Modernist Eco

We have talked in earlier posts about the need for creative sustainable design. While it is important to support sustainable practices in the home furnishings industry what really drives people to buy is good design. I will say it again: it is imperative to present products on the merits of their design and function with the added value of being sustainable rather than trying to market products just because they use certain materials or where they come from or that they have a certain type of finish. So here are some really cool new products from our friends at Zola. Call or stop by to see Portland's best selection of exciting organic, sustainable and well designed furnishings.

Eclectic Design

Take heart all you eclectic designers. Finally recognition is coming to those who mix and match their furnishings. I am sure that most of you understand the virtues of mixing styles in your living space.

MIX AND MATCH

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said she has seen a huge move towards eclecticism as the Internet and home design centers bring more awareness. She sees a big move away from "themed" rooms in which everything must comply with an overall motif, such as country kitchen or a maritime themed bedroom.

"Once there was a theme or mood. For traditionalists, that meant everything in rustic folk craft, but that is dying away. People can be traditional but you are going to see more mixes," she said.

Eiseman sees the common sofa and carpeted floor mixed with a very modern coffee table.

"You will see much less hesitancy to mix," she said.

Gutfreund is seeing the same trend, having just decorated an apartment for a young couple who wanted a Mexican designed room. She used pink and orange on Mexican themes but also displayed contrasting photography with it. The colors used in the apartment also made a bold statement — shocking pink against a chocolate floor and bright orange walls.

"It's bright, it's warm, it's not beholden to just one theme. It shows confidence, even if some people are fearful," Gutfreund said.
(New Hampshire's Foster's Daily Democrat 12/19/07)

So as you breeze through our store and find several interesting yet unmatching items have the confidence to make it work in your space.

Holistic Design

I have been developing the concept of holistic design in order to create awareness of the importance of interior furnishings as an integral part of green design. Whew-I got that out-sort of. The building industry is light years ahead of the interior design industry when it comes to the implementation of green and sustainable materials. In green buildings, both commercial and residential there is little to no mention about how these buildings are furnished. It goes without saying that if you work hard to create a green space and are equally concerned with non toxic finishes then you immediately fill the space with fibers and woods that have been treated with toxic chemicals your space is no longer very green. Yet it happens all the time. People become meticulous about their building materials then haul in any mattress or sofa into the space. Creating awareness starts one step at a time. I will do my best to get the discussion started. The Sustainable Furniture Council is working hard to get some standards together so that consumers will have some criteria by which to judge furniture options.

Bamboo Cone Table

Innovative design has to be the next step in sustainable furniture. Just being green is not going to excite the marketplace. Selling furniture that looks really cool and is totally functional with the added value of being sustainable is the key. This round bamboo table from Maria Yee is an example of elegant sustainability. If you have a chance stop by to witness this table-it won't be here long.