This month I'm loving...  WAWA (WOW, WOW!) Care about fairtrade fashion? What about your furniture? WAWA lets home fashionistas become 'compassionistas' without sacrificing an ounce of style, with stylish furniture designed and handmade in the UK (fare wages and fewer transport miles). 

Forget flimsy particleboard pieces or identikit couches. WAWA's Richard Ward creates bespoke designs with a distinct contemporary twist, covered in your choice of fabric. Richard trained as a sculptor and now whips up modern classics such as the signature 'Soho Two' (above). The 'Soho Three' (right) was even featured as part of artist Liz Rideal's photographic exhibition for a 'Friday Late' FLASH event at the V&A.

 

WAWA isn't just concerned with ethics – there's an eco ethos too, making frames from sustainable European beech and stocking tough and colourful wool fabrics from Bute Fabrics in southwest Scotland. Richard cycles into the studio and his colleague Lola walks to work. They also 'backload' deliveries: sending furniture with couriers who are returning from delivering to London anyway, saving another road journey.

WAWA's more than just beauty – plenty of brains behind this brand. For instance, Richard has solved the 'problem' of bay windows, by creating a sofa that fits the space perfectly. The Bay Sofa (left) helps you make the most of your bay windows, and it's now available in a sleek square version too (right). The Square Bay Sofa can be built on wheels or trendy braked castors, so it's easy to move around – perfect for parties!

The WAWA showroom is just off the buzzy Columbia Road flower market. Pop in on a Sunday (10-2.30) or ring for an appointment on weekdays. Support UK craftspeople and designers for a house you'll be proud to call home.