Thursday, 19 March 2009
My 'Hot Houses' blog on property porn seems a long time ago now. Like me, you may still feel the odd twinge as you rifle through the ads, mags and websites, but the reality of the property bust has cooled our lust. It's like the moment a gent realises his favourite pinup's not real: fake chest, fake lips, fake hair – oh, sorry, bad analogy; most XYs don't actually care. Anyway, the glossy illusion of property heaven has evaporated, revealing the hell of negative equity and looming repossession. Just as well: our cravings for bigger, shinier, more obscenely indulgent homes were out of line with the planet's limited resources.
Now, instead of hankering after what you can't have, it's time to make the most of the home you're in. Think of it as cosmetic surgery (without the troubling philosophical dilemmas), especially in the mantra that less is more. Instead of a scorched-home policy, try the light touch. The easiest (and most earth-kind) way to freshen up your home without going overboard is a
fresh lick of (eco-friendly) paint like Beckers (left), my Favourite Find for March. Try a new coat of paint, cue up Tom Waits on the music system (or tickle the ivories on your own customised piano: Beckers has some wild ideas, right) and laugh at that old bloodshot moon in that burgundy sky.
Another easy trick is to whizz up some new cushion covers. I know, I was very snooty about SIY (sew it yourself) but perhaps I was a bit hasty. It's not clever to crow about your ignorance or dearth of skills (especially in the current mend-and-make-do mood of thrift and self-reliance). I'm suitably humbled and have asked a friend for a few lessons on her sewing machine. Will I be opening my own fashion boutique? Now you're being too hasty, but if I can turn up my kiddies' trousers and magic up some presentable cushions, I'll hold my head high.
Go one step better by choosing organic fabrics to tart up your pad: see the list below. And don't sniff at extras such as buttons and trims, a handy way to liven up a cushion or skirt without spending a fortune (and if you're re-using old buttons or ribbons that have been lying about for yonks, even better).
Harlands Organic Furnishings has a great selection of organic fabrics, many made in the UK. It's a step above many organic fabric collections, with fresh colours and patterns, like this hand-printed organic cotton from Les Indiennes (above).
Now, instead of hankering after what you can't have, it's time to make the most of the home you're in. Think of it as cosmetic surgery (without the troubling philosophical dilemmas), especially in the mantra that less is more. Instead of a scorched-home policy, try the light touch. The easiest (and most earth-kind) way to freshen up your home without going overboard is a
fresh lick of (eco-friendly) paint like Beckers (left), my Favourite Find for March. Try a new coat of paint, cue up Tom Waits on the music system (or tickle the ivories on your own customised piano: Beckers has some wild ideas, right) and laugh at that old bloodshot moon in that burgundy sky.Another easy trick is to whizz up some new cushion covers. I know, I was very snooty about SIY (sew it yourself) but perhaps I was a bit hasty. It's not clever to crow about your ignorance or dearth of skills (especially in the current mend-and-make-do mood of thrift and self-reliance). I'm suitably humbled and have asked a friend for a few lessons on her sewing machine. Will I be opening my own fashion boutique? Now you're being too hasty, but if I can turn up my kiddies' trousers and magic up some presentable cushions, I'll hold my head high.
Go one step better by choosing organic fabrics to tart up your pad: see the list below. And don't sniff at extras such as buttons and trims, a handy way to liven up a cushion or skirt without spending a fortune (and if you're re-using old buttons or ribbons that have been lying about for yonks, even better). Harlands Organic Furnishings has a great selection of organic fabrics, many made in the UK. It's a step above many organic fabric collections, with fresh colours and patterns, like this hand-printed organic cotton from Les Indiennes (above).
Mod Green Pod (right) has sleek printed fabrics in gorgeous contemporary styles (made in US but stocked at Harlands).
Draper's Organic has gorgeous fabrics and cushions covers (if you find you don't have the knack – or the time – to SIY.
Near Sea Naturals They obviously stock the natural look and pale seaside colours, but I'm a sucker for their deep scarlet sateen organic cotton.
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