A new woman came into my life the other day. No, I don’t swing that way, but I do love a woman who imports hand crafted and fairly traded, eco-loving silk from India and then creates the most decadent draperies you’d just love to get in bed with…Did I mention, she offers bedding as well?
I recently visited Deepali Kalia of Filling Spaces Design Studio (to the trade only, but yeah that includes me!) to look for some samples to bring to my clients. As I meandered around, my eyes feasted upon the many shiny and shimmering fabrics and I got so happy. When I asked Deepali how the silk worms were treated in the manufacturing process (her sister runs the production facility), she explained that in the process of extracting the silk from the cocoon, they wait until the baby naturally leaves the cocoon, therefore allowing it to live. That’s a big deal in my book since the Chinese often boil the cocoons (can’t they just wait?) and therefore kill the babies.
A recent pillow creation of Deepali’s. She pointed it out after I asked her what her current favorite was.
Fabulous and amazing. Feel the movement swimming in that pillow (on the right).
Got design questions? Or just want to know more about eco-silk draperies and fabrics?
Oh gorgeous eco-beautiful Star Island Hotel in the Bahamas opening in 2009.
Oh Baby, check this out. An off-the-grid island resort on Star Island in the Bahamas is opening next year. Imagine swimming in that. Jen, this is for you.
Here are the eco-details as reported by Inhabitat:
Architect David Sklar says the project is an experimental ground for the latest eco-technologies and materials, hoping to set an example for the resort industry. The building’s structure is designed to meet or exceed LEED requirements, through the use of materials such as cold formed steel (CFS), a mostly recycled material which relies on its manufacturing process to give it the same strength as virgin steel. The heat-free manufacturing process also reduces its carbon footprint. Additionally, construction time, shipping demands and waste are reduced through the use of insulated concrete forms – lightweight forms that are filled with concrete on site.
Inside the resort, LED lighting and geothermal HVAC has been employed. Water is provided by the rainwater harvesting system that takes advantage of every surface from roofs to roads, up to 100,000 gallons a day of which is then purified and stored underground. Smaller details have also been considered, meaning guests can enjoy shade-grown organic coffee in the restaurant, relax on fair-trade furniture in the lobby and rest their bones on rapidly renewable-bamboo sheets. ::Source: Inhabitat
And I especially love this: “Plants are largely fed with the compostable waste created by the hotel. Any other waste is recycled or converted to energy and fuel.”
The Louis bathroom vanity comes in different shades. Here it is shown in Robin’s Egg. This sweet piece is as chic as it is eco-friendly. Perfect for a more feminine feel.
As a green interior designer, I’m always on-the-look for products that are as sustainable as they are beautiful. I was recently turned on to Waterfall Bathroom Furniture, a company whose mission is to provide the most environmentally sensitive bathroom furnishings available.
The Chinatown vanity in China Red is a sexy statement in the perfect setting to create the perfect mood. Hint, hint.
As Sales and Marketing Manager Barbara Kratus says, “All our vanities are made from FSC-certified woods, and we use only low-VOC paints. Waterfall vanities come in 13 different color options and range in size from 19” to 60” double vanities. We pride ourselves on creating luxurious furniture pieces while remaining green, offering lots of customization options (countertop materials, colors, hardware), and manufacturing in Canada using fair labor practices.”
The Diplomat in Graphite is perfect for a more masculine setting.
And check this out. CaesarStone countertops which are made out of 100% post consumer content are also offered as an option. Gorgeous sustainable and affordable bathroom luxury. We support that in a big way.
Mental note to self: I’m gettin’ me one of these for my next bathroom remodel.
Ok, one of my favorite anti-war groups, CodePink, ran a Valentine’s Day campaign this year ‘08 in major cities called, “Don’t Enlist, Stay and Kiss, That Way Everyone Makes Out.”
Anyway, I just saw this video posted on U-tube and had to share it with you…And yeah, I’m not a total Bob Dylan fan but I do love this song and believe he is a true poet.
Watch it and love it!
May we all kiss for peace and spread the love…Honoring all you peacemakers out there.
Okay, so it’s obvious right? Green everything is seriously growing. Seems like everyone I know is somehow incorporating sustainable practices into their personal and professional lives.
I happened to see a great post recently at Furniture World Online. An alliance of green manufactures just launched Design Green Alliance — An membership based organization of companies in the home furnishings industry, working together to advance the cause of sustainability.
What does that mean exactly?
I’ll let Tim Loveday, founder of the organization speak first:
“The Design Green Alliance serves as a united front for sustainable manufacturers looking to increase their presence in the marketplace. The message of sustainability and environmental stewardship has never been more important, and by working together, we can make a difference in the furniture industry and in the world.
So, you know those ginormous trade shows (not open to the public) where your retails store owners go and purchase lots of goodies for you?…and yes we want them to be earth friendly….
Well, now with organizations like DGA, green/sustainable companies will continue to have their own section of the show, with a much higher visual presence. DGA, for example, purchases larger amounts of space for its members, therefore increasing its visibility and right now, membership is free. For more details click here.
There is something to be said about being part of group with a common cause. That can be a significantly louder voice than going at it alone. May this eco-voice continue to get louder…
"I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable...but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing."
