Lately, I’ve had a thing for rustic wood. Imagine that. I never thought I’d hear myself say I like anything rustic, but maybe I should qualify that statement a bit. I like rustic wood — like the look of old, reclaimed wood that has character and patina — but used in modern design. The Sun Spokes mirror from Anthropologie is a perfect example of what I mean.

It is made of reclaimed wood with lots of cracks, scratches, dings, imperfections and color changes, but the overall design of the piece is modern (albeit mid-century modern). Because of this, the mirror looks more like something you’d find in a sophisticated loft or bohemian retreat than in a country lodge — which is what I tend to think of when I use the word “rustic.”

Still, I can’t say I’d be in a hurry to pony up nearly $700 for this piece, no matter how beautiful it is…

Why It’s Green:

• Made of reclaimed wood

Price: $698

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Finally, I’m ready to reveal the result of the SYLVANIA Blogger Makeover Challenge. Just to refresh your memory, SYLVANIA invited me and four other bloggers to do a makeover in the room of our choosing to demonstrate how easy it can be to spruce up your home in one weekend.

So here’s how it turned out:

You may recall that a few weeks ago, our laundry room looked like this:

That sad room is no more, and I’d say we’ve come a long way!

What we did

For this makeover we used a lot of DIY ingenuity and creative concealment.

The biggest change was that we replaced our broken washing machine with a new one. We bought a Whirlpool, Energy Star qualified, high-efficiency top-loading washer from Lowe’s. It was easily the best purchase we’ve made in a long time. It uses a LOT less water than our old washer, and a lot less energy as well. Now, we just have to replace the dryer and the appliance makeover will be complete.

We covered up the messy shelves with a DIY curtain panel made from a drop cloth, paint and patience. The curtain tutorial is coming tomorrow! The curtain also helps to cover up the fact that the two appliances don’t match.

We replaced our boring, builder-standard light fixture with a simple linen lamp shade from Target. Paired with a brand new, super-energy-efficient A-line Ultra LED lightbulb from SYLVANIA, it is our second achievement in energy efficiency. Replacing a regular bulb with an LED option may not seem like it would make much of a difference, but consider this: This LED bulb uses 80% less energy than an incandescent bulb and lasts 25 times longer. How’s THAT for efficient?

Armed with four blank canvases and a little inspiration, we created an art wall. I used paint leftover from the curtain project to create the larger piece of art. Armed with a foam craft stamp, I repeated a single shape randomly to create the pattern. Then I filled in some of the white spaces with orange paint. The final effect is reminiscent of handmade batik fabric. I love it!

You may not have noticed, but the largest piece of art is cleverly positioned to cover up the fuse box. It is lightweight, so it’s easy to remove if we ever need to access the box. The three smaller pieces on the left were added for balance.

And I just couldn’t resist adding a retro clock above all of it.

We also created a simple shelf that serves 2 purposes: It covers up the rust spots on the top of our dryer, which we’ve had for years, and obscures the fact that the washer and dryer don’t match.

It also serves as a place where we can fold laundry when it comes out of the dryer. We simply had a piece of formaldehyde-free plywood cut to size at Lowe’s. Then we covered it with leftover dropcloth fabric from the curtain project. And all it took was a staple gun.

We also added a bar stool we found on Craigslist so we’ll have a place to sit while folding laundry. Hopefully, having a dedicated space for this will make me more likely to fold clothes and linens right away instead of letting them sit for weeks like I usually do.

The cushion that came with the bar stool was in good condition, but it only took sitting on it one time to realize that something was wrong. As soon as I put my weight on the cushion, I felt a sharp jab, like a needle.  But I couldn’t see what had poked me. I wanted to change the cushion fabric anyway, so it took it apart.

It turns out that the previous owner had used straight pins to connect two pieces of foam to make the cushion. Not the best idea. Several of the pins were facing upward, so anyone who sat on it would be in for a terrible surprise. Long story short, I removed all the pins and recovered the cushion with some lime green organic cotton fabric I had left over from a project in my daughter’s room. I added nailhead trim along the front edge to make it feel “special.”

