Eclectic Home

New Furniture Line: Conrad's Studio

2011-08-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

We have an impressive line of furniture in the shop. Our newest collection is built right here in Portland, and has a laid back, danish modern style. All pieces here in the shop are made out of West Coast Walnut and can be made to your specifications.

Conrad's T.V. Stash is a great way to create a statement in your room while creating storage for your television.

This low key coffee table looks like it is balancing like a surfboard on top of a nice fluent set of legs.

His style may be laid back but he keeps with traditional furniture techniques and creates with a percentage of reclaimed wood and low VOC options specifically for our shop. We will be adding to his collection over the next few months, so come on in and see it in person!

Seams to Fit Home joins the Eclectic Home Space

2011-07-07T16:06:00.001-07:00

The summer is getting off to a special start with a new addition to the space. Seems to Fit Home, a boutique consignment furniture shop, is curating their own collection right here under one roof. A unique assortment of accessories and heirloom furniture marked at a steal of a price. We hope you find the collaboration as great as we do and possibly a special something will catch your eye when you stop by the shop again.

Eco-Friendly Chair Reupholstery

2011-06-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

We have a visitor in the shop. One 40's fusion chair completely reupholstered as an organic seat. Acanthus, an eco-friendly fabric, furniture and upholstery shop has reclaimed a classic frame with healthy ingredients.

A reclaimed frame makes for a seat that is straight out of the 40's. The elements of design, short seat height, shallow seat depth and round features set this chair back in time. The elements of construction, latex cushion, wool batting, and certified upholstery create an organic chair for today.

Perfect for the small in stature. It is sure to find a place in one lovely home.

Come check it out and learn more about organic seating through our resources, Acanthus and Zola Eco-Friendly Furnishings.

New Youth Mattress From Organic Mattresses, Inc.

2011-05-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

Organic Mattresses, Inc. (OMI) has expanded their line of mattresses to suit the whole family. They have created a certified organic mattress for toddlers and it can be seen here in the shop.

OMI has partnered with, Healthy Child Healthy World, as a way to inform parents about their options when creating a low impact environment for their family. As a mattress company, OMI has given families a way to maintain a healthy lifestyle without giving up the luxury of a good nights sleep.

Read more about the new OrganicPedic Youth Mattress by Organic Mattresses, Inc.

Organic Goods You Shouldn't Comprimise On.

2011-03-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

When seeking out organic goods it is easy to know what we don't want. But, wouldn't it be nice to know what we do want when choosing to buy organic?

Health.com put out a list of 12 Things You Should Definitely Buy Organic. Over half of the items on the list are food products, which is expected, but in a city like this we know there is more to organic than what we eat. We were happy to see, a product we are very familiar with, the mattress, found a place on the list. The bedroom is a great place to start when considering ways to create a healthy home.

This slide show is more than a recommendation, it provides information that can lead to a deeper search into the organic world. It does a good job in explaining why they recommend what they do, and provide you with other avenues to research for yourself.

Maybe you'll learn something new today!

Learn More about Creating a Healthy Bedroom

2011-03-01T16:04:00.000-08:00

Find ways to go beyond the organic mattress in your room and gain the tools to create your ideal resting place.

If you are searching for ways to make your bedroom a healthy sleeping space we hear that Eco-Remedi is putting on a tele-class to help you learn more about creating one. The tele-class is an online event that will offer professional opinions on what makes a healthy bedroom.

Fit Home: "Bedrooms with Benefits" will cover top secrets from professional designers, environmental health specialists, LEED architects, nutritionists, and even a loveologist!

If you are interested in learning more, follow the link to the "Bedrooms with Benefits" flier.

How To Waterproof an Organic Mattress

2011-02-09T16:38:00.001-08:00

All great beds deserve great protection and organics always seem to find an interesting alternative for your needs. We have found that some people like to keep with the traditional ways of protecting a mattress and some people are curious to find a modern way to do the same.

Here you will find three very different ways to protect your mattress from moisture in a healthy way.

Wool Mattress Protector
aka. puddle pad, moisture barrier, felted pad

Wool is a traditional way to protect a mattress from all things wet. This method has stood the test of time for a reason, it does the job very well. Here you have an organic solution that uses nothing but the natural wool fiber. The fiber is woven together and felted to create a coarse yet soft surface. The process of felting is what gives the product the ability to repel water so it puddles up on top of the protector, instead of absorbing into the fiber. This type of protector is not able to be washed, and is usually paired with a cotton mattress pad.

One additional benefit to using wool as the primary form of protection is its capability to regulate temperature. The fiber will keep the body at a desirable temperature all through the night.

When searching for a wool protector.

Feel the fiber.
You will be able to feel the individual fibers easily. It will be coarse like a close cut beard.

Look closely.
You will be able to see the raised fibers, this is how to tell it is a repellent protector.

Organic Cotton Mattress Pad
aka. flannel mattress pad

Anther traditional way of creating a barrier between outside inhabitants and your mattress is another natural fiber. Cotton, that is quilted together to form a thick, tight cover is a popular solution for most adults and teens. It does not act as a repellent, instead it absorbs a good amount of moisture before it has time to make contact with the mattress. If you are concerned about excessive moisture this is a good product to pair with a wool moisture barrier because the cotton pad can easily be washed.

Waterpoof Organic Cotton Mattress Barrier
aka. fitted sheet moisture barrier, recycled polyurethane barrier

Waterproof and organic? This is an up and coming alternative to the vinyl material that used to be used as a fail safe way to protect a mattress from all things wet. Here you have an organic cotton fitted sheet that has a recycled polyurethane coating on the underside. In order to add the waterproof element to the product an engineered substance is introduced to the manufacturing process of the product. This means, plastic products, like bottles and bags, that would have been thrown away are now given a new life as a mattress protector. On the top side you have an ultra soft 100% organic cotton and on the other you have a thin, completely breathable protective barrier. The polyurethane used in this product is inert, there is no off gassing or PVC in the product.

It too comes with an added benefit, it can double as both a fitted sheet and the mattress protector.

When searching for a cotton protector

Feel the product.
The topside should feel nice and smooth like other organic cottons you have felt and the product as a whole should be very flexible, not stiff.

Ask questions.
Be sure that the protective coating is innate, and has no off gassing. You can feel confident if it is recycled it will be an innate product.

When searching for an organic way to moisture proof your mattress these three options are a great way to protect your mattress and are available here in the shop for you to take home today!

What Is It That Makes Silk So Irresistable?

2010-11-16T17:08:00.000-08:00

We just received our first order of DreamSacks Silk Pillowcases and thought you may like to hear our take on a highly sought after fiber.

It has a luminesent color, it makes you feel great, and even gives you a pillowcase you can happily use all year round. It can be a great upgrade to any bedroom. Take our new pillowcase for example. DreamSacks makes a great lightweight and strong case that can provide you with a natural comfort solution.

For those that care about its aesthetic uses.

We hear, "They look and feel so great."

The color luminosity comes from the triangular fibers, a prism like configuration, that allow the light to refract off of it in different directions. The smooth feel of the fiber is created in the way it is "thrown" or weaved together. To get a crinkly fabric an artist will use what is refereed to as a crepe thread method. To get a sheer fabric, like the one in our shop, an artist will use a single thread method.

