Paint the walls of the nursery with environmentally friendly paint that doesn’t release poisonous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Look for VOC-free paint made from all-natural ingredients such as mineral pigments, beeswax, plant oils, crushed limestone, soy resins and buttermilk. *Sherwin-Williams Paint
Choose hardwood floors made from sustainably managed forests [FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood] and finish them with a nontoxic or natural sealant. Llinoleum flooring is also great flooring. Linoleum however does requires adhesives to install so be certain to use only formaldehyde-free adhesives. Wall-to-wall carpeting (even if it is eco-friendly) isn’t ideal because they trap mold, dust mites, and other allergens. *Eco Friendly Flooring
To brighten up floors, select nontoxic carpets and area rugs made from natural, untreated fibers such as wool, organic cotton, hemp and jute. Their synthetic (and nonbiodegradable) counterparts can harbor up to 120 toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. *Potterybarn Kids
Pick a baby mattress made with wool casings or organic cotton filling. Regular mattresses contain harmful and potentially cancer-causing fire retardants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in addition to equally suspect stain- and moisture-resistant chemicals. *Savvy Baby™ by Savvy Rest Organic Mattresses
Rest your baby’s head on pillows that are stuffed with natural stuffing such as kapok, buckwheat hulls, untreated wool, organic cotton or synthetic-free latex. *Lifekind Organic Pillows
Dress the crib with organic all-cotton bedding. Conventional cotton is one of the most heavily pesticide-sprayed crops in the world and the chemicals could irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. *Baby & Kids – Restoration Hardware
Avoid furniture made with plywood, particle board, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) because they often contain formaldehyde in their glues. Used furniture more than a few years old, however, is likely to have released all its harmful chemical fumes by the time it’s ready for baby, so those are fine (and affordable) options next to buying furniture made from solid wood, wicker or rattan. *Baby Earth – Eco-friendly furniture, clothes, toys, gear, products
“THINK” about the chair you sit in day in and day out….if you are like me and spend hours on end sitting at your computer, you will way ahead of the game if you invest in getting the right chair! DJD Design’s #1 chair is the “Think” chair by STEELCASE! Not only is this chair designed to absolute perfection, but it has an environmentally friendly design.
A few more environmental facts about Think:
This was one of the most exciting parts of the Pasadena Showcase House this year for me. This amazing garage restoration by Garage Envy was truly a “work” of art. As a car buff and industrial/interior designer, I was thrilled to have seen this in person!
Formerly a three-car garage, the Carriage House, has been transformed into a functional workspace that embraces utility while maintaining the period architecture and style. The main goal was to restore and enhance the space that is the workhorse of the estate.
State-of-the-art custom welding stations, wood-working areas and raised paneled cabinetry make this the envy of most garage spaces. But all work and no play would not suffice with this design, so a wine cooler, refrigerator and flat screen TV have been installed, giving the space the needed accoutrements and the right mix of new technology to make it the ultimate man cave.
Lighting plays a paramount role in making this oversized space feel inviting. Antique units repurposed from old welding tank covers and vintage light fixtures brighten the area while complementing the other design elements. The floors have been diamond polished and sealed in order to preserve the exiting poured concrete. This practical treatment not only makes the surface impervious to oils and solvents but also adds a polished look.
We specialize in providing design solutions that help stimulate sales and promotes an enjoyable and hassle-free shopping experience for the consumer. Spaces are specially tailored to the kind of product being sold in that space and to the message the store and business stands for. We are eco-friendly and take pride in creating displays from 100% recycled content!
Going green is the new way in the world of design, and not to mention in business. Who doesn’t want to save a little green these days? Well...we certainly do! So, with that, have at it! Pour a little bit of green color into your life! Moss green is making its way into upscale home magazines and leaving its impression on new sustainable textiles. Let’s make 2011 a green and prosperous year!
Looking for a little luxury in your life these days? Let lavender leave you feeling luxurious. We’ve seen it in the fashion industry on the likes of Mila Kunis and Cate Blanchett at the 2011 Academy Awards, and it’s making its statement on the cover of Australia’s current Vouge Living magazine! Lavender is not only useable in fashion, but is a beautiful color for your bedroom or accents for your living room. It signifies elegance and luxury in a toned down fashion. Historically, purple is associated with royalty...now, it's being used for everything from custom furniture fabrics, to wow-factor fashion garments. So go ahead and lather up in lavender for 2011!
Gorgeous Gray - Love It!
I’m obsessed with shades of gray. Perhaps because it speaks to both the masculine and feminine. Slate and charcoal grays are the new neutrals, and muted dulled silvers are my best friends. From jewelry and fashion, to interiors and automotive design, we can’t get enough gray! I say, don’t ‘feel’ gray, GET gray! Go ahead and place a cool shade of gray with almost any color for a hot pairing. My suggestions; aqua or orange.
Now this is going to be a difficult one for me to understand, or better yet even use, but I would say it might be worth mentioning in this blog, since ‘Honeysuckle’ is Pantone’s 2011 Color of the Year.
My take is that this color might be fun to introduce into a commercial setting, like a fashion boutique, or a lounge bar. Pink is definitely a statement color that will be sure to attract some attention, regardless of where you use it!
