I’ve been so out of it since my daughter started kindergarten that you’d think I was the one who had to go to school every day. Now that she’s in school, I’m trying to get back into the swing of things, and that has proven harder than expected. Part of the reason I haven’t been posting regularly is that I’ve had quite a bit of graphic design work, but it’s also been because of sheer exhaustion. While I screw my head back on straight, I do have some great handmade products to share with you:

Etsy is always a great resource when I’m looking for products made of reclaimed wood at a reasonable price. Seller Evotiv is a great example of this. ALL of their products are made from reclaimed wood and other recycled materials. And as much as we’ve all learned to love shiny new things (school shopping season, anyone?), there’s nothing like the patina of old wood that has stood the test of time. How awesome is that wall art and the wood peeking through the center of that bright white coffee table?

So check out Evotiv’s shop and bear with me. We will return to our regularly scheduled programming as soon as possible…

Why It’s Green:

• Handmade of reclaimed and recycled materials
• Made in the U.S. (Portland, OR)

Price: $8.95-324.95

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

In the Meantime: Reclaimed Wood Furniture & Decor by Evotiv

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.

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

My New Favorites from Viva Terra: Eco-Friendly Sofa & More!

A few months back, I wrote about my search for an affordable, eco-friendly desk. Later, I decided to get the Terra Console from West Elm to use as a desk, but that didn’t work out. So I had been searching Craigslist for a desk for what felt like months. It seemed like everything was either overpriced, made of particleboard, or both. Finally, last week, I found a gorgeous MidCentury desk that I couldn’t pass up! I’ll post pics as soon as I pick it up and tell you what I plan to do with it. In the meantime, I had to share this gorgeously ornate, completely over-the-top desk I found at Restoration Hardware.

I am in love with the chunky corbels made of beautifully-aged reclaimed teak. They are reproduced from an edifice in Philadelphia and elaborately hand carved. I am normally not a fan of anything quite this ornate, but I can easily envision this in a sparse, modern office, surrounded by white lacquered pieces. It would be the focal point of that room — no doubt.

If you like the style, but think it would be better suited in a living room or entryway, it is also available as a slightly smaller console table.

Why It’s Green:

• Hand-carved from reclaimed teak

Price: $1095

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

I Found a Desk, but This One is Prettier: Corbel Glass Desk

Sometimes, my taste is akin to shooting myself in the foot. This is mostly because I don’t have an unlimited budget, but also because I often find pieces that I think are “perfect” for me, only to have my taste change a few days/weeks/months later. For example, a while back I went through a phase where I desperately wanted a platform bed. So much, in fact, that my husband and I (with our combined carpentry skills of 0) actually flirted with the idea of building one ourselves. Then I realized that while a platform bed would be great for the small space we were living in at the time, it would feel too small if we ever moved into a larger home. This bed, however, satisfies both my desire for something simple with clean lines with the lust for something more grandiose.

It feels like something out of a modern fairytale. It has all the allure of a traditional four-poster canopy bed without all the ornate details that generally make them feel more old world and granny chic than I’d like. And it is intended for outdoor use as well. If you’ve ever watched any of the dozens of reality shows set in a huge mansion with a equally huge pool, then you can easily imagine this bed used as a cabana poolside. Somehow I don’t think that’s how I’d want to spend $4000+, but it’s nice to know that it can serve more than one purpose.

That price tag also reignites in me the itch to try my hand at carpentry, because as much as I love it, it would be a long while before we could save up this much for one piece of furniture.

Why It’s Green:

• Made of plantation-grown teak with a natural oil finish

Price: $4400

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

My Dream Bed…Again? MASH Studios PCH Canopy Bed

I am somewhat addicted to bold, graphic elements in decorating. This addiction reveals itself throughout my home, from the textural focal point of a headboard my husband and I created in our master bedroom to the sunburst and butterflies that adorn the wall in my daughter’s room. I love silhouettes and bold patterns that draw your attention. So the Graphic Collection from Iannone Design is the stuff of my dreams. The newest members of the collection are the Trees Dresser and Nightstand. To put it simply? I. Want. Them.

Of course the 4-figure price tags attached to each of them will put that desire on hold for a long time to come, but this is my idea of furniture perfection. These are the kind of pieces that beg to be talked about. And although my bedroom isn’t exactly a high-traffic area, they certainly would keep ME talking.

And now, I will step away to swoon…

Why It’s Green:

• Made of Kirei board and FSC-certified maple plywood
• Iannone Design is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council

Price: $1395-2795

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

A Tree for Me: Iannone Design Trees Nightstand and Dresser

A little while back when we finished my daughter’s room, you might remember that there was a blank spot on one side of the room that was waiting for something special: custom-built Owyn toy box donated by Mod Mom Furniture. Well, Owyn is here, and I can unequivocally say that he was well worth the wait.