Legend will say, it makes you look youthful. It helps lessen wrinkles and keeps curly hair tame.

We have heard the tight weave of a pillowcase actually helps lower the amount of wrinkles you wake up with in the morning. The same goes for your curly locks, the smooth surface gives less friction when flipping around in your sleep. It is said to keep a your hair frizz free and shinny, for a longer period of time. Although we have no scientific proof, it seems to make sense!

For those that care about it's practical uses.

We will hear, "I love the way it keeps me warm in the winter and cool in the summer."

Silk acts like a terry cloth by absorbing up to 30% of it's weight in moisture, which is linked to regulating your body temperature. In the summer when you sweat, the moisture is absorbed into the fiber and off of your body allowing your skin to breath freely. In the winter the tight weave of the fiber keeps your body heat close to your skin to create a natural thermostat. The silk pillowcase feels even better on the Kapok pillow. We have it out ready to try!

Pictured above is our color selection. Also available Green Tea and Soft Blue.

Portland Fall Home and Garden Show

2010-09-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

One of our healthy living resources, Eco Remedy, has asked us to be part of Serving Up Style-Designers Fighting Lupus to raise awareness, while showcasing new dinning trends in the market. You can find styles from modern to contemporary starting today, Thursday through Sunday October 3rd. Click here for more information on show hours and more.

Bed Bugs and organic mattresses

2010-09-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

You might know that organic mattresses use organic wool to satisfy federal requirements regarding flamibility but did you know that that same organic wool is also a dust mite and BED BUG repellent. The lanolin in organic wool, which is a wax like substance produced by sheep as a water repellent, is not friendly at all to bed bugs. So If you are looking for another reason to purchase an organic mattress here it is.

Savvy Rest joins INC. 500 list

2010-09-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

Read about Michael at Savvy Rest. It is a great read and of course Savvy Rest produces a great mattress.

http://www.inc.com/magazine/20100901/from-the-ashram-to-the-strip-mall.html

Organic Mattress Accessory Sale

2010-08-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Check out this promotion from OMI.

Terressentials

2010-08-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

Hand crafted, USDA Certified Organic, skin care. Yes, this is one of the few body care products that has passed the strictest of organic standards. USDA Certified Organic, typically a food standard, does not allow synthetic preservatives or chemical processing of ingredients. With out this seal the work "organic" doesn't mean anything! We have the skin care to prove it!

This product replaces the harmful ingredients of typical skin care products with therapeutically pure contents. Instead of stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid, they use certified organic cocoa butter to create a thick creamy consistency in their lotions and soaps, and certified organic shea butter, that is one of the best organic moisturizing agents out there.

We carry a wide variety of products from lotion to anointing body oil. All options come in a full or sample size, so you can be sure to find the right scent for your body type. You can layer up your favorite scents for a lasting aroma all day long by combining the luxurious body wash in the shower with a dab of the richly scented anointing body oil for the day. They are both available in four scents; lavender, mint, lemon, and spice. We also have hand soap, lip protector, baby products, and fragrance free options.

You may be asking why we have decided to carry this product. Our answer to that question is a simple one, we find it important to not only sell responsibly made products but those that are good for your health. We found this product in one of our general research methods that keep us on the top of the organic curve. It is only fair to pass such a unique product on to our customers as well. Quite frankly many health stores won't carry this product on their shelves because it is too good. So good that it will make the other skin care products on the shelf look bad, we don't have that competition here. And it is just another way for us to provide a healthy solution for you. Why wouldn't you want a product that is so safe that the coco butter is used in chocolate bars and the peppermint oil is the same used in candy!

Luxurious bamboo bedding

2010-06-06T00:29:00.000-07:00

What could be better than slipping under the covers and onto luxurious bamboo sheets. Silky soft this bedding feels oh so great. Bamboo Dreams from Ashland Oregon imports the best quality bamboo fabric found anywhere. Six solid colors to choose from. Queen sheet sets start at $215.

Wool Bedding

2010-05-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

More wool!! We have just received our order of organic wool bedding. We now carry a wool mattress, 3 brands of wool toppers, wool mattress pads, wool comforters, wool dog beds, and various wool pillows. So what's up with wool?

The properties of wool
Wool has a very complex chemical and physical structure, which accounts for its uniqueness and versatility as a textile fiber. The fibers are made up of more than 20 amino acids, which combine to form long chains (polymers) of protein.

It's the internal structure of each woolen fiber — a three-dimensional corkscrew pattern, or helical 'crimp' — that gives wool its elasticity. The coiled springs of these molecular chains, with their permanent built-in 'memory,' makes the woolen fibers themselves coil-shaped and accounts for their enduring resilience.

Wool is superior to all other fibers in its ability to handle body moisture in both warm and cool environments. The porosity of the cells in the outer layers of wool fiber allows them to quickly and efficiently absorb and evaporate moisture. In fact, the fibers can absorb up to 30% of their own weight in moisture — ten times as much as any synthetic fiber — without feeling damp or clammy. The porous structure also explains why wool is such a good thermal insulator, not to mention the mesh of the fibers, which creates millions of air pockets that further help to regulate temperature and humidity.

Wool is a naturally strong fiber. It can bend back on itself 20,000 times without breaking. Compare this to cotton at 3,200 times, silk at 1,800, and rayon at only 75 times.

Due to its unique chemical structure and natural moisture content, wool is naturally fire-resistant. And despite its natural moisture content, wool's dry, porous nature repels mildew and dust mites
.
Did you know?

A wool mattress pad on your bed will eliminate dust mites, which can't survive in the natural lanolin of the wool.
A wool blanket can also help you sleep better. Tests have shown that the heart rate under a wool-filled comforter was always significantly lowered, while the humidity next to the skin was significantly lower 71% of the time.
What are other uses for lanolin?
Because it's an excellent water-repellent, lanolin is used on oil rigs as a corrosion inhibitor (an agent that slows down the rusting process). For the same reason, spare auto parts are sometimes coated in lanolin when they're put into long-term storage. And, of course, because it's chemically similar to many of the oils naturally produced by human skin, it's widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. In fact, when lanolin is mixed with suitable vegetable oils or soft paraffin, it makes a cream so good at penetrating the skin that it has been used as a 'carrier' to deliver pharmaceutical drugs subcutaneously (meaning just below the skin).

Lanolin can also be used as a lubricant and a leather finish and preservative. You'll even find lanolin in some varnishes and paints.

Pillows, Pillows, Pillows-ORGANICALLY

2010-04-18T21:39:00.000-07:00

THE best selection of natural and organic sleeping pillows in the Portland Oregon area is right here at Eclectic Home. Wool, Cotton, Natural Rubber, Kapok, Buckwheat, Millet-we have them all in stock and on the beds so that you can test them out. By popular demand we now have a line of premium down pillows made here in the Northwest. Stop by the store to get yourself fitted for the perfect sleeping pillow. You deserve it and it is something that you will enjoy each and every night/day.

