Posts Tagged ‘green’

Bring the warmth indoors and into your living room with a freestanding ventless fireplace. How great does that sound? These new fireplaces by Ecosmart Fire – fueled by renewable green energy, are an effective heating solution, environmentally friendly and convenient because they do not require a chimney or a flue. When it comes to design, there are several modern options.

I recently stumbled upon this really hot new fire pit by Skagerak. The cast iron bowl is kind of reminiscent of 1950’s planters, giving this piece an ultra modern and super sleek look. I just ordered one for my house upstate. My purchase was inspired by Joe Wright’s film Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly – it is one of my favorite movies. I love that in the film the old English estates are lit by urns and fire pits. I want to create a similar feel at my house when we have guests over!

If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in your living room then consider some accessories for your hearth. Log holders, great matches, electric igniters, and baskets for newspaper can all enhance the fireplace’s toasty tone. Plus, fireplace accessories make hot housewarming gifts, just perfect for gatherings on chilly winter nights. Check out these great porcelain logs by Klein Reid.

I love these “I am not a paper cup!” porcelain coffee mugs. They couldn’t be cooler. Reduce your daily trash by bringing this into the coffee shop with you every morning.

While working on this photo shoot at my country home, I was glad to have some ferns around the house. I have always been drawn to the lush and green plants. There is something 70s chic about them—they look beautiful in a carefully selected pot in an interior setting. Since I live and work in the city, I am not always at the house, even though I am not around the plants are still looking good. Ferns are low maintenance so you don’t need to worry about them and just a little bit of sun goes a long way.

Jazz up your home with some Jade. My client just purchased a fabulous jade bowl in a pale celadon tone. Now jade tones have me hooked – the hues are a little hypnotic, aren’t they? Jade and jadeite come in an array of colors from white through pale apple green to deep jade green. My favorite shades are in the yellow–green family. The subtle variety of tints, textures and translucence tell a really soothing story. There are some really remarkable pieces on the WorldofGood.com website – take a look!

Some people swim, some people sun, some people BBQ and some of us…shop. But before you start fall shopping, first figure out what you need to buy or keep and what you need to get rid of.

PRUNE
Pieces you haven’t worn for over a year
Clothes that are too big or too small
Yellow for daytime
Green
Orange
Empire waist dresses
Gladiator sandals
Anything that looks like its trying to be an “It” bag

SWOON (buy or keep)
White shirt
Blouses with ruffles or bows
Vest
Any of your shiny accessories - shoes, handbags
Anything that reminds you of the Eighties
Your sheath dress
Your florals
Your statement necklaces
Black
Red and every permutation of the shade
Blue is good too
A fabulous trench

*Photo licensed to: Photorazzi.com

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.

Bright yellows, oranges, and greens are the hues to make any outfit pop this summer. Pair these colors with gold accessories or even with a little gold embellishment on the garment.

Hot yellows make their way out of spring and into summer holding their place as the “it” color for young women. Bright yellow looks great in any formal or casual top. A cropped, preferably bell shaped, summer jacket in a magnetic citrus hue can be a staple for this summer’s wardrobe. For a fresh look, choose yellow for an evening gown. Love orange in a short flirty cocktail dress.

I recommend a bright (not neon) green (I also describe the color to myself as “money” green) for a fun eccentric or vintage look. Preferably in a pencil skirt or a sleek fitted dress. The unpredictable hue speaks life and prosperity!

Men can get in on the citrus look too! Kanye in money-green jeans or were they scrubs? Whatever, these colored pants - original and chic. For the less adventurous, a bright fitted tee will do the trick.

*Photos licensed to: Photorazzi.com

I’m thinking that I need to start being more friendly to our eco-system. Sure, I know it sounds oh so 2007 to “go green,” but I’m going to do it and I’m starting with my gadgets.

A great way to help on this green mission is to use eBay to buy refurbished gadgets. I buy about 20% of my gadgets refurbished at this point, but am going to aim for at least 50% from now on.

Not sure how to buy refurbished? Here is a great tip that can help you with the process: Try out solar power. The simplest gadget for this has to be the Solio Hybrid 1000. This little device really packs a powerful punch. It can fully charge your cell phone after you’ve left it in the sun for just a few hours. It will also hold that amount of stored up energy for one year! Looking to use it on a computer or MP3 player? No problem, the device comes with a number of adapter tips.

Another totally rad solar-powered device is the Iqua BHS-603 SUN-Solar Powered Bluetooth headset. This baby chargers as you yap. There’s 200 hours of standby time that constantly charges off the sun. It had me at hello.

Now on to much bigger gadgets – cars. Sure, you may think you’re helping by rocking a hybrid, but if you really want to give mother nature a green love hug, get yourself a Triac! This tiny, three-wheeled, highway capable car packs a 144V lithium ion-powered battery capable of going 70 mph with a 120 mile range. Plus, it starts at just $19,995!

Lots of people on eBay Motors are already saving the environment by using greener transportation. For instance, Bio Diesel Conversion Kits are up 600% from last year! These puppies transform diesel vehicles to consume vegetable oil. This is an awesome trend that you should definitely be a part of.