06Oct06
If you’re a fan of Nani Marquina’s Roses Rug, then you’ll undoubtedly go even more crazy for German designer Mary-Ann Williams felt rugs, wall panels and lighting. Her company Illu Stration has been credited for innovating the felting method that we’ve all come to love. The textures and colors are stunning–up to 1000 Pantone colors. Some FG readers have shared that the quality of these pieces is unparalleled.
Flokati Rug or Wall Panel
Greener than Grass Rug or Runner
Hip Hop Light Strands
Xolo Pendant Lamp
Pendant Light
The Fab Factor: Handcrafted in Germany, these wool felt furnishings are biodegradable, naturally fire-resistant and recyclable. The felt is Wool Mark labeled, and dyes are chemical-free. Leftover scraps are incorporated into new pieces or donated to local schools for arts classes. The Atelier where Illu Stration rugs are made was designed with energy conservation aspects in mind.
See the whole collection here
Thanks to FG readers and Petra Stockinger and Kylie for the fab find! For more blogging on Illu Stration check out Design Milk.
26Sep06
Kudos to FLOR for their first foray into circular tiles! Our firm Sander Architects are tried and true FLOR fans. They’ve adorned our product library and reception area in three different offices (we’re in a never-ending moving pattern). But these new Button tiles are eye-popping, playful little things…dynamic eye candy for your floor.
The Fab Factor: Non-toxic, hip alternative to carpet (unless you like inhalants). They can be put down temporarily for apartment dwellers and reused when you’ve moved on. They inspire creativity – mix and match colors and rearrange to your heart’s desire. Perfect for folks like me who love to change my mind. When you’ve finished with them, FLOR will reclaim them for you instead of letting them go to a landfill.
Via Apartment Therapy
13Sep06
I’m really drawn to these sumptuous hand-made wool rugs by designer Emma Gardner. Her eye for pattern and color is truly fresh, inspired and modern. Maybe it comes from her unique background: born in Japan, raised in New York City, transplanted to rural Connecticut. No wonder Emma Gardner’s designs are so eclectic.
The Fab Factor: 1) Besides being beautiful, every one of her rugs are Rugmark and Care and Fair certified–no child labor involved in the production of her pieces. 2) Emma Gardner also donates a portion of revenues to support the ending of child labor in the carpet industry. 3) They’re made from biodegradable materials like wool. Good for the land not the landfill.
Swirl Rug shown in Green
Stripes Rug shown in Chocolate
Spray Rug shown in Sea Blue
Rain Rug shown in Earth
08Aug06
It’s true. When Nani Marquina debuted its Roses rug in 1995 to the design world, I was besotted. A bed of overlapping, felt petals woven together as if they’d fallen randomly, magically from the sky. Roses quickly started capturing design awards the way Cupid stores up arrows. It’s been a darling in every design magazine’s Hot Product List with good reason: it’s innovative, sumptuously textured, unexpectedly gorgeous and, now I’ve learned it’s sustainable too. Oh I almost can’t take it!
Roses has birthed a personal company challenge: each rug creates 27 scraps: how could they transform them into a beautiful new product? Nani Marquina invited guest designers to participate in a hands-on workshop called Extra Roses last month to work with the die-cut felt and create all kinds of products that will be included in the Nani Marquina line of products. Now that’s a rosy ending.
26Jul06
This just dropped into my inbox: all FLOR rugs and carpet tiles are 15% off until August 4. EVERYTHING. Only available through their online shop. Be sure to type in 15%sumsale to get the savings.
17Jul06
One of my favorite online modern boutiques 2modern has gone green. Their new site, 2modern|eco, showcases their favorite eco-modern designers like Mebel Furniture (Lublin Double Bench shown above).
Products that meet style and sustainability are marked with a green icon on their original site. They’ve now added eco-descriptions to all green products.
2modern|eco also offers green living tips other eco-topics. Shopping on the eco site is currently by designer only–so no simple “browse by category” feature yet. But it’s a great first step. Add to that their low-price guarantee and free shipping on orders $50 makes 2modern|eco simply 2fabulous.
07Jul06
Serendipity: Just after we featured some red and white rugs and throw pillows by Boulder-based è bella designs in our eco-ode to July 4th when we got an e-mail from Annie and Nicole announcing their 20-70% moving sale. So if you’re on the hunt for a eco-styling rugs or throw pillows, it’s worth checking out their spring/summer collection in the store or online. You have to call or e-mail to get prices, but many of the rugs I was interested in were priced around $399-$450 for 6′x8′. Handmade by Peruvian artists from alpaca wool and other natural fibers, designer Nicole Linton has developed a seven-year relationship with her artisans and supports the Quechua communities who craft her pieces. To order or get sale prices, contact Annie or Nicole of è bella via phone at 303.442.6226 or visit them in person on 1500 Pearl Street in Boulder.
04Jul06
Who says that eco-friendly has to be green? How about red, white and blue? For fun, this July 4th I thought I’d pay tribute to our nation’s colors with some hot, eco-home style finds. Or for you French-leaning/film buffs, think Kieslowski trilogy “Trois Couleurs: Bleu, Blanc, Rouge.” This entry: RED/ROUGE.
I love this Red Light District Lamp designed by Nicholas Furrow. Its retro-modern flair comes from the cast off 1970’s glass lampshades that are stacked and fused into bubbly light sculptures. It’s a gorgeous blend of old and new that also conserves energy (it uses low-wattage LEDs). Custom pieces can also be made to order for home, office, retail spaces.
These pillows by Poppy Cotton inject a little funk to nature prints. Designer/owner Melissa Cotton Womack has an impeccable eye for spotting beautiful vintage textiles and transforming them limited edition pieces.
This fabulous handmade Soho rug by e bella Designs speaks to the jazz lover in me. Dynamic, clean, playful lines. What’s more they’re made with e bella’s commitment to art without borders by sustaining artisan weavers and their families.
04Jul06
The color white: minimalist, bright, chic and timeless. Here are some white style finds that capture the look of modern that is also eco-friendly.
The Docksta Table is an impressive knockoff of mid-century modernist Eero Saarinen’s classic design, but it comes at a fraction of the cost. The Docksta, available at Ikea can be had for $149 retail.
The Bone Lamp designed by Chicago-based Materious turns salvaged PVC pipes from construction sites and transforms them into beautiful, modern lighting. Both accent lamp and art, they are made for $750 by commission.
This pillow made from vintage fabric is available at Poppy Cotton.
These graphical pillows are made by one of my favorite fair-trade design companies e bella Designs.
Filed under Budget Decor, Furniture, Handmade, Indie, Interior Design, Lighting, Refashion+Refurb, Rugs+Carpet, Vintage|
Tagged Eco-friendly, Handmade, Indie |