New Mattresses on the showroom Floor

2010-04-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

We now have more OMI mattresses on the showroom floor. The Terra, a plush pillowtop mattress, is great for side sleepers looking for that luxurious organic feel. The Classic innerspring is a firm organic mattress without natural rubber. The Classic is perfect for people looking for a firm natural mattress without latex. The Classic is the COOL alternative for hot sleepers. And we have the Sierra mattress on the floor. The Sierra is an organic choice at a modest price.

Savvy Rest Of Portland Oregon

2010-04-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

We are now the Savvy Rest Dealer for the Portland Oregon area. Savvy rest organic mattresses have the same high standards as our other brands. The Savvy Rest Serenity mattress is easily customizable with a zip open cover. Choose dunlap or talalay layers or a combination of both to create your dream bed. Stop by to see the most extensive selection of natural beds and mattresses in the Pacific Northwest.

2009-12-20T21:38:00.000-08:00

Solstice Sellabration;

We have turned the corner-the days will finally start to get longer. As you ponder these long NW winter evenings think about the quality of your sleep. And speaking of quality sleep, organic quality sleep, we now have a huge selection of organic sleeping pillows. Cotton, wool, buckwheat, kapok, shredded rubber, and molded rubber pillows - we can provide you with the right fill and the right pillow loft to help you create sweet dreams. Now through January 4th take 10% off any sleeping pillow. Also during the the Solstice Sellabration get $250 in free sleep accessories with the purchase of any full size or larger mattress.

Eco gifts for the holidays

2009-11-21T16:09:00.000-08:00

Gift shopping is not everyone's favorite thing especially when budgets are tight and recipients are, well, special. Buying a gift that someone will actually use is usually the goal-an elusive one at that. Knowing the materials and craft behind your purchase gives meaning to your gift. Buying from a local independent business means your money stays in the community. Buying locally made goods can double your community spirit. Local can mean your neighborhood or surrounding geographic area. This holiday season think about your purchases not as just gifts for friends or relatives, but also as gifts to your community.

New Organic Mattress offering from OMI

2009-09-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

OMI our premier organic mattress supplier has just introduced the new Sierra Mattress. "The OrganicPedic® Sierra mattress is a two-sided, 8-inch
mattress. It’s old-world design is hand-tufted to create a
uniquely conforming organic sleep system. Built from 100%
pure virgin Natural Rubber Talalay Latex, the Sierra is encased
in our signature OrganicPedic® wool and cotton fully-quilted
cover." AND besides its comfort the Queen Sierra mattress is only $1595. Stop by the store to see all of the latest organic mattresses as well as organic furnishings.

Green on Main Street

2009-08-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

Sustainable furnishings are finally getting their due. Here is a recent article from the New York Times.

August 17, 2009
How to Save the Planet With Your Home Decor

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Filed at 12:36 p.m. ET

Once a laggard in the green scene, the $8.3 billion furniture industry is catching up.

From individual furniture makers to national retailers, green furnishing options are popping up in many stores and price ranges to appeal to eco-friendly consumers and conform to stricter environmental laws.

The Sustainable Furnishings Council, a nonprofit that promotes green practices in the furniture industry, has grown to over 300 members since it was created three years ago. And green trends were highlighted at the two largest furniture shows in High Point, N.C., and Las Vegas this year.

There's good reason: Half of U.S. consumers said they would pay 5 percent or more for green products, according to a recent survey from The Boston Consulting Group. And almost three-fourths of those surveyed said it's important for companies to have good environmental track records.

On top of that, Congress last year banned the import, export and sale of illegally harvested timber and wood, holding the furniture business accountable for its wood sourcing.

The U.S. is the world's largest importer of furniture products, said Linda Kramme, manager of the Global Forest & Trade Network, but there are no estimates showing how much furniture specifically is made from illegal wood. A recent Environmental Investigation Agency report estimated 10 percent of furniture, pulp and paper used in the U.S. are at high risk of coming from illegal sources -- an officially protected rain forest, for example.

''We, in the home furnishings industry, are shockingly responsible for illegal logging,'' said Susan Inglis, the executive director of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.

PROS: The No. 1 reason to buy green furniture is its healthier for the planet. But it may also be healthier for you. Many green furniture pieces are treated with natural, nontoxic finishes, sealants, stains and paints that won't emit harmful chemicals into the air you breathe.

Some eco-conscious companies are also socially conscious, including Harden Furniture and Lee Industries. So the furniture you buy might be made in a developing country, but the employees work for fair wages and in safe conditions.

CONS: The selection of green furniture isn't as wide as standard pieces, especially at lower prices, but that's changing. Also, buying green furniture and getting rid of your old stuff creates more waste.

COSTS: If you're used to decorating with ready-to-assemble furniture, expect to pay more for green designs, in general. However, national retailers like Williams-Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, West Elm or Crate & Barrel offer eco-friendly furniture for the same price as their standard lines.

Higher-end green lines, like those found in ABC Carpet & Home, will also run about the same as standard upscale options.

''There is a little bit of a premium if you want to do everything to the highest level,'' says Annette Stelmack, an interior designer in Denver.

Price tags on the unique, artisan pieces can easily run from the thousands to the tens of thousands of dollars.

TIPS: Buy furniture made of wood that comes from forests that are harvested to reduce the negative impacts of logging and to encourage forest growth. Consider furniture made of wood from salvaged sources such as old barns, factories or warehouses.

Look for certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council, Tropical Trust Fund, American Tree Farm System, Canadian Standards Association-Sustainable Forest Management, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. These organizations monitor how wood is grown, logged and transported.

Furniture maker Cliff Spencer in Marina del Ray, Calif., designs pieces using White Oak staves from Napa Valley wineries. The staves are dipped into the wine while it's fermenting to imbue with flavor. The wood is stained by the grapes, creating rich colors.

Kerrie Kelly, an interior designer out of Gold River, Calif., just launched a green line featuring furniture made from teak wood reclaimed from old bridges in India.

Consumers should also consider buying furniture made from recycled or organic materials. Look for sofas made from recycled polyester or coffee tables created out of recycled metal. Or, choose a chair with wool or soy-based upholstery fillings.

Buy local. Pieces that are transported over long distances add to energy consumption and air pollution.

Take care of the furniture you have. Cheap and easy-to-assemble furniture is easily thrown away, creating more waste. Buying second-hand and antique furniture or accepting hand-me-downs are ways to save the planet and keep furniture from ending up in landfills.

You can find a green manufacturer, retailer or interior designer near you on the Sustainable Furnishings Council's Web site at www.sustainablefurnishings.org.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press

ECO Airstream

2009-05-31T22:45:00.000-07:00

This is your chance to see a micro example of sustainable living. John Byfield and Kate Heber have put their green building skills to task on a vintage Airstream. Make sure that you stop by the store this Sunday June 7th from 11-3. We will have lots of in stock specials too!!

Better Living Show

2009-03-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

March 27 -29 is the Better Living show at the Portland Expo Hall in North Portland. We will have a booth with the best organic mattress available Organicpedic, as well as indoor and outdoor furniture in the Energy Trust Home located in the center of the show. Look for our booth just east of the Energy Trust Home.

FSC certified outdoor furniture

2009-02-22T19:38:00.000-08:00

We have just received some beautiful 100% FSC certified outdoor furniture. These pieces made from Brazilian cherry wood are perfect for your small deck or outdoor eating area. To see the entire collection available go to www.sealaskanaturalliving.com. They are stocked in California so if we do not have your choice in stock we can get it quickly.

