Let's Talk About...Beds

Whenever I walk into my bedroom, the first

thing I see (and really, the first thing I want to see) is my bed... my soft, comfortable, welcoming bed. Cause let's face it, there's nothing quite like a good bed. But when you think of your bed, and whether you like it, you're generally thinking of how it feels - the mattress, the sheets, the blankets, and not how it feels in the space. A beautiful bed is all the more inviting, and can dramatically change your space from just another room or a college-esque decor, into a refuge, a place for relaxation, a place for fun...i.e. a real bedroom. But I do think that sometimes it's difficult to be eco-friendly in the bedroom when you're talking about the bed itself. If you don't want the typical 'eco' bed that's usually a whole lot of wood, platform, and either very modern or very organic looking, you might think there aren't a lot of options. That's where antiques come in, adding a whole lot of impact on style instead of on our natural resources. Because these beds were made long ago, aren't going into a landfill, and aren't using up new resources, chemical finishes, etc., they're a great choice...and you can definitely find some super cool ones.

If you think the bed above, a gorgeous but very traditional 19th C. carved oak bed is too much like something your grandma would have good - maybe you can just ask her for it. Seriously though, it's all about how you dress something up. Maybe an antique like the one above is perfect, and maybe it needs a little something - so why not get a water based paint, spray it white, and apply one of the cool and funky Mod Green Pod (and eco-friendly) fabrics below? It will not only change the bed - it will change your entire room!

I absolutely love the beds below. The first is a Weinberg bed, the second a Lucite Canopy bed from the 70s...both absolutely fabulous. I love the button detail and wood frame around the angled and curved head and foot boards - and the legs - very Danish, very fab. And Lucite? Well - it doesn't get any cooler than that!

And although completely different, these beds below are every bit as fantastic as the ones above. Maybe it's because I'm at heart 100% a Jane Austen fan, but these beds lend a sort of story book and dreamy quality to a bedroom - the carvings or inlay and veneer, are exquisite, and would make any bedroom welcoming - and if you don't want to go the traditional route entirely, pair these with more updated and contemporary side tables, bedding, and draperies.

If you like the look of wood, but want something polished, sleek, and with a little more funk - no worries - 1st Dibs will still have what you're looking for. Check out these fantastic 1960s beds, by Chapo on the left, Danish on the right. Just stunning.

And when you don't have the space for a full sized bed, why not a daybed? I love the soft curves the upholstered head and foot boards and the airy feel of the carved cabriolet legs, giving this piece a comfortable and country feel. And by contrast, this very urban looking leather daybed is simple, contemporary and uber chic...even though it's been around for years.

Whatever your needs, it's not necessary to be limited in style or eco-friendliness. Reduce, reuse, recycle - it's a great concept to live by...and sometimes, can be the key to a perfectly designed space.

Wallflower

Sleek, soothing, soulful- whatever the feeling you're aiming for, Sandpiper Studios has created a sensational collection of wallcoverings to give you exactly what you want. Inspired by nature, both in design and production, Sandpiper Studio's Eco Chic collection is far beyond your average old-lady floral. Their 22 different patterns cover a wonderful range of natural elements like florals, leaves, grasses and even Bamboo stalks in a wide array of colors - 97 to be exact.

Whether you're looking for something subtle and soft, like the sweet blues, greens and yellows of the Natural Grasses wallpaper to the left, or contemporary and bold like the Spider Palm pattern below in a lovely mix of charcoal gray, green, white and black, you will not be disappointed. And the best part of it all is that it's all printed on paper made from sustainably harvested trees and with non-toxic, water based inks.

I love the deep, rich colors of the wallpapers below, and what's more, I love that the patterns aren't overly complicated or crowded. And the mix between the solid forms and line forms helps to give the patterns more depth and a little edge.

Sandpiper Studios has a couple of huge, bold leaf patterns, shown below, which are fantastic - I love the movement of the veins in the Multi-Color leaf pattern (left) and the soft pastels give it a bright airy feel. The wallpaper on the right is fittingly named Tropical - with the big Elephant Ear type leaves permeating the design, it's totally funky.

