Making a House a Home

The average household in the UK recycles just 25-30 per cent of their rubbish, Here I look at other ways you can help the ozone layer by doing ‘Your bit’

While environmentally friendly boilers and roof-top solar panels may not be affordable to the majority of us in the current economic climate, a few small changes can make an enormous difference, not only to the environment, but also to your utility bills.

Choosing eco-friendly home products is becoming just as popular as opting for organic and free-range foods, with consumers asking more from manufacturers about how their products are sourced.

Change the lighting!

Energy saving light bulbs have been criticised for being slow to illuminate and not bright enough for the normal house hold tasks. A lot of energy companies our now giving out these light bulbs if you switch over to them. Often you could save money by changing you r provider – do some research and claim your free bulbs!

There seems to be many “energy saving” products on the market now; everything from heat saving reflecting radiator foil, to the ‘ecobutton’, an energy saving device for computers and laptops.

Grow your own!

Many people are now opting to “grow their own fruit and veg too….this is great if you have the space. If you don’t, speak to your local council and enquire about purchasing an allotment space – prices for these are usually about £20 for the year!! You can’t go wrong!

Even your local supermarket will supply eco-friendly options for your home.

The Ecover range, which is widely available, provides a selection of household cleaning products that are ‘natural’. This product range offers many environmental advantages that benefit humans, animals and the environment, and are also kinder to the skin. All products are based on natural plant and mineral ingredients.

Ecover has a book available, Healthy Homes, which provides helpful tips on how to make your household a greener one, while keeping costs down. These tips include:

Avoid chemicals

1. In the summer, save money on artificial air fresheners - open windows to freshen your home.
2. Use castor or mineral oils to lubricate squeaky hinges instead of lubricants containing solvents.

Getting it clean

1. Place a small seashell in your kettle to avoid limescale build-up.
2. Greasy microwave? Shift the grime by placing a couple of slices of lemon in a bowl of cold water and switching on the power for a couple of minutes.
3. Don’t think you need a different cleaner for each task. A good multi surface cleaner can be used for all washable surfaces including floors, tiles and painted wooden furniture.

Ecover is also currently offering a free watercare pack, including a Hippo water saver for your toilet, on their website.

When it comes to making a few changes in your home to benefit the environment, there are options available.

A pair of 19th century painted oak tables belonging to the late Elizabeth Wyndham of Petworth House were among the top sellers of her furniture items held at auction at Wisborough Green, Billingshurst.
Elizabeth Wyndham was a well-known socialite and civil servant (who worked at Bletchley Park during the War), and the adopted daughter of Lord and Lady Leaconfield. She died in May last year, aged 85. 20 lots from her collection fetched a combined total of £12,000.

This goes to prove that although you may pay more for solid oak furniture, it lasts a lifetime and holds its value and increases as it becomes antique! An investment in time!

With the credit crunch still in the air many furniture retailers trying to keep sales memento – the best way to do this is to slash the prices!! Oak Furniture Land being the leading supplier with the biggest slash on prices for January with all items atleast 50% off!

All good things that are made to last require maintenance. This also applies to furniture.
Even if a piece of furniture has been made to fulfil the consumer’s expectations, it can, like good clothes, very quickly get a “used” look. Good things need looking after if they are to keep their quality and good looks (much like us!)
This is especially true of good furniture, and this article advises on how to maintain furniture and consequently extend its life.
6 general rules for furniture care
1. Always try the mildest cleaning agent first.
2. Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
3. Chewing gum and candle wax are most easily removed after careful freezing with a freezing spray or with a handy little potion called benzine.
4. Never use cleaning agents containing abrasives or abrasive cloths etc, e.g. scouring pads and metal polishes.
5. Remember to tighten fittings when required.
6. Caution! Beware of the risk of fire when using white spirit, methylated spirits and benzine. Keep candles etc away from furniture surfaces.

