Hooray for the Red, White & Green.

This weekend as we celebrate the 235th Anniversary of the birth of our country, we also can be proud of the growing eco-consciousness that slowly but surely has begun to resonate throughout our nation.

The evolving trend of ethical consumerism in the US in the past 30 years or so has culminated in an upswing in mass-marketing of green brands which are briefly, products made with minimal or no harm to humans, animals and the environment. 

Interior design is no stranger to the myriad of possibilities in creating and using evironmentally sound products within home and commercial spaces.  As we become more and more concerned for the health of our planet, not to mention ourselves,  the purchasing of green products may be a trend that is here to stay and no longer just a fashionable one formerly accessable only to those who resided within  higher financial stratespheres.  Nowadays, you can purchase furniture, fabric, accessories and wall-coverings at stores running the budget gamet from Target to Ikea and Crate & Barrel among many others, as well as from high-end interior design showrooms.

 

Here are a few examples of  eco-friendly interior design products which reflect in design the spirit of the fourth of July and in turn welcome the oncoming months of summer:

1. Blue folding chair from Crate & Barrel is crafted of eucalyptus wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

2. Navy on Ivory hemp wall covering, patt. # 5170.  http://www.phillipjeffries.com/

3. Farm table made from 100 - 150 year old reclaimed wood, http://www.woodlandcreekfurniture.com/ 

4. Quirky red loveseat made from eco-friendly wood.  I am still looking for the product information.

5. Recycled crushed glass knobs.

6. Chair upolstered with "Acropora" stretch fabric  inspired by the ocean waves depicted in the work of the great Japanese painter Hoksai. 94% cotton, 6% elasthan. http://www.creations-metaphores.com/

7. Agean-Printed printed red & white cotton mat. http://www.westelm.com/

8. Glasswear and pitcher made in Mexico.  http://www.novica.com/ or http://www.thehungersite.com/

Have a happy, safe and eco-friendly fourth!

"Why Kill the Cow?"

Last year I was working full time in a high end furniture showroom that sells only to the architect and Interior design trade in New York City.  Besides furniture and various objet-d'art, we offered the option of a pretty good selection of fabrics and leather for upholstering any chairs, ottomans or sofas that they might purchase for their clients. The designer generally likes to use their own fabrics that they have purchased from another vendor, that is called COM or COL in the case of leather, but sometimes it is just alot easier to do a little one-stop shopping and depending on the fabric, it might even be a better deal.
One day, I was working with one of my more pleasant clients (which was rare).  We talked about a piece of upholstery  that she had wanted to purchase and I offered to show her our leather collection. She asked if we had any "faux" leather to which I responded that one of the lines that we represented did indeed have a pretty good selection of faux leather - quite realistic looking.  I thought that she had inquired about the faux leather because she was trying to keep within a certain budget, but she looked at me and said: "after all, why kill the cow"?  I sure wish everyone thought like that..
I will say that I am a big animal person and will likely never offer my clients the option of fur (only faux).  I am, and have been a rabidly (no pun intended) anti-fur person for most of my life, so I really feel that if someone absolutely must have something made with fur then I am not the designer for them.  On the other hand, why kill the cow too?  There are plenty of great faux options out there nowadays and many benefits to using it as well.  Yes, some of us still eat meat, wear leather shoes, gloves, coats, have leather sofas, easy chairs and leather upholstery in our cars, but if it really isn't necessary, why indeed kill the cow?

Fabulous Chair of the Week.

I was browsing the internet for beach house furniture and stopped in my tracks when I came across this chair on the Kravet interior design showroom website.  It spoke to me, beckoned me, and I was so utterly taken by it's unique charm and clever design that I wanted to share it with you.

  No, at first glance, it doesn't exactly scream summer cottage chic, in fact it most certainly has a very urban and cosmopolitan feel in its clean retro design style simplicity.  But then again,  I thought: it can just as easily find a place in a weekend house by the sea as it can in a 23rd floor condo in Manhattan.  In fact, for those who prefer a more contemporary/transitional look to their personal environments it is just the perfect chair...or two.  And it comes with a matching ottoman.  

It is sometimes hard to see, but wood finishes and upholstery fabric can change a piece dramatically.  For instance, putting a lighter finish on the frame of the chair and using a fabric with more color or pattern still sophisticated enough, but with a more of a casual feel will transition it smoothly into a more relaxed environment appropriate for a summer residence.

   

You can find it on the Kravet website: http://www.kravet.com/

In order to purchase it, you need to go through an interior designer or architect.  If you would like to contact me about purchasing this piece or if you are seeking design consultation please feel free to drop me a line.  Rates depend on type or scope of project.