Everything Green Oregon

2009-02-10T13:36:00.000-08:00

This weekend February 14th and 15th is the Everything Green Oregon show at the Convention Center in downtown Portland. We will be displaying a natural bedroom featuring our newest vendor Rocky Butte. Rocky Butte is a Portland company which has just rolled out their new bamboo bedroom furniture line. Locally made with all FSC certified material and non toxic finishes AND affordable this is a perfect component for your organic bedroom. Stop by the show to see our display and take advantage of Show Specials good till the end of February.

Organic Upholstery

2009-01-05T22:42:00.000-08:00

The upholstery category has been slow for our store since the fall. It is understandable in these times that customers would delay large purchases such as upholstered chairs and sofas. But we have seen renewed interest in our organic offerings along with many questions about the components of an organic sofa. And questions always arise about pricing for these items. The starting price for a truly organic sofa is about $4295. A truly organic sofa has all natural ingredients, no "soy foam" or a regular sofa with a hemp fabric but a sofa which has natural cushions (usually natural latex) and an organic fabric along with a frame that is not treated with toxic finishes. We are working with our partners at Zola to come up with the most comfortable, well designed and cost effective organic solution. We hope to design, build and have available a family sofa that everyone can feel good about and breathe easier while you relax and play on it. Stay turned!

Holiday Sale

2008-12-09T14:57:00.000-08:00

Organically Yours for the Holidays
SPECIAL SAVINGS - 15% off all bedding accessories
and holiday cheers from all of us here at Eclectic Home.
A memorable holiday means selecting gifts that will be meaningful, useful and sustainable.

Organic wool or shredded rubber
pillows are something that will be
used every night.

We stock organic wool comforters,
organic cotton sheet sets,
and wool throws.

We've gathered the best built,
most innovative sustainable furniture
available anywhere.

Did you know that almost 1/3 of the waste generated in the U.S.
is from packaging? Plastics take 1000 years to decompose.
In your shopping journeys this season look both at the product
and the packaging before you buy.
SALE ENDS DECEMBER 24th.
Visit us today!
2259 NW Raleigh St. Portland, OR 97210
503.224.0551

Eco gifts

2008-11-12T22:06:00.000-08:00

It is time to be thinking about gift giving. We have something that just about everyone needs but maybe most people do not think about. It is relatively inexpensive, very useful, it is something that gets used every day, and can make a big difference in your special person's busy lifestyle. And it is organic, sustainable and quite beautiful. How about an organic sleeping pillow? Think about your pillow: How old is that thing? How many months or years have you drooled, sweated and coughed in it? We have different fills, lofts and sizes to choose from. Organic pillows range from $70 - $180 depending on the fill and size. Here are some of the pillow that we carry.
PILLOWS

• 100% Certified Organic Cotton Pillow
For those seeking a firmer, flatter pillow, our cotton pillows are filled with pure, sanitized 100% certified organic cotton. As with our wool pillow, they are available in 3 weights: light, medium, and full (Please note: cotton pillows compress about one-half over time.)

• 100% Natural Rubber Pillows
Our molded and contour pillows (shown at right) are sold with double covers (see detail). The inner cover is a certified organic cotton mesh fabric that is designed to ensure that the pillow keeps its shape and integrity for many years. The second removable envelope case is made from our certified organic cotton mattress cover fabric that is hand washable.
• The Molded is recommended for back and side sleepers.
• The Contour is ideal for back or stomach sleepers.

• Eco-Wool Pillow
In general, wool offers a soft and springy fill, and tends to “sleep cooler” and compact less than cotton fill. Like our other wool products, they resist dust mites.
Available in 3 weights: light, medium, and full. (Please note: wool pillows compress approximately one-third over time.)

• Wool-Wrapped 100% Natural Shredded Rubber Pillow
This dual-chambered pillow is a best seller! It is made with a center chamber of 100% natural shredded rubber latex surrounded by an outer chamber filled with Eco-Wool™. This pillow is made with a zipper, so sleepers can remove material and customize each pillow to their personal preference.

• Wool-Wrapped Organic Buckwheat-Hull Pillow
In this dual-chambered pillow, the outside chamber filled with organic Eco-Wool™ cushions both the feel and the “sounds” associated with buckwheat pillows. The inner chamber is filled with organic buckwheat hulls. This pillow is made with a zipper, so sleepers can remove material and customize each pillow to their personal preference.

Toxic shower curtains

2008-06-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

Ah, that new shower curtain smell. Just a little annoying or toxic?

http://www.latimes.com/features/health/medicine/la-me-showercurtain13-2008jun13,0,5417857.story
From the Los Angeles Times
That 'new shower curtain smell' gives off toxic chemicals, study finds
An environmental organization finds high concentrations of dangerous chemicals in shower curtains sold at major stores.
By Tami Abdollah
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

June 13, 2008

Vinyl shower curtains sold at major retailers across the country emit toxic chemicals that have been linked to serious health problems, according to a report released Thursday by a national environmental organization.

The curtains contained high concentrations of chemicals that are linked to liver damage as well as damage to the central nervous, respiratory and reproductive systems, said researchers for the Virginia-based Center for Health, Environment & Justice.

The organization commissioned the study about two years ago to determine what caused that "new shower curtain smell" familiar to many consumers.

"This smell can make you feel sick, give you a headache, make you feel nauseous or [cause] other health effects," said Michael Schade, a coauthor of the report.

Researchers tested the chemical composition of five unopened polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, plastic shower curtains bought from Bed Bath & Beyond, Kmart, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart. One of the curtains was then tested to determine the chemicals it released into the air.

The study found that PVC shower curtains contained high concentrations of phthalates, which have been linked to reproductive effects, and varying concentrations of organotins, which are compounds based on tin and hydrocarbons. One of the curtains tested released measurable quantities of as many as 108 volatile organic compounds into the air, some of which persisted for nearly a month.

Seven of these chemicals -- toluene, ethylbenzene, phenol, methyl isobutyl ketone, xylene, acetophenone and cumene -- have been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as hazardous air pollutants, said Stephen Lester, the center's science director and a coauthor of the report.

Potential health effects include developmental damage and harm to the liver and the central nervous, respiratory and reproductive systems, according to the report.

Phthalates and organotins, which are not chemically bonded to the shower curtain, are often added to soften or otherwise enhance the curtain. These additives evaporate or cling to household dust more easily than the chemicals in the curtains themselves, Lester said. Volatile organic compounds also evaporate more easily than the less harmful chemicals, he said.

Vinyl chloride, which is a major building block of PVC, is a known human carcinogen that causes liver cancer, Lester said.

"PVC is just bad from cradle to cradle," said Martha Dina Argüello, executive director of the Los Angeles chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility. "It's a mess when you create, it's a mess when you get rid of it, and it's off-gassing when you're using it."

Representatives of Target and Sears Holding Co., the parent company of Kmart, said their companies were phasing out curtains that contain PVC. Target said about 90% of the store's "owned brand" shower curtains offered this spring were made of materials other than PVC. Officials from the other companies were not immediately available for comment Thursday.