What’s in wood?
Wood is approximately 50% water. It has a cell structure that looks a little like honeycomb. Quick-growing wood, such as pine, has relatively large cells and contains larger ‘pockets’ of water, making it a softer wood. Hardwood, such as Oak, grows more slowly, and therefore has smaller cells and less water.
What is meant by the expression ‘wood is a living material’?
Wood constantly adjusts itself to the humidity of its surroundings, - trying to equal out the moisture content.
It therefore ‘lives’ on, even after being cut, dried and turned into a piece of furniture. It is particularly apparent in large, solid wood furniture pieces. You’ve seen how doors can suddenly stick when the seasons change. That’s the temperature and humidity changes in the air causing the wood to adjust.
How does a manufacturer judge the wood before using it for production?
He examines it thoroughly, checking for discolouring, holes and knots. No two trees are alike - each has to be inspected. If you’re really good, you can almost see if its good furniture wood before you even cut down the tree. But you never really know until the wood is cut. We also pay attention to where the wood is grown. Plantation wood is superior as it is grown for the specific purpose of production. The trees are planted closely, forcing them to grow tall and straight and without too many branches - ideal for furniture.
Is there a “best wood” for furniture?
Teak is ideal because it has a high oil content, making it naturally sturdy. There is also oak furniture, beech, cherry and Honduras mahogany - these are all excellent choices for furniture production.
What happens to the wood after it is cut?
Then begins the most critical process of all - drying! Depending on which kind of wood it is, the drying process can take anywhere between weeks and years. On the one extreme, oak furniture (the wood beforehand) should ideally dry for up to 2 years, under a roof, but exposed to wind and air flow. Beech, on the other hand, should be mechanically dried immediately after cutting if you want to preserve the light colour. It’s all a question of getting the water content from 50% down to the 8% level without warping or damaging the wood, and you really have to know your wood to do it correctly. You can’t speed through the drying process or you’ll end up with firewood instead of production material.
What happens if the wood is dried too quickly?
A lot of faults will show up. The surface of the wood will ‘close’, and when the moisture inside the wood comes out, which it inevitably will, it will cause hundreds of small cracks in the surface. Some of these cracks can get up to 1/2” deep. Also, there is the danger of discoloration. If you measure the moisture content of the surface and compare it to the centre of the wood, you can see if it has been dried too quickly. It should be about the same all the way through the wood. This is something we do constantly during the drying process - check, check, and check again!
So, how important is the humidity level of ones home? How much change can wood take before it is damaged?
Sudden changes in humidity are never good for wood. I’ve seen a huge solid wood oak dining table that cracked right down the middle with a loud bang just 3 months after the family switched from coal to central heating. As you might guess, this was some years ago.
If the humidity level of your home varies by more than 10-15% throughout a year, then you could be in trouble. But most homes are within this level. If you have central heating and a more or less steady temperature indoors throughout the year, then you should be fine.
There are so many different kinds of wood finishes - oil, soap, wax, lacquer, paint… which is best?
Every finish has it’s advantages and disadvantages. Mostly, we manufacturers choose a finish that will best complement the wood, but there is a bit more to it than that. Oil, wax, and soap treatments bring a soft, rich sheen to the wood, showing off the grain and colour. They also protect the surface against dirt and moisture and, when combined with sanding and polishing, give a lovely smooth surface. The advantage of these finishes is that it’s relatively easy to do surface repairs. The disadvantage is you do have a bit of upkeep to maintain the great look. I find a wax finish particularly beautiful on oak, making it look positively alive.
Lacquer is used mostly for veneers. When applied properly, it will literally extend the life of the wood. The advantage is there’s no upkeep. The disadvantage is, any surface repair has to be done professionally.
Paint is mostly used for chipboard furniture. I don’t believe I know anyone who would willingly cover a beautiful wood grain with paint.
How can I be sure that the wood in a piece of furniture has been properly dried and treated?
Quite honestly, you can’t. You have to buy from a furniture dealer you know and trust. Remember though, neither dealer nor manufacturers are happy about complaints, so if we want to stay in business, we have to deliver quality goods. It’s as simple as that.
What’s underneath veneer?
Veneer sits atop a layer of either chipboard or MDF. Chipboard is made from wood chips that are mixed with glue and then pressed together. Both chipboard and MDF are very stable materials, and actually more resistant to humidity changes than solid wood.
Is veneer just as good as solid wood?
The myth that solid wood is always better than veneer doesn’t hold water any more (excuse the pun)! In environments where the humidity conditions are ideal, solid wood is definitely a great choice. Contact our experts to find out more.
Are Danish furniture manufacturers’ ecologically-friendly?
I can emphatically say yes, and we have been for years. Many of us use our discarded wood to heat our factories. Those who work with pine sell their leftovers to chipboard manufacturers. Recycling has been common throughout the Danish furniture industry for a long time. You must keep in mind that Denmark is a small country. We have a physical closeness here that quite simply forces us to think ecologically - otherwise we’d have our neighbour on our back in a flash!
Also, I’d like to add a point about wood finishes. I think I can safely say I speak for all Danish furniture manufacturers when I say the finishes we use are chosen first and foremost from an ecological point of view. There are no toxins or dangerous ingredients in any of the wood surface treatments from Denmark. We Danes are very dedicated to creating a good ‘indoor climate’ with our wood furniture, and that is best done with natural materials that won’t affect your health.

After discovering that single sheets of cardboard gained lots of strength when layered, Frank Gehry - a Pulitzer Prize winning architect based in LA - began to manipulate the simple material into funky, curvy chairs and tables. With hardwood facing applied to the flat surfaces, the furniture is really durable.
At the turn of the millennium, cardboard again became a trend. Noted for its recyclability, cardboard fits snuggly into the modern home. A whole new industry is appearing from within its wake. We actually use cardboard in our everyday lives a lot more than we think, especially for handy storage solutions!
In 2005, art director and designer Cathy Henszey began creating products for recycled cardboard furnishings. The tables and shelving are modern in their aesthetic and surprisingly strong, due to the unique honeycomb cell shape of cardboard which can actually take a lot of weight. Unlike Gehry’s pieces, they contain no screws!
Swiss architect Nicola Enrico Stäubli has created a collection of templates for cardboard kids furniture. Its suitability is because it is lightweight, can be decorated by children and once it’s has outlived its purpose can be thrown away with a clear conscience.

