Times have changed and bar stools are the new dining room chair.

Let’s face it, times have changed and that includes where we sit to eat our meals. Formal dining rooms are out and bar stools or counter stools are in. Many people are choosing to live in more urban and denser settings, where space is at a premium and the formal dining is just not practical. That’s not to mention that dining has become more relaxed — with the focus on the food more than the formality.

If you have a smaller home, you may just have a counter end that’s a natural fit for some bar stools. Or you may have a space for a table, in which case consider a high table at which you can place bar stools. It’s a much more informal way to not only eat your morning oatmeal but also to entertain. In addition, bar stools can be a handy space saving device. Some styles can stack, but most at least are easy enough to tuck under to create more space.

And the bar stools of today are not like the bar stools of days past–like from a 1985 wood-paneled basement. Nowadays, style choices run the gamut from mid-century modern to Scandinavian modern and everything in between. Of course, if you find yourself nostalgic for those mid-1980s bar stools, we are sure that you can find them at a flea market!

9 Stools to Deck Out Your Space

1. Langley Street Wright Modern Stool via AllModern

Show off your modern style with a row of these steel and wood swivel bar stools.

2. Vintage French Schoolhouse Stool via Chairish

Add these vintage French schoolhouse stools to your craft space, dining table, or bar for some retro style. Bonus points because they are stackable!

3. Wood Pallet Stool via Palletso

This stool is made from recycled wood from pallets. It’s eco-friendly, rustic, handmade, and sturdier than mass-produced options.

4. Recycled Wood Stool via At West End

Here’s another eco-friendly option. The rich honey-colored stain softens the industrial design of this rustic stool.  It’s made from recycled wood and features an adjustable seat for added functionality!

5. Cliff Counter Stool via Loll Designs

These stools are made from 100% recycled plastics and can work for both inside and outside! They are also available in eleven different colorways.

6. Reclaimed Industrial Stool via barnxo

These modern stools feature black metal frames and reclaimed barn wood for the seats.The wood top is reclaimed, old Growth Douglas Fir that was salvaged from a building that was more than  170-years-old, giving the wood beautiful character.

7. Pipe Industrial Stool via Hisbrand

Another industrial option, these stools are made from steel pipes and feature a thick durable wood top has been finished without harmful chemicals.

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The post 7 Sexy and Sustainable Bar Stools (Because Counters are the New Tables) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Since January 1, I have taken two enormous steps along the road to responsible adulthood: First, I launched a new business and, while some of my loved ones questioned the responsible nature of that decision, it felt like progress. Not long after that, I procured and installed a mini-bar for my apartment. Slowly, but surely, it seemed, I was on my way to becoming a lady boss.

As my business grows and I continue to expand my team, I realize that my beloved, 200-square-foot shared office will no longer do. In the course of seeking larger space, I’ve also begun to consider what additions might be necessary. With the final season of “Mad Men” upon us, it’s occurred to me: Every lady boss needs a mini bar for her office.

Not just any mini bar, though: A conscious, eco-friendly one, which is easier to assemble than it might sound. These four, fundamental bar staples will have lady bosses everywhere making responsible decisions: For business, and the environment.

1. Eco-chic bar cart. I’ll admit: After years of writing about organic products, sustainability and environmental responsibility, it’s never actually occurred to me that an eco-chic bar cart is something that might exist. Duh: It’s such a real thing, in fact, that EcoSalon ran this article last year profiling nine different eco-friendly bar carts. It doesn’t end there, however: Check out this more affordable Rattan Wicker Furniture serving cart.

2. BPA-free glassware. This should be old news, by now. BarLuxe, a producer of several drinking containers, boasts an entirely BPA-free selection, from its sleek carafes to its Vintage collection of wine glasses. This option might be particularly favorable for the lady boss who frequently hosts events; BarLuxe cases typically contain a minimum of 24 glasses.

3. Biodynamic wine. There remains a great deal of confusion around sustainable winemaking. My favorite method du jour is, without a doubt, the biodynamic practice. To clear up any misunderstanding (which this Food & Wine article does quite nicely), biodynamic winemaking views all the various organisms involved in the cultivation of wine’s final product as, if you will, an ecological supply chain. These organisms range from those in the soil used to grow grapes, to any other life around it, including plants, for potential integrated pest management, and cows for fertilization benefits. Want to further reduce your carbon footprint? Use this Fork & Bottle guide to find a biodynamic wine that’s made nearby.