The report said that Bed Bath & Beyond had increased the number of PVC-free shower curtains it offered by selling those made of ethylene vinyl acetate and fabrics, but that Wal-Mart did not respond to the organization's faxes or letters requesting the retailer's PVC policy.

The American Chemistry Council issued a statement Thursday saying there was "no reliable evidence" that phthalates were harmful or linked to serious health problems, or that they were tied to the new shower curtain smell.

Argüello said studies were still being done on the effects of phthalates and other chemicals on people.

Little information on toxicity is available for 86 of the 108 chemicals detected in the curtains, Lester said.

The EPA has tested vinyl shower curtains and in 2002 said it had found that many of the same chemicals listed in the center's report.

Lester said the test drew attention to the lack of government regulations or health-based guidelines governing indoor air pollutants.

"The EPA does not regulate indoor air, period," said Barbara Spark, the indoor air program coordinator for the EPA's Pacific Southwest region. "We have not been given that authority by the Congress."

The Center for Health, Environment & Justice sent a letter to 19 major retailers Thursday informing them of the new report and encouraging them to stop selling PVC products.

"Most companies aren't aware of some of the risks these products entail," Lester said. "Once they're informed of this, they're in many cases ready to make changes and purchase alternative products."

Home health and your pets

2008-04-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

Here is an article from NPR.org. This is just the beginning of finding out the effects of chemicals that are brought into the home.

Pets Carry Wide Range of Chemical Pollutants : NPR 4/18/08 10:16 AM
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89726772&ps=bb2 Page 1 of 2
April 18, 2008
DLILLC
Cats and dogs harbor higher rates of
certain chemicals than their people do.
Corbis
Research News
Pets Carry Wide Range of Chemical Pollutants
by Jon Hamilton

All Things Considered, April 17, 2008 · Your cat probably has more mercury in
its system than you do, and your dog has twice as much of the chemicals found
in stain-resistant carpets and couches. That's the conclusion of an
environmental group that tested pets for a wide range of industrial chemicals.
If you walk on a stain-resistant carpet, you may kick up and inhale a tiny dose
of perfluorochemicals, or PFCs. But what if you stretched out on it for a while
and then licked your fur? That's what Richard Wiles and his colleagues at the
Environmental Working Group wanted to know.
"It occurred to us that no one had actually tested pets, [which] live in the same
environment as we do, for the toxic contaminants that we know are in people,"
Wiles says.
The group — a nonprofit research organization based in Washington, D.C. —
took samples from several dozen healthy dogs and cats at a clinic in
Mechanicsville, Va. Though it was a small sample size, Wiles says lab tests
revealed a number of chemicals, including Teflon compounds for stain
resistance, flame retardants found on furniture and mercury, which might come from cat food.
Levels of some chemicals, such as phthalates (found in plastics) and lead, were lower in pets than in people. But
dogs had more than twice the levels of stain-fighting PFCs as people. In cats, mercury levels were five times those
usually found in people. And levels of flame-retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, were 23 times
higher.
Implications for Humans?
Wiles says the findings suggest that pets could serve as a warning system for people.
"It's the canary in the coal mine, if you will," he says. "They're picking up the same chemicals that we're exposed to,
they have shorter life spans and they develop diseases more quickly, and so they may be providing some insight into
human health problems from these same contaminants in our homes."

Sleeping Pillows

2008-04-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

What do you know about the pillow that you sleep on every night? Is that little puff ball that you stick your face on so old that you cannot even remember where it came from? And what is that pillow made from? Because you put your face in that pillow about 6 - 9 hours every day you might want to think about how it affects your health. Here is a good article from the Green Guide, a National Geographic Publication. And by the way we have a complete line of organic sleeping pillows including organic cotton, organic wool, shredded natural rubber, buckwheat, and molded rubber. Stop by and take a test nap.

http://www.thegreenguide.com/products/Bedding/Pillows
Pillows

What to Look For

We spend as much as a third of our lives sleeping, but the National Sleep Foundation has found that almost 75 percent of American adults have problems getting a good night's sleep. Whether that's due to noise, light pollution or any number of other factors, you may help rectify uneasy sleep with a better pillow, especially on that won't contribute to health problems like allergies and sinusitis.

Below is a breakdown of the natural and organic alternatives to problematic conventional materials, and when you're shopping, choose pillows with organic cotton shells, when available. One company, White Lotus, sells more affordable versions of its pillows in "green" (conventionally grown but chemically untreated) cotton.

Buckwheat

Asian cultures have used buckwheat pillows for centuries. The body-conforming hulls allow your head to lie naturally, which relieves tension, and they provide room for air to circulate, keeping you cool.

The environmental impact of buckwheat, from which the hulls are taken, is very low. Even when grown conventionally, it's a pesticide-free crop and requires very little fertilizer. It's even a natural weed killer because nothing can grow underneath it, and it's inherently pest-resistant, making it an ideal choice for sufferers of dust-mite allergies. As a final bonus, buckwheat grows very abundantly in the U.S. and Canada, supporting local farmers and local economies.

Wool

Naturally fire retardant, untreated wool wicks moisture away from your body while you sleep, and it dries quickly, making it unappealing to dust mites, which thrive in warm, moist surroundings. It is also resistant to mold spores and mildew.

Opt for wool products that are chemically untreated and harvested from organically raised sheep or those that bear the "Pure Grow Wool" label, which represents wool from humanely raised sheep raised on pesticide-free land.

Kapok

Kapok-filled pillows provide a non-allergenic, humane alternative to down. The pillows are stuffed with fibers from seed pods of the tropical kapok, or Ceiba, tree that grows in South American rain forests, Africa, Indonesia and other parts of Asia. Seed pods fall to the ground, where they are gathered by local residents. The collection of fibers is done with little harm to the environment, and it provides work and economic support for the communities surrounding the rain forests.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton doesn't necessarily resist dust mites, but the pillows provide a natural material alternative to people with allergies to wool, buckwheat and latex.

Natural Latex

Natural latex is tapped from rubber trees and is a replenishable rainforest resource. While not as widely available as the other natural alternatives, it offers the same support benefits as polyurethane pillows. Some natural latex pillows are thick pieces of foam and others contain shredded latex, which provides more spring.

Shopping Tips

When purchasing buckwheat pillows, ask the retailer about their buckwheat-hull supplier's cleaning methods. Buckwheat dust lingering on improperly cleaned hulls has been known to trigger asthma attacks. High-quality pillows contain hulls that are cleaned very thoroughly, either by air blowing, vaccumming and sifting the hulls to remove dust or by roasting them, which burns off the dust. Look for retailers that are supplied by U.S. or Canadian suppliers, rather than international suppliers, that can offer assurances of proper cleaning methods.

Avoid pillows made with a mixture of natural and synthetic latex. The latter is treated with chemicals during the manufacturing process.

Also, look out for "Hypodown," billed as less allergenic than traditional down. While the pillows contain 20 percent syriaca clusters, or milkweed, they still contain 80 percent goose down, which doesn't alleviate any of the problems associated with animal cruelty (see The Backstory).

Because natural-material pillows are on the expensive side, you can cut costs buy purchasing fills separately and stuffing them into a zippered pillow encasement you already own. Many retailers, such as White Lotus and Eco Bedroom, will supply stuffing material in bulk for a reasonable price.

