Urban Eco Chic

by Oliver Heath

"Urban Eco Chic" shows how we can all recycle materials, use sustainable products and become increasingly energy-efficient in our own homes, without compromising our sense of style. The fact that we must become more eco-aware of the way we live is not in question; the issue is how can we do so without sacrificing the level of comfort and luxury to which so many of us are now accustomed. "Urban Eco Chic" is about balancing function, practicality and performance with style, sophistication and comfort, proving that eco-friendly practices and chic aesthetic ideas are not incompatible. Renowned eco-designer, Oliver Heath, has a philosophy for decorating which is based around the three elements of Technology, Nature and Vintage.This book demonstrates how a clever combination of pioneering technologies, sustainable materials and recycled or recyclable products can create a functional yet beautiful home. The result is a contemporary look that is ethical, eco-conscious and yet as individual as each homeowner. The book is packed with ideas on how to green your home, how to power it and save energy, as well as simple lifestyle changes to improve your carbon footprint. It is also full of Oliver's personal style tips and ideas so you can develop your own 'Urban Eco Chic' style.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Sustainability

176 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Ralph Zoontjens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok book that tries to bring the idea of ecological sustainability to interior designers.
There are some nice ideas but it sort of misses that spark that you intuitively see with great aesthetics. The author promotes using simple materials and technologies (apparently it is possible to stylishly use TL-tube lighting!) so it does not have to require big budgets. Overall I saw a bit too little chic and a bit too much eco but it's a nice book for inspiration.

[Silvia Eduardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Urban Eco Chic tiene buenas ideas y una estética visual atractiva, ideal para quienes buscan inspiración en diseño sostenible con estilo moderno. Sin embargo, el contenido puede quedarse un poco superficial si buscas profundidad técnica o soluciones más prácticas. Aun así, es un libro agradable de hojear y puede servir como punto de partida para introducirse en el diseño ecológico urbano.

[Elise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good ideas to incorporate eco-friendly design into your existing home without any major investments. The author, British interior designer, Oliver Heath gives you a fairly good overview of eco-friendly materials, parts, floors, walls, surfaces, fabrics and lighting for any room/area in the home from the kitchen to the children's bedroom to the entryways and hallways. He believes there are three aspects to "urban eco chic" - incorporating technology, nature and vintage in every space. I didn't much care for his tone throughout the book. I felt he was a bit patronizing with a lot of "you must do this..." and "you must do that..." But with that said, there are a few ideas that I may try in my own home.

[Tasneem · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay book, it tried too hard to be clever and cool. The tone was patronising as if all who read it are idiots. It only shows the unenlightenment of the author. I found myself wanting to just let him know that we are all equally able to think. The book does have some good ideas though. I think overall if you've got common sense, this book is unnecessary, but if you can't see the obvious then it can be helpful. Basically though, it is all about being able to recylce, upcycle, go vintage and use technology to cut down waste.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book if you're looking to outfit your home with environmentally concious products. Many of the items featured were not appropriate for me or most apartments dwellers, but had me thinking about searching out for companies who provide items like rugs made from recycled items, or salvage yards with reclaimed wood. (There's one in my area!) Though provoking with modern, sparse, bright rooms. Worth a peek.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous inspirational photos of modern green design without a trace of granola - and unlike many other books of its type there's some depth to the written content as well. Heath clearly knows his subject, and this book will also act as a reference on materials and techniques for a range of budgets and projects. Decorators, this one is definitely worth buying for your reference library.

[Kaleem Rahman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great inspiration for designing your home office or studio.

[Whole And · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, inspiring.
Breaking the myth that ecologically design is limiting or that compromise is necessary which is simply not truth.
Oliver Heath shows us truth.