Turn on the news lately and chances are you’ll see someone talking about the oil spill in the gulf and the effect it will have on our environment and the way we live. Most of you probably haven’t thought about the impact it will have on design, but everything from concept and fabrication to shipping and installation probably factors in oil in some way, shape or form. We don’t know exactly what the results from the spill will be but one thing is for sure, it has made us even more aware of the importance of considering eco-friendly and renewable resources when making design choices. Recently we have featured blog posts on some of the more mainstream “eco” topics such as earth friendly design, bamboo flooring and cork flooring. This week I wanted to take a minute and tell you about other rapidly renewable resources that you can incorporate into your home decor from floors to walls, these are choices you can really feel good about.

Surprise! It’s Cork Furniture

Cork isn’t just for wine bottles and flooring anymore. Check out this really cool sideboard from Iannone Design – you don’t have to look far anymore for interesting and stylish pieces made from renewable resources!

The Natural Choice in Carpet

Most carpet used in homes is made from nylon which is derived from oil. Choosing natural fibers like wool not only helps us migrate away from oil dependence, but it also can be better for your health as wool carpets don’t give of any toxic fumes or gases.

High Style with Hyacinth!

Made from one of the fastest growing plants, these fabulous vases are constructed from the dried stems of the water hyacinth plant. So stylish and you can buy as many as you want, the plants grow so fast they will definitely make more.

Don’t Forget Linoleum!

Often overlooked, linoleum can beВ  made from linseed oil, pine rosin, ground cork or limestone dust, wood flour, and mineral fillers. Highly durable, in tons of colors and finishes AND you can rest easy knowing that compared to vinyl flooring, it produces less off-gassing.

Custom Furniture with a Conscience

You’d be surprised at the kind of furniture you can find from local artisans with a conscience, like this gorgeous buffet table made of bamboo, palm wood and oak complete with a low VOC finish.

These are just a few ideas for you to look into but don’t forget other renewable resources being used in homes from recycled sunflower seeds, wheatboard, grass and straw, and cotton. I expect them to become more mainstream as we become more aware of how our choices affect not only our planet but our health. As always, if you are looking for a little inspiration on how you can incorporate renewable, sustainable or eco-friendly resources into your home decor, the Design Connection, Inc. team is here to help. You can connect with us online on Facebook, Twitter, here on our blog or contact us anytime at the office at 913-210-0511. We would love to hear from you on how you have incorporated any earth friendly materials into your everyday life, so come by and say virtually or in person!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Iannone Design, Straw Sticks and Bricks, Natural Territory and Sublime Home.