So how did my husband and I do? The changes we made were relatively small, but we wanted to keep the room simple and functional. We’d love to hear what you think!

You can also check out the video below to learn more about the things we did to creatively conceal the things about the laundry room that we don’t like:

You can also head over to the the SYLVANIA Facebook page to see what the other bloggers participating in the challenge have done. SYLVANIA is hosting daily giveaways for great items on FB, including LED lighting products and Lowe’s gift cards!

DISCLOSURE: This post is part of the SYLVANIA Blogger Makeover Challenge. I received a $500 Lowe’s gift card along with compensation for my participation. However, as usual, all opinions are completely my own. Check out all the SYLVANIA blogger room makeovers on their Facebook page. (sponsored opp)

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

I can’t be the only one who looks forward to West Elm’s announcements that they’ve released new products. My excitement is doubled, however, because of the fact that West elm is one of the mainstream retailers of home goods that seems to be truly committed to providing greener product options for their customers. To be sure, this doesn’t apply to their entire product selection, but they consistently include products that are sustainable in some way.

Here are some of my favorite green products from their latest release:

1. Stria Bed and Storage Collection, $299-999. Made in India of  reclaimed solid saal wood drawer fronts, solid mango and acacia wood frame. The wood was reclaimed from railway trestles, and the irregular, stacked wood look is fabulous!

2. Organic Reflections Duvet Cover + Shams, $24.00 – $109.00. Made of organic cotton. Thankfully, you can also snag organic cotton comforter and pillow inserts from WE.

3. Poppy Seeds Pillow Cover, $29.00. Made of hemp.

4. Dexter Outdoor Dining Collection, $199-1295. Warmer weather means more time spent outside, and this collection of patio furniture is a beautiful incentive to do so. Made of solid FSC-certified wood.

5. Stray Dog Designs Side Table and Chandelier, $149. Handmade of papier-mâché made of recycled newpaper.

6. Organic Lily Pad Duvet + Shams, $24–$109. Made of organic cotton.

7. Recycled-Glass Stacking Vases and Votive Holders, $4-19. Made in Spain of recycled glass.

Beautiful, though not as green as I’d like

1. Jaipur Printed Dhurrie Rug, $29-199. Handwoven in India of 80% wool, 20% cotton.

2. Rainbow Napkins, $16. These are eco-friendly if they replace paper napkins, but I wish they were made of organic cotton or some other sustainable material.

There are more, but those are my picks. What do you think of West Elm’s sustainable product line? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

One of the things I most wish we could do to our apartment is add lighting where there is none and replace boring fixtures with ones that are more fun. Because to say the least, much of our apartment is dark. All. The. Time. Even with the windows open. So I’m feeling particularly envious of the High-Minded Chandelier and Well-Defined Lamp by Stray Dog Designs for Anthropologie.

Stray Dog has long been one of my favorite makers of sustainable lighting. All of their pieces are made with sustainability in mind, and these two are no exception.

The Well Defined table lamp is composed of a shade made of repurposed dictionary pages atop a recycled glass base. The High-Minded Chandelier is handmade of recycled encyclopedia pages-turned-papier mache.

In my opinion, they are the ultimate textured neutrals. They are black, white, and translucent, and still strong enough to visually carry a room. And the irony of using recycled dictionary and magazine pages to create lighting you’d likely use for reading isn’t lost on me.

Why It’s Green:

• Handmade of recycled and repurposed materials

Price: Lamp, $388; Chandelier, $998

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Amenity never fails to impress me with their gorgeous eco-friendly furniture, organic textiles and housewares. This weekend though, you have a great chance to take advantage of big savings during their sample sale. You can get their beautiful pillows, wall art and table linens for up to nearly 80% off! I imagine a lot of this stuff is going to go fast, so you might want to act now if you’re interested! The wall art, particularly the ones geared to kids, would make great holiday gifts. Personally, I plan to get a table runner to use during the holidays.

