A-Z of Sustainable Interiors

Mar 5, 2021

3 min read

This article is an extract from Hutch's new 'Sustainable Homes' zine, you can read the full article with the full A-Z by downloading the zine here.

A - Auction Houses

Local auction houses are a great place to find affordable second-hand pieces for your home. From vintage and antique furniture to unique home accessories and textiles, it’s worth checking out local spots across the UK or visiting The Saleroom for a full online selection.

Hutch’s top 5 local auction houses across the UK:

1. W&H Peacock, Bedford & St Neots

2. Tennant’s Auctioneers, North Yorkshire

3. East Bristol Auctions, Bristol

4. Claydon Auctioneers Limited, Berkshire

5. Locke & England, Warwickshire

Credits - Instagram: Rita Konig, Ben Pentreath

B - Borrow

Instead of always buying something new when you need it, why not see if you can borrow from friends or family?

This is particularly useful when hosting events or parties (back when that used to happen!). There are also some great furniture rental services that enable you to borrow long-term, such as Instant Home in the UK and Feather in the US.

C - Ceramics

Ceramic is a natural, earth-based material which, as well as being less damaging for the environment, is likely to be far more durable than artificial alternatives. Small, independent

ceramic sellers such as Naked Clay Ceramics, Jode Pankhurst, Natalie J Wood and The Pottery

Parade are all over our social media feeds at the moment offering beautiful handmade homeware pieces from unique statement vases to quirky tableware.

Credits: Instagram - Jode Pankhurst, The Pottery Parade, Naked Clary Ceramics and Natalie J Wood

Hutch Loves: the London-based Independent Ceramics Market which showcases an eclectic mix of emerging and independent artists.

Hutch Highlight: Ceramic designer and sustainable materials researcher, Sara Howard, who uses industrial landfill waste to produce her ceramics.

D- Decoupage

Take your inspiration from the inimitable Josef Frank and breathe new life into an old piece of furniture with Decoupage. This creative upcycling technique allows you to put your own stamp on tired furniture and is also a great way of using up a collection of vintage posters or prints.

E - Exchange

‘One person’s trash is another person’s treasure’ and clothing swaps have become increasingly popular over recent years, so why not organise an event where friends can bring along small homeware pieces they are ready to exchange.

F - Fairs

Fairs and markets have long been a staple of the second-hand furniture industry. During a pandemic they are the perfect outdoor shopping venue and many innovative shopping formats are now also going online.

Hutch’s top 5 fairs for furniture & homeware:

1. Sunbury Antiques Market at Kempton Park Racecourse in Middlesex

2. Shepton Giant Flea & Collectors Market in Somerset

3. Great Wetherby Racecourse Antiques Fair in West Yorkshire

4. Arthur Swallow Fairs in Lincoln and Cheshire

5. Ardingly International Antiques and Collectors Fair at the South of England Showground in Sussex

Credits - Instagram: Sunbury Antiques

G- Greenery

We all understand the positive impact plants and nature can have on our wellbeing and stress levels as well as contributing to cleaner air. Greenery in the home has become more popular as we adapt to apartment living and want to bring more nature in.

Gynelle Leon, founder of London plant shop Prick, told the Telegraph: “Plant sales have been up this year, with more people than ever wanting to have a connection with nature inside their homes… Houseplants allow us to maintain a relationship with nature inside our homes, which is so important. It has been proven that just looking at plants makes you feel calmer, and during a pandemic most of us are doing everything that we can to increase our wellbeing.”

Credits: Instagram - Patch Plants, Prick

This article is an extract from Hutch's new 'Sustainable Homes' zine, you can read the full article with the full A-Z by downloading the zine here.