Make your bed. Lounge in it.

We’re still thrilled that our Shelter section is being sponsored this month by VivaTerra (uh hum, contest!), not only because of their 100% certified commitment to eco-friendliness, but also because it gives us an excuse to mentally assemble the boudoir of our dreams. A dream that can now be fully realized due, in no small part, to a certain bed and bath event going on right now.

Ah, to bed down in one of these three beds, made six ways.

The Mosaic Bed (pictured above)

About as rustic as you can get. Made from reclaimed barn wood composed to look like a Mondrian painting. It’s finished in an eco-friendly matte lacquer to prevent chipping. The look is vintage and handsome, but can be fully femmed up with the following pairings.

There are two patterns in this Bedding Bundle, in blue. We see a visual rhapsody of textures with subtly striped pillowcases and a floral print sheet, plus solid knit throw.

Or,

Embrace your quirkier side by coupling the complexity of a mosaic pattern with a colorful, vibrant Velvet Patchwork Quilt made from totally touchable and exotic Indian textiles.

Tree of Life Bed

A bed frame, made from sculpted and recycled iron, that recalls this leafy love nest readers responded so well to last spring. Also hand welded and bent, the result is inspired and lyrical, like the film of the same name.

Pair with…

Down-filled, linen Papillon pillows accented with sprightly iridescent butterflies.

And,

Tuck-Me-In-Bedding, organic cotton shams and duvet cover with three-dimensional pin-tuck detailing in a fluffy cloud motif.

Or,

The Ghanaian Duvet Set made using a batik-like process. These wax print cotton duvets are from an arts-based women’s cooperative in Ghana. Revenues garnered from the purchase of one of these goes to medication, testing and education for HIV/ AIDS.

The Vintage Fir Bed

A staggering amount of municipal waste comes from wood construction and demolition, in fact, an estimated 25% according to the California Integrated Waste Management Board. Instead of being trashed in landfills, those hardwoods could be used to make furniture, like this American-made vintage Douglas Fir Bed made from reclaimed wood.

The Papillon pillows work well against the minimalist backdrop of the Vintage Fir, which could really be dressed up in one of two ways.

Keep it textured but neutral with this Bedding Bundle in sandy tones. Like the blue paired with the Mosaic Bed above, this bundle also features stripe and floral patterns.

Or,

Offset the unobtrusiveness of the frame with an opulent Raw Silk Coverlet and Shams in eggplant, persimmon and taupe.

Purely for the purposes of getting in character, i.e., full-on uninterrupted languishing about said fantasy bedroom, pair any combination of the above with:

This ultralight and cheerful Geisha Flower Silk Robe, perfect for recording your memoirs barefoot or in these…

Fez slippers, made from soft naturally tanned leather.

Lap it up. You’re now a lady who lounges.

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A sleep well-traveled.

These bright and worldly pillow cases are handmade by artisans in Southwest India using Batik, the traditional Indian art of creating patterns on fabric. A set of three pillows spans the globe from the Americas to Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. At $95, that’s a much better bargain than an around the world ticket, in coach.

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

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The Dandelion Dresser by design team iannone:sanderson is made from reclaimed Kirei board.

Made from the reclaimed stalks of sorghum plant and using a formaldehyde-free adhesive, the six-drawer Dandelion Dresser is a perfect addition to the sleek, minimal and eco-aware bedroom. The cabinet itself is constructed of FSC-certified sustainable plywood, while the white laminate conforms to healthy indoor air standards.

Non-toxic, cute and imaginative, what we love most about this fun, yet subtle, storage unit is the Bumble Bee. Do you see it? There he is, pollinating the bottom middle drawer.

Price: $3,995.00 from Vivavi.

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

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One of my favorite interior images is the nightstand shot; it’s a soulful glimpse into the most personal of practical spaces. I always find myself studying the details and styling of bedside tables.

Here are five essential (and pragmatic) items to rest on your nightstand that will help you rest easy.

1. Literature: Reading a book for 15 – 30 minutes before attempting to retire into sleep can help prepare your brain and body for the rest it deserves. Leave the non-fiction in the living room, fictional content tends to quiet the mind most effectively.

2. Light: The lower the ambient light levels during your nightcap reading, the better (optometrists everywhere are nodding disapprovingly). Turn off your bedroom light and read by lamp light instead. There’s an added bonus here, too – you won’t have to leave the bed to turn off the light when reading lulls you into sleep.

