A major dilemma for interior designers trying to lessen their environmental impact is the need for a sample library. Although people outside the industry might wonder why we can’t just switch to looking at things online, we designers know that is simply impossible. Above and beyond the desire to have a tangible material in our hands, there is simply no way to render color online that is accurate. Besides the variation in image uploading and monitor color rendition, is the simple fact that all materials reflect light in different ways, creating color perception issues. Anyone who has seen a flat vs. a glossy paint sample of the same color can attest to that. Add to all this the need to see samples for quality control, and the desire to pull samples together during the creative process, and you can see why designers need such large storage spaces!
From time to time I run across some innovative or creative ways to lesson the overall impact of all this sampling, and I though I would share a couple of those ideas here:
This is such a fun idea, it’s a wonder FLOR didn’t think of it sooner.
Now’s your chance to create the FLOR you’ve always dreamed of.
Let your imagination run wild – with FLOR’s design system of 19.7-inch squares the options are limitless. All you have to do is choose your FLOR and let the designing begin. Mix and match colors, patterns and textures to create a rug, runner or wall-to-wall design that fits your décor and your personality. Who knows, you may just get your FLOR design for free or see it on FLOR.com.
The designing on takes place using their online design tools. Entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT Monday, December 7, 2009, so you don’t have a lot of time! Click here for contest details.
And hey – if your design gets picked PLEASE let us know! We’ll be sure to post all about it here!
When you’re looking for sustainable flooring, carpet is usually at the bottom of the list. Mostly made of petroleum based material, with a limited lifespan, there isn’t generally much to recommend carpet to the eco-minded designer. But what if you took that non-renewable product, and found a way to re-use it indefinitely? What if you did this not only with your own product, but also with the products of other manufacturers? Could you take something ecologically ugly and make it beautiful and sustainable? That’s what Tandus set out to do 15 years ago, and the results have been extraordinary.
The interioRevolution is a design blog devoted exclusively to sustainable interior design. Through product reviews, guest blogs by experts in their fields, special features and spirited discussion, the interioRevolution provides new knowledge and expands the dialogue on sustainable interior design.
