Want to add some glamour to your home without going overboard? Consider white and gold decor.

Of course, you don’t want to overdo it and have your home end up like the penthouse of Trump Tower, but white and gold might just be for you if you like sparkly, glitzy and glamorous decor. White and gold decor can take your home from blah to glam while keeping things more on the elegant side of the taste scale. Read on to get inspired by these eco-friendly suggestions to take on this color trend in your space.

Eco-friendly White and Gold Decor

1. Gold Wallpaper

While you might think that gold wallpaper is taking things a little too far–after all, you don’t live in Versailles–give it a second chance. If you pick the right gold wallpaper, you can elevate your decor without looking gaudy. This flora and fauna paper made with water-based inks on sustainably-harvested paper is the perfect example.

2. Metallic Paint

Looking to go bold? Add an accent wall painted with a gold metallic paint. While a whole gold-painted room would be just too much, an accent wall is just the way to make a statement. Try a low-VOC paint like the ones from Metaltech.

3. White Sofa

Imagine this elegantly modern white sofa in a room decorated in white and gold (this would work perfectly with the gold paint or wallpaper previously mentioned). And if you aren’t already convinced, this modern loveseat is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and made in the U.S.

4. Chandelier

Add both glamour and functionality with a chandelier. This one features both modern elegance with vintage appeal in the aged gold leaf.

5. Gold Wall Decals

Removable wall decals are great if you are looking to make a change but don’t want it to be permanent. These gold honeycomb wall decals would be ideal for renters with stark white walls looking to add some gold touches.

6. Concrete Coffee Table

Concrete can be a more sustainable choice for both building and home decor. It is a durable material that can last a lifetime. This concrete coffee table would also make a great addition to your white and gold decor to keep your space from looking gauche. It would also look amazing with some gold-colored ceramics and other knickknacks place on top.

7. Gold Curtains

Finally, don’t be afraid to go for it with these sparkly gold curtains inspired by a disco ball. The key to adding these to your decor is to keep everything else sedate.

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The post Go Glam (and Eco-Friendly) with White and Gold Decor appeared first on EcoSalon.

Throw pillows are like the icing on the décor cake. These little gems of plushy goodness provide the perfect finishing touch for nearly every room in the house, and they’re a guilty pleasure some hardcore decorators might even deem mandatory. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice style for compassion because we have some eco-friendlydecorative throw pillows that will seriously rock your world. But you know, softly.

Whether you plop them on your bed, sofa, floor, or your favorite wingback chair, toss pillows add much needed layers of color, texture, and warmth throughout your home. They are relatively inexpensive and have the potential to create serious design impact. Plus, choosing unique patterns and images can really allow you to express your personality without taking big risks.

Sadly, many pillows manufactured today contain some less than savory materials. Down feather inserts, wool, alpaca, synthetic materials, and chemically laced dyes are just a few of the obvious obstacles that we’re faced with when shopping for cushions. Not only can these be harmful to our health, but the animal derived materials are seriously cruel. If you need further proof, check out this article from PETA on the abuse of geese for their feathers to make down filling.

On the bright side, we don’t have to support these heartless manufacturers in their quest to inflict all sorts of pain and suffering on the human and animal populations because we’ve rounded up some conscious retailers with several beautiful and decorative cruelty-free pillows.

1. Bursaria Workshop

If you’re a fan of Australian wildlife, or any sort of cute animal really, then you’ll fall in love with these pillows featuring wombats, possums, and even crayfish. The graphic designer and printmaker who runs this little shop has brought her original designs to life in the form of charming, creature themed cushions and the occasional abstract image.

Bursaria Workshop uses recycled PET fiberfill whenever possible (which seems to be very often, if not all the time), utilizes organic hemp and organic cotton regularly, and prints using water based inks.

It goes without saying that these pillows would fit right in nestled on the bunk bed in a child’s room, but these are also great for the kid at heart. Add one or two of these among a small sea of cushions atop your sofa, or isolate and call attention to a single piece of furniture that holds a special place in your heart.

2. Zleep Shop

Bold geometric patterns and colors more your thing? Then look no further than the modern Zleep Shop. This small retailer contains a limited selection of designs, including the ever popular chevron, stripe, polka dot, scallop, and abstract printed encasements. Hand crafted from natural and eco-friendly materials, the pillows from this shop are made from exclusively organic cotton fabric.

Although bold and contrasting, these pillows are actually very versatile – just as easily as they are able to stand out, will they also blend in – it really just depends on the atmosphere and the overall design goal you’re interested in achieving.

