. So, if you’re in the market for a vintage addition to your home, why not head to Vinterior? Vinterior is an online marketplace where you can buy vintage furniture without having to hunt high and low in every antiques shop in your vicinity.
Stocking everything from armchairs to coat racks, you can find pieces with real character whilst also shopping incredibly sustainably.
Delving into thousands of products online, you’ll find pieces by all your favourite designers. From Finn Juhl cabinetry to Poul Henningsen lighting and Arne Jacobsen seating, you’ll find it . Plus, lower-priced designs sitting alongside coveted classics with heftier price tags make Vinterior ideal for many budgets.
Vinterior hosts over 1,600 independent furniture dealers from across the world, each approved to ensure they meet Vinterior’s high standards. Visit Vinterior here to find your perfect vintage furniture.
“The rise of fast furniture promotes wastefulness, erodes quality, destroys creativity and kills individuality… It’s time to respect the originals, celebrate the one-offs and elevate the truly exceptional.” Vinterior
Tom Raffield
Tom Raffield doesn’t forsake good design in the name of sustainability. Instead he combines the two. As a specialist in steam bending wood, it comes as no surprise that sustainability is a priority for Tom Raffield. All the wood comes from local sources wherever possible and always comes from FSC-certified, sustainably managed woodlands.
Steam bending in itself is a remarkably low-energy technique and creates very little waste product. Timber is naturally air dried and glue is shunned in favour of non-toxic screws and staples. Steam bending is, however, a time-intensive and unpredictable skill, making each creation that little bit more special.
Taking eco-consciousness to the next level, 100% renewable energy powers Tom Raffield’s workshop. This comes from solar panels installed on the roof as well as a green energy supplier. Plus, each piece is handcrafted by Tom Raffield in Cornwall.
So buying this sustainable furniture and lighting is definitely considered shopping local. Shop Tom Raffield furniture and lighting here. “I truly believe that sustainability should be synonymous with good design, much like quality and function, and that this is the answer to over-consumption and the environmental challenges we face.” Tom Raffield
Tala
London-based lighting specialist Tala aspires to help mitigate the climate crisis using good design and sustainable technology. By combining thoughtful product design, LED technology and transparent practices, Tala is helping to accelerate the low carbon economy.
Tala’s focus is on reimagining traditional incandescent bulbs in the form of low-energy LEDs whilst retaining the warm glow of filaments. Expers widely consider LEDs a better alternatives to traditional halogen bulbs because they use just one fifth of the energy.
Furthermore, each material and method is carefully chosen based on their environmental impact and to help reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere. As trees absorb tonnes of carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, they are essential parts of our ecosystem. To help reduce their carbon emissions and restore the planet’s ecosystems, Tala is partnered with reforestation programmes across the globe.
Discover even more about Tala here and find out more about LEDs here.
"We help our customers buy into sustainability by allowing them to buy a product that is beautiful and attractive in and of it itself, rather than just because it's a sustainable product." Nikki Kapp
With global temperatures on the rise, more and more people are striving to live more sustainably. To help you make this change, we’ve compiled ten small ways to make your everyday more sustainable.
Go plastic free
Going plastic free is more than bringing a Bag For Life to the supermarket and remembering your reusable coffee cup. We need to start considering ways to forego plastic in all walks of life.
It has never been easier to shop for plastic-free alternatives to your daily essentials. For example, switch to bar soap, use a washing-up loofah rather than a chemically dyed, yellow-green sponge and embrace a natural deodorant. Discover plenty of plastic-free alternatives at EcoVibe.
Single-use plastic packaging on your pasta, rice and grains can be made redundant by showing your support for local plastic-free shops or market stalls. Find your closest zero-waste shop here.
If we support these pioneering shops then hopefully larger supermarkets will notice the consumer trend and reduce their plastic packaging. Getting supermarkets on board will hopefully make zero-waste shopping more accessible for those who can’t afford the premium that can come with shopping local.
Is it made sustainably?
Buying pre-loved or vintage clothes is the more sustainable option when it comes to fashion as they are already in the production cycle. Websites like Vestiaire Collective, Designer Exchange and HEWI all sell pre-loved designer clothing with the added bonus of a lower price tag.
However, if you insist on buying new then there are ways to make your wardrobe more eco-friendly.
A major consideration should be what your clothes are made of. Avoid fabrics that include fibres like nylon, polyester and elastane as these contain plastics which won’t biodegrade when they reach the end of their lifecycle. Not only do these fabrics release micro-plastics which find their way into your food and water, but they are created using carbon-intensive methods.