Previously, all of Ja’Naya’s larger toys were housed inside a large, blue plastic bin that we acquired sometime over the past few years in one of our moves. It was functional, but it was hideous — which is why I kept it hidden away as much as possible. Owyn, on the other hand, will live proudly next to the wall we like to call the “art gallery.” Here he is in the context of the whole room:

From the product photos, it is hard to tell, but Owyn has two compartments — not the one large compartment I was expected. I would’ve realized this had I read the product description more thoroughly, but alas, I didn’t. This means that Ja’Naya’s toy piano will have to find another home (probably on a shelf in the closet), but most of the other toys fit comfortably. It is really short and squat — the perfect height for a child. And since that wall is the only spot in the room with an exposed outlet for a night light, the height is also perfect in that the outlet isn’t covered up, so we don’t have to move the toy box at night.

Overall, we LOVE this toy box. And knowing that it was made by the hands of a mother who loves the Earth as much as I do makes it that much sweeter!

If you want a Mod Mom toy box, keep in mind that it will come with a wait. Because Kiersten makes each one by hand, they generally take 8-11 weeks to be shipped. But like I said, it was worth the wait.

Why It’s Green:

• Handmade to order of sustainable Baltic Birch plywood from Russia (E1 Certified)
• Finished with non-toxic paints from Pittsburgh Paints (inside and leaf lids) and non-toxic, low-VOC water-based polyurethane from Deft

Price: $399

(Sponsored opp): This toy box was donated as part of a room redesign project. The opinions are 100% my own.

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

His Name is Owyn the Eco-Friendly Toy Box, and We Love Him!

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)

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Feeling Some Outdoor Envy: Reclaimed Contempo Collection

I love a good before and after, and I love it even more when the “after” is something I could actually bring home with me. Mid-Century Modern Furniture is everyone’s favorite these days (me included), but it can sometimes be hard to imagine formica-covered pieces as anything other than — well — dated. I’ve been trying to train myself to have more of an imagination when I find vintage pieces with potential, but I couldn’t have imagined the final outcome of this piece. But etsy seller homeECOnomics had a vision, and she sure did bring this table to life.

Don’t you just love the fun tangerine and pink color scheme? It reminds me of a creamsicle on a hot summer day. If we had room for it, it really would be a great piece for my daughter’s room. I’m in love with the three-dimensional look of the plastic flowers glued on top. How awesome with this be in a nursery with a funky lamp on top? Maybe it’s time to start thinking “baby” again…or not…

Why It’s Green:

• Refinished vintage piece

Price: $200 (includes shipping)

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Creamsicle, Anyone? ‘Tangerine Dream’ Mid-Century Side Table

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)

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Please Take a Seat: Eco-Friendly Sofa & Chairs from FCL Style

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

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Shape Lusting: Reclaimed Hollywood Table by Eboniste

Yeah. We named our new/old chair. We love her that much.

Want to know how we found her?

I always lament how other people seem to find incredible pieces for free, either on the curbs in their neighborhood or via Freecycle. Well, now that we are considerably closer to Atlanta than we were before, I decided I’d give the city’s Freecycle group a try. I’m glad I did. This beauty popped up a few days ago, and I emailed the previous owner as soon as I saw the photo. With Freecycle, you never know how quickly an item will be snatched up, so I had my fingers crossed.

And score! I was told I could pick up the chair from the front porch. Of course, my husband and I own a very small car and have no friends nearby who drive SUVs or trucks, so I had no idea how we were going to get Grace home. But I HAD to have her. Thankfully, she was just 10 miles away, so we drove over there in hopes we could somehow bring her home. With the help of some careful positioning and twine, we were able to bring Grace home in our trunk.

Now we just have to figure out how to dress her up. She definitely needs to be reupholstered, and her legs need some refinishing. I’m thinking I may paint them black or charcoal gray, and go with a bold yellow or gray ikat as the new fabric. I’ve been trying to imagine another, more modern option, but my mind keeps going back to ikat. All of the fabrics shown above are available from Fabricadabra by the yard, and a couple of them are actually organic and not very expensive. It’s just the global, worldly feeling we need in our room. If you think I’m crazy, check out these inspiration chairs:

1. Urban Outfitters’ Slipper Chair 2. Ikat Wing Chair from No. Four Eleven  and 3. Pair of ikat chairs via. The Style Files

See where I’m going with this?

Grace will reside in our master bedroom (you know…the one I was supposedly done with) in the corner near the window to the right of the bed. I have reached out to my new Atlanta bloggy buddy, Dayka of Meditations on Life & Style, for some help deciding. I’ll let you know what we come up with.

What do you think we should do to Grace? Have you tackled a similar project? I’ve love to hear about it and feature you here at GYD, so contact me.

This will be the first major upholstery project my husband and I have tackled, so wish us luck!

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Introducing My Freecycle Score: A Chair Named Grace

My husband has good taste when it comes to decorating. But lets just say that we don’t always agree on what to do with a room, or specific details of what to put in it. I tend to have very specific ideas for what I want to do with a space in my own home, and I admit I can be inflexible when he doesn’t agree. But I’m getting better, and I’ve been trying to incorporate more of the things he loves into my ideas. When I saw these pieces from Uncommon Goods, all made from a reclaimed gym floor, I knew I had found something…errr…special.