Black and white geometric patterns are excellent safeguards to utilize when getting your feet wet with pattern mixing. These are generally neutral territory despite the contrasting images, but the basic color, or lack thereof, keeps them very grounded in a sea of other colors, images, and patterns. I recommend trying the chevron or scallop in black and white. 

3. River Oak Studio 

Finally we have the perfect shop for you to pick up your organic and sustainable fabric-based pillows from that has simple and modern cottage living in mind. With softer patterns and a more subdued palette, River Oak Studio definitely understands how to appeal to the masses.

The designs are sophisticated and look like they belong in a West Elm or Pottery Barn display for sure, although they can be a tad on the rustic side. Fortunately, this shop owner has good intentions with her use of eco-friendly water based inks for printing and organic cotton GOTS certified sateen.

These would be the highlight in a quaint and quirky bohemian abode, especially the patterns leaning more toward the organic side, like the feather, dahlia, and even bunny rabbit prints. When decorating for this laid-back style, eclectic is best, so it may be better to buy your pillow patterns singly, rather than in matching pairs.

With that said, this shop’s offerings really are so versatile that many of the pillow designs could be used in a variety of applications – from the nursery to the beach house, to the apartment of an avian obsessed fan – do spare a moment to check out this well-intentioned online shop.

We really hope you enjoyed our decorative eco-friendly pillows compilation. What did you think? Let us know your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Pillows on Bed via Shutterstock

The post 3 Eco-Friendly Decorative Throw Pillows That Will Rock (and Cushion) Your World appeared first on EcoSalon.

The holidays are upon us once again and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. If you haven’t decorated for the big day just yet, then never fear because we have several sophisticated and simple eco-friendly fall crafts that can be put together in a snap.

Who doesn’t enjoy a quick, high-impact project that will have your house looking fall-worthy in a matter of minutes? I know I do! So grab those glue guns, scissors, fabric, supplies, and whatever else you might need (hint: it starts with a “W” and rhymes with “mine”) and let’s get crafting!

1. Glitz and Glitter

There aren’t many things that won’t benefit from a dusting of glitter, and your autumn décor is no exception. Fortunately, with a few materials from your craft bin and some foliage from your backyard, you’ll have several adornments that will fit right in this fall.

Scour your backyard for acorns, pinecones, and leaves. Coat them with a layer of Mod Podge, or watered down glue, and sprinkle with glitter – golds, reds, and any other warm hues would signify the colors of fall. Gather up some clear glass display jars for the acorns and pinecones and try attaching the leaves to a strand of ribbon for a simple and festive garland for your mantel.

2. Deck the Walls

If you have some metallic paint or gold leafing lying around, then set aside a few outdoor leaves – odd groupings are best – and coat them thoroughly with the pigment. Once dry, pop them into frames for instant wall art for just a few bucks.

Bust out some hot glue, paint, an old mirror, or picture frame, and put all of those extra wine corks to good use. Create a cork board for your kitchen reminders in a snap by laying the corks flat inside the empty frame painted in the color of your choice. Get creative – try out a chevron pattern for an extra cute touch.

3. Tabletop Trimmings

Set the table in style with some whimsical and handmade cake plates. Combine unused or thrifted tapered candle holders with a decorative platter or plate and some really strong glue like E-6000. Flip the plate and candlestick over, center your candlestick, apply glue, affix the candlestick to the bottom of the plate and, once dry and upright, you’ll have instant appetizer and dessert serving stands.

Vary the height of the candlesticks to create visual interest, or replace the plate with a bowl for a really fun way to serve candies. Clear candlestick bases look great with solid plates and bowls on top. Have fun with color and patterns for a customized table setting.

Use a paper punch on backyard leaves for some of the cutest holiday confetti ever. Slip the leaf in the punch just as you would paper. Butterflies, leaves, trees, circles, stars, or whatever else you have would make for a really sweet smattering on your dinner table.

If you have pinecones in your backyard and a hacksaw in your garage, then you’re already two steps ahead for these pinecone place cards. Let your guests know who will be sitting where when you create these elegantly simple table markers. Collect pinecones from your yard, and after debugging them, carefully use the hacksaw to make a slit about ¾ of the way down from the top to toward the center of the pinecone. Slip in a handwritten piece of cardstock with your guests’ names and you’re all set.

4. Pumpkin Spice

Spread some holiday cheer by whipping up an ultra-cute, ultra-classy monogrammed pumpkin. If you think traditional pumpkin art looks a tad tacky, then don’t worry because this project hinges on the simplicity of color and embellishments.

Coat the orange part of your pumpkin thoroughly with white or off-white paint, find your initial online and print it out to make a stencil. Trace it on to the pumpkin, and after it’s been painted white, carefully brush over the transferred letter with glue. Sprinkle on some glitter, cover well, and you’ve just completed a monogram pumpkin in time for Thanksgiving.