Instead, opt for natural materials like cotton and linen which will leave a smaller impact on the planet. Linen takes the lead in terms of sustainability because flax requires less watering than cotton and grows happily on poor soil.
You should also consider manufactured fabrics like lyocell, viscose and Tencel, which are all types of rayon. Rayon is created using naturally occurring wood pulp. Whilst rayon seems sustainably produced, it is chemical-treated and pulp farming can be detrimental to existing woodland. However, this will differ depending on specific fabric, for example Tencel’s lyocell is markedly more sustainable.
Keep your eyes peeled for up-and-coming fabrics like Qmonos, which is made using synthetic spider silk, and vegan leather Piñatex.
Cut down on dairy
Going completely meat or dairy free is seen by many as a hurdle in the path toward living more sustainably. However, cutting down on meat is widely considered one of the most important and time-sensitive changes to make. With the abundance of meat and dairy alternatives on the market it’s no longer quite so difficult.
Brands such as Vivera, Like Meat and Beyond Meat have created convincing alternatives for those who can’t quite ditch the steak. Similarly, with oak, soy, coconut and rice alternatives to milk, making the jump to veganism is lots easier.
Make considered design choices
Try to find the most sustainable course of action when designing your interiors.
When it comes to buying furniture, consider your future design needs rather than purchasing for the present. For example, if you know you’ll want to completely overhaul your home in the near future then buy furniture that will work then as well as now. Invest in pieces you know will suit you and your taste for years and don’t be afraid to buy vintage.
If you’re redecorating from top to toe then you’re in prime position to make sustainable finish choices. From carpeting made using natural, renewable resources to using non-toxic paints, there are many ways to make your renovation eco-friendly.
Sustainably sourced energy
The choices we make as consumers speak volumes, especially as there are now many green alternatives available. This is even the case with energy companies.
Many large electricity companies now offer green tariffs, but finding a company that also offers green gas is more challenging. As green gas is more challenging to generate, companies that advertise it often offer carbon-offset gas. This means that they’ll invest money into forest regrowth to help minimise the carbon emissions of your gas usage.
Of course, everyone has different priorities and budgets. This is why we suggest doing your research to find the right green energy provider for you. We recommend starting with this informative article from T3 which outlines the UK’s top green energy suppliers.
Go paperless - bills, bank statements etc.
Aiming towards zero waste is essential to living sustainably. This can start somewhere as small as switching all your bills, bank statements and general paperwork to online. Most mainstream banks offer paperless banking as an option to help you cut down on waste paper.
Similarly, shops often offer an e-receipt. Going paperless means all your paperwork is organised in one place and easily searchable. It’s better for the environment and will also make your life easier.
If the majority of your post is from mailing lists and shopping magazines then it might be time to start unsubscribing. This will clear up your letterbox as well as the recycling bin.
Start recycling right
Reducing your overall waste is key to bringing a halt to our environmental impact. Opting for food with recyclable packaging is a good step towards eventually living sustainably with zero waste.
There are many misconceptions about recycling because each local council accepts different items. It is important to check as putting the wrong rubbish in your recycling bin can render the whole batch useless.
Check out what your local council accepts as recycling here.
Switch out your light bulbs
With the dawn of new lighting technology comes even more energy-efficient LEDs. Typical LEDs can last up to 20 years, reducing the waste that comes from regularly replacing standard bulbs. Plus, not only do these cutting-edge bulbs last longer, but they also use far less energy. In fact, LEDs consume just one fifth of the energy of a halogen bulb.
Recent EU law changes mean the restocking and consequential sale of halogen bulbs is now banned. If this law is followed across Europe then we could cut up to 15 million tonnes of carbon emissions a year.
Considering a light with integrated LEDs? Head over to the Heal’s Blog to find out more.
Cut down on travel
Whilst exotic holidays can be brilliant for relaxation and exploring new cultures, regular long-haul flights will leave a huge impact on the planet. Similarly, driving a car instead of using public transport will hamper your efforts to live more sustainably.
If you only need to use a car occasionally, car-sharing services like Zipcar may be a good option. If you’re uncertain about where you stand in terms of your carbon usage, why not try WWF's useful footprint calculator?
Shop organic
Surprisingly, healthy soil stores more carbon than the atmosphere and forests. Non-organic farming relies on synthetic or petroleum-based pesticides and fertilizers that can lead to soil erosion and chemicals entering the water system.
