Hard Wood, High Style

New York based Tucker Robbins is an extraordinary story combined with an extraordinary line of furniture. Through his belief in the importance of local, international, and tribal crafts, and a desire to be sustainable, Tucker Robbins, has put together a line of unique, intriguing, and gorgeous furniture made from reclaimed or sustainably harvested resources. As a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, Tucker Robbins works to ensure their pieces are made sustainably, both in the materials they use, but also in their labor and production practices. By traveling the world and working with local tribes people who have maintained the knowledge of generations of craftsmen, Tucker Robbins also helps to bring us culture and international style. The Bubble table above is an amazing piece - the base is striking, and would be a gorgeous center table in a spacious hallway - or just as striking as a dining table for a small space.

The Waterfall Console and Balance Coffee Table are clean, simple, and and striking. The reclaimed woods used to make these lend to their unique quality, as no two pieces are exactly alike (which goes for most of the Tucker Robbins pieces since many of them are hand crafted). The great thing about these pieces is their versatility - the Waterfall console could be in a ultra modern home, sitting atop a large scale marble flooring, or in a rustic setting, comfortably nestled with old and new pieces, painted, or distressed. And the Balance table would be equally great in front of a squishy, comfortable sofa (with nice lines, of course!) or something sleek and streamlined.

The fun, lively quality to Tucker Robbins pieces isn't limited to their woods and casegoods - these two pendants, the Star and the Bead, have a youthful, upbeat quality to them. I love the idea of hanging a couple of the Star pendants above a special setting - a table, a pair of chairs in a room corner, or in the hallway as you walk through the front door. And the Bead - imagine this above your Kitchen table, or even in a bedroom...what a way to shed some light!

The Prem Sofa has something I love for upholstery, but hardly ever see - a wooden frame that doesn't just go around the edges of the piece, but flanks the sides in a solid piece, and sits above two planks that are both legs, and lift - giving such a large, hefty piece a light and airy feel. The Dutch chairs, in comparison need no help seeming airy, but they're solid and well crafted - with a more contemporary twist on a very classic chair, they too follow that classic Tucker Robbins style that enables you to create an eclectic and funky atmosphere.

Whether you use it as a side table, or simply a sculptural accent piece, these Spiders Nest tables in porcelain or a tropical hardwood, are absolutely fabulous - they're earthy, quirky, worldly and stylish all in one. I love their new porcelain pieces in the bold, bright colors. And if you want all the funk in a slightly more contemporary and simple piece, why not check out these Zig Zag stools - use them as extra seating or as a table. You've definitely got a striking piece that will bring flavor and style to any room.

And of course, if you love what they do, but not exactly what they have, Tucker Robbins does do custom work, offering you the ability to create something beautiful, and tailored to your exact needs, all the while using the same wonderful production methods, construction techniques and sustainable materials.

Rainy Day Blues

This has probably been one of the most depressing summers I have ever experienced in New England. It is July 23rd, and I am freezing, it's raining now, and it's been raining all summer!!! And although I love the rain, the deep and luscious shades of green that erupt from all the well watered vegetation, the calming sound of pouring rain, the cracks of lighting that light up the sky and the boom of the thunder that shakes you where you stand..., it's not something I want to have every day, especially not when July's are normally filled with beach days and barbecues. So I figure, there's got to be something to do to combat these rainy day blues, cause this weather is getting to me - and everyone else I know.





For all that extra water pouring down everywhere, it seems a shame to let it all just wash away, so why not gather some of that valuable and very useful rain water with this recycled plastic rain barrel from Gaiam? Put it underneath your gutter (and don't forget a diverter spout to direct the water into the barrel!!), and voila - extra water for your garden, because eventually, the sun will come out, and we'll be wishing we had a little extra water for our parched gardens (I hope!).


And since you're definitely not getting enough sun, why not change the bulbs in your lamp to these great Sunwave Bulbs available at Real Goods - they're full spectrum, meaning the light they give off is much more similar to the light we get from the sun (versus the yellow or white light of regular light bulbs). AND, they're compact fluorescent - so they last much longer than an incandescent bulb, and use less energy too.


So, now you're collecting the excess water, you've got some mock sunlight to help you get through these cold, grey days...but what are you going to do!? Well, ideally, you'd be curled up in bed, warm & cozy, enjoying a good book, and a cup of tea. And if you're doing all this - why not make your environment as inviting, bright, and happy as possible? This beautiful Nourish bedding set from Inhabit has a wonderful color palette - it is a combination of soft, neutral, bright and airy. I love the grass pillows - they're fun, without being overwhelming or too bold, and they help to bring you a little more of nature in. And both to add a little funk and fun, and a little light (preferably full spectrum!), check out this cool lamp from Palecek, a company that integrates nature and sustainability into all of their products and processes.


