One advantage of the reduction of house prices now happening is that it makes us think more about connecting with our homes again – they become a place with which are going to have a long term relationship. The investment factor becomes less and we will be forced to consider enjoying it once again. A return to these traditional values is welcome. Several other advantages spring to mind including more time spent in the garden fixing it up and perhaps getting a veggie plot in as well. Good for health and stomachs. Another option is building a pergola or an area for Al Fresco eating. It’s a fantastic way to bring us into an outdoor room. Less ugly uncomfortable and ill used conservatories.

Secondly more cared for house - inside and out. I often think DIY has been high- jacked by the makeover mentality. Maintenance is one, big, important element of your relationship to your surroundings. Designers and home dwellers need to choose finishes and materials that can be maintained and age gracefully. Less PVC, more wood, natural paints and home made shelves, furniture, benches, blinds and linoleum.

Thirdly, the longer we stay in our homes the more we increase our connection to our neighbourhood. This makes for more inter-household support, less crime and better quality local activities.

The word eco attached to an article, product of service has become a turn-off, a moral obligation to read rather than a pleasure must continue kind of momentum. This is not to deny the importance of doing our bit to reduce carbon foot print. So mentioning the idea of designing an eco kitchen to the studio team the other day did not bring the normal enthusiasm that we get when we talk of starting a new project? The reason is that most eco projects have a slightly miserablist messages behind them. There are lots of good, exciting and enjoyable elements to the Eco-thought Zone. First it is a chance to use the imagination of a natural kind attached to ideas of longevity, quality and respect for nature; its is about things made well, slowly and with pride; it is about using renewable resources when it comes to energy. This suits anybody in love with timber, sunlight and harmony with nature (think William Morris or is true that it also about low energy or reminders of the Arts and Crafts period makes us think greenness is attractive. Why should eco mean cheapness and reductive down at heal scrimping when it should mean a release from the world of rat race competitiveness and devoid of human imaginative sensuality.

Using a house is not just about having your functional needs met, it’s about having the conditions that expand your mood, beyond your immediate needs. For example getting up in the morning and going to a ‘sweet spot’ which perhaps has a view of a garden, near a window within the arc of sunlight.. A soft, supportive surface (a reason for upholstery) to lie on to read, drink tea, or perch on for a chat with your partner and feel your way slowly into the day. Options of this not being a bedroom is where design brings luxury. In a warm climate it could be a veranda or in the garden. In a cold one an alcove off a kitchen or a deep chair next to a heat source. By triggering hormones that prepare you for the day, putting the body clock back into gear, without starting the day over tired or in a panic, design can bring poetry and function together.