In fact, if the UK farming industry switched to organic then soil would absorb at least 1.3 million tonnes of carbon. To put that into perspective, that’s the equivalent of taking nearly one million cars off the road.
Plus, organic production also allows wildlife to thrive whilst reducing soil and water contamination from pesticides.
Of course, we are a long way off a complete switch to organic farming. But again, using our power as consumers we can encourage this change.
Want to find out more? Visit the Soil Association for more information.
Each year the Heal’s buying team travels the globe, scours social media and visits fairs to discover the latest trends. This year is no different so we’ve compiled our top 2020 design trends for you to learn more.
Key trends we’re envisaging for 2020 include a focus on sustainability, green and pinks, fluted accents and rattan accessories. We’re certain these trends will sweep their way onto our Instagram feeds, Pinterest boards and homes in the next 12 months.
Colours
Every year our buyers visit the world’s most renowned furniture and interiors shows, including imm Cologne and Maison et Objet. The colours we’re seeing emerge for 2020 are dark green, light pink and jewel tones, whilst natural hues and autumnal reds remain popular.
Dark green & pink
Ever since Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2020 was announced as Tranquil Dawn we’ve seen the soft mint green hue everywhere. The trend has led into a fascination with all things green. From restful sage to cool cucumber and emerald, there is a plethora of green hues to play with.
Experts are pairing it with pale peach and pinks hues like Millennial Pink, which continues to remain popular. An easy way to get the look is adding pink accessories to a green space, or introducing green foliage to a rose-hued room.
Rich autumnal colours
Warming cinnamon, terracotta and russet hues will be sweeping our homes in the coming year. These natural red colours feed into the world’s reignited love for organic, sustainably sourced materials and fabrics. You can be really playful with these colours by layering them throughout a room.
Use paint, textiles and furniture to create a multi-faceted colour palette. If you’re looking for smaller red touches, combine rust-hued linen bedding with ochre and cream cushions and throws to create a textured and welcoming bed.
Jewel tones
We’ve found vibrant jewel tones making a statement at every industry show we visited this year. Think splashes of ruby, emerald, sapphire and amethyst. Whilst using these colours on the wall makes a real statement, we reckon small accents are the way to get on top of this trend.
Explore options like vintage coloured glass accessories and vibrant textiles. Want to follow this trend with maximum vigour? How about a statement sofa or accent chair with jewel-toned upholstery?
Neutrals
You’ve probably seen neutrals making more of an appearance in homes recently. Neutral whites, ivories and creams perfectly complement our love for more sustainable materials like wood, linen and cotton. For our walls, we’re dropping basic white and exploring more natural hues that lend warmth to a room rather than washing it out.
Other 2020 design trends feed into this love of neutrals. For example, pair terracotta and rich autumnal hues with deep whites and beiges for a textured aesthetic.
Materials
This year sustainability will take centre stage in the materials we choose for our homes. Materials made from recycled plastics, natural marble and rattan will all become increasingly popular.
Rattan
One of our predicted 2020 design trends is rattan. From the lights to the furniture, we reckon it’ll be everywhere this year. Across the globe we’ve seen a surge in people trying to connect with the natural world via their interiors and that’s where rattan comes in. Along with cane, bamboo, wicker and straw, versatile rattan is making waves in the design industry.
WHAT IS RATTAN?
Rattan is a naturally occurring vine that grows in more tropical locations like Australia, Asia and Africa. It is often used to create wicker weaves which is why its name has become synonymous with woven furniture.
This abundant material is beloved for its lightweight and flexible nature, not to mention its durability. The way rattan is harvested is incredibly important as if it is cut too young then it cannot regrow. For this reason, synthetic rattan is often used.
HOW CAN I USE RATTAN IN MY HOME?
Rattan is great for making a statement and, if you’re committed to the trend, looks particularly splendid on furniture. Invest in a headboard, sofa or chair with rattan accents for a bold look.
Alternatively, infuse small rattan accents through your lighting or decorative accessories for a hint towards one of our favourite 2020 design trends. Rattan, of course, also looks great outside. So why not enliven your garden with an outdoor rattan sofa set or coffee table?
Marble
Marble has always been a popular material when decorating homes. However, for 2020 we’re predicting that intricately veined marble will become even more popular.
WHAT IS MARBLE?