And of course - you're going to want eat, snack, or have a hot cup of tea. Check out this gorgeous orange Mandarin serving tray from Q Collection made from 100% FSC certified wood. This fabulous and oversized Buddha Bowl from Viva Terra is a great choice for a huge cup of tea, or soup, or whatever.


To make things a little cozier, on your bed, or on your couch, these Alpaca wool throws from Amenity are the perfect thing. They're thick, luxurious, and their neutral colors are great in any setting.


But if you're looking for something a little more refined in feel, the French Knot throws from Q Collection are made from natural brushed wool and dyed with environmentally friendly dyes. The french knots and fringes give this a very subtle and sophisticated air. And Viva Terra also offers these pure silk reversible throws. I love the warmth and boldness of the deeper orange color...it certainly would drive the gray away.


And while you're in bed, lounging around, watching TV, don't forget your crafts or reading. This adorable wool felt bowl from Branch Home is made right here in the US, in New York to be exact - and could to house anything. I love their example of it holding the knitting needles and yarn. What a great container for crafters and knitters. And since you're inevitably going to get hungry - eating is an excellent past time for a day at home in my book - why not look for some yummy, organic recipes? Food to Live By is a very popular book for just that.

Amazing...

Imagination and innovation are part of the reason we as humans have managed to create so many amazing cities, products, services, works of art and architecture. But in doing so, we have often moved further away from nature. Patrick Blanc, a botanist and pioneer, helped to bring innovation, technology and nature back together, by developing these vertical gardens. With the collaboration of world famous architects, and now many botanists and landscape architects following his lead, you can see buildings all over the world showing you just how easy it is to bring some gardens into the city. I am so enamored of this new wave in gardening and architecture I couldn't help but write about it. The image to the above is of a store in Korea - what better way to get your customer's attention, and make them want to shop with you!?

Imagine going shopping and instead of the canned lighting and graying, old, stone walls of your generic mall, you see this - living, breathing, beautifully sculpted gardens - on the walls. And walking down the street, you see houses and shops covered with beautiful plants, making the air smell cleaner, fresher, and less like a city block.

In Paris, the Musee du quai Branly has taken the concept of art to a new level - investing not only in what is inside their walls, but what is on it. What I find so beautiful and inspiring is not necessary the individual plants, or the places these gardens have been created, but the actual ability to do this, and that it can be put together to create innumerable designs, and layers, and patterns of colorful displays - anywhere there is a wall.

So why not apply this to your own home? What Patrick Blanc's work teaches us is that we are not limited by our space and surroundings, but only by our imagination and our willingness to try something different. To bring something so interesting, so beautiful, so sculptural into our homes, we're not only adding to the design of the space, but also to the quality of it. And get funky - sometimes having a single piece that inspires conversation and awe is just as great as having a complete and well designed home.

The vertical garden kit above is from the now defunct Smith & Hawkins but there are similar things available on the web, and if you understand the concept and mechanics of vertical gardening itself, it's something you can easily create. The fantastic thing about a garden like this is that you can have it in your home, on your patio, and regardless of whether you living in a sprawling McMansion in suburbia, or a teeny weeny city apartment, it will still fit, work, and look great. The Living Lawn chair was a feature from Inhabitat (which also has information on vertical gardens) - I'm not sure how comfortable or useful this is - but what a great piece. Whether you use it, or use it for decoration, it's certainly a unique and exciting way to bring plant life to your barren back patio.

And if you want to see more, check out these books on Vertical Gardens - both available on Amazon. Or if you're really inspired (and handy), check out this DIY to vertical gardens from HGTV.

Little Mongrels

There isn't anything that makes my house feel more like a home than my two little mongrels...my dogs, that is. They are big, dopey and cuddly, and I can't imagine a home without them. But whenever I see their dog beds, their toys, and their mess everywhere, any sense of style my room might have had is overwhelmed by the doggy clutter.

Thank god there are some people out there who have their eye on design and mother earth. Whiner & Diner, purveyor of "eco-chic" pet accessories has these adorable bed beds, toy chests and feeders made from old wine crates and coated in a water based finish. They're absolute adorable, and add a fun, quirky quality to a room. Rather than pretending your pets don't exist when it comes to decor, embrace it - and make it so you can stand to look at all the accessories they come with!