Why It’s Green:

• Pillows and table linens made of an organic cotton/hemp blend with non-toxic, water-based dyes.
• Printed and sewn in Los Angeles.
• Wall art printed in the U.S. on 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton.

Price: $17-47

BONUS! Use coupon code “welcome20” to get an additional 20% off your order!

Shiner Furniture at the Foundary

Deal sites are popping up everywhere these days — hence the format change on the Green Your Decor coupons page. Today, I discovered a new one: The Foundary. They exclusively sell beautiful housewares, from furniture to bedding, tableware and more. While not all of the companies featured specifically make green products, all of them were selected with quality and longevity in mind. In other words, you’re going to find quality pieces.

Today though, you can get sustainable pieces from Atlanta furniture maker Shiner Furniture. Shiner makes unique, modern furniture from recycled and reclaimed materials and sustainably harvested wood. They also have a couple of great pieces made from cardboard. Given that they are made by a local artist, I have had my eye on Shiner for a while. But their stuff can be hard to find, since they sell exclusively to retailers and not to the public. This is a great chance to get some unique pieces at discounted prices.

Why It’s Green:

• All furniture made from sustainable materials like recycled cardboard, recycled metals, and reclaimed and sustainably harvested wood
• Made in Atlanta, GA

Price: $142-1813

How to Buy:

If you’re not already a member of The Foundary, you’ll have to sign up, which is free. Once you’ve registered and signed in, scroll toward the bottom of the page to find the banner that says “Shiner.”

(aff): If you sign up for The Foundary via my invitation link, I will receive a site credits if you make a purchase.

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

I’ve noticed that a lot of people wind up at Green Your Decor looking for eco-friendly sofas and chairs — particularly ones that are priced reasonably. The problem is that pretty much all the ones I’ve written about in the past no longer are for sale. So here’s a roundup of some reasonably- and not-so-reasonably-priced eco-friendly sofas and chairs, in order of price. Some are greener than others as well, so be sure to read the descriptions. As a general rule, the more expensive options will have more eco-friendly qualities than the lower-priced ones.

West Elm’s Henry Sofa, $699-849. Frame constructed from sustainably harvested hardwood, pillow fibers are created from recycled water bottles, springs constructed of 70% recycled high-gauge steel, foam in cushions and arms is made from 20% soy-based materials, padding and fiber on the seat is constructed using recycled carpet materials, and made in the USA in west elm’s own FSC-certified factory. Available in cotton and linen/cotton blend fabrics, though none are organic.

West Elm’s Linden Sofa & Chair, $899 (sofa) or $1379 (for the pair). FSC-certified wood frame and legs, fabric is 100% recycled cotton a nd low-impactdyes are GOTS certified, decking and dust cover are organic cotton, foam is partially soy based, and made in the U.S.

Parlour Sofa from CB2, $999. Made with a certified sustainable, kiln-dried hardwood frame, seat cushion made of soy-based polyfoam and fiber, upholstered in cotton (not as good as organic, but better than polyester).

Greenington Magnolia Loveseat, $1319 and Magnolia Sofa Chair, $839. As truly green furniture goes, Greenington is up there with the best of them.  Made of sustainably-harvested bamboo. The style of these is “love it” or “hate it.” They remind me a bit of patio furniture, but I think they could work surrounded by the right colors and decor. (aff)

If you want something really green…

If you want a sofa with LOTS of green credentials, there are a bunch of options, but you’ll have to spend more. Here are a couple of my favorites, with pricing where available.

Camille Sofa from EKLA Home (call for pricing). Upholstered in 100% U.S.-grown and -milled organic cotton fabric, and made with natural Rubber, 100% organic U.S.-grown and -milled wool, organic cotton barrier cloth, FSC-certified alder frame and legs, recycled steel springs and Safecoat no-VOC stain. It doesn’t get much better than that, but this sofa will run you a couple thousand dollars.