Marble is an incredibly hard rock that is quarried across the globe in many different colours and sizes. Popular types of marble include Calacatta, Carrara, Emperador and Nero Marquina. Centuries ago marble was still one of the most sought-after materials.
As such, polished marble can be seen in all walks of life, from art galleries and palaces to street pavements. The beauty of marble is that each piece is completely unique, so you are always guaranteed a one-of-a-kind design.
HOW CAN I USE MARBLE IN MY HOME? Marble is incredibly heavy and this can prohibit where you can use it. For example, if you live at the top of a lift-free building then lugging a marble-topped sideboard up six flight of stairs could prove impossible. If this is the case for you, then how about using marble accents in decorative accessories or lights?
Recycled materials
As the world pushes to become more sustainable, we’re seeing an increase in recycled materials. Thanks to years of technological experimentation there are now countless materials and techniques to help make design more sustainable. We’ve chosen to showcase the Designers Guild Tejo fabric for SS20, but there are increasingly more options to be found.
Sustainable design
Sustainability is one of the 2020 design trends that we’ll be seeing the most. Influencing everything from colour to materials, we hope this eco-focus is here to stay. There are many ways to be more sustainable in terms of design so it will feed into our homes from everything from paint choices to pre-loved furniture.
What's new in sustainable design
Ink made from algae, fabric woven using recycled cassette tapes and nappies crafted using seaweed and eucalyptus are just some of the latest sustainable materials to hit the market. Ongoing experimentation means that by the end of 2020 there will be even more sustainable materials available.
Sustainable designs hitting our shelves include recycled glass vases, upholstery woven from fashion industry offcuts and Mater’s Ocean Collection. This outdoor furniture is crafted using fishing nets that are salvaged from the sea to help clean up our oceans.
How can I make my home more sustainable?
Even the smallest changes can help to make your home more sustainable. If you’re decorating, why not consider a sustainable paint? Do your research and find the right one for you.
We recommend starting with this article from Sustainable Kitchens for a thorough overview. Scour vintage shops, antiques fairs and attics for pre-loved furniture and accessories instead of buying new. The options are endless.
Old is the new new
Whilst new furniture is often the right choice for you, buying vintage or pre-loved furniture can be a more sustainable option. New furniture is often crafted using materials from all corners of the globe before being shipped across oceans to get to you.
Buying something second hand, but just as nice, can be more sustainable. Design classics can be found in good condition at local antiques shops and online auctions. Buying this way can also offer a more competitive price than buying new.
Vintage chests, tables and chairs come with the merit of having developed a characterful patina over the years, meaning they fit right into your home.
After hours spent in the kitchen whipping up a festive feast, presentation is key. To help inspire your Christmas table display, we’ve compiled some of our favourite trends from the season. Invest in a few key pieces to recreate them in your own home.
Back to bold
If you don’t shy away from colour and pattern, you’re in luck. Traditional red and green colours have taken on a new look this season, with vibrant hues taking centre stage. You can introduce these bright colours to your Christmas table in many ways.
Opt for a bold teal tablecloth or accessorise with colourful crackers or baubles. As for centrepieces, we’re keeping it simple to balance out the bold colour scheme.
Harlequin
Following on from the trend for vibrant colours, patterns are also a great way to add personality to the Christmas table. Add playful patterns through your napkins, baubles and even your table runner. We also love the idea of displaying a favour on each plate. This could be a specially chosen bauble or even a small gift.
A festive extravaganza
Celebrate in style and embrace maximalism for your Christmas table décor. Think vibrant reds and overstated styling. Colourful dried flowers and metallic foliage offer a modern alternative to floral bouquets or poinsettias. Infuse traditional accents such as tapered candles, candlesticks and a tablecloth to lend your table a classic touch.
Opulence redefined
Looking for a sleek and refined Christmas table? Opt for luxurious finishes like marble, glass and gold. Rich hues such as deep pink or dark blue can be infused using napkins, Christmas decorations or flowers.
Crisp white plates make the perfect palette for serving Christmas dinner. Remember, quality is key to this aesthetic. Err towards contemporary glassware and cutlery to keep the trend on track.
Winter wonderland
This Christmas table trend puts a contemporary spin on a traditional winter wonderland. Use spray-painted offcuts from your Christmas tree to create a festive centrepiece. Then add textured wine glasses and champagne saucers to lend it an icy effect. The addition of metallic silver placemats and cutlery will bring an even more magical touch to your Christmas table.
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