EXPERT ADVICE

Nicola Harding on how to make your home more sustainable

1 It’s easy on any project to feel that you need to throw everything out and start again, but try to work with as much of the existing furnishings as you can. I’ll move things around to unexpected locations – for example, a chest of drawers in the bedroom might come down to the kitchen.

2 Focus your budget on a few good pieces that will stand the test of time – it’s better than having

everything mediocre. I like to invest in locally sourced designs, so for one hotel I used beds by Naturalmat. They’re made using organic wool from farms nearby and elevate a bedroom.

3 Use natural finishes wherever possible. Synthetic materials may have toxins in them that you’re not aware of, whether it’s flameproofing on fabric or the foam under upholstery. This is why I love antique furniture – the quality and level of craftsmanship is much higher for the same amount of money, and a lot of natural fibres

are intrinsically more fire-resistant.

4 Pay attention to fixtures and fittings, and use screws or nails where possible rather than harsh glues. Think about how antique pieces are made,

so they can be taken apart and repaired or reused. There’s a place near me called Relics of Witney (relicsofwitney.co.uk) that sells lovely

hand-forged nails and hinges.