4 Eco-Friendly Fabrics You Need to Know: Non-organic linen production processes may surprise you

What you don’t know about most fabrics will probably surprise you. Not only are there chemicals in the foods we eat, they are also found in our upholsteries, blankets, and clothes.

“Green fabric” includes any fabric made from sustainable or organic natural materials. Green fabric is also used to describe both recycled and fabric created using natural products and organic processes.

Organic cotton: Traditional cotton covers 5% of the world’s cultivated land, yet uses it uses 25% of the world’s insecticides and 10% of world pesticides (including probable carcinogens).

Organic cotton is weaved from non-genetically modified plants. It is certified as grown without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals, such as fertilizers or pesticides that damage not only the integrity of the cotton but the land and surrounding ecology.

Organic linen (Flax Fiber): Though many use “organic linen” to describe all organically (grown without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides) produced linen, true organic linen is created with flax fibers – the oldest crop in the world! Linen is naturally creamy white to light tan in color, pure white is only achieved through bleaching. It is notorious for wrinkling, but linen lovers just accept that as part of its charm. It is a great hot-weather fabric because it absorbs a lot of moisture (e.g. sweat) without feeling damp and dries quickly, which cools the skin.

Flax fiber is extracted from the skin of the stem of the flax plant. Flax fiber is incredibly soft, shiny and flexible (often resembling blonde human hair). Though flax fiber is stronger than cotton fiber, it is less elastic. The best grades are used for linen fabrics such as damasks, lace and sheeting. Coarser grades are often used for the manufacturing of twine and rope.

Organic wool: Traditional methods for producing wool have an adverse impact on the environment and livestock welfare. During the production of non-organic wool, livestock is often subject to synthetic pesticides, non-organic feed, and possibly even synthetic hormones and/or genetic engineering. The livestock could also be subject to substandard health management, and live in substandard conditions.

Organic Wool During the production of organic wool, sheep/livestock are raised and treated in a different way to those which produce non-organic wool. The above treatment and conditions should not be present during the production of organic wool.

Hemp: Because of its biological association with marijuana, hemp is still illegal to grow industrial hemp within the United States. Legislation is being worked on to change this, but as of now, hemp needs to be grown elsewhere in the world (which causes it’s carbon footprint to increase). Hemp products can be manufactured in the US, though, and there are now on the market a wide variety of clothes that use hemp as the green fabric in their manufacture.

Hemp grows easily and is environmentally friendly. Hemp fiber is naturally mildew-resistant, antimicrobial, UV protecting and even fireproof! This makes it an ideal candidate for household pieces that get a lot of use, but isn’t the softest option around.

Designing For OR Around Your Pets

Many people have a little (or large) furry friend running around their homes somewhere. And when it comes to keeping an impeccable home, these four-legged friends often hinder the desirable outcome.

Cats and dogs shed. I hate to break it to those of you who believe that your animal does not shed. They do. Pet hair getting embedded in carpeting, sofas and even the occasional bed sheet can be a problem and to you and visitors. Not everyone loves your pet as much as you do.

FABRICS

When it comes to considering new upholstery for your home, consider fabrics with heavy weaves and less natural fibers like cotton and wool. Natural fibers have a tendency to stain and are difficult to clean.

Consider leather as a good option, especially if it is “treated” top-grain leather. This option will avoid the “distressed look” when it is not intended. Heavier fabric selections will also deter the clawing your cat may be inclined to do and you may get a longer lifespan out of your furniture.

RUGS

When it comes to area rugs consider a very low pile or tightly-woven rug to minimize fur embedding and perhaps other animal damages from destroying your rugs. If you are looking for a rug for a designated animal room, you may consider purchasing something that doesn’t break the bank in case you throw it away in a couple of years.

BEDDING/COVERS

I am a culprit of allowing my own animals to hop up on our bed from time to time. Although pets may be in the bedroom, it doesn’t have to be an infestation of hair in your bed. If the dog and cat sleep on the bed, keep a special blanket to put over your own bedding at night for the animals to lie on.

When making the bed, fold up the animal’s blanket and store it in the closet if you are entertaining. Otherwise I would advise leaving it on the bed when you are away at work for the day. We don’t know where our pets are when we are not around.

Also consider introducing a floor bed for your pet. This is the best thing I ever did! And even if you think they won’t use it- they will!

This goes for upholstery too. I have a sofa in my living room I absolutely LOVE and it would kill me to see it destroyed. It is CONSTANTLY covered unless I am entertaining. I learned the hard way.

I must say the best product on the market for cleaning upholstery and rugs is “The Rug Doctor.” You can purchase it at Home Depot or occasionally at your local grocery store.

I hope these little tips help. Just remember, even though you may not be bothered by the little bit of fur on your throw pillow, everyone else is!

What other helpful tips do you have to keep your home clean and fur-free?

EMBELLISH AND BE BOLD…With Your Window Treatments!

As time goes on, I am noticing that there are less and less places to find good furnishings for your home. It seems like each home I walk into, I can recognize a newly purchased piece of furniture because…guess what? Their neighbor or friend has the exact same thing! We are entering a world where “big box” stores are defining our homes. So when I bring up the topic of “Formal Window Treatments,” I am thinking that I have to really add a custom splash in a room to define it. Otherwise it may look just like everyone elses.