To preserve the life of your pillow, invest in a washable, removable organic cotton or Pure Grow Wool pillow encasement. These also help to block dust mite allergens from your current pillow.

Product Comparisons

The following companies sell pillows in standard, queen and king sizes. Buckwheat pillows tend to run smaller than standard size, which is 20" x 26," although many companies sell them in both small and standard sizes.

Wondering what these table headings mean? They're the criteria we used to choose and evaluate the products in the chart below. Learn more about their importance in What To Look For.
Buckwheat Kapok Wool Organic Cotton Natural Latex Organic Cotton Allergen Barriers

Personal Health

Beds provide an optimal breeding ground for household dust mites, which are potent allergens and a factor in 50 to 80 percent of asthmatics. Dust mites also contribute to eczema and hay fever. Found more commonly in mattresses than pillows, pillows are still hosts because dust mites feed on human dander and skin flakes; 10 percent of the weight of a two-year-old pillow can be composed of dead mites and their droppings.

A study published in the January 2006 journal Allergy also found that that the average pillow--whether synthetic or down--contained between four and 16 different types of fungi, with synthetic pillows at the higher end of that range. The most common fungus found in the study, aspergillus fumigatus, is allergenic and contributes to asthma attacks and sinusitis. People with compromised immune systems are particularly affected by it.

Finally, pillows bear the same problems as other fabrics, in that they can be treated with perfluorochemical (PFC) finishes to make them water and stain resistant. Before it was phased out in 2000, the 3M company documented that perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was used on decorative pillows. Now, some "stain-resistant" bed pillows are being advertised as having "Teflon-treated fabric" shells. Teflon is made using the PFC perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which was recently labeled a likely human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Fabric treatments can also contain formaldehyde, another EPA-designated likely human carcinogen.

Environmental

Because pillows are commonly filled with synthetic materials, they can be a terrible drain on non-renewable resources. Polyester, which is a common fill and casing material, is derived from petroleum, as is polyurethane foam.

Conventional cotton used in covers and cotton batting requires extremely high amounts of hazardous synthetic chemicals required for production. Seven of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton are classified as at least possible human carcinogens, and billions of pounds of nitrogen-based synthetic fertilizers are also used, resulting in runoff that can create aquatic "dead zones" in waterways. Dead zones are oxygen-depleted areas lacking sea life, and a third of the world's 146 oceanic dead zones are off of U.S. shores, according to the UN. In the Gulf of Mexico, one covers 7,000 square miles, fed by millions of tons of nitrogen from synthetic fertilizers and animal feces draining into the Mississippi, sparking "red tide" algae blooms that can poison unsuspecting shellfish consumers. This same dead zone was blamed for the tripling of shark attacks off the Texas coastline in 2004.

As for conventional wool production, it also involves the use of pesticides on pastures and chemicals in the feed.

Animal Welfare

Down and feathers are very popular fill choices for pillows, but one which unfortunately is associated with numerous animal rights issues. The material is collected from ducks and geese in one of two ways. Feathers are either plucked while the animals are still alive, or they're gathered after the animals have been killed for meat, says Karen Davis, president and a director of the advocacy group United Poultry Concern. Ducks and geese that are killed for their meat are typically raised in large factory farms where animals are live in filthy conditions and are deprived of access to water and the outdoors.

Because of the animal rights issues associated with down, Pier 1 Imports recently decided to cease using it in all of their pillows. They had been purchasing the down from a subsidiary of Maple Leaf Farms, one of the country's largest poultry producers and one which is known for unsavory living conditions for animals.

Some companies advertise that their down comes from "free-range" animals and gathered during the animals' natural molting phase. However, "free-range" is not a certified label and does not provide any assurance that the feathers were plucked humanely.

New Organic Comforters

2008-04-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

When I first saw the products made by Sleep and Beyond I was really impressed. Organic wool comforters that are truly organic. Check out this review-then stop by and see ultimate in organic comfort. http://successthroughplay.blogspot.com

Organic Bedding

2008-04-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

Organic bedding is a great start to create your organic bedroom. Currently we stock organic sheets, pillow covers and duvet covers from High Desert Naturals. HDN is a northwest company and produces all of its products in the USA. Here is a good article from the Green Guide, a publication put out by the National Geographic Society.

What to Look For

You spend a third of your life in bed, so it stands to reason that you want to be sleeping on the purest, most chemical-free bedding you can find. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin your search:

Materials

Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or genetically engineered crops.

Sheets made of bamboo fiber are another good alternative. It takes much fewer resources to raise bamboo than cotton--even organic cotton. Bamboo is naturally pest-resistant and, when grown properly, requires few pesticides. However, it does undergo a chemically intensive production process so look for bamboo cloth that has been mechanically, not chemically, processed. Futhermore, sheets made of 100 percent bamboo are still hard to find; most are blends made with conventional cotton.

Both hemp and linen are derived from plants that, like bamboo, grow quickly and need few pesticides or insecticides. Hemp and linen sheets are known for their durability, and they're rare treasures if you can find them at estate sales or antique shops. New sheets made from hemp and linen are usually sold only online and imported from Europe.

Dyes

People who prefer colored sheets to brighten up their décor should look for either heavy-metal-free or vegetable-based dyes. A product that uses "SKAL-certified" dyes means that they are free of heavy metals. Also, check out FoxFiber™ "color-grown" cotton, which is bred (not genetically-modified) to grow in different colors, though usually only browns, beiges and greens. Color-grown cotton is also less likely to fade in the wash than dyed cotton.

Chlorine-Free Bleaching

Conventional cotton, and some organic cotton, is bleached with chlorine after harvesting in a process that releases cancer-causing dioxin into the atmosphere. Opt for unbleached or chlorine-free bleached cotton sheets.

Chemical-Free Finishes

Some finishes, such as those to prevent stains and wrinkles, can release formaldehyde into the air. Choose unfinished sheets or those process with no chemicals.

Organic Mattresses

2008-04-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

Check out this article in the Washington Post. Guess what - that smell in your memory foam mattress may not be good for you!! And our organic mattresses are the only latex mattresses that are Greenguard Certified and produced in a USDA certified facility

washingtonpost.com > Print Edition > Sunday Source
Eco Wise
Mattress Eco-Matters: Don't Take It Lying Down

Sunday, April 6, 2008; Page N02
Your mattress might be an environmental nightmare.

Most mattresses, as well as memory foam and egg-crate covers, are made with petroleum-based ingredients such as polyurethane foam, which can emit a strong smell because of organic solvents. And most also contain flame retardants, required by fire-safety laws but often harmful to human health. In 2005, toxic fireproofing chemicals called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were phased out of production, but some of their replacements are almost as bad, says Sonya Lunder, a senior analyst at the Environmental Working Group, a D.C.-based nonprofit organization.

