I have a real soft spot for old things this month, so thought I'd highlight some gorgeous vintage furniture – always more eco-friendly than buying something new. For inspiration, flip through the pages of Recycled Home (Ryland, Peters & Small, £19.99) by Mark and Sally Bailey of Baileys. It's full of beautifully subdued colour palettes and tasteful shabby chic.

 

Still, some of us can't resist the allure of ever-so-girly confections. I know I've mentioned Le Tramac before, but the 'Bombon' collection is so deliciously moreish – I adore the 'Madame Lit de Repos' chaise (right). You can just imagine a French siren (even one d'un certain age) reclining on this whilst beguiling young hopefuls, not with wrinkle-free skin but with her wit and vivacious spirit.

And this 'Table Coquette' does more than hint at feminine wiles.

 

If you fancy something a bit funkier, turn to Burke & Hazelden. They transform antique finds into distinctly modern pieces, such as this 'Aladdin Sane', a c1890 Louis XV walnut armoire with detailed Rococo carvings, decorated by KID4EVA, a London-based graffiti artist.

 

These beauties don't come cheap, however, so if your budget is more lowly than Louis, why not get artistic and make (or commission) your own? Keep your eyes peeled on Freecycle, eBay, at your local charity shop, at vintage furniture market stalls or even on your local pavements (one man's junk...) If you find a real treasure whose charms lie deeply buried, contact the British Antiques and Furniture Restorers Association (BAFRA) for details of a specialist who can help reveal its unique charms. If it's not a proper antique but is an interesting item that needs a little TLC, get to work. A bit of upholstery (organic fabrics anyone?) or a dash of paint (try earth-kind concoctions) and your vintage find will be as green as can be – even if it's in a shocking shade of raspberry pink!

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