I received the May 2009 Pottery Barn catalog yesterday. The best accents (as with all retail companies- I usually only shop accents & decor, not furniture), were these great pillows and baskets with natural fibers. So summery and so classic. Not to mention durable. A great way to add some summer to your space- indoor or out.
Beachcomber Baskets in various sizes
Jute Braid Pillow Covers in two sizes
"Hot Surface Houndstooth Set" by Jaime Salm @ Mio
Cork /kork/ n.: A sustainable natural material harvested from the outer layer of the Cork Oak tree.
I have to admit that I pretty much relegate cork to the bulletin boards in my studio. I appreciate it, but I don't employ cork all that often. But here is a cork I am loving. Houndstooth pattern cork pieces that interlock! Novel! Its meant for a table surface, such as a trivet for hot things. I would like to consult my favorite GC to see how I can do this for flooring...there has to be a way to use these little pieces as flooring. Or....I can houndstooth cork a large portion of a wall in my studio, frame it out and have a cool new inspiration board. Although, I may not want to cover up the pattern!
I have another front page article published on AvaLiving, "Green for Everyone...Not Just the Modern Folks!". Check it out.
Unless you have been living in a cave for the last few years- you know what "Green" is (its been elevated out of mere colorhood). Green is literally everywhere. Its in magazines and commercials. Its slathered on every imaginable household product. Its the topic of conversation and news sources from here to high heaven (Mea culpa, by the way). Its the pet subject of the Architecture and Design field. Green is what you should be. Its what you should be buying. Its what you should be doing.
I think that Sustainability and Green platforms are very valid. However, with so much media saturation- it can be really hard for the average person to navigate this new world of green and white (rather than shades of gray, we now have shades of mint green and sea mist). What most people don't know, is that there are a lot of bona fide ways to institute green practices and purchases when building and designing a home. Here are ways that everyone can be green. These considerations are things that anyone can integrate into a construction or design project, regardless of style preferences (its not just for the modern folks!).
-Buy Quality Products. When you purchase something of great quality, you increase the longevity of that item. When you purchase an item that will become dated or wear out in a few short years, you increase waste by throwing out the old and you increase consumption by buying new again. Buying for the long term is earth friendly. In the long run, you also end up spend less on great quality because you don't have to replace it time and time again. Consider purchasing the best quality seating, carpet/rugs, and case goods your budget allows for.
-Use quality materials with longevity. When you are selecting surface materials, think longevity and quality. Use materials that are durable and will stand the test of time. Consider materials that won't look dated in the future. Not everything needs to be made from recycled materials to be considered green (in fact, a lot of the hottest "green" materials of today will look dated in the not too distant future). Using and properly maintaining natural stone for counter tops and flooring is, indeed, a green practice.
-Use Green building materials and systems. This is attainable when involved with new construction and additions. When you start a project, tell the architect or designer that you care about the siting and natural heating and cooling of your home. Also ask them to specify green materials (such as formaldehyde free plywood, recycled insulation materials, etc.) and green systems (HVAC vent placement, lighting, window planning, solar panels, etc.) . Green design features that are laid out in planning and green materials that are utilized during construction can be applied to ANY home style. Green building materials are also better for your health (one very important component to the Green movement).
-Buy a built home. When you can, strive to buy an already built home. It is estimated that for every new home, 2.5 tons of construction waste and materials are used. If you buy an already built home, you reduce waste and evade using new resources. This option is not always desirable, but its worth heavy consideration when you are planning on buying a home.
-Buy antique and vintage furnishings. This goes hand in hand with buying an already built structure. By buying vintage and antique furnishings, you prevent using new resources and also prevent the waste associated with producing new furniture. Become familiar with local antique shops, tell them what you are looking for. If you are intimidated, hire a designer to walk you through the ins and outs of buying antiques. Its nothing to be afraid of! (Warning- it can become addicting!). Even people with modern tastes can think about integrating Bauhaus, Mid Century Modern, Art Deco or Post Modern vintage finds.
-Refrain from buying products that use endangered resources. Look for products that use reclaimed wood or other reclaimed materials. Avoid products that use endangered or rare species of wood, stone or metal. The definition of Sustainable is: "to provide for present needs without detracting from tomorrow". Use products that source not only from sustainable materials, but forests as well (contrary to popular thought, not EVERYTHING has to be bamboo!).
-Use low or no Volatile Organic Omissions (VOC) paint. Everyone uses paint. May as well use the healthiest option. See an archived blog about paint brands to learn about Benjamin Moore's line of green paint.
-Use natural cleaning products. Stop buying household brand cleaning products and laundry detergent. They are slowly degrading you and your family's health. Use basic cleaning methods and natural, fragrance-free products. Just because something has a little green logo or "seal of approval" doesn't mean its green. Read the ingredients. Do some homework. Go here for Green Cleaning tips.
-For more Green information for the home, visit these links:
I was privileged to attend a private tour of the national Natural Resources Defense Council offices in Santa Monica, California on Wednesday, April 30. The NRDC, located on 2nd Street near the famous 3rd Street Promenade, is the nation's "greenest" building. Platinum LEED Certified, the building uses sustainable building materials, systems and design theories from the basement to the rooftop. The "Green" movement spans many issues: health, environmental concerns, natural resource use, sustainability and animal & people protection. There are many ways for interior designers and architects to "go green", or at least incorporate green concepts and materials into their work. The NRDC building is an outstanding example of innovation and commitment to green systems.
To visit the NRDC Building in Santa Monica, click here.