Just how hazardous can a mattress -- or pad or pillow -- be? The answer might be enough to make you lose sleep. Regular tossing and turning causes a mattress's foam to break down, and the resulting dust can float into the air you breathe. A 2006 Consumer Product Safety Commission study estimated that the average adult sleeping on a conventional mattress will be exposed to 0.802 milligrams of antimony and 0.081 milligrams of boric acid -- which is commonly used to kill cockroaches -- every night. The report deems these amounts safe for those older than 5, but numerous studies have linked both substances to a host of adverse health effects at various doses, and the cumulative effect of daily exposure is unknown. In addition, a number of recent studies have detected PBDEs in household dust, including in homes in the D.C. area.

Of course, airborne toxins are ubiquitous, and mattresses are only one source. That said, if you're buying a new one, including those for infants, you should consider going chemical-free. On the market are several mattresses made with organic and non-toxic materials such as wool and latex from rubber trees -- both naturally fire-resistant, negating the need for chemical flameproofing. Though they aren't cheap, the cost to the environment of making them is less than the cost of traditional mattresses.

One option comes from green lifestyle impresario Danny Seo, who has developed a line of organic and bamboo home furnishings for JCPenney. His Simmons Natural Care mattresses (from $1,599, available late this month at JCPenney stores) have natural latex cores, soy-based foam and surfaces covered with Tencel, a fabric made from wood pulp. Eco-Green Living (1469 Church St. NW, 202-437-7110) also offers chemical-free, latex-based mattresses, as do such Web retailers as the Organic Mattress Store ( http://www.theorganicmattressstore.com), NaturalBedStore.com and Simply Organic Sleep ( http://www.simplyorganicsleep.com). Even such mainstream retailers as 1-800-Mattress offer natural mattresses from Vivetique and other brands.

It's good to remember, however, that anything bought new has an environmental footprint. Mattresses are large items that require energy to build and transport. And old mattresses are difficult to recycle in the area, although a dedicated mattress recycling facility is under construction in Frederick. "There is something to be said for keeping what you have and not creating more waste," Lunder says.

If you're concerned about toxins but not ready to replace your old mattress, you can take steps to improve indoor air quality:

· "It's difficult to gauge how much of the chemicals seep out, but it also depends on how you're protecting it," says Seo, who recommends a barrier cloth cover (made from tightly woven cotton and typically used for allergy protection) to keep some compounds from escaping.

· If a mattress or pillow is noticeably odoriferous, letting it air out in a shed for a few days will at least help keep the chemicals out of the bedroom, although they'll still be in the environment. "Avoiding things that stink" -- that new-foam smell -- "is a great rule of thumb for environmental health," Lunder says.

· Finally, stocking up on such houseplants as spider plants and ferns, which absorb airborne pollutants, can help you rest easier.

-- Eviana Hartman

Better Living

2008-03-31T22:06:00.000-07:00

Well it was a better living show-my back and vocal cords got a real workout. The Better Living Show had a really great showing with thousands of people in the Expo Center. And the Eclectic Home booth was buzzing. I could hardly believe the numbers of people who stopped by to see and experience our organic mattresses. It sure is nice to have a certified, American made mattress and have a crowd of people wanting to see it. We will be posting some pictures of the festivities. Also there is going to be some after show specials at the store to make room for our new pieces from Urban Woods and Maria Yee.

Welcome Urban Woods

2008-03-11T23:06:00.000-07:00

We are excited to add a new manufacturing partner to our growing inventory of sustainable products. Urban Woods ,based in Los Angeles, sources raw materials and manufactures right in LA. Urban Woods does total domestic sourcing and production of raw materials and has meticulous attention to sustainability. They use all reclaimed wood, non toxic glues and finishes-and best of all their furniture is well constructed and very cool. We will have several of their pieces at the Better Living Show, and then it will be on display at the store.

Better Living Show

2008-03-11T22:59:00.000-07:00

We are excited to be furnishing the featured home inside Better Living Show on March 28, 29,30 at the Portland Expo Hall. We will be featuring some of our local manufacturing partners both in the home and in our booth. In our booth we are creating a complete natural bedroom complete with a brand new organic mattress, a sustainable bedroom set and organic bedding. There is free admission to the show-we hope to see you there!

Organic Mattresses

2008-02-26T12:08:00.000-08:00

More companies are selling latex mattresses to satisfy consumer demand. There are differences between a latex mattress and an organic mattress. This is much more than an exercise in semantics. If you are looking for a latex mattress there are many places to find one-from box stores, online retailers, and run of the mill mattress stores. Finding an organic mattress is not that easy. An organic mattress is organic: it is made from natural materials that have been certified organic. The consumer gets a sleeping surface that is free from chemical additives and coatings. Organic Mattresses Incorporated produces a certified organic mattress: the product as well as the plant where it is produced have third party certification. Handmade, organic, quality products are not inexpensive however when we deliver our mattresses we know we are giving our customers a superior product.

Sustainable Furniture Council

2008-02-17T22:59:00.001-08:00

I had the opportunity to be part of a conference call with the standards committee of the Sustainable Furniture Council. Knee deep in a technical conversation that centered around devising green standards for things like foam cushions and adhesives made me realize what a daunting task this organization has taken on. What is really important is that someone is trying to establish standards for green furnishings. Many companies are beginning to promote sustainable goods and I think that is a good thing. I think too many people are overly concerned about "greenwashing"; saying something is environmentally friendly without really knowing or caring but just using green as a marketing ploy.

There is no real definition of sustainability; it is a moving target. I applaud the efforts of manufacturers to become more transparent about their manufacturing practices. And I appreciate the individuals and companies who are attempting to find the best way to minimize their footprint while maintaining a on-going operation. Our goal as a retailer is to represent those companies who are out there trying to product goods in a responsible manner and who also try to achieve the most innovative solutions for our customer's needs. Evaluating and retooling our global infrastructure will be an ongoing process. While we must always strive to be better we have to recognize that we are making progress and we have to support those eco-pioneers who are setting a new standard for design and production.

Las Vegas Furniture Market

2008-02-01T23:43:00.000-08:00

It was a one day trip to Las Vegas but I managed to catch the highlights of the Las Vegas Winter Furniture Market. The designated Green Furniture area was much larger than summer market and had some new vendors. Of course Zola Furnishings, our premier organic upholsterer, was there with their new bamboo couch. I saw some nice new bamboo desks from Legare. Their transition from Baltic Birch to bamboo moves them up the chain of sustainability. I saw some very exotic tables made from reclaimed wood and old tree roots. And High Desert Naturals, another of our suppliers, introduced some new fabric colors and designs. It is really exciting to see the green furnishings options expand. We hope to have some of these new products in the store as soon as they are available. Keep in touch.

Furniture and the US economy

2008-01-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

With rising deficits and turmoil in the financial markets we must all look around and devise a plan that will bring a lasting change to the economy. Manipulating interest rates and government rebates are just not going to cut it. First off we all intuitively know that buying American made products from smaller independent businesses can make a huge local impact. Local jobs, tax revenues, and support of American manufacturing has a direct positive effect on local, regional and the national scene. As I venture off to the next major furniture show it is my obligation to pursue the best American made sustainable products. We have already made a pretty good start. Zola, from Bend Oregon, manufactures some of the finest organic upholstery anywhere. Our organic mattresses are made in Southern California by OMI-these are the premier organic mattresses. Van Gogh Designs of Surry BC provide us with eco-friendly upholstered sofas and chairs with very high quality and modest pricing.

