The Huffington Post asked me to design The Oasis at the Democratic National Convention. The space will be devoted to rest and relaxation and attendees will be able to enjoy free yoga instruction, massages, facials, organic snacks and music in the suite. My goal on this project is to combine organic and green material with calm purpose – to create a peaceful, quiet retreat from the activity and stir of the convention. The Oasis will feature some of my own custom-designed pieces — a lounge chair and daybed, as well as green and sustainable furnishings and accessories from other designers.

Below please find some sketches of the items we will be featuring in the space. At the end of the convention, we will be selling several of the items on display on eBay. Proceeds from the auctions will benefit Off the Mat – an organization devoted to building networks of participants to undertake social change in the environment, education, children’s issues and health issues.

These colorful brooms from Sweep Dreams are functional but fun. Whenever I visit my country home, I spend a good deal of time sweeping the back porch, particularly in autumn, as all the leaves are falling. If I had one of these lovely-looking brooms, I could leave it leaning against the wall on my porch. Looking for a housewarming gift? These pieces make pretty presents for your host or hostess.

Having trouble locating exactly what you need? Try using unconventional search terms for your item. Be creative! Searching for dining-room chairs? Consider “office furniture.” I just got some amazing vintage lounge chairs that were once used in an office waiting room. The pieces are super cozy and quite elegant. Repurposing items as design for the home is a fun and fantastic way to recycle - another reason to feel good about your purchase!

Looking to save a little cash? Try shopping secondhand. Here are my tips for buying previously owned and loved goods.

• Consider how much of an investment you are willing to make before you start searching. Remember that you may need to invest a bit to spruce up the piece. This will help narrow your search.

• Transform a hidden treasure! Don’t be afraid of scratches or nicks in the finish-especially if it’s wood. You can turn a mediocre piece into something really fantastic with a little TLC. Work wonders with a fresh coat of paint, new upholstering, or even a slipcover. I just got an incredible velvet tufted chair from eBay. It’s a bit rough around the edges from years of use. I saw the chair and knew it had endless possibilities because of its very unique shape and structure. With a little work - this piece will make a really striking statement.

• Be aware of any major “character flaws” that the item may have so you can manage your expectations of the piece. Contact the seller directly for more detailed pictures and information.

• eBay allows you to search within 10-2,000 miles of your zip code. This way, you can actually check the piece out before you purchase it. Added bonus: save on shipping! A few years ago, I purchased an amazing sofa from an eBay seller in Connecticut. I drove out to the seller’s home to give the piece a close examination. The couch was a steal - but needed some work. I had the cushions recovered and sold the couch for a huge profit!

I am obsessed: the Willy Guhl loop chair is the most stylish chair! Made from cement this piece can really stand up to the elements. While it is meant for use outdoors, I prefer the chair in an interior setting. Striking lines catch the eye and the rich texture really enhances this sculptural piece. The design tells a very sleek and smart story.

Just a few weeks ago, one of my clients purchased a Willy Guhl chair. Now, I am working with a Canadian designer that I met at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) who is making a custom cement resin table. Once the table is complete, I’ll pair it with the chair to create an eye-catching blend of old and new.

Right now, I am trying to track down a vendor who would be able to help me create cement planks. I want to pour cement into a wood molding, and then use the planks as wall panels. Does anyone have any recommendations for me?

*Photo licensed to: Wright

Being eco-friendly is all the rage these days and cork is one of my favorite green materials. It is sustainable and regenerative. Cork trees naturally shed thick layers of their bark, and those cast offs can be used for many purposes.

When we think of cork, usually bulletin boards and wine stoppers come to mind. But there’s so much more. Remodeling? Consider laying down recycled cork-flooring tile. The tonality and texture looks edgy but the material feels warm and soft, and it is water-resistant. You can find cork tiles in different colors and patterns. Plus, it carries a great sound quality.

If you’re not refurbishing your floors at the moment, cork works as a wonderful trivet or coaster. I love cork drawer liners. Recently, I incorporated cork as a detail on a chair I designed. Small cork tiles are embedded on the arm rests - a built in coaster! The cork adds a super soothing earthy feel and makes you feel better about the earth.

Ship your kids off to camp this summer? Be thankful for their trunks. Travel trunks make really excellent accent pieces. I have used them for my clients as both end tables and night stands. Antique luxury pieces, like this one by Goyard, would make a really attractive addition to any living room. But these chests don’t just look lovely – they are multi-functional. Throw it open and find surplus storage space. Pieces with a vintage look will make a really striking statement.

Needlepoint is becoming popular for home accessories like pillows, table linens and even headboards. The homespun quality, delicate whimsy and exquisite craftsmanship of a simple embroidered item can really elevate your environment. Search for pieces with textures, and vibrant, colorful designs to create a more dramatic effect. I love that embroidered threadwork is three-dimensional. It makes the patterns just pop off the fabric. Items embellished with a monogram or custom design can serve as unique family keepsakes. Suzanis, heirloom quilts from Central Asia – are simply stunning. Traditionally made from cotton or silk, these pieces are handmade, hand-stitched and handed down from generation to generation. What a wonderful family treasure!

Trend Alert: I am obsessed. Just wrapping up a project on a nursery in Connecticut where I discovered the cutest, coolest little critters perfect for decorating a child’s bedroom or play area. I stumbled upon these amazing sheep from designer Thorsten Van Elten.

These sheep are made with soft and fluffy sheepskin – the pieces are not only ornamental, kids can use them as stools! I wish I was a kid again so I could have them all over my room. While these sheep have not hit eBay yet – I thought they might spawn a cool DIY project using sheepskin rugs.

Who doesn’t love to lounge? Everywhere I look, there are new, chic and inventive ways to recline and relax in your living room. Don’t settle for a tattered, torn threadbare cushion – unwind in a lush and luxurious lounger.

Three designers have crafted new ways to live in lair of lavish comfort. The Endless Sofa, by Incorporated, is the most creative and interactive sofa I have encountered. This sofa enables you to add or subtract layers of plush. The chair comes with “slices” that can be zipped onto the chair to add extra layers of cozy cushion. So fun!

Plushpod.com brings us a topographical design from Karim Rashid that will certainly get your guests talking. The American Landscape sofa combines natural shapes like hills and valleys to create a very organic feel.

Apartment Therapy showcased this amazing beanbag couch, Shared Space Patchwork Beanbag Sofa by Bertjan Pot. Bean bag items are super comfy because they mould to the shape of your body.

Here are some lavish lounges available on eBay: memory foam, bean bag chairs, and papasan cushions.