3. Water: There is a plethora of water carafes and cup products (this one is handsome) begging to lounge on your nightstand. Pour a little water into the cup at night before retreating to bed, allowing you a cup ready for sipping if you wake up parched (and if your cup is already full, you won’t need to turn on the light to pour). If all the midnight sipping has you heading to the bathroom, skip turning on the light, which can interrupt your natural melatonin levels during sleeping intervals.

4. Notebook & Pen: We all have thoughts that keep us from sleeping.  Whether you wake up in the middle of the night with a stroke of creative genius, or simply remember your dentist appointment the next day – having a place to write it down allows your mind to release the thought and drift back into sleep.

5. Indulgence: This is something that flirts with your senses or your soul. If your nasal passages love a great scent, keep a candle or diffuser on your bedside table (think aromatherapy scents for sleep and relaxation like lavender or peppermint eucalyptus). If leafy green vegetation calms your mind, keep fresh cut flowers or a houseplant next to your bed. While fresh petal blooms are indulging, opting for a healthy houseplant requires way less maintenance. Perhaps a picture of your loved ones or your favorite travel experience lends you a warm fuzzy feeling? Keep one indulgence that suits you.

You’ll notice two things missing from the five essential items, an alarm clock and cell phone. Keep your alarm clock on your dresser – crossing the room to hit snooze will mean you are more likely to wake up on time. Turn on the light and your chances of oversleeping dwindle even more (back to the melatonin interruption). Leave your cell phone in another room, or at least on the dresser, keep your connection to socializing and work far from your slumbering mind.

Select a nightstand that has storage – hidden compartments allow for the rest of your nighttime needs without creating two square feet of chaos next to your dreams. Keep your hand cream, lip balm, ear plugs, sleep mask, and the rest of your nighttime novelties tucked away. Keeping your bedside sanctuary clean and uncluttered gives your chaotic day a hint of order at the end (and beginning) of each day.

Images: Rue Magazine, Fritz Hansen, & Pia Ulin

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I am somewhat narrow minded. I am prejudiced against color – in the bedroom. My design philosophy has always embraced the notion that the bedroom is a place for relaxation and rejuvenation; a calm palette to ease your mind into dreaming, a space to lay your head on a pillow and leave all the complexities of reality outside the door. My own bedroom is a sanctuary of simple white and natural wood. This Organic Cotton Pin-Tuck Duvet Cover + Shams (starting at $19) from West Elm perfectly depicts the soft texture and gentle color every bed deserves, available in a handful of perfectly muted neutral colors like white, natural, and sea spray.

Lately, irresistible vibrant colors and vivid designs to dress my mattress are everywhere. My nostalgic philosophy is being challenged by these amiable wares from Anthropologie. On the left, the Circle “˜Round Sheet Set (starting at $68) is a lovely field of, “petite dots and bitty petals.” On the right, “undulating stems of oval leaves,” dance across the Azure Fern Sheet Set (starting at $68).

Maybe waking up to saturated colors and playful graphics gives each morning a stroke of energy and creativity. Maybe the bedroom should be full of crisp patterns and bold colors, like a whimsical field trip each night. Either way, I need them. All of them. I will just tuck these charismatic sheets tightly under my serene duvet and test the waters. On the left, “flowering vines curve sleepily,” across the Drowsy Vine Sheet Set (starting at $68). And finally, the Belina Sheet Set (starting at $48) is a place where, “tiny blooms breeze.”

What do you think? Quiet neutrality or vibrant color in the bedroom?

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Things getting stale in the bedroom? Consider changing up your headboard. But before heading to Ikea and picking up a mass-produced clunker, consider the sleek stylings of Mina Javid’s headboard decals.

Featuring a collection of mod shapes and contemporary designs, Javid’s decals give you all the impact of having an elegant headboard without all the wasted space. And at a mere $40 a pop, you can completely change the look of your room on a whim.

It’s impossible for us to pick our favorite style. We love all of them equally, from the ornate Olivia Headboard to the tried-and-true classic Wrought Iron Headboard. The decals come in a number of vivacious hues, from apple red to raspberry purple, so no matter the color scheme in your room you’re sure to find the perfect match.

When, and if, you get bored with your board, simply peal it off the wall and toss it in the trash. It’s a small amount of waste compared to most bulky headboards that would otherwise end up in the dump.