And for those who love Japanese inspired prints, the Grass Spurts and Bamboo wallpaper patterns are wonderful. The Grass Spurts wallpaper has a textural feel, while the Bamboo is clean and crisp.

And to give you an idea of just how great these papers can be in a room setting, check out the images below. I love that they've put such youthful designs perfect for any room -a kid's room, a bathroom, or in these cases living rooms, to showcase how perfectly we can add an element of surprise, youth and fun to a design scheme without having it seem juvenile and childish.

Whatever the place, you'll be sure to find something sophisticated, beautiful, colorful, or calming...and always sustainable.

Textiles and Influence

This afternoon I had the great pleasure of hearing three great contemporary (as in time, not style!) textile designers speak of their passions, inspirations and influences. Sir Peter Osborne, Tricia Guild and William Yeoward spoke the attentive Design Boston audience of the incredible and far reach depth of Asia and its many influences on textiles, both throughout history, as well as in their individual works.

Throughout their talk, they discussed the impact of innumerable patterns and palettes, materials and techniques, and applications that various Asian countries and cultures have had upon the European fabric trade, and how they themselves draw upon these many things. Whether it is the wondrously saturated colors of Indian sari's, or the classic and graceful pattern of Middle Eastern paisleys, or the artful and simple Japanese fan designs of a woman's Kimono, we can see these interpreted and implemented in each of these designer's fabric and wall covering lines. And repeatedly, they emphasized the idea that these far off cultures had so much to offer in the way of inspiration - their people, their spirit, their architecture, their art, their skill and knowledge about the craft of textiles, dying and weaving itself. As one of the three speakers today (and I can't remember which - or maybe it was all of them) so aptly put it, they have and are all the things we (Westerners) are not.

[Osborne & Little Vintage Silk Fabric Collection; Top: Osborne & Littles Sariskar Wallcovering]

As I was listening to them speak, I thought of two things. The first is the idea that these influences, this way of life in the Middle East and Far East that is so clearly unlike our own, is all related to how we view the world. Although none of the speakers today clearly identified this, I felt as though they were saying this in not so many words... that in Asia, in all of the cultures that cover those lands, there is a certain life philosophy, a connection to nature and to our surroundings, so that we are every bit a part of the landscape, and the landscape is every bit a part of us. Here, in the US, or in Europe for that matter, although we have many among us who may appreciate the natural side of life, we are often so far removed in our concrete jungles that whether or not we want to, we lose our connection to nature. We lose that which makes the people of so many other countries so vibrant, so full of life, and so full of influence. By integrating nature into our daily lives, and understanding that everything we draw upon, everything we create, in some way will find its roots in nature, we gain both insight and depth. Perhaps this is why you see so many natural elements in traditionally Asian design, like the Paisley that comes from the shape of a Cyprus tree, or the Bamboo and Blossom patterns of Japanese design, or the traditional country scenes of a Toile de Jouie (which is really a French interpretation of a Chinese landscape).

[William Yeoward Margot Rose and Josephine Thistle Fabrics]

The second thing I thought of is how this connection to nature can help us maintain and observe a greater respect for our planet, our landscapes, our resources and our source of inspiration. I think there is something to be said of the many amazing companies creating environmentally responsible furnishings, fabrics and wallcoverings, using these very same nature inspired motifs, techniques and materials. If we integrate honoring our environment into our way of life, and into our business practices in the world of design (or any other industry for that matter), we have a better chance of preserving the exact thing that serves as our inspiration and muse. The only thing that was a shame today is that at no point did any of the speakers address this part of their influence, nature itself, nor did they speak of what they're doing to ensure it survives. When I searched their websites, I didn't find any information either.

[Designers Guild Taraz and Roumier Collections]

So even though I technically can't list Osborne & Little or Designer's Guild as an eco-friendly manufacturer, I still think it's important to impart their message - that inspiration comes from all around us, and often from places, peoples and cultures, landscapes, flora and fauna - and we must constantly seek this out, and learn from it. Hopefully, in their efforts, travels and production, they work just as hard to ensure the safe keeping of all of these fabulous resources and locations... Plus, they really do have some amazing products - designs and patterns and rich bold colors that are perhaps not yet as available in the eco-world.

