We have a cold weather system inching it’s way across our (previously) sunny Southern California skies today. I realize that for many of you the fact that we are ready to break out the sweaters because the high will only be 68 degrees today seems a bit, well,… laughable. After all, it’s October and many of you are already in the,…
Oh wait. I just looked it up. Almost EVERYONE in the U.S. is experiencing weather in the 60-70 range today. Minneapolis, MN is in the EIGHTIES! WHAT???
Now I lost my train of thought…..
Oh yeah. So anyway, I’m sure that soon (real soon now – right?) areas of the country will be getting that first taste of crisp autumn air, and what better way to stay stylishly warm than these handsome Eco Blankets by Happy Habitat!
These fetching throws were woven in the U.S. from 80% recycled cotton, and are available in four patterns, and four colors: Paprika, Mushroom, Ochre, or Cerulean.
I once had the opportunity to visit Concord, MA just at the height of the fall color. Swirling masses of gold, orange, scarlet, and yellow leaves were everywhere, and I felt as though I was walking through a postcard. It was one of the few times I regretted living in the milder, Southern California climate.
Here, the heat of summer smacks right into the cold and wet of winter, with hardly any visual transition. You have to search to find a tree displaying true fall color. Luckily, Santa Monica based artist Cassandra Tondro is willing to make that search and give us a taste of autumn, Southern California style.
At first glance, you could be excused for thinking these are impressions from leaves that have been dipped in paint and pressed onto paper. After all, didn’t many of us do that in crafts classes growing up? Not that our childish blobs ever looked this amazing, but still, it’s been done right? Guess again. Read the rest of this entry »
The lovely folks at Near Sea Naturals, the already notable internet source for organic fabric, have taken things to a whole new level with their new venture, American Grown-Spun-Milled. With an inventory consisting of nothing that isn’t organically grown and then spun and manufactured in the United States, they are fulfilling a growing need for more locally based materials. They are also continuing a long tradition of cotton and wool production in North America, as well as providing work for mills whose workload might otherwise be shipped off to China or India for cheaper manufacture.
Says Tara Bloyd, president of NearSea Naturals -
“At a time when many textile jobs and businesses are going overseas, our customers are demanding domestic, sustainable fabrics. They understand the importance of supporting the US textile industry and want to keep their business supply chains local.”
So far, their inventory is small, but enticing. I imagine as demand increases so will the number of choices. For now, here are some of the lovelies they have:
Doesn’t every parent wants a give their child the whole world?
Well now you can – at least in pillow form – thanks to Etsy seller My Bearded Pigeon. Who wouldn’t want to dream of great explorations while snuggled up on this pillow?
Since the adorable child is not included, here’s what the pillow looks like on its own…
This bright and cheerfully colored map, circa 1865, is printed onto a 100% organic cotton pillow cover, with a black organic cotton back and zipper closure (insert not included).
My Bearded Pigeon also has an amazing selection of decorative map pillows for grown-ups who dream of travel.
I am so looking forward to this weekend! Why you ask? Because this is where I am going to be on Saturday…
I’m absolutely giddy about it, which I’m sure leaves some of you wondering about my sanity. For those of you who share in my enthusiasm for all things “woady” I promise will give you all a full report next week.
And don’t forget! We are giving away a great Adesso Reach LED desk lamp this week! You have until Saturday at midnight to enter.
Meanwhile, here are some of the things that caught my eye this week:
1. This tutorial for recycling porch light fixtures into terrariums is so brilliant. I’m definitely adding this to my list of things to incorporate into my new office space. (design*sponge)
3. We are all so used to the idea of flatpack furniture, what with IKEA and all, but when designer Kem Weber pioneered the idea with his Airline Chair, people thought it was weird and he only managed to sell about 200 of them. Man, what I wouldn’t do to own one of those amazing chairs. (Boing Boing)
4. And speaking of IKEA, they recently made a pledge to transition to 100% “better cotton”. It looks to be a step in the right direction, but is it really enough? (Inhabitat)
5. I’ve always liked cheery yellow in a traditional kitchen, but never figured it would look right in a modern one. Here is a super sleek, modern kitchen with bright glossy yellow cabinets, and I have to admit, it looks great! (Trendir)
6. Wood is becoming an increasingly popular element in many interiors. This lovely home takes that idea to the nth degree. (2Modern blog)
7. And now I’ll leave you with two fascinating videos. The first is an interview with a woman who lives in a 90 sf “apartment” in New York. She’s managed to make it quite livable, although I could never sleep in a bed like that!
The second video I’ve included just because it’s so darn peaceful, even if it is a commercial.
Happy Spring everyone! Ours started out with a bang last night – literally. At 4:30 AM my family awoke with a start as a huge clap of thunder echoed overhead. For the next 15 min. we got to enjoy quite a light and sound show, which even included some hail (to the delight of my nine-year-old).
This morning it’s all sunshine and fluffy clouds, which is the perfect setting to think about springtime. In celebration of the change of seasons, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of my favorite floral prints in organic and sustainable fabrics. Enjoy!
So, as I mentioned on Tuesday, I’m going to be working on my office for the next month trying to give it a little bit more of a “style”. Although this week is devoted to purging all the stuff in the office that just has to go, I must to admit that my mind is already racing ahead to all the great things I can do with the space once it’s cleaned up. Since I live in a house where the dog and I are the only ones with estrogen, I’m thinking I might go little girly with my office, and make it a bit of a retreat from all the testosterone too.
So, the minute I saw this pillow on Etsy, I knew I had to have it.
Created by Canadian designer Sara Smile, this hemp and organic cotton blend pillow cover is just plain girly fun! And it’s also a very reasonable $39 USD.
It’s Friday!!! And we are in the middle of the nominating process for Apartment Therapy’s The Homies 2011! Want to help us reach the final cut? Click here, and then leave the following comment:
We’d love to be in the final 6 blogs for voting. It’s a great way to reach new readers, so we can keep getting the word out that green interiors are the way to go!
OK, now that that little bit of business is taken care of, on to some of the fun stuff I’ve been clicking on this week:
1. Non-toxic dyes from agricultural waste seem to be the next new thing. Here is a program developing in Argentina. (Treehugger)
2. Inhabitat is launching a Green Home Expert series. Sigh. They didn’t ask me… (LOL) However, they do seem to have a roster of amazing talented people! Definitely something to watch. (Inhabitat)
3. I love the concept behind this uber modular shelving. Constantly convertible, and a lovely organic form as well. (Yanko Design)
5. I die for this beautiful upcycled doily lamp. Seriously, you have to look at this thing. Makes me want to run out and invest in doilies (did I just type that???) (reMade USA)
I don’t know about you, but I love Fall. Even in Southern California leaves start to turn, the angle of the sunlight creates amazing shadows, and the temperatures begin to cool. Only problem with cooler weather is – I get cold easily. As in, goosebumps at anything below about 72 degrees easily. And being the sustainably minded person I am, I keep the thermostat set at 68 or below. What to do?
Problem solved! These beautiful In2Green recycled cotton throws are thick, soft, and oh so warm. Knit in the U.S., from yarn made of reclaimed t-shirt cuttings salvaged from cut and sew factories, the throws are 50″ x 60″, and machine washable. I love the Ikat pattern ($130) in the knit, but there are other styles that are equally lovely. Read the rest of this entry »
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.
Hand embroidered pillow by 