So you can rest easy at night knowing you added spice in the bedroom without compromising space in the landfill.

Available for purchase at Whatisblik.com.

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She’s pushing petals again, that Amy Butler, introducing fabulously feminine and bold wool carpets that are blooming in late August. These are great handcrafted picks for perking up an existing space. You got the sofa, you got the pillows, you got the hot date. Now you need a flirty-perty rug, right?

The new line of 19 patterns in the Amy Butler for Chandra collection borders on the exotic with a modern scale and lively depth of field. If the motifs look familiar, it’s because we’ve shown you her similar bedding designs which smack of India chic. The organic bedding is sold at Bed, Bath and Beyond. The carpets complete the totality of the Butler bedroom.

“I had so much fun designing this line and learning about a whole new industry,” says Butler, otherwise known as the queen of Midwest modern style . “I even got to visit India to see rugs being made and meet the people who make it all happen – it was an amazing experience! I loved seeing each step in the process, the care and detail that goes into each rug is stunning.”

The rugs are 100% handmade from New Zealand Wool and semi-sustainable using no harsh chemical washes, the industry’s safest chrome dyes and natural latex adhesive.

Go to Butler’s site to see a slideshow of the rugs or order a carpet brochure.

The post Butler Rolls Out Red Carpet and Other Hot Summer Rugs appeared first on EcoSalon.

I love to sleep. When my head hits the pillow at the end of a day, I’m usually snoozing inside of 10 minutes. I’m also a fan of the cat-nap. In fact anything remotely resembling sleep rests well with me”¦including beds.

A literal luxury in many parts of the world, the bed happens to be my favorite piece of furniture. Sleep, read, nap”¦there’s so much to do in bed. The bed that currently captures the key to my always-eco heart is dreamy. And I mean “seriously in my wildest dreams I just might be able to afford this bed” dreamy.

I’m sharing despite its $6,899 price tag ($7399 for the King), if only to illustrate that eco and luxury are not mutually exclusive.

The Sanaz Bed, by the Italian manufacturer EVVE, is available in all types of fabrics including “ecological leather”. And every single Sanaz Bed is made with eco-friendly wood harvested from sustainable European sources.

If it’s options you’re hungry for, add the Swarovski Crystal buttons to your headboard for an extra $250. If you’re sufficiently intrigued and desire more details, call IQ Matics at 847-885-3600. Or visit the website and chat with one of the salespeople.

via Design Milk

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Oh, the places Pottery Barn Kids will go to expand its green line of bedding. It has now traveled to the super silly and wonderful world of Dr. Seuss in offering organic bedding for spring. Drawings from Horton Hears a Who┞¢, The Cat in the Hat┞¢, Fox in Socks┞¢ and Green Eggs and Ham┞¢, among others are printed in rich, layered colors on a white cotton percale ground. Made from 100% organic cotton fiber and pre-washed for premium softness, the collection is Oeko-Tex certified.

Ham it up by complementing the bedding with coordinating pillows, decals and artwork. It all makes for a joyful kids’ room and gives us more decorating options which is always appreciated.

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Can’t find that sleek, modern piece on Ebay or Craigslist? Are the sales at DWR still too steep? There are plenty of other great deals to be had for those searching for the right piece of modern furniture that fits into their spaces and budgets.

Here are a few stylish finds that keep budget sustainability in mind:

This Reclaimed Oriental Rug (shown at top) rolled out by VivaTerra has the beauty of a hand knotted masterpiece for just $119 for the 6″x9″, a great size for under a coffee table or at the foot of a bed. I love to layer rugs. This one is great for throwing over an inexpensive sisal or sea grass.

The Mid-Century armless sofa from Urban Outfitters is an amazing deal at $550 with strong eco-friendly hardwood finished in a rich walnut stain. The back cushions can be removed to convert the sofa to a comfy daybed. It’s now available in gorgeous shades of blue, green, red and natural. It really works well for a living space moonlighting as your guest toom as it easily converts to a bed.

You can still afford to have breakfast in bed when the bed is the Barbados platform design of sustainbly harvested wood from Eco Furniture, $395 for the queen. I love the light finish but you can also opt for two darker woods, ebony and cordovan. It’s really a good buy if you consider modern platform beds from DWR start at $1500 and go way up from there.

They call these Inhabit fixtures Chump Change and they seem to fit the bill, packing a big stylish punch with a reasonable tag of $168 at Feel More Human.

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