I love the story behind these pieces, and because of that, it’s easier for me to let go of the fact that I’m not thrilled about their style. They have character and history, and my hubby, the ultimate basketball fan, will love them.  In addition to the funky and fun wall hooks shown above, there is also a mirror, wall shelf, picture frame and even a coffee table. Really.

They are all handmade in Wisconsin from the maple floor of Kendigan Gym, home of the Lumberjacks. The gym was built in 1964 at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, and in recent years, it was due for an update. The gym was remodeled last summer, and the scrap wood from the floor has been turned into all these pieces, which still feature the original court lines. And because of the nature of the material used to make them, each piece is one-of-a-kind. Much like my husband.

I may just surprise him with a frame for the top of his dresser. Or a set of wall hooks. For inside the closet. With the door closed. And the lights turned off. OK…so I’m not as flexible as I’d like to be, but I’m working on it.

Why It’s Green:

• Made from a gym floor, reclaimed when the building was remodeled

Price: $48-400 (aff)

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

For the Man/Fan in Your Life: Reclaimed Gym Floor Decor

After writing about eco-friendly decor and furnishings for two years, I’ve begun to notice a trend. I tend to see the same brands over and over again as I search for new companies and products to profile. I love that green living has become so accepted that these truly green products can be found everywhere, but I also love variety. It’s not every day that I come across a brand new maker of environmentally friendly furniture, so when I do, I take notice. You can see why from the photos.

Pure Inspired Design is the brainchild of interior designer Samantha Cobos, and clearly, making these pieces was a labor of love. First, these are stylish, timeless, high-quality pieces. I’m personally swooning over the Carmel chair in the image above (top right). It is the kind of piece I can easily imagine still having in my home 50 years from now, or living happily in my daughter’s stylish first apartment. And above all else, when buying furniture for your home, the key to buying green is buying pieces that will last.

Of course, all of the pieces in the Pure Inspired Design collection go quite a few steps further toward being eco-friendly, which you can see in the “Why It’s Green” list below. And what I love about this collection is that pretty much everything can be customized. For most pieces, including standard sofas, sectionals, chairs and ottomans, customers can select their cushion, leg finish and arm style, as well as choose from a huge range of solid and patterned organic fabrics. You can also have custom pillows, drapes and rugs made to coordinate with the furniture. Even if you’re not comfortable enough with design to select coordinating fabrics, you can purchase a scheme kit like the ones shown below, which will take all the guesswork out of finding options that work well together.

Seriously, Samantha put a lot of thought into this line, and consumers like myself really appreciate that kind of dedication. And on the real, that Carmel chair is going in my “dream home” folder. I will have it. One day.

Why It’s Green:

• Frames made of solid hardwood harvested locally and responsibly
• Seating made of 8-way hand tied made with recycled metal
• Webbing made of recycled polyester and natural materials
• Padding made of 100% pure unbleached cotton and recycled Dacron
• Standard cushion made of high quality soy-based foam core wrapped in down and feathers. The upgraded spring & down cushion is made of high quality soy-based foam core with inner springs, which is then wrapped in down and feathers.
• Back and throw pillows made of a down blend with soy-based filling
• All adhesives and stains are water-based with no formaldehyde
• All scraps are recycled
• Available fabrics include organic cotton solids and prints, OEKO Tex Standard 100 polyester, and faux leather (synthetic polyurethane, which is not great for indoor air quality, but an option if you want a vegan leather substitute)

Price: Furniture, $1146-3818; Accessories: $135-2378; Scheme kits: $65

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

Fine Green Furniture at its Best: Pure Inspired Design

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!

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

A Few Vintage Chairs for Your Inspiration

Since I started this blog nearly 2 years ago, my family has moved four times. And each time, our lives have been disrupted for a time afterward. This time, however, the reason we were moving trumped any disruption: We needed to be closer to my daughter’s doctors.

We’ve been here for almost 2 weeks now, and our lives are finally beginning to return to “normal,” whatever that means. And as if to remind us that this is a new beginning for us, the weather has started to change, with 75 degree afternoons replacing chilly mornings, and air conditioning replacing heat. What that means, of course, is that we want to get outside and enjoy the weather. Our patio is currently bare, but for a few bikes and my husband’s beloved grill. And you know what blank canvasses do to me. They make me want to fill them.

This very simple, very budget-friendly Charleston glider bench could be a great building block for a comfortable patio for us — a great place to enjoy the warm Georgia nights and enjoy coffee in the early morning. Even without cushions, an FSC-certified glider bench made of solid wood for just $150 is an incredible deal — one I can see us taking advantage of in the near future. I did tell my husband he could do with the patio as he wishes, so I’ll have to sneak in this suggestion gently, but the price really does make it attractive.

In any case, Happy Spring everyone, and posting will be hack to normal soon. And Ja’Naya’s room reveal is coming soon too!

Why It’s Green:

• Made of FSC-certified eucalyptus

Price: $149.99 (aff)

© 2009 Green Your Decor. Do not republish any items from this feed without permission.

A New Beginning & a New Patio Bench to Match?