If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind way to freshen up your home for 2010, try wool rugs, stair carpets, wall hangings or chair covers from Rachel's Wool. Rachel Scott is a true artist and was trained as a painter at The Royal College of Art, London. Rachel began spinning and weaving in 1976 and still delights in her personalised creations.

 

For her rugs, Rachel spins her own yarn directly from the fleece of different breeds of British sheep, giving the rugs 100% natural colour and texture. She even weaves one-of-a-kind outfits, but I'm particularly fond of the beautiful chair covers, like the one I just bought from her (right). It has 52 colours in each rectangular block. Rachel often uses found furniture (her daughter found this chair abandoned on the pavement), which she brings back to life with her colourful covers. They're surprisingly durable and easy to clean (Rachel says just pop the cover your washing machine's gentle cycle, and it will air-dry in a flash).

 

Rachel takes commissions, so if you have a tired-looking chair or sofa, get in touch with her for a quote. Revamping an existing piece of furniture is not just eco-friendly: when Rachel does it for you, you end up with a veritable work of art.