Teens Turning Green

We all know teens are all about style - whether it's their room or their clothes or their accessories, they know what the new thing is, and they have to have it. Thankfully, 'green' is the new black, and eco-friendly products are entering the foray of tres chic! Thanks to some very amazing and very thoughtful teens, being stylish and green is now even easier with Project Green Dorm - a website and cause so fabulous, it speaks for itself: a "youth movement" to help inspire teens and college age kids to eliminate the 'crap' (as I call it) from their life by choosing products that are sustainable and eco-friendly. Rather than fill their rooms and their world with toxic, non-sustainable, non-recyclable products, Project Green Dorm helps to inspire and provide information to help teens get everything they want, without all the chemicals, pesticides, and environmental damage. Originally started on the heels of the Marin Cancer Project, now known as Search for the Cause, a group of teens were inspired to learn and understand what it is in their worlds that may lead to health and environmental problems, be it cosmetics, furniture, clothing, electronics, whatever. And in doing their homework, they came to find an entire world of products and information that would help any teenager (or adult for that matter), at home or away at school, create a natural environment in which style and quality don't have to be sacrificed for the sake of our planet. Instead, they help teens like themselves get all the hot new gear by providing ideas, information, links, and even prices and suggested prodcuts so that teens can find what they need whenever they want. Ahhh, the beauty of youth, ingenuity, technology and awareness all rolled into one...it doesn't get better than that.

All Boxed Up

Whenever I walk into my office ready to work, and am greeted by clutter and junk everywhere, my inspiration goes right out the window. Somehow I find that if my space is messy, my head feels messy - and so cleaning and organizing will become my number 1 priority...so what better way to organize that in style? First, we can start by throwing out the trash! Container Store is probably everyone's first stop when it comes to organization and storage - and for good reason. Not only do they have ridiculous amounts of product, but they also have some great eco-friendly options like these Umbra trash cans made entirely from bio-degradable plastic. Sleek and shiny, use one for trash and one for recyclables and you're all set. And if you're looking for something a little less industrial or a little more funky, Umbra also has these wood laminate or silver foil trash cans - also made from biodegradable plastic. I love the bright and funky contrast colors of the silver foil trash cans - they're a lot of fun and are a great way to add a pop of color. The wood laminates are also a good solution when you're looking for something that's a little more sophisticated and subdued, without being just another boring old trash can.








And of course, once you're done separating out the junk, then you've got to find a place to put all that other stuff you need so it's not all over the place. Whether or not you've got built-ins, bookshelves, or just some counter space, storage boxes are a great way to put things together so they're not only categorized, but also neatly stored and easily accessible. This way, I don't have to look at the stapler, the scissors, the paperclips or whatever - instead, I see a lovely woven basket like the Maize basket below from the Container Store. Made with sustainable materials and, the basket is lined with cloth, giving a nice and finished touch. And for the big things, try this large Newsprint basket - made from recycled newspapers! You can even see the font and stories when you look closely at the woven material.

I absolutely love these boxes below from Boom, made with sustainably forested Wenge and water based finishes - the rich, dark finish of the wood is set off beautifully against the thick lucite top. They'd look great set against a painted bookshelf, or on top of a table with some beautiful, colorful items inside so that you have the color and interest without having everything exposed.



And if you want something more casual, why not these fantastic Banana Leaf, Rattan and Bamboo baskets from Modern Eco Home? What I like about these is that they can go pretty much anywhere, can be dressed up or down, and can be used by themselves or in multiples.

And for a little softness, curve and color, these wool bowls from 2Modern are fantastic. They're lightweight so you can easily move them around (perfect for those things you're constantly using), and they're fun - color is key to enjoying a space, and this is a great way to bring it in without committing to big, heavy, or permanent items.

Sometimes though, space is tight and you have to make the most of what you got - so double function can come in real handy, like with this Bamboo stool from Modern Eco Homes. The lid comes off to give you plenty of storage space, and when you put the top back on, tadaaa, you've got a handy little side table or stool to sit on. And when you've got lots of little things going into one big thing, try these individual Bamboo drawer organizers. You can use one or a bunch to help further organize the inside of your storage spaces. And since bamboo is rapidly renewable, you don't have to worry about depleting natural resources for the sake of your mental sanity!

