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Natural Home

The natural home is somewhere we can feel the comforts and inspiration of nature. Our choices help create an improved living environment for ourselves in our homes and for the planet. But most of all the natural home is somewhere that feels good to be.

Upcycling the secret bookcase

Napkins decoupage on wood

The incomparable beauty of bamboo design

7 natural ingredients for a great terrarium

Choose natural ingredients for a great terrarium and a perfect ecosystem. A terrarium thrives on neglect so no need for plastic time-savers.

9 ways to kill or care for your houseplants

Do you want to care for your houseplants or kill them? Look at what you could do to finish them off and you’ll see how to keep them alive.

5 places to use natural fibres in your home

Natural fibres bring nature into your home. They can work as a statement in so many places and can blend into the background.

16 tips to upcycle furniture for a new lease of life

Upcycle furniture and reduce waste going to landfill. Upcycling not only extends the life of a product but makes it unique.

10 upcycled apple crates for your creative inspiration

Upcycled apple crates provide vintage magic. They add simple charm to their new role, plus you're keeping waste out of landfill too.

10 reasons you should switch to LED lights

LED lights are more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Prices are down more than 80% in the last 5 years. You can even get a 5-year warranty.

Top 11 houseplants for clean air

We can use houseplants for clean air not just decoration. NASA has studied the best plants for filtering toxic chemicals from our air.

8 reasons to love a wood floor

A wood floor adds to the natural harmony in your home. It costs more up-front than carpet but it's eco-friendly and lasts longer.

Knobs galore for your furniture upcycling projects

Knobs are the finishing touch for your upcycled furniture, with the power to transform into something totally different.

9 ideas for beautiful natural wallart

Good natural wallart is made from nature and represents it too. Use it to reflect your style, make a room inviting and open up conversation.

Eco tips

Save paper – always refuse paper receipts.

Where there's a choice select products with minimal or no packaging.

Use dried tea leaves as a deodoriser. Scatter them over the carpet, leave for ten minutes then vacuum up. Place in the fridge to absorb odours (like baking soda).

Switch to LED lights. They cost less to run and last longer than any other bulb.

Avoid creating waste. When ordering food avoid plastic utensils or straws by asking in advance.

Share the little things in life, such as newspapers, magazines, books and DVDs, between friends and neighbours.

Reduce toxins in the home – always leave outdoor shoes at the door.

Look at the types of products you use and switch from disposable to reusable, such as food and drink containers, razors and nappies.

If you order coffee when you're out and about carry your own mug to avoid paper waste – we all know this is an easy win, but do we all do it?

Use charcoal deodorisers around the home to absorb rather than mask odours and toxins.

Check your local library to find out all the resources it provides. Libraries are a good place to read magazines and newspapers as well as borrowing books (and DVDs).

Choose drought-resistant plants for the garden to cut down on the need for watering.

Save electricity by running your washing machine on a cooler setting and consider line-drying your clothes instead of using a dryer.

Those little fruit and veg labels that supermarkets use can be recycled too. Peel them off and stick them onto a plastic container in the recycling bin.

Grow houseplants for clean air and give them rainwater occasionally as it has less impurities than tapwater.

If you only need a tool or piece of equipment infrequently then instead of buying one, save resources by asking a friend or neighbour if you can borrow one. Or check online for a lending club, such as Streetbank.

Take time to work out how much you need before making a purchase. If you do this for items such as food and paint you'll avoid paying for quantities that will only go to waste.

Avoid chemical products for pest control. Rely on non-toxic alternatives.

Use natural cleaning products or make your own.

To avoid creating waste, choose products with the least amount of packaging.

Choose rechargeable batteries and a battery charger to cut down on disposables. Eventually recyclable batteries reach the end of their life too but they can be recycled – local recycling policies vary so check with your recycling facility.

Filter water for all uses, not just drinking. Install a water filter instead of filling up those jugs.

Replace at least part of your lawn with a meadow as a wildlife habitat, and cut down on the need for watering.

Make your own compost

Sprinkle dry tea leaves to deodorise problem areas such as your cat litter tray.

If possible replace disposable products with reusable ones (eg. food storage, coffee filters, straws, etc.).

Instead of buying paper napkins for each celebration buy cloth napkins that you can use again, or make your own.

If you're looking for a hotel go to TripAdvisor and select 'GreenLeaders' from the 'More' menu option above the search box.

Rub beeswax over pans and baking sheets rather than use butter or oil each time. Over time the pan develops a permanent coating.

In the garden, use coffee grounds as a mulch for acid-loving plants or around the base of plants to deter ants and slugs.

Choose houseplants that reduce toxins.

Share tools and gadgets that people use infrequently rather than each of your neighbours buying their own individual items. Plan ahead and co-ordinate new purchases with your neighbours.

Avoid synthetic fragrances. Choose natural methods to make your home smell fresh.

Make your own toiletries or switch to natural brands.

Save and re-use the little sundries that come along with packaging, such as rubber bands, twist ties and boxes.

Use a recycled plastic water butt to collect rainwater for your garden.

Go for the most significant impact on your waste by aiming for a zero waste kitchen.

Take holidays closer to home and avoid air travel if you can to reduce your carbon footprint.

Use beeswax candles instead of ordinary paraffin candles. They burn cleaner, brighter and last longer. They also emit negative ions which improve air quality.

Nature Holds The Key