Case in point, this lovely little vanity by Waterfall Bathroom Furniture.  Designed most especially with children in mind, the “The Mailbox” vanity is made in Canada of FSC certified wood, and comes with a matching footstool that tucks neatly underneath.  Available in 13 different low-VOC finish colors, to match most decors.  You can even order it with your choice of either a Caesarstone or a 3-Form countertop.

And if you are looking for something a bit more elegant, there is always “The Louis”…Whether you are a princess or a just wish you were, “The Louis” has an elegance that is sure to please.  And how charming is that Robin’s Egg blue?

And for those who are seeking simplicity, there is always “The Minimalist“, a no fuss solution to limited materials use that still provides needed storage, while taking up the same basic footprint of a pedestal sink.

There are several more great designs available, and I encourage you to take a look at them and let us know what YOUR favorite is.

Thanks to a new “British Invasion”, there is now an affordable, attractive, environmentally friendly solution for Plantation shutters.  Originally started in the U.K. as, of all things, The California Company, the British born shutter business saw an opportunity here in the U.S., and opened shop here in 2009 as The Shutter Store.

Designed for the do it yourself homeowner, The Shutter Store provides custom made, FSC certified wood shutters in just about every color and finish.  In fact, they will also match their paint finishes to any Sherwin Williams color – so black, white or hot pink, they can create what you’ve always wanted.  There is even the option of leaving the wood unfinished (at a 10% discount), which is great for those who want to go completely natural and use only an oil or wax finish.

For their painted shutters, they use fine grained FSC certified Poplar, but for the unfinished and stained shutters, the stronger grain of FSC certified Elm makes it the wood of choice.

For those who aren’t quite sure about ordering and installing shutters by themselves, The Shutter Store provides helpful videos and instructions to get you through the process.  And, if you really aren’t the DIY sort, you could always hire a local handyman to do the installation for you.

There are some real benefits to using The Shutter Store, such as the shutters all being made to order (reducing waste), the fact that all the wood is FSC certified, the large range of styles and colors, as well as the cost savings compared to other wood shutters.   Of course, some of that savings may come from the shutters being manufactured in China.  I was assured that the factory is operated with a fair trade policy, and that shutters are shipped via sea freight to conserve on fuel.  While I would love every item that is used in a home to be made by a local artisan, I think it’s important to recognize that economic realities make that impossible for most families.  The Shutter Store is offering a quality product, at an affordable price, made from sustainable materials, and I think that is a big step in the right direction.

What do you think?

We spend a lot of time scouring flea markets for objets d’art to put in our store.  When we first started going it was a bit confusing.  Everything we saw either seemed to have endless potential or was just a bunch of old crap.  We really had no idea what we were looking for.  But then we began to ‘hone our craft’ and suddenly things were a lot clearer.  I honestly don’t know how that happened.  It was like we showed up one day and just knew…

But for the sake of having something relevant to say, I’m going to focus on the part after we just knew.  Here are some pointers for finding great deals at a flea market:

1. Give a moment to anything that grabs your attention.  After a while things start to blur and you feel like you’ve seen it before (if you frequent the markets you probably have seen it before) but if it makes you turn your head, go take a look.  It may be a shiny gem hidden in the rubble. 

table supposedly from Bob Hope's estate

2. Inspect carefully.  I’m a fan of old stuff and I like a little bit of character.  In general, antiques and things produced before the 50s were constructed by hand and used higher quality materials.  After that, products were produced quickly and cheaply using molds, plastics and wood veneers.  If that’s what you’re into then great.  If not, then just be sure to take a closer look at items you are interested in.  Look at seams, edges and just general wear and tear.  And ask the seller about information they may have on the item.

3. When buying furniture: keep in mind that if you’re bringing someone else’s furniture into your home it’s gonna need a bit of work.  Even if that simply means a good cleaning (fabric and cushion foam holds germs and dust mites) you’ve got your work cut out for you.  Wipe everything down before you bring it into the house.  Soak any removeable cushions, pillows, etc. and plan on reupholstering anything over 10 years old.  This can get expensive, anywhere from $200-800, so budget that into the value of the item.  Even so, if you get a great new couch for $800-900 it’s still a pretty good deal, but just bear that in mind.