We will be living in cardboard houses next!

The Great British event:
The Interiors Event, which is within The Furniture Show 2009, will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK from the 18th - 21st January 2009
• An exhibition of 100’s of new products for contract and home; furniture, lighting, soft furnishings and furnishing accessories
• 100’s of new and established trade suppliers, from high-end to volume
• A One-stop-shop for all your trade interior sourcing needs
• Features and installations to boost your business in 2009
The Halls:
Design Interiors in The Pavilion
High-end classic furniture in Hall 1
High-end modern furniture in Hall 2
Soft Furnishings - Hall 3
Furnishing Accessories - Hall 3
Mixed volume furniture in Halls 3-5
Lighting in Hall 9
Interiors Birmingham 2009 will allow you free flowing access to a complete showcase of the best in classic and modern, indoor and outdoor furniture and accessories. You can book your tickets online at: www.interiorsbirmingham.com

How’s this for table service? The Sunday Mail are offering you the chance to win a great dining set.
They are giving the chance to one lucky reader to win a great Rennie Mackintosh-inspired dining set worth £1300. It’s perfect for family meals and entertaining friends in style.
The set comprises table and chairs with leather seat pads and a centrally stored extending leaf.
For your chance to win, answer this question: Name the host of Postcode Challenge, who also presented the TV Programme Changing Rooms. Then call 0901 609 3260 and follow instructions or text SM3260 followed by a space, your answer, name, house number and postcode to 84080.

BT landline calls cost 60p per minute for two minutes maximum. Calls from other networks may be higher. Texts cost £1.50 each plus standard network rate. Open to UK residents aged 18 and over only. Prize to be collected by January 31 2009. Standard Sunday Mail rules apply, see www.sundaymail.co.uk/rules

In part two of our look at the feel of bedrooms we take a more in depth look at changes that can help you relax.

Maybe you have a bedroom design that is immaculate, modern, and beautiful. But is it comfortable? It’s important that a room still feels like home, and an easy way to achieve this is by adding some creature comforts. Some personal bedroom decorations add individual character to a space and make it more relaxing. Add some comfy pillows to the bed not only to create an interesting texture but also to add a relaxing impression to your subconscious as you go to sleep. Buy a bookcase and add some personal artifacts, photos and knick-knacks. An item or two of carfully selected artwork or even an original work of your own on the walls can take your mind off the day’s stresses. A mirror can give the impression of space in a small room.   In short, just add anything to make the room feel more complete and personal, and therefore more peaceful as well.

How about the floor? If you have a natural wooden floor you will know how difficult it is to keep quiet when walking about.  If you have to get up in the dead of night, or maybe come in after a late shift, the last thing you want to do is wake your partner. A nice deep pile carpet will deaden all but the clumsiest of footfalls.  If you’re loathed to cover up those beautiful 19th century oak timbers, then a well positioned rug will help.

The curtains you have can make a huge difference.  A good lined set will keep out streetlights and the dawn sunrise. They will also help to muffle sounds, and keep out those pesky drafts.

Finally, a complete solution would be to also replace your bedroom furniture. Metal or plastic covered furniture can look very stylish, but my advice would be to steer clear of them in a bedroom situation as they are often harsh and sharply angular. A much better option would be solid wood furniture, which is natural and has a softer, warmer feel to it.

Hopefully these posts have helped with your bedroom design and you will be sleeping soundly in the future.

In this first part of our look at bedroom ambience we explain why you need a relaxing bedroom and give some tips on quick ways of creating this.

We spend about a third of our life asleep. Is this a waste? How can we fritter away all those precious hours every day? It’s not the waste of time you may think though. We live busy lives: long hours at the office, a family waiting at home, combined with the other burdens of daily living: bills, cooking dinner, shopping, housework, etc. Sleep is absolutely essential. However, recently, people have been breaking this age-old cycle by only getting a few hours of sleep a night, and this sleep deprivation harms you physically, emotionally, and mentally. Many people skimp on sleep due to some form of insomnia, and though this may seem like a medical condition, it is often environmental as well. Which means your bedroom design may have something to do with your lack of peaceful sleep.

Sometimes your bedroom decoration simply needs a change of atmosphere to make it more comfortable. If the room looks a bit unfamiliar it may help to create a get-away sensation: a holiday in your own home. You could add a new piece of bedroom furniture, but the easiest way to achieve this feeling is with a quick lick of paint. Often cool colors are a great way to produce a relaxing feel to the room, such as soft pinks or light blues and greens. You don’t even have to re-paint the entire room to make it look different. Create an feature wall by painting one wall a different shade from the other three. Or simply paint the skirting boards, doors or the molding around the ceiling an alternate colour. Little changes can make a big difference.