EcoBalanza Square Sofa, $4600. Made with FSC-Certified, kiln-dried wood, natural latex foam cushions, 8-way hand tied coil springs and eco-friendly adhesives. Available upholstery options include recycled Polyester along with organic hemp, cotton and wool.

General Tips

When you’re really on a budget for furniture, you have to get creative. Buying used furniture from Craigslist or a thrift store is always a good way to go. Find a good upholsterer in your area, or if you feel adventurous, attempt to reupholster your found pieces on your own. There are tons of tutorials online, and you wouldn’t believe how beautiful you can make your home with used pieces. A great example:

Chloe Vintage Sofa by EcoChic, $1750. A petite vintage sofa was recovered in charcoal velvet fabric and given new wood legs. The price includes two linen accent cushions.

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

A few weeks ago, I sent out a tweet about one of my favorite catalogs:

I know that many design enthusiasts eagerly anticipate when stores like IKEA and Pottery Barn release their catalogs and new products. And while I like to ogle these catalogs and can appreciate the fabulous design, I’m much more excited when companies like Viva Terra debut new products. Why? Because I know they have been sustainably made and I can feel good about buying anything I discover that I can’t live without

I ventured over to the Viva Terra site today, and I found LOTS that I am really excited about. Here are some of my favorites:

Eco Sectional Sleeper: Made with a certified sustainable wood frame, water-based wood finishes, recycled fiber filling in the pillows, soy-based filling in the cushions, and organic cotton ticking with tufted buttons framed by linen. $4950. (aff)

Etched Silver Armoire: LOVE this! It’s not quite as green as I would like, given that it’s made with German silver, but it is also made with reclaimed wood. $995. (aff)

Flowing Script Chair: Made of recycled metal and upholstered in linen. $349. (aff)

Vintage Kantha Upholstered Chair: The patchwork fabric is handmade by Indian artisans from vintage cotton saris. The chair also features organic linen upholstery fabric, recycled fibers, down pillow fill, and certified kiln-dried hardwood frames. $2595-2695. (aff)

Meadowflower Rug: I can remember watching my mother crochet blankets and Christmas ornaments as a little girl, and this rug reminds me of that. The flowers are delicately handmade, but the color scheme and randomly shaped edges give the rug a modern look. Hand-crocheted of wool. $395-795. (aff)

Moroccan Hanging Lamps: Do I even need to explain why these caught my eye? Handmade of recycled aluminum. $149-449. (aff)

Ikat Dinnerware: I had to save the best for last. I LOVE this dinnerware! This is the type of setting I could easily see passing down to my kids. Handmade by an artisan ceramicist. $98-349. (aff)

There are many more new items that I’d like to share, but you can check them out for yourself at the Find natural home décor, unique women’s accessories, elegant dinnerware, organic gifts and more at VivaTerra site. Seriously, I think this is one of my favorite product debuts in a while.

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

At the moment, our patio resembles a disaster area. Bikes and scooters are strewn everywhere, with a couple of potted plants, gardening tools and a grill thrown in for good measure. Suffice it to say it’s not exactly the type of place where I’d want to sit and spend a lazy evening. The hubby insists he’ll take care of it, but I’m not holding my breath. I know there are about a million other things that are more important at the moment. I AM, however, imagining the way the space will look when it’s done. Of course, in my head it’s about three times its actual size and there would be room for a full dining set, but I digress.

I am absolutely in love with the Reclaimed Contempo patio furniture collection from Viva Terra.  It features clean lines and feels ultra industrial, but in a great way. I do wonder how comfortable it is, because it honestly looks a little stiff. But then again, a lot of wooden patio furniture looks hard, but feels comfortable. I do love the rough-hewn look of the wood, which was salvaged from old barns and farm buildings. And even better, it is made by artisans right here in the USA.

So hubby, if you’re reading this, nudge, nudge. I want a place for us to sit and snuggle when the normally oppressive Georgia heat finally gives us a break.

