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In 2007 we all became more aware, aware of our carbon footprint, aware of our recycling responsibilities, aware that the school run or weekly shop, normally done in the family monster truck, could be our daily opportunity to get the exercise that we always promise ourselves.

Interior design, by it's very nature, is an artistic, style orientated industry and in 2008, our new awareness raises the question, can eco friendly be stylish? can fair trade be functional? does caring for our environment mean we have to compromise on comfort? and can we be inspirational and original, without damaging the world around us? 

 

Usually we find the technology comes first, and then comes the detail, the style if you like. I have found that this is the point at which we currently find ourselves. The hard work developing the technology, the sustainable resources, the recycling capabilities, the green manufacturing processes, the certification bodies, are all in place and constantly evolving. Designers and manufacturers are finding that these new technologies and processes are mot constricting or binding under a heavy eco responsibility but rather enfranchising and liberating, allowing a new passion for constructing original, innovative and beautiful end products. Whether it's a table or a green roof, there are many companies offering an alternative.

 

One such company is Lockwood Design based in Berkshire. With a national client base, Anna Lockwood, a furniture maker armed with a fine art degree, a history in interior design, upholstery and of course furniture making, is a designer with a difference. All her products recycled and re invente. Anna takes existing furniture and breathes new life into it, recycling and turning the shabby into the chic. Anna offers incredibly stylish one off pieces of furniture that in our opinion would finish any room. We caught up with designer, Anna of lockwood design, to hear her take on eco friendly design.

 

My approach is largely experimental. When I find an item to 're-vamp' it's usually because I like the original design. When making decisions in the design process I think the original design dictates what needs to be done. However, being experimental means not only do I suddenly come across lovely aesthetics by accident, but there is often a learning curve, and I make lots of mistakes in the process. I spend a lot of time searching for new fabrics, I am passionate about texture and how fabric behaves. I am lucky really in that the hard work has already been done for me, the chair has already been designed by someone long ago, I just bring it into the 21st Century.

 

I sell my exclusive designs online. The main difference in the shopping experience with me is that everything is online is a one off, there will never be a repeat, there will never be the same thing twice. I offer a finder service, I source furniture for people who may not have the time or the vision to see the posibilities in an item and how amazing it could look once I have re vamped it. I also do a simple re upholstery service for interior designers and private customers, using my interior design background to help my private clients make decisions.

 

I am incredibly aware of that, I don't think it's by chance that I have started a business which recycles, rather than producing new furniture. I also think it is high time that people started to think more seriously about purchasing long life items rather than throw away.

The majority of us all have something Ikea in our homes, however, people need to invest in, furniture isn't like a new t-shirt. All these TV shows around never tell people how to think when buying furniture, it's all fashion orientatedand and what looks good now with quick fixes. I wonder how many people are aware that if they buy something that they love the shape of, in five years time they can have it re covered in an amazing new fabric and it will be like a new piece of furniture and transform a room.

 

Absolutely! We know exactly what manufacturing process goes into our products, so ultimately we are responsible. For example, I am researching into more eco friendly wood finishes at the moment. It doesn't make any difference to the customer, but it puts a lot less stress on the planet.

 

Have a look at my website and see for yourself!

 

So we have a choice. Is this choice aberrant? No. The process may be away from the norm but the end results still retain their functionality, flair and craftsmanship. All we have to do is maintain our awarenessand embrace the future.

 

You can view Anna's designs at www.lockwood-design.co.uk

 

 

Article by B. Donbavand. copyright 2008