Recycled Lux

This has already been a super wierd year in the land of retail. I don't think that is any surprise. So as a visual merchandiser for a furniture boutique in Nashville, I had to get creative. Basically, let's look fabulous but don't spend any money. Oh, back to my roots! I knew that this holiday season should reflect a scaled back sensibility and that the organic back to our roots message needed to be the main statement. No reason it shouldn't still feel lux. Anyway, I had been walking past a stack of old shipping pallets for months, wondering what else they could become. A 13 foot tree, 5 huge wreaths and just about anything else you can imagine later, and I think we have a winning look. I want this tree for my house but I think I'm too tired for any more pallet creations for this Christmas. All I have to say is, I am so thankful for the brad nailer my parents got me for Christmas a few years ago!!! -dann

A Nod to Nature

So it's been a while since I have posted. I think that I ran out of inspiration...Well this fall it seems to be all about nature. Maybe it's phase two of the Green movement, maybe it's the fact that nature never goes out of style. Either way I am mad for these felted wool stone ottomans. Not only are they dramatic as all get out but they also have a great story. Check them out at Viva Terra. -dann

Eco-graphic

So I just found this website that I will be bookmarking immediately!!! It's called reformschoolrules.com. They feature great art, accessories,books, and jewelry all with an eco-friendly story. These graphic posters are printed with soy based inks on recycled paper. I love mixing these graphics into art collages and at this price I can put a few other things in my cart. Check it out! -dann

The Glamour of Burlap

When I was in high school, my mom was amazing enough to allow my creativty run wild. That's why she didn't mind when I stapled over 100 vintage burlap feed bags to the ceiling in my bedroom! Now that's an encouraging parent. How exciting to see this simple and rustic texture almost beaten into the ground in the 70's make a comeback. It was only a matter of time before it felt fresh again. What makes it even better is to see it applied to this amazing Louis XV canopy chair from Jayson Home and Garden. I have been captivated by this sillouette ever since pouring over the work of design maven Kelly Wearstler. These burlap pillows from SugarBoo Designs are the perfect jewelry to introduce a little rustic glamour into your own interior. -dann

This Season's "It" Handbag

If Sex and the City was still filming, I'm sure that SJP would have shed her designer bags this season and replaced them with this season's "It" accessory, the reusable shopping bag. Some bags like the Feed bag are reusable and also raise money for a good cause. Some bags make a statement (literally) like the bags from Greenhome, or inject a little glamour into green like this one from ScoopNYC. Then there is this super cool bag from Hable Construction that could double as a decorative accessory. Lets lose the Prada and try something with a soul! -dann

Entry Table + Mirror

It's all about the combination. I can't get over the mix of the Hector console from Oly Studio and the pine root mirror from Roost. I also can't seem to get enough of the texture of wood in its' natural state. You will be seeing more of this. This season, if it's got bark still attached, I'm all over it! -dann

Talk About "Clean" Lines

I don't know what my deal is. This is "green" post #2 today. Maybe I'm feeling guilty for using oil-based paint for an end table I'm working on. Who knows? Regardless, for those of you looking for a nice sofa with clean lines, you may want to consider this beauty from EKLA HOME. When most people think organic and locally-sourced, furniture probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. EKLA HOME specializes in bringing you furniture held to a very "green" standard. All fabric is organic and non-toxic; reclaimed wood is used when possible; they use natural rubber, finishes with the lowest VOC possible, water-based glue, as well as recycled springs and stables. The list really does go on. You can read more about EKLA's sustainable practices on their website. -ian

Martha Saves The Planet

Images from Martha Stewart
These are a few of my favorite "eco-chic" ideas from Martha for your home. Pictures 1-6: Mixed Glass Centerpiece, Cork Trivet, Herbal Fire Starter, T-Shirt Pillows, See-Through Storage/Bamboo Washcloths, Super Scrubber. Visit Martha Stewart online for a complete description of the ideas pictured above as well as more great ways to save the planet one design idea at a time. -ian