We adore the versatility of bamboo, how it crops up in everything from earrings to iPod speakers, and how it’s rapidly renewable. So, today for your viewing pleasure, we’ve rounded up five home products that show interesting, innovative and inspired uses of bamboo.

1. Braided Money Tree from RedEnvelope.com ($29.99)
Bamboo plants are a symbol of good fortune in many Asian cultures, so this makes the perfect plan for your home, office, or as a gift (bonus: money plants are intended for indoor use). You can even “upgrade” to bamboo container.

2. Chrysalis Wall Flat from Inhabit ($86)
Made from molded bamboo paper pulp, these wall flats instantly add texture and interest to your walls. We love how flexible they are: you can use one as a focal point to cleverly disguise wall imperfections or cover an entire room with these wall flats to make a stronger statement.

3. Modern Bamboo Spring Chair from Modern Bamboo ($690-710)
Available in three swoonworthy hues, these ultra modern chairs work equally well in a home or office setting. The sleek, undulating lines lend a simple, yet artistic vibe to the space.

4. Bamboo Duvet Cover & Shams from VivaTerra ($42-135)
The muted, earthy tones and sensual smoothness of these bamboo textiles are sure to transform your bedroom into an oasis of calm. The crisp combination of white and beige is effortlessly elegant.

5. Kirie Bamboo Clock from decoylab ($84)
This clever and eye-catching clock was inspired by Kirie, the Japanese art of paper cutting. It mixes ivory acrylic and bamboo for whimsical, yet worldly appeal.

Top image: robmcm

The post Friday 5: Bamboo-zled appeared first on EcoSalon.

Whether hosting a casual summer cookout or stashing your sandals and towels after a trip to the beach, the Recycled Black Garden Trug from Spanish company Fiel is versatile enough to handle it all. We love that this flexible bucket is made from polyethylene used for manufacturing tires and comes in several sizes.

It looks durable enough that it could last for several years, even stored outdoors and exposed to the elements (after all, tires are made to withstand harsh winters, spring showers, and everything in between). We can totally picture this trug sitting in a hallway to collect dripping umbrellas, in a cute little shed to hold gardening tools, or at a backyard BBQ filled with ice and cold drinks.

Tell us! Where and how would you use this handy little trug? What other uses can you think of?

The post Green Crush: Recycled Tire Trugs appeared first on EcoSalon.

The new season of Mad Men has us jonesing for graphic prints, mid-century furniture, and other Sixties-inspired styles. Numerous designers are riffing on that theme, creating pieces that exude a Mad-Men-meets-modern-day vibe. Here’s how we’d style a Mad Men-inspired living room.

1. Rennie Sofa from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (price not listed, pictured above)
So sleek, so sexy, so versatile. We love the grid-tufted back and the hardwood frame. We can totally picture one of Don Draper’s secretaries perched demurely on this couch, but it also feels modern enough for today’s urban loft.

2. Fresca Area Rug from inmod.com (starts at $89)
As Mad Men enters the mid-Sixties, we’re seeing more bold graphic prints and fewer staid, conservative pieces. This hand-tufted wool rug is the perfect expression of that more aesthetic. Plus, its colors complement the couch.

3. Ace Trading-midea Fans FT30-U2B Table Retro Fan in Chrome from Amazon ($39.69)
Although residential AC units became increasingly common in the 1950s, offices and homes still used table fans for a more direct breeze. This fan lends a certain retro chic to your space and  lets you stay cool sans AC.

4. Brave Space – Stagger Server from Bravespace ($2,540-2,640)
Modular, asymmetrical cabinets exude modernity. We love how you can customize this piece with closed storage where you need it. The organic herbal oil finish adds an intriguing texture.

5. Inhabit Estrella Plinko Pillow in Cornflower from AllModern.com ($60-68)
A delightful graphic print on recycled polyester gives this pillow its groovy style. The colors feel modern, but not too feminine.

What do you think? Which piece(s) jumps out at you?

The post Friday 5: It’s a Mod, Mod World appeared first on EcoSalon.