Why It’s Green:

• Made in the U.S.A. of reclaimed wood

Price: $429-898 through June 24, regularly $475-995 (aff)

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

I’ve never really been a fan of anything that could be described as French Country. In fact, I’d have to say that as a general rule, that is the exact opposite of my design aesthetic. So why in the world did I fall in love with these chairs and sofa from FCLstyle.com? “FCL” as in French Country Living. Because they’re gorgeous!

The Feuille de Chocolat Armchair is definitely my favorite of the bunch, although I’m only mildly fond of the flocked blue and brown print. And although the Eco-Seat sofa has very French lines and details, I could see it in a very bohemian home with an eclectic mishmash of styles — exactly what I envision my “perfect” home being. And since the pillows come with the sofa, that’s one less detail you have to think about (unless you choose to recover them).

But the look isn’t the best part about these pieces. Check out “Why It’s Green” below.

Why It’s Green:

• Upholstered in 100% organic cotton with GOTS certified dyes
• Frames made of sustainably harvested wood

Price: La Verdure Chair, $795; Feuille de Chocolat Armchair, $1295; Eco-Seat Sofa, $2195(aff)

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

I thank God every day that my husband is an understanding man. He doesn’t complain when I spend hours looking at design blogs, going through retailers’ catalogs or browsing endless ads on Craigslist. He humors me when I get over-excited about some piece of furniture or other — even if he doesn’t like it. And he is actually entertaining idea of finding and refinishing furniture as an extention of the Green Your Decor brand. So I know (hope?) he will be completely understanding when I explain to him why I simple HAVE to have this table. Two of them, in fact.

It’s not just that the figure 8 shape is the perfect abstract representation of my favorite number. It’s not just that its made of reclaimed elm. It’s just that this table was made for me — plain and simple. I’m 100% sure that the designer of this table crawled into my brain, took a long stroll, then set up camp and started sketching. It represents everything I love in furniture. The curvy shape is a little Hollywood Regency, but the dark wood finish means it’s not too glam or fancy to be out of place with contemporary decor. And lets be honest — a figure 8 will never go out of style.

Seriously, I want this table.  My husband will thank me later.

Why It’s Green:

• Made of reclaimed elm

Price: $695

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

There are two places in our home where I’d like to put a chair. But not just any chair. It has to be used — preferably from the mid-century era. And it has be something I can bring back to life with new upholstery. Of course, the idea that I can reupholster a chair with no experience or help other than internet tutorials is just that — an idea. As badly as I want to attempt this, I admit I’m more than a little intimidated. After all, chair upholstery can require a lot of fabric, and I don’t want to start something I won’t finish. So while I build my courage to attempt my own rehab job, here are a few vintage chairs that have been given a gorgeous new life with a little elbow grease:

1. Rubie

If I could ever convince my husband that pink really is a great decorating color, even outside our daughter’s room, I’d snatch up this chair in a heartbeat. Not only does it feature the gorgeous mid-century lines that I love so much, it is also reupholstered in Rubie Green’s organic cotton East Village fabric. Seriously, I think etsy seller revivalfurniture made this one just for me. And if not for me, I imagine Nicole Balch from Making It Lovely could find a place for it. Price: $650

2. Lewittes Wingback Cane Chair

Call me crazy, but I think this chair is fabulous!  It’s bright, velvety (is that a word), and seriously funky! And would you believe I found a chair like this with very similar bones at a thrift store once and didn’t buy it because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to reupholster it? The ugly floral fabric definitely needed replacing. Now that I see how gorgeous this chair looks, I’m really beginning to regret passing on that thrift store find. Particularly since it would’ve cost me just $45. Price: $550

3. Lucille

A lot of people think it’s a sin to paint old wood, but I’m OK with it in some circumstances. This chair from etsy seller threesidewaysglances is one of them. The muted gray paint paired with Thomas Paul’s parasol fabric is a gorgeous combination. But, this chair will definitely call attention to itself, so it could be tough to place. Still, projects like this give me hope that I can turn a beat up old chair into something fresh and fabulous. Price: $529

4. Reupholstered Vintage Tomlinson Chairs

I admit I’m swooning a little over these chairs. More specifically, over the fabulous reupholstery. Left to my own devices, I never would have chosen something so opulent, with black and grey velvet and velour paired with embroidered satin. And while the embroidery is a little more frilly than I’d like, the combination is really stunning. Price: $599/ea.