Use mini pumpkins as votive or tapered candle holders. Grab your drill along with a spade bit that matches the circumference of the candle you intend to use. Carefully drill into the stem portion of your mini pumpkin. Apply gentle pressure here and stop when you’ve created enough space within the pumpkin to just cradle your candle – be sure not to drill all the way through. Pop in a candle, light it up, and it’s just that simple.

With a few simple eco-friendly fall crafts in your arsenal, you should be well on your way to holiday bliss. What’s your favorite holiday decoration or tradition? Let us know on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Craft Supplies via Shutterstock

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One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, and that’s never been truer than with this roundup of upcycled junk that’s been skillfully transformed into the surprisingly pleasant and totally livable home furnishings that follow.   

The true cost of throwing out your old or gently used furniture is actually pretty steep – and the environment is paying for it. Fortunately, there are some talented designers who are interested in changing the face of store-bought furniture by taking upcycled junk to a whole different level. Many of these designs are not only stylish, but they’re also sophisticated – resulting in some beautiful pieces that I certainly wouldn’t be ashamed of having in my home.

From reclaimed wood, to repurposed pipe, to revamped antiques, there is sure to be something on this list that catches your eye. Take a peek at these eco-friendly designer pieces, and have fun deciding on where they might look the best in your home.

1. Barnwood State Side Tables 

Represent your hometown with these adorable and industrial modern state-shaped tables with a rustic feel. Sure to compliment a variety of decorating styles, these unique handmade surfaces are constructed from reclaimed Tennessee barn wood. Finished off with hairpin legs and supported by a sturdy iron framework, these little pieces of history are sure to be around for many more years to come.

2. Industrial Pipe Pendant Lamp 

Sculptural and undoubtedly unique, add a cool conversation piece to your home with this pendant light created from upcycled pipe and bright, beautiful globe bulbs. This would look superb hanging in the foyer to greet guests, or choose a smaller custom size and flank these suspended pendants on either side of the bed above each nightstand. In addition to this special piece, the etsy shop from which it comes specializes in other beautiful one-of-a-kind custom industrial lighting with the use of reclaimed materials.

3. Wine Cork Stool 

Get the best of both worlds at both ends! This stool provides a place to park your buns and sip your favorite vino, while also displaying your borderline obsessed totally normal relationship with wine. Another plus is that these seats are composed of 100 percent repurposed and recycled corks – with more than 2,300 used in each piece. Ok, so since the number of corks needed would take, like, a lifetime to save up for as a do-it-yourself project, your liver and I highly suggest purchasing these, rather than trying to throw a few together at home. Besides, these are water and mold resistant and can also double as side tables. What’s not to love?

4. Cubie Ammunition Crates

Handcrafted in and shipped from Europe, these special little storage boxes were formerly ammunition crates. Repainted in three beautiful colors, green, white, and aqua, a Cubie in any hue is sure to look as good as it functions. Aside from new lids made from reclaimed palettes, the crates reuse all of the original materials – screws, hinges, sides, and bottoms. The weathered appearance and natural rope handles would look great when used in a nautical, shabby chic, or other casual decor setting.

5. Film Reel Table

Perfect for the film buff in your life, that multimedia theater room, or the finishing touch in an industrial modern home, this striking film reel table is sure to start conversations with ease. Your guests will love hearing how this side table was made. Created with an original aluminum 35mm film reel from the 1930s sandwiched between two sheets of glass and offset by a base made with salvaged gear parts, this unique piece does an excellent job marrying antique and contemporary details.

6. Speed Aluminum Chair

Create a cozy sitting corner, or gather ‘round the breakfast table and pull up one of the most unique, completely recycled industrial-style chairs. These bold seats are handcrafted by artist Boris Bally, and are made from salvaged traffic signs that he extracts from ten-foot-high, thirty thousand pound scrap piles. Each chair is special because of the variation of materials, the difficulty in locating pieces with just the right amount of weathering, and the technique in which they’re made – he adds details through hand-sawing and filing.

What did you think of these unique pieces? Is it worth the price to purchase something that won’t pollute our landfills? Let us know your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Chandelier via Urban Chandy

The post Upcycled Junk: 6 Beautiful Home Furnishings You Can Feel Good About appeared first on EcoSalon.

Whether you’re a veteran vegan or just embarking on a newfound vegetarian voyage, you may still have a few old leather jackets lying around, or even Grandma’s mink coat collecting dust in the dark corners of your closet. So before tossing them out with yesterday’s trash, consider learning how to repurpose leather and fur – it can be beneficial whether you’re an herbivore or not.

