It's not just sustainably-harvested wood. 
The newest eco-countertops are made of everything from bamboo and junk mail.

Recycled countertops have come a long way: The latest design options seamlessly incorporate recycled glass, concrete, bamboo, paper and more. In fact, these materials are so handsome, they're as much a design element as they are a green-lifestyle statement. The new eco-friendly options also offer a lot of flexibility with many manufacturers offering a handful of options to select from. Whether you reside in a downtown high-rise or suburban bungalow, there is probably more than one option to fit your home's decor. 

Green Kitchen Countertop Option #1: EnviroGLAS terrazzo countertops are right at home in a contemporary-style kitchen. Glass that's been recycled from consumers and industrial companies is converted into these stunning pieces of art. "Fire Engine Red" (left) would compliment a hip loft whereas a style like the blue and white "EnviroMODE" design might play off of a home's waterfront setting.

Green Kitchen Countertop Option #2: Created out of recycled glass and concrete, IceStone Durable Surfaces are built in a Brooklyn, NY, factory. These eco coutners are VOC-free and come in 29 different colors, which range from a funky mustard yellow to a calming "cobalt ice," which merges pearl-white and cobalt-blue. More traditional gray and white shades – but with a little bit of color "pop" – are also available.

Green Kitchen Countertop Option #3: For a more rustic look, turn to Smith & Fong Plyboo bamboo countertops. Not only is bamboo a 100-percent renewable material, it's also FSC-certified – and better still the company's Plyboo is the world's only formaldehyde-free FSC-certified bamboo. PlybooSquared, shown above, is available in amber, natural, Sahara or Havana shades. To install, use the same materials and fasteners for wood products by either gluing or mechanically fastening.

Green Kitchen Countertop Option #4: Eco by Cosentino countertops are sold at Lowe's stores around the country. Containing 75-percent post-consumer or post-industrial raw materials -- all at the end of their life cycles -- these counters are bound together by corn oil. The company draws from a variety of suppliers to come up with the raw-material mix, so that it includes porcelain, mirror, glass, scraps of stone and corn. Within the 'Green' and 'Revive' collections are three distinct stylee; the PolarCap style (above), is a stark-white beauty with barely noticeable flecks of gray and black. Yet it's those flecks that introduce a unique, hand-crafted look.

Green Kitchen Countertop Option #5: Lots of junk mail -- ahem, post-consumer recycled paper -- is set inside a petroleum-free resin base for PaperStone countertops, from a Washington company. Teh usage of 100-percent post-consumer recycled paper products in the 'Certified' line lead these counters to become the only architectural solid surfaces to be certified by the Smartwood program of the Rainforest Alliance to FSC standards.PaperStone's selection of six fun colors, from a rich plum to an industrial-chic gunmetal, is guaranteed to jazz up any kitchen.


Via:
http://www.diylife.com/

The fascinating world of set design!

There are tons of movies and tv shows with sets who are put together by someone
...but who??


                                  Designers...along with the producers and directors. Set design isn't just decorating or staging, it is immersing oneself in the world of the characters who inhabit the space. I did a little research and found a few examples of great set design and the wide array that it entails. 

Sex and the City...the first word that come to my mind is fabulous. Carrie's eclectic little apartment unknowingly effected my personal preference. I loved how it looked lived in, yet completely uptown New York. In the second film they took her shabby chic apartment and gave it an upgrade. I can remember loving the interiors in the film (mostly because that was the only good part). They used set decorator Lydia Marks of Marks & Frantz, who "created a space that blends masculine elements, such as linear midcentury furnishings and dark woods, with feminine accessories, including whimsical rugs and cheerful botanical-themed fabrics." (www.elledecor.com)

Big's and Carrie's living room

The most famous closet EVER!

Her old apartment's living and bedroom space

(http://www.elledecor.com/celebrity-homes/articles/stylish-interiors-sex-and-city-2)

Love and Other Drugs 

Claw foot tubs are the best!

The loft's expansive windows let in lots of natural light, 

which can make even the most discombobulated spaces look lovely.

Open shelving, an ancient '50s fridge, and a green industrial pendant define the kitchen area.

(http://www.shelterpop.com)

The Love and Other Drugs set reminds me of the Humphrey loft on Gossip Girl!

Check out these links if your guilty 

pleasure is also Gossip Girl:)

Virtual Tour of the Set

Great walk though video of the Gossip Girl sets

Beautiful Easter table settings!

Set for me!

I decided to look up information on cities I would like to move to when I graduate, and possible job opportunities in those cities.


Athens, Georgia




Pros:

• great grad school at UGA Chris is interested in
• has an art scene, music scene and intellectual environment
• the city has music venues, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops that cater to its creative climate
• apt. rents look comparable to places here ($400-$600, $700+  for a house)
• my favorite band ever , Of Montreal, is from athens!
• has bike lanes and a good public transit system
• enforces the title act

Cons:

• doesn't enforce the practice act
• very little job opportunities
• 12 hours from home

Photos:



Job opportunities:

TOSCANY - Design Interiors & Staging
(706) 850-5572
180 Sunset Drive
Athens, GA

2 Stars

Design Works Interiors
(706) 543-1320
940 W Broad St
Athens, GA

• Modern residential and staging  

3 Stars

Lessard Design Associates

3021 Atlanta Hwy Ste 105 Athens, GA 30606-3388 2 Stars Athens Interiors market: sales jobs Various vendors http://www.athensinteriorsmarket.com/vendors/index.php?page=eldridge Santa Cruz, CA Pros: grad school Chris is looking at doesn't enforce the practice act beautiful beaches and redwood forests enforces title act state park nearby Cons: 26 hrs away from home..most likely a plane ride doesn't enforce practice act Photos:                                                                                                                                       Job opportunities: Living Design1105 Rodriguez Street Santa Cruz, CA  95062 sustainable design!! residential 5 Stars  L. Kershner Design 911 Center Street Studio D, Santa Cruz  Small firm sustainable design! comerc & residential 4 Stars Others.. M Designs Architects 25 West Portola Avenue, Los Altos (650) 565-9036 Westergaard & Harrison Design 415 Linden Street, Santa Cruz (831) 426-7907 more to come...:)

just for fun...

I like the whimsical feel of these photos...very shabby chic:)








(Sorce: Design*Spong)

Wall Art

Adding a graphic or hand painted mural to a room and be a statement. 

It works well with minimal color and ornamentation to place emphasis on the artwork or photo. 

 

Beautiful...but overdone!! 

 

The mural is nice, but this room needs some color!

 

I like the color in this room and the eclectic mix of furnishings.

Because the mural is minimal, the room can have other elements that shine.

 

Oh SO 70's..

wilderness-themed mural

In Hanover