On the furniture side with also have some strong American brands. Barnwood Classics of North Carolina carefully crafts furniture from old barns. Our two furniture makers in Vermont, Vermont Furniture Designs and Maple Corner Woodworks both create American heirloom furniture.

Maybe you would be hard pressed to find an American made running shoe or washing machine but there is still a rich tradition of furniture making here in the US. At least consider some better quality furnishings from the US before you go out and spend a few hundred dollars for something that will probably decorate the landfill in just a few years.

I hope to see you in the store.

New Rugs

2008-01-15T22:45:00.000-08:00

I have been on the hunt to expand my rug offerings-I have been hunting for almost a year. My goal was/is to partner with one or two additional rug manufacturers who offer quality, responsibility, variety and color and innovative designs. I have finally decided on two companies, Delos and Chandra. Both companies have solid commitments to the communities where their rugs are produced and they offer quality all wool rugs at a reasonable price. Over the next few weeks we will be receiving 2 x 3 samples and catalogues. If you want to add some color and warmth to your home stop by or check out these supplier's websites.

Bamboo Bed

2008-01-12T21:53:00.000-08:00

We just set up a new platform bamboo bed. Low and sleek this bed can help create a zen like sleep experience. Coupled with an organic mattress this bed will take you off to dreamland in a hurry. We are working hard to create Portland's most unique and sustainable sleeping store .

Decorative Screens

2008-01-09T21:33:00.000-08:00

I am surprised by how many people come into the store and comment on our screens. In the Portland area there just is not a huge selection of decorative screens available. Screens can help divide a room, hide an unsightly heater, disguise a remodeling project or even serve as a headboard for a platform bed. We have a good selection in the store and have quick access to many more. To see some of the options available visit www.myscreengems.com .

Oregon Home Magazine article

2008-01-06T23:16:00.000-08:00

In the January issue of Oregon Home Magazine there is an article on unique shops in the north end area of NW 23rd Ave. and we were included . They included a nice shot of Maria Yee's two tone bamboo bed. That was a really cool bed with dovetailed slats which recently sold. The industrial building architecture coupled with residential and retail uses makes this area a great place to work in. Be sure to look for the magazine at your favorite news stand or stop by the store for a free copy.

Caucases and interior design

2008-01-02T20:54:00.000-08:00

Happy new year. As voters in Iowa get ready to choose their candidates we should all take some time to make our Northwest voices heard. Many times political discussions happen in our homes, place of business or anywhere there is a group of talkative people and a space where they feel comfortable talking. How do we create spaces that will facilitate the free flow of ideas. Color, texture, lighting, and comfortable seating can all play a role in creating a special atmosphere. Try to be aware of where you feel comfortable talking with friends and family. Is it a certain room in your house, a restaurant, park or other special place? What elements in that space do you think contribute in making it the place for dialogue and discussions. By being aware of those elements we can attempt to create just the right space for solving the problems of the universe-or at least an intense discussion among friends.

We hope to make the store more than just a place to sell tables and chairs. Solving problems and helping to create special places is part of our mission.

Modernist Eco

2007-12-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-20T23:10:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-12T16:42:00.000-08:00

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.

Organic mattresses

2007-11-29T16:48:00.000-08:00

We are one of just a few dealers of organic mattresses in the greater Portland area. I think that we have one of the best brands available - OMI. Organic Mattresses Incorporated sets itself apart by carefully selecting all the materials for their mattresses. In addition to using all organic raw materials OMI has the only third party Certified Organic Mattress Manufacturing Plant in North America. We have two queen size organic mattresses set up in the store for customers to try.

Secret sustainable sofa

2007-11-29T16:35:00.000-08:00

Hot off the shelves of Zola Furnishings is the new Vegas Bamboo Sofa. Clean lines, all organic materials and that soft bamboo fabric makes this the next step in sustainable upholstered furniture. This sofa will have its debut at the Las Vegas Furniture show at the end of January. More exciting colors are available. We will be taking orders later in December for February delivery.

Race for the sales

2007-11-22T20:58:00.000-08:00

My oldest son Max opened up the Oregonian and began to look at the insert ads for "black Friday". Wow we could wake up at 4:30 and stand in line for a big screen TV. I know I won't be out there with the masses. Many families will spend more money on their home electronics than on all of the rest of their home furnishings. Each to their own but when customers come in the store and roll their eyes about the price of a handmade organic mattress or sofa I realize that there has to be some thought about priorities and lifestyles. Many of the sustainable products in the store are handcrafted American made products designed to give your home a fresh organic experience that will last a lifetime. I hope the we can at least make people think about what makes their living space a home.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T21:54:00.001-08:00

We will be open regular hours on Wednesday November 21st (10:30 - 6:00). We will be closed Thursday the 22nd. Friday and Saturday, November 23rd and 24th we will be open 10:30 - 6:00. Starting this week we will have somewhat regular hours on Sunday, Noon - 4:00. We have a huge inventory in the store right now so swing by;it will be a great weekend to just stroll around North West Portland.

More Organic Upholstery

2007-11-19T21:55:00.000-08:00

We just received our first pieces of Van Gogh organic upholstery. Van Gogh is Canada's second largest upholstery maker and we are impressed with this first batch. We have several styles and colors of chairs and sofas. Come by soon to see thelargest selection of organic upholstered items anywhere.

Organic Chairs

2007-11-15T22:36:00.000-08:00

This Friday, November 16th, John and Kate from Zola Furnishings will be dropping off some very cool organic chairs that were featured at the PDX Lounge in Chicago. Not only are they very cool and very organic but because they have been displayed in a show they will be on sale. So by Friday afternoon we will be stocked with organic sofas and chairs-and they will be available off the showroom floor. These pieces are great for a living room as well as a waiting area or office lounge. You better stop by to see the finest selection of organic furniture in the entire NorthWest.

Single Speed Lounge

2007-11-13T23:59:00.000-08:00

Eclectic Home was out and about with manufacturing partner Maku this time to cyclocross. Portland's world famous Cross Crusade was host to the Single Speed Cyclocross World Championship and we were there to make sure that racers and spectators had a nice, sustainable place to sit and watch the race. Perfect weather and a beautiful course made for a very fun weekend. Of course it was all work, except for my feeble attempt to qualify for the big event. I really like the notion of cross marketing (no pun intended). Most people really do not expect to see a furniture store display at a bike race. But really now, I know that all those participants have to hang their helmets somewhere during the week and once you have all your bike gear where else are you going to spend your money. So now we have a bunch of beautiful Maku furniture that has been lightly used. Stop by the store for some incredible deals on Maku-it is single speed approved.

New Website

2007-11-07T22:36:00.001-08:00

Last Thursday, November 1 we launched the new Eclectic Home website. Finally we have more than one page. We have spent the past week rewriting and rewriting hoping to post what we do and what we have in the store. Check it out and give us feedback. www.eclectichome.com

Eclectic Home and Portland Fashion Week

2007-10-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

Eclectic Home with manufacturing partners Maku, Greenington and Zola created a sustainable lounge for Portland Fashion Week attendees. Fashion Week VIPs had a vast array of the latest sustainable furnishings to help them fuel up for some of the best sustainable fashion in the world.