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Home Decor Choices Can Help You Go Green
People all over the globe are becoming more aware of environmental issues, but an expanding army of concerned 'citizens of earth' are extending the concepts of 'eco-friendly', 'sustainable', 'green' and 'organic' to include even their home decor. Fortunately, it doesn’t require a lot of cash, brain-power or a specialized education to join the home décor movement that is determined to make a difference. And don’t forget that eco-friendly home décor is friendly both to the environment and to your family’s health. Where do you start? The first thing to do is take stock. According to Josh Dorfman, ‘green’ entrepreneur and author of The Lazy Environmentalist, going green means addressing three basic areas: energy and water conservation, indoor air quality, and materials -- and all can be affected by home décor choices. As in the fashion world, with its punch of yellow in bangles, bags and high heels, the color often described as "sunny" and "energetic" is returning as a primary accent color in home design. What we wear often determines how we decorate. "It's in fashion now, then in our homes," Bredenfoerder said.The yellow he sees stepping off the runways is the shade's calmer tones, and combined with neutral colors. Yellow is especially attractive as an accent for whites, grays and black, although Bredenfoerder warns that too much black with yellow can make a jarring contrast.
Color is key in home fashion, according to Lori West ASID, of Everyday Spaces, Inc., with red taking a turn to the softer side with offerings of peach, melon, and muted yellows and oranges. Blues, greens, aquas, purples and pinks will continue to evolve, and be featured in both brilliant and more subtle hues.Sarah Anderson ASID, of Sarah Anderson Interiors, agrees that this year's fashion colors will focus more on natural but slightly muted brilliance in the mineral and jewel tones, and sees browns remaining strong as backdrops for more potent splashes of color for impact and drama. In the West, much of what we think of as Oriental Furniture actually reflects Japanese styles and Zen motifs. Handmade tables and chairs are beautiful in their own right but can earn their keep as functional, everyday workhorses, from Alex Klahm's lyrical table of wrought iron and glass to David Bradford's curved wood bench. One of the standouts is a rolling cabinet by glass artist Duncan McClellan. Wood doors on one side are inset with etched glass. The three other sides are made of carved stone tiles. Its top is steel-clad. It could begin an evening as a kitchen work station, be rolled into a dining room as a buffet, then continue into a foyer or living room as a display piece. The difference between organic and eco-friendly is that organic refers to agriculture or food that is grown without harmful pesticides or toxins. Eco-friendly is a term used to describe products or the making of products that have less of a harmful impact on the environment. Eco-friendly products can be one of three things, Pyun explains in a pre-interview. They are made out of: Something recycled, like plastic milk jugs that end up in furniture. Something that grows quickly and can be replenished, like bamboo. Organic-like cotton that was raised without chemicals or pesticides. There's a common isperception that "eco" products are more expensive across the board. But items like eco-friendly paper are very comparable in price. Also good news is that mainstream retailers, such as L.L.Bean, now carry these products. |
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