Before the days of rodenticides, glue traps, and companies specializing in pest control, apartment dwellers and homeowners had an effective (and eco-friendly) way of warding off mice: they kept cats. Nowadays most cat-owners value companionship over mouse-fighting powers, but several places are turning to this old-fashioned method of mouse control.

Take the San Francisco Working Cats Program, which started last year. Sponsored by the San Francisco SPCA, the program adopts under-socialized or feral cats into businesses for companionship and rodent control. The cats are vaccinated and spayed or neutered before adoption. The business owner commits to providing safe shelter, food, water, and any necessary vet care in exchange for the cat’s companionship and rodent control. The Humane Society of Huron Valley has a similar program called Barn Buddies.

Not only do these programs reduce the need for chemical repellents and sprays, but they also keep hard-to-adopt cats from being euthanized. Programs like Working Cats and Barn Budies also encourage mice to go elsewhere instead of getting caught in a trap or hunted by cats, since most will stay away from a warehouse or other building that smells of cat. One cat adopter in San Fran even created a blog about his working cats.

Yet not everyone is so fond of using felines for this purpose. Several delis in New York City use cats to scare off mice and risk getting fined by health inspectors. Of course, deli owners point out that rats or mice aren’t very hygienic either.

Image: r. s. m. b. Sees

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In just a few short weeks, the kids will head back to school, leaves will begin to change colors, and summer will fade to a blissful memory. Embrace a new season with a little scene change inspired by fall’s most iconic image.

1. Log Bowls from Loyal Loot (pictured above, price not listed)
The juxtaposition of reclaimed wood and bold shades of acrylic paint appeals to our artsy side. An assortment of these in differing sizes and colors arranged on a counter or side table would make an instantly fab focal point.

2. Birch Accent Pillow from Loop Organic ($100)
Available in green or chocolate, this pillow features the beautiful image of a birch branch silhouetted against white organic hemp. The effect is simple, yet supremely stylish.

3. Timber Doormat from Chia’sso ($48)
Made up of sustainable wooden “coins,” this timber doormat creates a Little House on the Prairie meets modern loft vibe. We love how the earthy colors and unpredictable pattern goes with almost any décor.

4. Small Disc Chimes S/4 from PigeonToeCeramics ($28)
Dress up your favorite tree with a set of porcelain windchimes and watch as they gently dance in the breeze. These are available with your choice of cord, but our personal fave is the natural jute twine.

5. Teak Trunks from VivaTerra ($139-275)
Whether you use these teak trunks as stools, end tables, or something else is entirely up to you. However you incorporate these versatile pieces into your space,  they’re sure to add a certain rustic charm.

Any of these pieces speak to you? Which one(s) are on your wish list?

The post Friday 5: Turning Over a New Leaf appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ever wish you could fly south for the winter like our favorite feathered friends? Spending several months of the year in some sunny, beachfront locale may be out of the question, but with these five finds, you can create a warm, welcoming oasis that combines clever details with elements from nature.

1. Twig Birdhouse from Terrain ($18, picture above)

Crafted from natural twigs, this birdhouse beckons the birds to your garden, providing a charming shelter and a chic outdoor accent.

2. Peepsie Print from Shine by S.H.O. (price not listed)

We love the vivid colors and rich detail of this print, taken from the perspective of a “bird’s eye view.” It’s also signed by the artist and limited edition, so chances are good that your guests haven’t seen it before.

3. Salvaged Wood Nesting Tables from VivaTerra ($258)

Cluster these nesting tables together to save space or spread them around the room for extra table space. We adore the juxtaposition of modern steel, salvaged wood and varying heights.

4. Little Modern Birds Pillow from Etsy ($50)

Organic cotton twill and water-based ink makes a whimsical addition to your living room or bedroom decor. And the unusual proportions of this pillow combined with the cute design make it an instant focal point.

5. Sort Sol Lamp from Anthropologie ($298)

Recycled glass gets a stylish twist with hand-painted papier mache birds. We can totally picture this dreamy lamp perched on a bedside table or adding a playful touch to a living room.

What do you think? Which piece(s) caught your eye?

The post Friday 5: Feathering the Nest appeared first on EcoSalon.

Much as we love colors and textures inspired by Mother Nature, we also can’t resist industrial-inspired forms like the recycled steel chandelier pictured below. Why not get the best of both worlds by mixing and matching the earthy and urban? Here’s what’s on our wish list this week.