Since adopting a plant-based diet many years ago, I have struggled with something that I’m sort of embarrassed to admit…I still own and wear leather products that I purchased prior to abstaining from other animals products. There, I said it! And yes, I just totally cringed after re-reading that statement.

As upset as this sometimes makes me, I have (mostly) come to peace with the idea that rather than simply donating or throwing leather items away, such pieces are truly better off in the hands of the individuals who care about animals more than most.

So rather than perpetuate the cycle of buying and selling leather when donating to certain charities, or completely wasting the byproduct (and life) of an innocent animal by throwing items away, why not take it a step further and learn to reuse and appropriate them constructively, in honor of the sacrifice?

Ultimately, the important thing to remember here is not to be racked with guilt, but to feel empowered knowing there is something you can do with your old animal products. Wrangle your jackets, gather your craft bin, and call on your bestie, so we can get your DIY juices flowing, because repurposed leather and fur definitely have a new lease on life.

Repurpose Leather

If you’re no longer into wearing leather as-is, then take the liberty to transform it into something else. Turning a leather jacket into a purse is a given, but what if you want something more unique? Why not try out some new home décor with a pair of suede throw pillows for the sofa, or a reupholstered seat cushion from Mom’s 1980s leather trench coat.

Shoes can be a tough item to repurpose, but all hope is not lost. If you’re still hanging on to those worn out western boots from back in the day, turn them into a cool planter for flowers, or fill them with sand and use them as doors stops. Consider donating gently used dress shoes to Dress for Success, an organization that won’t resell your product and will instead put them to good use for disadvantaged women in need of professional attire.

Make sure old leather purses continue their journeys as trusty standbys and keep your emergency first aid kit, sewing kit, or even makeup and cosmetics stashed in an old satchel or clutch – brownie points if it has a structured bottom. Give the little women in your life a chance to play dress-up with a big girl purse, or use them as revamped candy collecting sacks for Halloween costumes.

Repurpose leather belts by making Fido and Fifi one-of-a-kind dog collars, or by crafting some creative drawer pulls for your mid-century dresser. Other ideas include curtain tie-backs, bracelet cuff jewelry, and straps or handles for just about anything. If you’re still stuck, check out The Refab Diaries for more ideas.

Repurpose Fur

Fur coats are a topic of disdain for many animal activists. And while we can’t take back the suffering that was already experienced, we can at least work to make something good out of a bad situation.

Sometimes we’re given items that we never imagined owning, like fur coats that happen to be family heirlooms. So in order to make lemonade from very well-meaning lemons, here are some creative and even cute keepsake ideas for your furs.

Reupholster an ottoman or footstool using your old fur for a really great transformation like the one seen here – if you have enough left over, matching pillows are an option, too. Throw rugs are another great choice for large fur coats, as are throw blankets for the sofa.

Handmade teddy bears, or memory bears, are a popular option for unwanted furs. They are sweet gift ideas for children or relatives and don’t constantly remind one of where they originated. Etsy is a great place to start your search for a seller specializing in custom orders, or you can give Stadler Furs a try.

And last but not least, know that your furs can actually benefit other animals in need. Coats for Cubs, hosted by Buffalo Exchange, holds an annual fur drive encouraging the donation of old furs to help rehabilitate orphaned and injured animals that need a warm reminder of what it’s like to snuggle in comfort.

Fellow herbivores chime in! Did you like our ideas? Have you already tried these? Know something even better to suggest? Let us know your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Woman on Clothes from Shutterstock

The post Donate, Toss, or Repurpose Leather and Fur: The Herbivore’s Dilemma appeared first on EcoSalon.

I have to admit, I love cork – and not just because the source (the Cork Oak tree) bears an uncanny resemblance to my last name. I love the texture, color, and possibilities this humble material offers. I love that a porous material with contrasting rich earthy substance and negative space molds into sheets of two-dimensional strength. Here are just a few reasons for you to love cork, too.

Benjamin Hubert designs a heap of gorgeous products to suspend from your ceiling. The Float pendant (a hand turned Portuguese agglomerate cork lamp) is just one of Mr. Hubert’s creations to covet.

The Phillip Jeffries Java Cork Collection is an inspired wallpaper gathering; Ebony Cork with Gold is a dream of natural cork with a gold metallic underlay. This unexpected partnership of earthy and gleam is absolutely stunning. These Balloon Shakers designed by Japanese architect Masayuki Kurokawa (available at Merchant 4) are a translucent and enlightening way to display salt, pepper, and vivid spices.

The Puf Fup by Corque (designed by Ana Mestre) is envisioned to “challenge the creativity of its user” through a cohesive, continuous string of perfect cork spheres that invites sculpting your perfect (wildly comfortable) seat.

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