4. Have an idea of what something is worth before you start bartering.  Of course you can’t really know unless you’ve researched it.  If you want to do some research, the antiques roadshow website is a great resource.  Otherwise, get a sense of what something is worth to you.  If you want it, what are you willing to pay for it?  If you feel like you’re being swindled, walk away.  There are some great vendors out there and some not-so-great ones.  You aren’t obligated to buy anything you don’t feel is worth the price.

5. Enjoy the experience.  Being outside on a nice day is great for the spirit.  Be inspired by things, a bit conservative with your cash, but overall just have a relaxing day!

I love the exuberant free form swirls of the “Nimboo” pattern.  The bright color and large scale are perfect for bigger spaces.  And wait till you see how fun those swirls are on a pillow!

Hand embroidered by woman in India, these cheerful Fair Trade pillows are made of wool felt with feather inserts.

For those with a desire for something a little more subtle, Bholu also has the “Ziddi” pattern, which was inspired by the textural quality of traditional embroidery.

As with their children’s prints, all wallpapers are printed by Porter’s Paints on paper stock, using their own low to no VOC paints.  A portion of the sales for the Bholu line will be donated to the ‘Bholu Anganwadi Project’, which rebuilds “Anganwadi’s” (preschools) for slum children in under privileged communities in India.

There is such a joy that comes from owning something made with care by human hands, rather than the cold perfection of machines.  Every stitch a moment of time in that person’s life.  And knowing that Fair Trade practices means they are being fairly compensated for their work means your purchase directly contributes to their having a better life.

The Bholu collections can be found in shops all over the world, or ordered directly online.

photo credit: http://melindapatrick.com/

As an Interior Designer it’s pretty much my job to help clients define what home means to them.  When you put aside the finishes, colors and budget, what a residential designer really does is create a living space where clients are happy to spend their time.  But what exactly does that mean?  Well, it’s personal.  This is part of what I love about meeting clients.  So many lives are touched as a designer, so many relationships built.  And when a project goes well it leaves us designers with a happy feeling in our gut (likewise, if it doesn’t go well…you get the idea).  We are very attached to our projects and to our clients.  But I digress…

Defining a home, to me, has always meant surrounding yourself with things that make you happy and function well.  My values include creating homes that are safe (for the people, the environment and our culture as human beings) and give the impression of its inhabitants from the moment you walk in the door.  After all, we are most comfortable in places that resemble our personality.  The more people in the house, the more difficult it can get.  That’s when you give each person their due respect and follow this motto: If you need it, it stays. If you love it, it stays.  If not, it’s up for discussion.

When you pair down the items that are important it leaves room to grow.  I often use the word cultivate instead of decorate.  This is because I believe that design is a process similar to life, where you grow and learn and shift from time to time.  Of course, a kitchen remodel can’t follow that path (or it would last 10 years and drive your designer mad), but the theory still applies: go for the finishes that really speak to to you, select materials that can grow with your changing tastes, create a space that is both solid and fluid.  Work with your designer to define what that means for you – we are quite skilled in interpretation.

They say home is where the heart is, and that makes a lot of sense to me.  When you love your home it becomes a sanctuary: a place to rejuvenate your spirit, strengthen relationships and plan your next move in life.  This is why I love helping people build a home.

Mavis Monkey

Just launched last month, the Bholu line of wallpapers from Australia based Porter’s Paints has whimsy aplenty.  Printed on paperstock with low to no VOC paint, this line was created by noted designer Jodie Fried, as part of her Bholu collection of interior products and accessories.

But beyond being cute and environmentally friendly, Bholu wallpaper has another draw…

Frederick Elephant

Porter’s Paints will be donating a portion of the sales for the Bholu line to the ‘Bholu Anganwadi Project’, which rebuilds “Anganwadi’s” (preschools) for slum children in under privileged communities in India.  They have already succeeded in building 8 schools, with more than 280 children attending.

“It is the beauty of India that inspires me; the colour, the textures, the patterns, the people and the celebrations, but most of all it is the artisans and children that we work with that inspire my designs and bring them to life. It is very exciting to be collaborating with Porter’s Paints and taking the Bholu textile range, into another dimension and craft; in turn continuing to give back to their communities. “  – Jodie Fried

Marjorie the Duck

I think the prints are so much fun.  Sweet and playful without being at all twee.

And those adorable stuffed animals?  They are available too!

Handmade out of felt by woman in India, under Fair Trade standards, the designs are based on the drawings of children in the community.

Tomorrow I’ll take a look at what Bholu has to offer for those with a desire for something a little more on the grown-up side.

