Let’s face it, moving into a custom built eco-home can be very expensive. Most people struggle to afford proper insulation for their homes, never mind trying to live 100% eco-friendly lives. However, UK-based eco-artist, Monika Margrett, decided to prove that it is possible for anyone to turn their home into an eco-heaven using basic tools and on an extremely tight budget. In her latest project, “Eco Living” (created for her environmental charity, Our Greener Future), Monika transformed an empty attic into a living space filled with eye-catching, hand-crafted eco-furniture and accessories. With the use of only simple tools and on a staggeringly low budget of just £250, Monika’s creativity was put to test to make this project a reality.
Monika said: “When I started out I knew it wouldn’t be easy to complete this project on such a tight budget. And I was right! After buying eco-paints to refurbish the space I was left with only £150 for all the furniture and accessories. This presented me with a massive challenge, as I needed a fully functional living space filled with furniture and accessories that were as healthy and environmentally friendly as possible.” Looking to nature for inspiration and using highly unusual materials, such as food waste, Monika created a beautiful, eco-friendly living space.
“I love nature and I found it an incredible source of inspiration when designing most of the pieces for this project. Who would have thought that the leftover pulp from fruits and vegetables could be used to make a painting! Nature is so remarkable,” she said. Monika’s Eco Living collection consists of a natural mattress, a silky nightstand, a table and drawers finished with used coffee, a cardboard chair, an ‘edible’ painting, a set of round cardboard cupboards as well as a vase, coffee table and accessories all made using 99% reclaimed materials. Monika says that with some creativity many of the everyday unwanted items we throw away every day can be easily transformed into beautiful pieces of eco-furniture and accessories for our homes.
“The aim of this project was to show that it’s possible for anyone to live in homes filled with eco-friendly furniture – homes that make us feel happy and connected with nature,” the artist shared. “This project proves that there is little need for specialist tools and high investment to live healthier and happier lives while helping the environment at the same time.”
The Eco Living Interactive Tour can be viewed at the Our Greener Future website.
+ Our Greener Future
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