Looking for more inspiration? Do what I do: Stalk the Design Sponge Before & After section. I’ll also be obsessively checking Craigslist for the diamond in the rough I can nurse back to health. Have a vintage piece you’d like to share? I’d love to see it!

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Given that we’re moving from a 3-bedroom apartment into a smaller 2-bedroom apartment next week, I very easily could be losing my office space altogether. I am fortunate, however, to have a brightly-lit sunroom that I’ll be able to use as my workspace. This long, narrow space presents a bit of design dilemma. The first is where to put a desk, since the longest wall features 4 windows from corner to corner. With a fifth window on the other wall in one of the corners and a door in the other corner. Yeah. I have my work cut out for me.

The second is where do I store all my supplies: Paper, color pencils, folders and files, design books, etc. And where do I put my large & ugly, but necessary, all-in-one printer? I’ll be losing all the storage that comes with the huge, hulking desk I have now (which is too large for the space), and I’d really prefer not to live out of boxes. Not very stylish, and I literally can’t function in chaos. For me, chaos = stacks of unpacked boxes and a printer on the floor.  And so, I begin my quest for stylish, functional, eco-friendly storage. These modular units from Housefish are pretty close to perfect, in my mind!

They are modern and colorful, which sums up my style pretty well, and they are stackable, so I can use as many as I need — and I’m thinking I’d need about 3 of them. I could hide all my unsightly files behind the doors and even put my printer inside so I don’t have to look at it until absolutely necessary. This ability to hide stuff — particularly my printer — is exactly why a regular bookcase wouldn’t necessarily work. Even with bins and baskets, to contain everything else, the printer would still stick out like a sore thumb. I can just imagine the fun I’d have mixing and matching the door colors, maybe even going doorless on the top unit where I’d keep all my colorful (read: pretty) design books and magazines.

These units are available in 3 heights and two colors, so they can be customized to fit my needs, AND they’re also made of FSC-certified wood, so they fit literally every requirement I could throw at them but one: short-term affordability. Three units would cost me upward of $1500, which is definitely not in the budget right now.  That said, short-term affordability isn’t the major deciding factor for me here. Functionality, lasting value and sustainability are. I’ll probably have to start with one unit and work my way up, adding a new one whenever there’s a little breathing room in our monthly budget. But honestly, these are just the kind of pieces that are worth saving for.

They are incredibly versatile, so if, in the future, if I decided to use one in our bedroom as a TV stand, I totally could. I could see it used as a sideboard in the dining room, as a console table in a living room or entryway, or as fun, colorful storage in a child’s bedroom or playroom. The doors could easily be repainted to match the decor in any room. And if I’m going to invest a total of 4 figures for furniture, it is an absolute requirement that it be versatile and lasting. The type of pieces I can still imagine in my home 30 years from now.

So really, my search for storage has ended nearly as quickly as it started. Hopefully in the next few weeks, graphic design projects willing, I’ll have one of these babies in my new office space.

Why It’s Green:

• Made in the U.S. of FSC-certified wood
• Doors painted with a no-VOC powdercoat finish
• Packaging is mostly recycled, completely recyclable and plastic-free (yay!)
• Versatile and sturdy enough to last you a lifetime

Price: $419-698/unit

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

As much as I love to decorate, sometimes I really hate shopping for furniture. Why, you ask? Simply put, because of my conscience.

I am in the market for a new desk. In order to be closer to my daughter’s doctors, we are moving about an hour away into a smaller apartment. We currently use our third bedroom as a studio/office space. In the new apartment, I will have to use the small, narrow sunroom as an office space. This necessitates buying a new desk, because my current one is entirely too large for the space.