1. Felted Wool Outdoor Stones from VivaTerra ($395-695, pictured above)

   We’ve covered wool-covered stones in the past, but nothing on this scale. VivaTerra, our sister site, suggests using these felted stones as outdoor seating. And when they’re not in use, they’ll blend in seamlessly with your backyard.

   

2. Teak Root Basket from Redefine Home ($89)

   We love the versatility of this teak root basket, which is made from reclaimed wood. Whether mounted on a bathroom wall or resting on a hallway table, this basket creates an instant conversation piece.

   

3. Birdie Doormat from Chia’sso ($38)

   With its cheerful colors and modern design, this doormat welcomes you and your visitors into the space. It also features a recycled, non-slip rubber backing.

   

4. Amenity Cove Pillow in Cream and Moss ($93)

   We’re borderline obsessed with the calming, earthy colors found in Amenity’s pillows. This one comes in three different sizes and is made from organic cotton blended with hemp.

   

5. Shaken Dining Chandelier from Varaluz (price not listed)

   Recycled steel and opal layered glass create a strikingly modern piece that’s part sculpture, part chandelier. We totally picture this baby illuminating a glass-top dining table and a set of black leather parson’s chairs.

Which piece(s) make you drool? Anything you’re not so keen on? We’d love to know!

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I’ll be the first to admit that high school physics and math were not my best subjects. Though sine, cosine, and tangent frustrated me endlessly, I’ve since made peace with these tricky trigonometric functions.

Exhibit A: this sine table by Maçek Furniture. The Austin-based company makes heirloom-quality furniture using lumber from certified sustainable sources and low-VOC finishes.

Here’s a simple mathematical equation that sums it the concept: cypress lumber plus steel plus stainless steel equals an irresistibly stylish and modern entry table inspired by sine waves. Or if sine and cosine aren’t your thing, the table might make you think of a gently flowing stream or part of a hand-woven basket. I love how the different shades of wood work together with the steel poles to create an industrial-meets-natural vibe.

Physicist or fashionista, this is one table we can all appreciate. Class dismissed!

The post Finally, a Mathematical Concept We Love appeared first on EcoSalon.

It was during a springtime stroll past rows of charming brownstones shaded by big flowering trees that made me fall in love with my alma mater, Boston University. I love the aristocratic flourishes and the feeling that generations of residents have added to the building’s history and character. And for two years of college, I adored living in a beautifully rehabbed brownstone, complete with bay windows and crown molding. But like many older buildings, brownstones aren’t always the most energy efficient.

Which is why I was eager to read about Eco Brooklyn, Inc. in a New York Times article. The green contractor uses guerrilla green-building techniques to balance budget and economic concerns when rehabbing buildings. In other words, they salvage old building materials rather than buying swanky new ones.

The goal of Eco Brooklyn’s founder, Gennaro Brooks-Church, is to achieve a “zero-brownstone.” That means zero waste, zero new building materials, and zero energy (thanks to improved energy-efficiency). Several other architects and contractors mentioned in the piece have similar goals as well.

Obviously, there’s still a significant investment of time and money required in rehabbing an older home, but there are also federal, state, and city tax incentives for making improvements such as energy-efficient windows, solar electric systems, and geothermal heat pumps. So, maybe “green” and “brownstone” aren’t a contradiction in terms.

Image: rutlo

The post The Green Brownstone: An Oxymoron? appeared first on EcoSalon.

Growing up, my mother always insisted we use placemats to protect the table from scratches or spills. Hers were the plastic or fabric variety, often emblazoned with seasonal patterns like flowers or Christmas trees.

Thanks to Sweet Green Tangerine, we’ve found a stylish placemat that works year round. With whimsical trees, birds, and butterflies screen printed in white against birch veneer on a thin plywood core, the Season Placemat Set ($32 for a set of four) bring a certain modern sensibility to the table.

They also match some of the dishes and other items in Sweet Green Tangerine’s collection, but we’d be just as happy pairing them with simple white dishes, too.

What do you think of these placemats? Can you see them sitting on your dining table?

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