And if fun and funky is more the way you want to go, these napping pads bring a whole other animal into the mix. West Paw Designs Zoo Mat, filled with recycled fibers, makes a jazzy resting place for your pups. And in case they wake up and want to play, check out their great selection of toys - this Dodo bird is cute, chewy and eco-fab.

And for those feline fans, better make sure you have a scratching post instead of a scratched up sofa! Rather than getting a carpeted contraption, why not try a few of these fantastic, pieces - I love the corrugated cardboard, the curves, and the furniture quality of the design. The Cheeky Chaise from Pet Elegance gives your cat a place to rest, stretch, and scratch, without compromising on style. And the same can be said for the Everyday Studio Claw scratcher made from cardboard and non-toxic paint. I love the graphic, linear design set off by the bold color. Get one or several and stack them up to make a sculptural and colorful cat heaven.

And if you want something cute, and whimsical - a little fun and funny for your best friend, check out this adorable Turtle scratcher from All Pet Furniture. Made from partially recycled material, as well as being 100% recyclable itself, it even comes with a bag of organic cat nip. And if turtles aren't your thing, they have oodles of choices.

And when it comes to feeding time, these natural, fast growing acacia wood storage container and feeder from DogBar are clean, contemporary, and a fabulous alternative to plastic bags and plain steel bowls.

And when your lovelies are being sweet, don't forget to reward them with something to nibble on, like this super adorable all natural, 100% boiled wool turtle from Branch Home. And if they happen to fall asleep, tuck them in with these uber cute organic cotton and naturally died Simply Fido blankets from Only Natural Pet...and turn those little mongrels into little angels.

Must Read

I am on a major kick these days to keep up with the 'greens' so to speak - I just want to learn more, find more resources, know more, and shop more (guilt-free - well, almost guilt free - there is still the matter of my wallet). So here are some of the books I've bought to help me on my eco-journey.

It's Easy Being Green - well, yes it is, if you get the right guide. And this book does a good job to start. I find that much of the information is often common sense, but it's helpful to have it laid out in front of you. The tips are, for the most part, easy, and the shopping guide is really helpful. What I like about this book is that it's a great place to start, where you're not bogged down with lots of technical terms, and can easily grasp the suggestions and concepts presented. And, in keeping with the point, it's even printed on recycled paper.

Greenopia is a consumer's guide to 'eating, shopping, and living' green - and whether you check out their website or buy one of their books, they seriously are chock full of information. They've developed their own rating system, and whether you're searching out brands or products or venues, you're going to get some very helpful information. I own their New York City guide, and as a non-native New Yorker, I find it's easy to use, and it covers a lot of different neighborhoods and categories. The only thing I wish it did was organize things by neighborhood instead of alphabetical order (within each category), because although it's great to know all of the resources available, as a midtown resident, I'm not going all the way out to Brooklyn just to buy some groceries. And same goes for the restaurants. Also, when it comes to print books, be aware that information can get out of date even if you've got the latest copy around, because businesses crop up, and die down, just as quickly as you can turn a page. But as a city resident, a guide like this is excellent to get to know what you have access to - and for those of you who don't live in NYC, LA, or San Fran, just wait a little longer. They've got guides to Chicago, Boston, Denver and Dallas all coming out.

The Lazy Environmentalist ...well, I not only admire Josh Dorfman's ability to create such a great brand name and really spread the word about green living, but I find that his work is usually helpful, informative, and easy to adapt. This book in particular is more to help you find companies, products and services that will help make this transition easier. It's short and easy to follow chapters makes it something you can quickly read. I think this too is a great starter book for finding your way around concepts and companies to begin making changes in your every day life.

I bought this book initially really just because I liked the cover. It's a good thing the marketing worked. It's a great resource to have - and what I enjoy about this book is that it conveys the concept that green living is a way of life. It's not just some fad, it's not the products you use, but the choices you make. Easy Green Living is like a recipe book (it actually does have recipes for house hold items like air fresheners and cleaners) - it gives you tips on how to make choices, how to do daily activities like laundry and grocery shopping. The book covers a wide array of products and provides readers with information that helps them make better, safer, and more economical choices. And although I felt like it's slightly like a green 'good housekeeping guide', I'm glad I bought it.

The Green Book is perhaps a great choice for little steps and those who don't always know where to start. The book focuses on providing bite sized suggestions to help an individual go green. I think with many books, particularly if you're generally a more conscious and environmentally minded consumer, much of the information is common sense stuff your grandmother probably told you as a kid. But the good thing is, it's stuff your grandmother told you as a kid - and maybe then you thought she was old an didn't know better, but at least now you know - she knew a hell of a lot more than you did. And sometimes even for us in the know, it's good to have a reminder of the simple things you often forget about. Installing Solar Panels is great, but so is just

remembering to turn out the lights and use more efficient light bulbs.