My first course of action: trying to find a used desk. I have been to literally every thrift and consignment store in town and have been watching Craigslist like a hawk. Everything I’ve found is either too big, too damaged or made of the same cheap MDF I’m hoping to avoid. And so I started looking for new desks. There’s a part of me that wants to buy the cheapest, most stylish option. But then I start looking at where desks like this were made and what they’re made of, and it makes me cringe. I’ve spent days and hours on end trying to find a desk with as much green cred as possible that I can actually afford.

The Greenest Desks

ORCHID BAMBOO DESK BY GREENINGTON: This is easily my favorite of all the desks I’ve found. It is clean and simple enough to fit into any decor and it is available the dark color that I love (Espresso). I do suspect it may be a little too large at 60″ wide. Because my Mac doesn’t require a tower, I don’t need a lot of desktop space, and I don’t have a lot of space to work with. The price also hurts my feelings a little. I certainly understand why it costs so much, but it’s still out of reach. If this were the only cost associated with our move, we could probably swing it. But with moving truck to rent, movers to pay, etc., the initial cost is just too high, at least for now. Why It’s Green: Made of organic Moso bamboo. Best Price I Could Find: $599 w/free shipping

KNU DESK 1: You’ll begin to see a trend here: Simplicity. Because the desk will be very visible as soon as you walk in the front door and won’t be allotted much space, I want a piece with few frills. This very simple piece from Knu fits all the criteria and is still big enough to accommodate my Mac. Another of my favorites that’s priced out of reach. Why It’s Green: Made of FSC certified wood whenever possible and available in six eco-friendly veneer choices. Best Price I Could Find: $789 (aff)

REKINDLE DESK BY INMODERN: This is easily the most unique among all the green desks I’ve found, with it’s bowed legs and rounded edges. It’s also available in a fabulous steel gray finish that’s unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else. But is it too unique? Seems like it might be, because the Rekindle is hard to find. On the plus side, the price is quite a bit lower than the two options above, and it comes with lots of green features. Why It’s Green: Made of FSC-certified SmartWood, formaldehyde free and finished with water-based stains, ships flat-packed, all materials sourced in North America, and designed and manufactured in USA. Best Price I Could Find: $420.

LINEAR DESK BY INMODERN: Easily the most affordable of the truly eco-friendly desks. No real complaints about the price. But it’s really not ideal in terms of style. It would work, but I can picture myself looking at it for months and months wondering if I should have picked something else. Again, on the plus side though, it does have a complementary storage bookcase, which is something else I’d like to get for the single wall in the sunroom. And I actually like this piece. Why It’s Green: Made of FSC-certified SmartWood, formaldehyde free and finished with water-based stains, ships flat-packed, all materials sourced in North America, and designed and manufactured in USA. Best Price I Could Find: $246.99 (aff)

DIRECTIONS EAST BREEZE DESK: I like this desk, really, but something about it doesn’t feel right for my needs. Still, it’s reasonably green and very stylish, and it has a matching bookcase. Why It’s Green: Made of recyclable stainless steel with a bamboo top and finished with a water-based stain. Best Price I Could Find: $359.99 (aff)

Cheaper Desks I’m Considering

HOMETRENDS WELGROVE DESK: I really like the style of this desk, and the price makes it even more attractive. BUT, I have a lot of questions about it’s construction. For instance, the desk has a Paulownia wood finish, but is it made of solid wood, or just veneers over MDF? Does it contain formaldehyde? Were non-toxic stains or finishes used?I really have to decide whether the price justifies all those questions. Why It May Be Green: Made with fast-growing Paulownia wood and a recyclable steel frame. Price: $149.99

UO CONVERTIBLE SIDE TABLE: This technically isn’t a desk, but given it’s dimensions, it would work great for this purpose. The “convertible” part of the table is it’s height. It can be used as a coffee table at 28.5″ tall, or as a desk, dining table, console, etc. at up to 30″ tall. Useful, but I’m still not sure if it’s ideal since it’s green credentials are sketchy and it’s not exactly the most stylish table I’ve ever seen. Why It’s Green: Made of recyclable iron with a mango wood top (mango wood is harvested only after the trees are no longer bearing fruit). Price: $199.99.