I endorse the concept of reuse so very much that I want to provide more ideas on the topic of designing a kitchen with a reuse philosophy. Let’s go through some creative uses for items which might be cast off otherwise.

Furniture – I’ve used a sofa in two of my kitchens for seating at the dining table, both of which had been recently put out of use elsewhere in the home. The sofa must be elevated to be at the correct dining height. A new use for a sofa which may not fit elsewhere due to a recent move can add great comfort in the kitchen. I will never not have a sofa in my dining area; comfort in the kitchen is a requirement for me. And, of course, it does not have to be a sofa. Oftentimes, there is room for an upholstered chair of some sort in a lovely nook. Refinishing family heirloom dining furniture and chairs is a great way to keep green. I used my mother’s mid century Danish modern dining table in my breakfast room for some years and felt warm and fuzzy every time I looked at it, also admiring its authenticity.

Lighting – ANY type of lighting can be used in kitchens and I love using sconces in a kitchen. Sconces placed at each side of a window adds a charm that is just unexpected in a kitchen. Too many sconces? Consider reusing a pair in the kitchen! Again, seeking out light fixtures in antique or thrift stores adds an authentic feeling to the kitchen and a sustainable design element.

Countertops – Sometimes we are faced with odd pieces of furniture. Before donating or sending a piece to the green trash pickup, take a look at the countertop. Can it be reused as a desk top in the kitchen? Likewise, for small sections of countertop, look at the salvage areas of marble fabricators. Another great idea is to find a piece of stone with an aged patina, probably way back in an antique store where it is just waiting to be reused, giving it new life!

Antiques – Speaking of antiques, a freestanding armoire can serve as a wonderful kitchen pantry. At the flea market in my area, I actually look at the bedroom dressers and armoires for inspiration as kitchen storage. Be open to the reuse of a piece which is commonly used for other rooms but which just might be perfect for the kitchen.

Authentic Decoration - No need to purchase vinyl wall decals or decorative items in big box stores made in far away places, instead, enjoy the hunt in thrift, flea markets and antique stores for wonderful items, often at a great price. Another green idea is to walk outside and borrow from nature – behold the diversity of the sculptural beauty surrounding you, an indoor reminder of the treasures of our planet.

Appliances – To save money and to procure an appliance which is already “out there” a smart idea is to rescue scratch and dent appliances. Often having just lite cosmetic issues, buying scratch and dents is a logical substitution to “consuming new”.

What about your ideas? Can you add to these? I’d love to add to the list.

When I first started to focus strictly on sustainable design five years ago, the pickings were thin when it came to green interior design books..  As in, there were exactly two books, only one of which was really any use.

Even as I watched the list of available books grow, I still considered writing one of my own, because I didn’t find anyone addressing the subject of green residential interior design the way I thought it should be.  Luckily, I never got around to it because Sunset Design Guides has just released the book I probably would have written (if I had the talent!).

Taking full advantage of Sunset Magazine’s wealth of images, author Bridget Biscotti Bradley has created an inspiring collection of sustainable design ideas and arranged them in her easy to understand book, The Green Home.  Assisted by a “design panel” made up of such green design luminaries as Eric Corey Freed, Kelly LaPlante, and Michelle Kaufman, Bradley makes a compelling case for the ease with which green design principles can be woven into any remodeling project.

Photography by Frank Gaglione

“Living green may seem difficult, expensive, and out of reach.  But when you break it down into simple solutions for each room of the house, you’ll see that it’s really not”  – Bridget Biscotti Bradley

One aspect of the book that I find particularly refreshing is the amazing array of styles and materials shown in the images.  Everything from chic and modern…

to rough and rustic.

Using the knowledge she has gained as the owner of Reclaim, an eco-home store in Menlo Park, CA, Bradley guides us through the various pros and cons of different materials and green design solutions.  The book is well organized into sections such as “Getting Started”, “Bedrooms and Nurseries”, and “Light and Comfort”.  Instead of presenting a long to-do list of changes that homeowners need to make right away, Bradley encourages the reader not to rip everything out and start over, but rather to make more conscientious choices going forward.  Almost invariably, the book hits the nail on the head when it comes to why we can, and should, design green.

