Smart -Innovative – Solutions
Environmentally friendly products are trending, and that includes the design world. More and more homeowners are looking for ways to lessen their carbon footprint, and companies have risen to the task by providing a large selection of products. Our showroom offers a variety of products sourced through multiple companies that allow you to get exactly what you need for your home while keeping Mother Nature safe. Let’s talk about some of the latest sustainable design trends that are now available to you and your family.
Bamboo Products
Considered a sustainable material because it is a renewable natural product, it is a popular choice for those who want to be eco-friendly. Bamboo also has a wide variety of uses, making it perfect for the home, and offers several benefits.
- UV protection: Built-in sun protection makes this a great choice for window treatments, which is why Graber utilizes bamboo in their natural woven shades. Learn more here.
- Hypoallergenic: Bamboo fabric is naturally hypoallergenic and is perfect for those with sensitive skin. Choose it to make your next decorative pillows or curtains.
- No Chemicals: Because bamboo is grown without the use of pesticides, it results in products that are safe for the whole family.
Interior designers enjoy weaving bamboo into the home since it is not only a natural product but also brings nature indoors so elegantly. Consider using it in your home.
- Furniture: From tables to chairs, bamboo is a steady material that serves multiple purposes and areas in the home while looking amazing.
- Plates: Bamboo’s smooth surface is a lovely addition to any tablescape or place setting.
- Artwork: Wall coverings from bamboo can create layers and dimensions in any room.
- Accent pieces: Decorative bowls, headboards, and even lamps are a great way to add bits of warmth and serenity to any area of the home.
- Countertops: If a butcher block is on your wish list for your new kitchen countertop, consider bamboo. It is smooth, unique, and durable.
Bamboo is a versatile material that brings a lot to any design, and when you include the additional benefits, it seems to be the clear choice for those who want to have eco-friendly options in their home. Talk to your designer about the products you can choose for your new design or home renovation.
Eco-Friendly Decor Items
We hear the reports of how much Americans are guilty of being wasteful, and many are encouraging individuals to consider items that have been sustainably sourced or reused. This is one of the reasons we love being an authorized dealer for companies like ETU Home that handcraft their products from reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and responsibly sourced materials across Europe. Their beautiful and unique pieces add instant charm and warmth to any room in the home. Some of our favorites include
- Cutting boards: A beautiful cutting board is not only practical in the kitchen but also great for decor. It is now available in multiple colors.
- Dough bowls: Their uneven dips and varying lengths make them a great piece in the home. Whether holding snacks for a party or filled with decorative items and placed on a coffee table, both are lovely.
- Glass accent: Clear and smooth, this is a nice decor element and can serve multiple purposes, such as a cake dome, pitcher, or vase.
- Rugs: Made from natural fibers, they can be a wonderful way to add texture and color to a room.
And it doesn’t stop there; here are some more decor ideas for the eco-friendly homeowner.
- Repurpose: Consider going to a local antique shop or even a flea market. Many vendors are taking old pieces and turning them into something brand new and functional.
- Greenery: Houseplants are not only natural; they have many health benefits, such as cleaning the air. They also create a more relaxed environment.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new or different things. You can also check out places like Pinterest to discover more ways to make eco-friendly design choices.
Natural Products
When considering becoming more eco-friendly, materials are at the top of the list. Now more than ever before, manufacturers and designers are partnering to create options that are sustainable. There is an ample supply of products and materials to help you create the perfect atmosphere and style in your home. Here are some to get your creative juices flowing.
- Cork: With a unique texture and versatility, cork is quickly becoming a popular material for items beyond the bulletin board, including flooring and common items such as lampshades. You can also color it, making it easy to add some color to a room.
- Glass: Forever recyclable, this is a material that will remain timeless and at the top of eco-friendly choices. From elegant showpieces to tabletops, glass has stood the test of time. When doing cabinets, it is a great way to reduce the amount of wood used by choosing to have your door fronts and even bathroom shelving made from glass instead. It is also a great option for showcasing some of your favorite pieces in the kitchen.
- Reclaimed wood: This is a popular feature in many of HGTV’s renovation shows, taking wood from the original house and incorporating it into the design. There are many ways to do this, including wrapping a kitchen island in reclaimed wood, building custom furniture or cabinets out of it, and creating an accent wall. There are lots of options with reclaimed wood. See a project we completed using some of the reclaimed wood from the 200-year-old farmhouse.
- Stone: From kitchen countertops to specialty tops in the home, natural stone remains a popular option, including marble and granite. Both are great eco-friendly choices and blend with several design styles.
There are so many sustainable choices available now that your designer will have an easier time locating options for you to choose from that allow you to get the style you need while leaving a soft carbon footprint behind.
Will kitchen islands go out of style? The answer is no. The kitchen island is often the focal point in the kitchen and one of the most sought-after features in a kitchen renovation; in fact, it is one of the most versatile areas in the kitchen. Need a place to do some homework? How about a family dinner or brunch? Looking for a surface where you can spread out when cooking? Some extra storage for large pots and mixers would be nice, too. All of this and more can be accomplished with a kitchen island; some might even call it a mini kitchen within the kitchen. This flexible workstation can be created to reflect any style, accommodate any size, and suit any need. Today, we want to answer some common questions about the kitchen island, explore the benefits, and explain why it will never go out of style.
As the COVID-19 pandemic slowly comes to an end, you may be ready to update your home and make a few changes. Perhaps being stuck inside during lockdowns gave you time to identify areas that needed cleaning, upgrading, or other home improvements. If you want to start rebuilding your house but aren’t sure how to get started, see how these tips can help, brought to you courtesy of Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking When space is limited, it is valuable and greater thought is invested in creating a design that maximizes square footage to provide a functional space for the homeowner. Both manufacturers and designers alike are continuously thinking of new ways to give their clients the things they need, but using less space. One such item is the Murphy bed, yes, the one used in multiple comedy routines, but it has evolved into a stylish piece, yet remains as functional as ever. It is also comparable in price point to a traditional bed. Could the Murphy bed be the solution to your limited space problem? Let’s unpack exactly what it is and how it can help give you additional room in your home.
Walker Woodworking What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not a lot of room, to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times. While it may present more challenges than a larger home, it is possible to have the necessary storage for you to keep everything you need on hand. Small is not bad; in fact, it comes with multiple benefits, and a good design can help you maximize the space you do have to build a home that is exactly right for you. Let’s talk about some creative storage solutions for small spaces.
Walker Woodworking We always say details matter, and that goes beyond a project. Your home is filled with details that tell your guests who you are and what matters to you. Artwork, pottery pieces, and furniture are just a few things that give homeowners a chance to show off their style. Another area is hosting, and tablescapes have become a beautiful, fun way to share your own unique design choices with family and friends. Whether it is for a small gathering to enjoy time with those you love or to celebrate a special occasion, there are many ways to create the perfect look. By combining different colors, patterns, or materials, you can create a tablescape that will dazzle your guests, whether you prefer an elaborate or simple design.
Greenbrook Design 
Walker Woodworking