4. Organic whiskey. Cue the “Hallelujah” chorus: Organic whiskey does exist. Koval offers no less than six variations, including the eerily clear white rye whiskey, as well as its ancient-grain-friendly spelt whiskey. Cheers!

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Image of cool businesswoman relaxing via Shutterstock

The post The Eco-Chic Lady Boss: 4 Office Bar Must-Haves appeared first on EcoSalon.

Get ready for your next party with these suggestions for setting up your own home bar. Having a bar cart or other beverage station is in.

With the resurgence in entertaining at home, the increased popularity of historical and designer cocktails (and, let’s admit it, the influence of Mad Men), lots of people are setting up their own home bars. And we’re not talking about some tacky built-in at a fraternity or an over-the-top Real Housewives of New Jersey situation. Imagine a tasteful beverage station in your home from which you can serve drinks or at which your guests can serve themselves. 

If you think that you don’t have the space to incorporate a bar cart or beverage station in your home, fear not. There are tons of creative ways to add a cool and functional home bar just in time for your next dinner party or get together. And for those who don’t imbibe, a home bar isn’t just for adult beverages either. Gone are the days of just buying a couple of bottles of soda for parties—it’s so much more chic to offer a homemade concoction instead! Mocktails, homemade raspberry lemonade or even warm apple cider for those upcoming autumn holidays.

Here are 3 easy and functional ways to add a home bar without spending a lot of money or having to build anything!

Bar Cart

Image: Style Archaeology

Growing up, my grandparents had a bar cart that they kept in a corner with plants on it when not in use, but when they had a party it was wheeled out and outfitted with all the trappings. You can buy a brand new bar cart or look for a cool vintage one on Etsy, at estate and yards sales or at thrift shops. A cart can be kept stocked in the corner, or converted for parties like my grandparents did, and best of all, it moves, so it’s flexible for parties of various sizes.

Serving Tray

Image: Lake Tahoe Creations

Another option is to simply just use a serving tray that you can station on a coffee table, end table, dining room table or even on a kitchen counter. Using a tray is a little more chic than just putting some bottles out and it can also help protect your furniture from the inevitable spills. You could use three trays of varying sizes for liquors, glasses and accessories (wine opener, garnish, and the ice bucket).

Cabinet

Image: Urban Reclaimer

The final option is to outfit an existing cabinet or purchase one for use as a beverage station. One that is taller and is outfitted with shelves would be ideal. Again, there is no need to purchase one brand new, but instead look at yard sales and furniture thrift shops for something that will work.

Feeling crafty? You can turn almost any sturdy bookcase into a bar (just repaint and vary shelf heights, keeping tall bottles in the middle, short glasses at the top, etc.); even an Ikea bookcase could be transformed. Or try this DIY project for a bar-bookcase.

Top Image: MnMGlamping

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The post Creating a Home Bar: 3 Budget Solutions and DIY Inspiration appeared first on EcoSalon.

Every morning before settling in with the laptop, I sip a cup of coffee, eat a bowl of cereal and read the paper at my breakfast bar. And lately I’ve had to ask myself: why am I still sitting on these cheap, tacky stools I got from IKEA in college?

It’s time for an eco-friendly (and lumbar friendly) upgrade, and here are some versatile choices I’m liking.

The rustic weave and strong design of the Earthly Rattan stool from VivaTerra (shown at top) make the perfect fit for those of you who model your interiors after the beauty of the great outdoors and need something both practical and stylish. Plus, it provides ample back support, so you can lean back and relax.

If you prefer a kitchen with an old-fashioned appeal, then the European sophistication of the Cocopa counter stool is the epitome of classic, cozy style.

Crafted from post-industrial seatbelts, the clever Arbor barstool from Vivavi has a unique appeal that suits modern interiors with a distinct edge.

The post Stylish Stools for Your Breakfast Bar appeared first on EcoSalon.