Features
 More of us are investing in wood burning stoves to keep our homesteads warm - and make us feel less dependent on the big energy suppliers. But evidence is mounting that they are significant source of particulate pollutants that are damaging our air quality, so are they a good buy? Kay Hill investigates |
 A good bed is a major investment, so choose one made from quality natural materials that are sustainable, long-lasting, won't off-gas and can be recycled. And watch out for noxious fire retardant chemicals... |
 It's a fantastic eco story, a made in Britain story, a 'how have I lived without one?' story. Let's hear it for Hug Rug! |
 It makes sense to have some kitchen furniture you can take with you when you move, such as island units, dressers and butcher's blocks. And if want a more individual, eclectic kitchen, freestanding is the way to go |
 There's no need to sacrifice good looks and wonderful colour options when choosing environmentally-friendly worktops |
 Design is important with kitchenware, but you can have products that are eco-friendly and ethically produced, as well as lovely to look at and a joy to use. |
 Designer maker mover shaker..it's over 40 years since John Makepeace OBE founded Parnham College in Dorset - the design school that produced some of the best names in furniture today. And the cabinetmaker behind the exquisite and often extraordinary furniture that is much coveted by collectors around the world is himself still hard at work. |
 Should you have a garden that's big enough, it makes sense to put in a garden room if you need a home office, somewhere to put growing kids, sprightly grandparents or overnight guests, or you need a place to escape to. Sheds ain't what they used to be you know |
 Take an old sail and turn it into fabulous contemporary outdoor furniture |
 You've got weddings or civil partnerships coming up. The happy couples have eschewed a list at a department store, saying airily that 'anything recyclable, bio-degradable or generally CO2-lite will be simply divine!' Rejoice, there's much that fits the bill |
 Succulents were the height of bohemian chic in the '70s and they're enjoying a resurgence thanks to a focus on easy-care plants and the need to do something about our indoor air quality. Grower Fiona Weymss of Kent-based Blueleaf Plants gives us the lowdown on these adorable little creatures |
 We Brits have some of the smallest homes in the EU, as builders and developers give us tiny rooms, invariably with no built-in storage. And as buying property remains unaffordable for many so we're going back to being a nation of renters. In which case don't deny yourself good furniture, just make sure it's easy to pack up and take with you when you move. |
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