Whatever you decide to use to organize your space, don't forget a few key things - 1, you don't need a ton of stuff, even if it's organization stuff. A few well chosen pieces can help you relieve the clutter without putting a huge dent in your wallet, and of course, the key to everything is less is more! Less junk, less need for storage - so remember to go through your stuff, get rid of what you don't need, and recycle what you can!

Time to Shine

When it comes to decorating, it's all in the details - adding a little sparkle and interest and a certain je ne sais quoi to your home. That's why accessories are so important - correction - fun/interesting/exotic accessories are important. Things that are have color, texture, shine, things that are sparkling, inviting and wonderful - those are the things that bring another layer to your decor and really make it your home.
And for those of us who love the look of shell, bone, horn, etc, fret not! There are some great and gorgeous things that you can find that are 'eco-fabulous.' I love the look of sea fan coral, but aside from the import ban on these babies, I just can't justify having our beautiful coral reefs disrupted and ruined because I want it on my shelf, SO, Roost came up with this intriguing alternative. These metal filigree 'sea fans' are every bit as porous and complex as the real thing, and when set together to make a mini-coral reef of your own, make a very beautiful bowl like setting, perfect for a tealight to set off a warmth and glow against the metal.

Roost has some other great stuff, also available at Velocity. Check out this hand made glass tealight holder. No two are alike, and the delicate and multi-level petals would look great set atop a pile of books on your shelf, or just on a table top by itself. Mirrors are another great way to add interest and shine to a space - and with Roost's Horn mirror, look out! I absolutely love the soft shades of ivory, gray, taupe and brown that play together in this natural material (gathered from discarded water buffalo horns, don't worry, nothing is being killed!). The subtle sheen helps to bring out the depth of color and add another layer of sparkle to the mix.

Roost also has the absolutely gorgeous natural agate book ends. High polish and high style, these colorful and unique bookends are a perfect way to add some color and interest to your shelves beyond your standard reading material.

Viva Terra is constantly changing their inventory and bringing in new things for your eco-friendly home decor needs. Whether you want a low, easy and lovely centerpiece like this recycled metal Bird and Branch tealight holder, or these rich, luxurious natural Quartz votives, or some light and bright accent pieces like the Recycled glass Balloon Vases, Viva Terra is a great place to go because you know you're getting something that's good for you and good for mother earth.

Are Naturals has this lovely Capiz shell chime that I adore - whether you use it outside, or in, it's a great way to add a little funk and interest to a space. The shells are the perfect thing to add a touch of iridescence, and even music if the wind is blowing! And totally separate, but just as lovely, are these recycled glass "Blob" bowls from Branch Home. I love the color inside the large glass and the not-perfectly-spherical shape. These are all hand made so no two are alike, and they're even fired in a wind powered furnace!

If you haven't heard about 10,000 Villages, then look them up. A very interesting organization dedicated to bringing economic opportunity to the developing world, and fair trade products to the US market, they have a wide array of products that are generally eco-friendly, sustainable, and good for those who make it. Something that's always important to consider is not just what something is made of, but how it's made - who is making it, where, with what, and for how much? Are they earning enough money, working in good conditions, and able to get an education? These are all the things that 10,000 Villages addresses and makes sure of when bringing products to market. And lucky for us, they've got some beautiful things, like this gorgeous hand carved bowl made from discarded Water Buffalo horn, and these natural Onyx book ends. Both have life and shine, interest and depth, and would look excellent in any home.

And for a little extra glow, check out this Capiz shell bowl and Bone inlay mirror, both from 10,000 Villages as well. I love the clean, light look of the white in both pieces, and the floral pattern in the black and white mirror evokes a sort of girlie feel that makes me love this mirror for a young girl's room, or a guest bed or bathroom - somewhere that you'd want people to feel at ease and welcome.

And for the slightly more abstract, funky, not outright shiny part of you, there are always great accessories like the Alex Marshall eco-friendly vase below from 2Modern. Simple, but not standard - this is a great vase to mix with rich, colorful flowers, and add some natural pizazz to your space!