The more I look at this list, the more I’m leaning toward one of the pieces from InModern. The difference in price from the cheaper options doesn’t seem worth all my questions. But I want the Orchid desk. And therein lies the reason why I’m hating this particular shopping excursion. Maybe if I’m able to make enough from the sale of my current desk on Craigslist, I’ll be able to afford the Orchid. Universe, do you hear that?

If you’ve come across any other green desks that caught your eye, I’d love hear about them in the comments below!

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Most days, I am reasonably content with my financial status. We have a roof over our head, food to eat and all the amenities of modern life. But there are moments, few though they may be, when I wish I had an unlimited amount of disposable income. Because if I did, I wouldn’t even blink before buying this beautiful mirror from SO Green Store. I have been on the hunt for a vintage sunburst clock or mirror to hang over the TV in the living room, opposite a trio of black and white photos in black, museum-style frames. This mirror would be the like the cherry on the pie. The room would be complete without it, but would just enhance the space so much more!

I am literally awestruck by how beautiful this is! Most of the items in my home have clean, geometric lines. More transitional than modern, but definitely not frilly or over the top. For that reason, this mirror would call attention to itself and be the definite standout in the room. At 36″ x 36″, there’s no way anyone could miss it, and I am seriously wishing I had an extra $600 right now. Are you listening, universe?

Why It’s Green:

• The artisan who makes it is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a “1 for 1″ replanting program to replace every tree that is consumed to produce this product.

Price: $583

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

I’m coming down with a serious case of baby fever. Perhaps its the fact that we finally have enough room to welcome a new addition to our family, or the fact that it’s been a few years since I held an infant in my arms and I want my daughter to have a sibling in the household, or that so many of my friends, both in the bloggy world and the real world, are either pregnant or new moms. Most of all, it’s probably the lure of a new nursery to decorate. In any case, I’m getting a serious itch to have a new baby. I’m not the only one. My friend Renee over at Cutie Booty Cakes wrote about the same thing yesterday. These feelings, of course, have led to my imagining what my baby’s gorgeous, green nursery would look like.  The new Eicho and Roh nursery furniture collections from Spot on Square are making my itch exponentially worse.

The Eicho collection includes a minimal crib and changing table, and they are both reasonably priced and eco-friendly, which can sometimes be a tough combination to find. There is, of course, some sacrifice involved. Rather than hardwood, these pieces are made of MDF, albeit made of 100% recycled/reclaimed, formaldehyde-free MDF. Still, I think it’s a great value for parents and parents-to-be who want an environmentally-friendly nursery but who aren’t in the position to drop 4+ figures on a crib alone.

The Roh collection is drop-dead gorgeous, but definitely for the more well-off among us unless you’ve done a whole lot of saving in preparation for your little one. Along with a frame made of beautiful locally-sourced Walnut, the side panels of the Roh crib are made of BPA free, phthalate free, recyclable acrylic, making for a contemporary, but timeless look that any parent will be able to appreciate. The crib is available with just one side or both sides made of acrylic, and the ends are available in gray or white. The dresser with available changing tray are equally as fabulous. I’m drooling right now.

Soooo…now I just have to convince the hubby that it’s time for a new baby, and figure out in advance how we’d explain it to our 4-year-old.

Why It’s Green:

• Made of sustainable materials, including 100% recycled/reclaimed, formaldehyde-free MDF, locally sourced walnut and BPA-free, phthalate-free, recyclable acrylic
• Made in the U.S.

Price: $310-1990. Use coupon code “”HLWN10” to get 10% off through 10/31/09.

© 2008-2011 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.