Living Green is another helpful and informational book that would serve as a good resource for people wanting to gain insight into what the primary concerns of a more environmentally friendly living entails - like health, energy consumption, toxins, and food production. The book is more about education and empowerment and many of the suggestions are for those that are willing and able to make a significant investment in this type of lifestyle, i.e. buying a hybrid car or retrofitting your home. I wouldn't recommend this book to those that are looking for a buying or DIY guide, but for those who want another perspective, more background information, and good suggestions for a substantial commitment towards greener living. Another important factor is that the book is geared towards improving health through improving your environment. Definitely another great introduction to the world of environment.

Babies Are Us

Children are such and inspiration for me when it comes to design. Although they don't really know it, they are often the reason that an otherwise regular room (something with a bed, and a dresser, and a chair perhaps) becomes adorable, inviting, and a place where one can truly have sweet dreams. Of course, yes, it's because who doesn't love babies and kids, and yes, they themselves are the cutest thing in the room, BUT, it's their love of color, their curiosity, their desire and need for entertainment, movement and stimulation, that allows a decorator the freedom to use their imagination and push the envelope in a way you generally aren't allowed when doing someones home. Every parent recognizes the need to give their child the very best, and it starts with their environment. Not only is it important to give your infant or toddler or even teenager the space to grow and be whomever they are, but it's also important to make it the best possible environment for them - so use non-toxic, water based paints, buy furniture that doesn't have toxic glues or extraneous parts that could later become dangerous, or fabrics that won't emit pollutants into the air they breathe...but most importantly make it fun!

Anything but ordinary, P'Kolino is all about kids, fun and learning. Started by two dads to create a new kind of children's furniture - one that utilizes play as a tool for learning - their furniture brightens up any kid's room. Although P'Kolino's products aren't 100% eco-friendly themselves, they do use water based finishes, reduce waste by reducing the parts involved in their pieces, and make their products locally.

The Craft table (shown at the top), and Klick desk just above, are both lightweight, finished with water based finishes, and made from molded maple. They come in bright, eye catching colors that are both surfaces for your kids to play on as well as nicely styled pieces to serve as part of your overall decor. I love their Silly Soft Seating and their Play Bench - they're fun, funny, and great for kids. No hard edges, no assembly, and whether they sit on it or toss it around, it's a great way to add whimsy to a room or play area without ever having to worry about your child's safety. My favorite item though, is the Book Buggy - this is something that would be beautiful as a stationary toy/book holder, or as a toy for you kids to cart their favorite story time reads around.

Another wonderful company is Netto Collection - they do both playful and functional, and longevity is just as important to them as it is to their customers. Netto makes everything from sustainable woods, and with non-toxic and VOC free finishes.

Their Moderne Dresser and Case Group Changer are wonderful. Both collections feature clean, classic and sophisticated furniture - perhaps part of the reason it's made to last and grow along with your children, instead of just chucking them after a few years. The Cabine crib is beautifully constructed, featuring an adjustable platform for the height of the mattress, so you can lower it as your child grows, and below is a hidden drawer. I love the white lacquer crown rail and base that gives this crib a distinct style and modern look. But their stuff isn't all serious - this Polar Bear Rocker is both stylin' and playful - what kid could resist climbing on top?

And don't forget DucDuc NYC - one of my favorite resources for children's furniture, and one that I will always go to - and not just for infants and toddlers. Many of their pieces are truly fabulous for 'kids' of any age. But for the younger ones, making use of their large color selection helps to keep things fresh and lively. The Sam Play Table and the Parker Changer combine simple, gender-neutral, and classic shapes with the whimsy and impact of a bold color. I love their white and color, wood and white, wood and color combinations for their dressers - the flexibility is phenomenal, and gives you the ability to find something that would look just as good in YOUR room as in your nursery!

And sometimes, the best way to introduce a pattern, color, or theme into a child's room is on the floor. They spend a lot of time there, so you might as well make it inviting! A familiar resource with great options for children is Merida. As always, their rugs are made with natural and quickly renewable resources. Merida's kid collection is even inspired by children's drawings and come in a wide a variety of colors and patterns.

And if you don't want to go the traditional route, these floor mats from Raku are casual and cute. They are made overseas from woven natural rush, and are a great way to add a fun, playful air to a room, without spending a lot of money or committing to a rug long term. They're also a great option to spice up a neutral carpeting that may run throughout your bedrooms.