Guest Curator: Sustainable Design With Pretty Little Green Things

PrettyLGreen

Story by PrettyLGreen

Published on July 21, 2010 in Shop

Photo by cjhdesign

Petra_bio.jpg

We’ve all heard the explanations for why living an eco-friendly life is so essential, so I’ll spare you the boring dry facts and scare tactics and just say that it really is that important. But even with all the evidence, I also know what we ultimately want is a beautiful home filled with the things we love. So I’m here to show you that sustainability can be chic and refined, especially with help from Etsy sellers. I’ve found some amazing crafters selling gorgeous eco-friendly furniture and accessories, so you’ll never have to choose between your house and your planet.

Here are my picks of stunning furniture and accessories, all made from recycled or reclaimed products. By repurposing their materials, these sellers are doing a double service for the environment. They’re saving natural resources from ending up in the landfill and protecting new resources from being used to make more things. Now you can enjoy your gorgeous purchases and rest easy knowing that you took a chic step for the environment.

 

For a slightly rustic dining room look, this 100% reclaimed North Carolina barn wood farm table by brandmojointeriors is perfect.

 

I love this little Z-shaped table by ecotables. With 75% recycled steel from remnants, it would make a great little side table or even a nightstand, if you’re short on space.

 

This dining table by cjhdesign would be an amazing focal piece in an industrial-chic dining room (or really any dining room). The top is made from oiled mahogany and the base is cast iron, salvaged from a 100-year-old leather belt-driven metal lathe.

 

I absolutely adore this bookcase by robrray, made from recycled steel and reclaimed barn wood from the 1880s. I think it would look gorgeous in even the fanciest room.

 

These stools by filos would look outstanding at a kitchen counter or bar. They’re made of recycled steel tube and a combination of different reclaimed pine and dough fir leftovers.

 

I think this console by TRUECONNECTION would be a fantastic piece for an entry, especially if you’re short on space. The skinny shape contrasted with the weathered gray recycled cedar gives it a warm yet
modern feel.

 

Stump tables are very popular right now, and this one by realwoodworks1 is a lovely version because of its light gray color and imperfections. It’s made from box elder wood that was rescued after a flood.

 

I love the color and movement of this coffee table by Qualitycraftsmen. The simple modern shape would look great juxtaposed against more traditional furniture.

 

For a more casual look, this coffee table by salvageinteriors would be terrific. It’s made with square steel tubing and reclaimed barn board planks.

 

This coffee table by xenasdad is made from repurposed printer’s type drawers. I can see it at a beach house filled with shells and or sea glass, or in any home with whatever collection you can dream up!

 

No eco-chic room would be complete without the proper accessories. These mirrors by natureinspiredcrafts are made from 100% salvaged, recovered, and repurposed wood and would look great individually or as a collection on the wall.

 

This chalkboard by RowansRoom is a stylish way to keep yourself organized. It was handcrafted from an antique cabinet door that’s over 100 years old. I know I wouldn’t mind making my grocery list if it was on this chalkboard!

 

This beautiful vase by timberturner was made from an old fence post of weathered mulberry wood. The contrast of the cracked exterior against the warm and polished interior makes this piece just stunning.

 

Lastly, for all of you iPod users out there, here’s an eco-friendly way for you to charge your device. This charging dock station by SwedishGuyDesign is made from an old barrel stained a rich, deep garnet color from holding wine. I love the contrast of the sleek iPod against the natural wood.

 

About the author: Pretty Little Green Things is a blog dedicated to showing the beautiful side of green design and the sustainable face of luxury. With a background in high-end residential and hospitality interior design, founder Petra Boykoff believes that you don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability. Her blog regularly features the best of eco-chic interiors and green home furnishings. In addition to her blog, Petra’s interior design company, Evermore Design, helps clients create their elegant and sustainable dream home.

 

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