Naturally Speaking

I recently attended the Las Vegas World Market, the premier winter furniture market. Showroom after showroom highlighted natural and sustainable materials used in almost every product you can imagine...Tables, Chairs, Lamps, Fabric, Accessories, Rugs!

This was all perfectly in line with my main purpose for the trip, to attend the Sustainable Furnishings Council Greenleaders Training. I am now a certified GREEN AP ( very similar to LEED AP that many builders and architects have). The course highlighted the major issues afecting our Planet right now, how the furniture industry is impacting that, and what we can do to change. It was an invigorating course (especially for someone who does not enjoy sitting in a room all day listening to a speaker) and I feel honered to be a part of this wonderful organization. Check them out at: http://www.sustainablefurnishings.org/

Here are some of my favorite Green items:

The Bahama Chest from Four Hands is hand-crafted from Reclaimed and Recycled wood. $815

This Sliced Wood Lamp from Palecek is made from Plantation grown hardwood that is sliced and stacked to form the lamp body. Topped with a natural raffia shade.  $518

This Headboard is made from a Rapid Renewable: Woven Abaca. From Padma's Plantation. $690 in Queen size.

These Pebble Seaglass Triangle Plates from Viva Terra are made from Recycled Glass. $119 for a set of 4.

The Scarborough Rug from Surya is Hand Knotted in India and made from 100% Hemp. $936 for a 5'x8'

These Leaf pillows from Viva Terra use recycled Fabric scraps and cruelty free down inserts. $89 each. 

Windows and Warmth

I don't like Window Treatments. They are cumbersome, overpriced, block out the sunlight, and collect dust.

We live in the country, we dont need to close ourselves in for privacy. However, we have a problem with winter drafts.  So, I am on the dreadful hunt for Window Treatments!

I am looking for Floor length Panels that will coordinate the colors in the 2 rooms which are open to eachother, as well as provide necessary warmth when closed (the whole reason I am doing this!).   My Rasberry Truffle Dining room has one Double window and my Sandlot Gray living room has One set of French doors.

Where do I begin!?!
Although I work in the industry, and have access to thousands of beautiful products....lets face it, I'm on a budget! So I went to the internet.....here are some my favorites:

The Marrakech Curtains in slate, $148 per panel from Anthropologie. 
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 The Savannah Curtain Panel in Ivory: $29.99 per panel from Cost Plus World Market
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The Yoruba Curtain: $178 per panel from Anthropologie ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ikat Ogee Linen Panels: $69 per panel from West Elm
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I finally decided to go with the least expensive option from Cost Plus World Market. The mix of colors in the pattern combines my 2 wall colors with all the accent colors perfectly. Now all I have to do is wait for them to come off of backorder!