This isn’t to say I didn’t have my occasional disagreement with her advice, including her recommendation to use “pure cotton” bedding because it’s sustainable, when in fact, unless cotton is organic, the amount of pesticides used to grow it are fundamentally unsustainable.  (Note: It’s been brought to my attention that the reference to “pure cotton” appears in a sidebar, and may not have been written by the author.  Bradley does go on to describe the benefits of organic cotton bedding on page 113). However, these small quibbles rarely came up, and overall the book is by far the best I’ve seen on the market.  In fact, I was GOING to give up my copy to some lucky reader, but I’ve decided to be selfish and keep it for myself.  It’s that good!

Giveaway

So here’s what I’m going to do,… I think this book is such a worthy addition to any designer or homeowner’s library, I’ve procured two additional copies to giveaway to you, dear readers.  The ways to enter are simple:

1.  Leave a comment after this post, saying what your dream green remodeling project would be.

2.  Post a link to this giveaway on your Facebook account, and then come back and leave a comment telling us you’ve done so.

3.  Find @TIRevolution on Twitter, follow us, and say hi!  Then come back and leave a comment telling us you’ve done so.

Each one is a separate entry, so don’t forget to enter them as separate comments!  That way everyone has three different ways to win!

Entries will be taken until midnight PST, Thursday, March 11th, with the winners via random selection, to be announced the following Friday.  Good luck!

A home has to have good indoor air quality and be energy efficient to be green. As previously discussed, air movement plays a large role in any home. There are many signs of air movement. Some are obvious, for example we can feel a draft and we can smell unusual odors. Some are not so easy to detect unless you know what to look for, such as dust at electrical outlets, dust where the wall meets the baseboard, dust on the carpet under a closed door, dirty insulation in the attic or crawlspace, and dirty heating and cooling registers. Air carries dust, allergens, and contaminants from outside (hopefully you don’t live on a busy street), your crawlspace and your attic. All of these holes in your home can effect how comfortable you may feel, how much you spend on heating and cooling, and your health.

Don’t worry, if you’re not sure where the holes are in your home, there are trained professionals that can help.

An Energy Star Home Performance Contractor can perform an energy audit on your home and provide you with a report and solutions to your problems. One of the primary tools a Home Performance contractor uses in testing for air movement is a blower door, smoke device, and infrared camera.

The blower door works by sucking or blowing air into your home. The blower door measures how much air is passing through the fan and through the holes in your home. If you remember our balloon example, this would be the same as measuring the amount of air that is leaking through the pin holes. As the blower door is operating a HP Contractor will walk around with a device that creates non-toxic smoke and visually detect for air leakage.

Once the Home Performance Energy Audit is complete the contractor will crunch numbers to measure how leaky or tight your home is. He or she will also calculate the correct amount of air changes for your home and provide a solution to tighten the building.

Typically, an existing home built prior to 1978 is about 2 to 3 times as leaky as it should be. Most often, a HP contractor will correct the problem by air sealing all the holes in the attic, the ductwork, wall cavities, and crawlspace.

So what happens if your house is too tight, meaning there are not enough holes? Should you be worried? You betcha. Stay tuned for tomorrows post.

Take a safety pin and stick a bunch of holes in a balloon. Now try blowing it up. Eventually what happens is you run out of breath trying to keep the balloon full of air (hopefully you didn’t pass out and you can keep reading). This same concept can be effectively transferred to our homes.

Obviously we don’t live in inflatable homes, but the holes represent areas in which air and heat (both hot and cold) can travel bringing in containments, dust, and allergens.

You may know where the large holes are in your house such as drafty windows, doors, and chimneys but have you ever really thought of the holes that lead to your attic and crawlspace. These holes are harder to find. They are often where the air barrier assembly (typically drywall and plaster) are not continuous. Such as where drywall meets the framing on ceilings, where the 2 x 4 bottom plate sits on the subfloor,  at electrical boxes for outlets and switches and recessed lighting, and at pluming penetrations such as under the sink. All of these holes allow air to travel through your home.

As air travels within these holes it is bringing whatever is in the air from outside, within your attic and within your crawlspace into your home. For every cubic foot of air that leaves a building, one enters. Trust me, I have seen a lot of things in crawlspaces and attics and it is not pretty. I have seen dead rodents, piles and piles of rat droppings, mold, and raw sewage. Do you want this in your home? How important are the zero VOC products in your home now?

Tomorrow I will go over some of the signs of air travel and how it plays a bigger role in regards to indoor air quality, a green interior, and energy efficiency. In the mean time, try not to think of what you potentially could be breathing.