Let your window treatments be the first thing to deliver a sense of uniqueness by making sure that they declare “DRAMA” in your room. Remember that if you are putting forth this much effort in designing something spectacular, I highly recommend that there is balance and creativity found elsewhere in the room. If it is found in a great piece of art, that adds richness or a pop of color in your paint selection…something strong needs to happen to balance the play that the windows will have on the room.

Even the most casual and inexpensive fabric can be draped and shaped into a formal drapery. It is a matter of tailoring the windows, giving them structure and attitude. Fabrics with a sheen like silk or a taffeta or something that is made to look like silk can clearly portray a formal look without much help, sort of like the pretty girl in the magazine who magically wakes up beautiful!

Generally speaking, if you are after a formal look, there is something to say for symmetry. Adding swags, jabots, valances, fringe, or tassels should all be done in rhythm, balance and in pairs or triples. (I usually try to add a third of something somewhere always, just to play on the rule of thirds).

Pay attention to the details – big bold fringe, rope detail, beaded trims all dress up and accessorize, just like the perfect necklace and shoes to throw off an otherwise boring black dress. I am not saying that all of these embellishments need to be traditional; this can be a very modern thing to do too. Try a grommet punched leading edge – something that was once used for hardware now becomes your decorative accessory! Be daring, be bold! And EMBELLISH!

How do you add drama into your home (and not the kind between people)?

Creating an Organic Feeling Environment

Organic, Natural, Environmentally friendly, these are all the buzz words we are hearing today. But what can you do to bring the organic look into your home? In the ideal world, a large open area with lots of windows would be a great way to bring in the organic look.

Now some of you may have this and some of you may not, so let’s start with the background color. This can make or break the overall feeling in the environment. Make your color scheme consistent with the colors of nature; beige, brown, white, light blues, light greens, stone, and grays. I recommend picking one of these colors for the paint on your walls. Possibly light beige, a color that might remind you of sand. Now, what to do with the rest of the room?

For a dining room, I recommend light colored or painted white woods. The area to pop the other “nature” colors might be on the seat fabrics. Bringing in light greens and blues mixed with white and browns are ideal to make the room pop. Try a beautiful oil painting of a water scene over a buffet or on an open wall. Keep the window treatments light and airy; possibly not use any at all! Soft linen drapes in a white might be a perfect solution, but do not use this color if it is the same color of your walls because a soft contrast is needed here. Repeat the soft colors used in the room through the dishes, glasses and/or vases. And most importantly, don’t forget the table centerpiece! Some soft greens foliage, a bowl with sea shells or stones, possibly even candles may work perfectly here.

As for the bedroom, I would recommend light colored wood, painted white wood, bamboo, or wheat board for the furniture. The bedding would be the perfect opportunity to bring in the beautiful blues and greens found in nature. Texture can also add to the feeling such as using linen or soft cottons. Wood, bamboo, or tile floors would look great in here with a sisal rug. Wall art should be simple with a skinny frame or even frameless, but don’t forget to make sure there is some color! Keep the lamps light, possibly with a glass base and a white shade without any details. Simple picture frames, greens, or candles would be the perfect finishing touch for the nightstands.

Finally for the living room, always look at the largest piece of furniture you will need. Typically this is the sofa and is a great start to building the atmosphere of your room. A beautiful crisp white sofa will bring a light organic feeling to an environment. Then placing colored pillows in blues, greens, beiges, stone or grays is a great start to bring in the colors of nature. For the coffee, end tables, and entertainment console remember to keep the wood light colored or painted in light colors. Simple accessories that remind you of nature are great for adding to the feeling to the room. How about some large coffee table books with photographs of the ocean, lighthouses, or the outdoors? Simple candles can be placed in a large charger with stones or shells covering the bottom. Bowls are a great place to add natural textured accessory balls. Finally, finish off the room with a beautiful seascape painting, photography of outdoor places, or flower prints.

Enjoy your Organic Feeling Room!

Bring a Little Summer to the Remaining Months of Winter

We are all aware of the changes to the economy in the past few years. So a lot of us have cut back on vacations and this means it is much harder to fight the winter blues. I know that an inside project is a good way to distract yourself from what might be brewing outside. So why not inject a good winter project with a little summer. Here are a few ways to bring a some sunshine to your interior projects:

Winter can feel heavy, so lighten it up! If you currently have heavy drapes, a good place to start are your windows. Get yourself some inexpensive yardage of lightweight fabric. You can even layer some cotton with lightweight chiffon over the top. The key is to use something light in weight and in color. If you do like the layered look, be sure to use colors that are similar but have enough contrast to offer a little depth. For instance, a few tones in sands and light blues is nice.

Spring is also a time for renewal. So by changing a few accessories around your house, it can start to feel renewed and full of life. After a few months of staring out the window and only seeing cold, it is nice to focus on small changes. Sort of like the first signs of spring – slowly the warm days begin to replace the cold and when you leave work at 5 o’clock, it’s not dark outside! So in your space, start by changing out some photos in frames, get a new piece of artwork and maybe change up the arrangement on your mantle.

Change out your linens - meaning the sheets, bedding, towels… nothing beats a great white interior. This can feel fresh, open and clean. Why not open up your space by biting the bullet, switching to your lighter blankets and just layering them up. As the weather warms up you can remove one by one, but in the meantime at least you will feel a little reassured that spring is coming!

Be looking to that first day very soon, to open the windows and let the fresh air in! In the meantime, little changes to your interior can make all the difference… and if that does not work, you can always bust out your spring shoes early and look adoringly into your closet until the snow melts!