Wake up Walls
One of the most dramatic changes we can make to a room is changing the wall covering. Something as simple as a fresh, vibrant coat of paint can liven up a room and our mood. Here are several Earth-friendly ways to introduce decorative color and texture.
Safe paint
Paint that is low in VOCs emits fewer volatile organic compounds that pol- lute indoor air, but note that low-VOC paint can still contain harmful toxins. Other toxic ingredients like formalde- hyde, acetone and ammonia are found in many conventional paints. Be good to the environment and choose paints that omit troublesome ingredients without compromising quality.
Sources include AFMsafecoat.com and BioShieldPaint.com.
Natural clay plaster
Plaster is a natural, environmentally friendly material, used in homes for thousands of years because of its strength and longevity. Its unrivaled beauty is now drawing the interest of modern home owners, notes Armin Croft Elsaesser, president of American
Clay Enterprises, LLC. Plaster’s beauty is more than skin deep, however. “Plaster controls moisture, absorbs odors and doesn’t attract dirt,” he says, “which makes it the workhorse of wall coverings.”
Learn more at AmericanClay.com.
Plant-based wall coverings
Who knew that covering our walls with grass or coconut shells could produce such exquisite results? Papers, tiles and panels crafted from sustain- able plants and reclaimed agricultural waste will beautifully cover sections or entire walls, imbuing them with pattern, texture and color.
Design-worthy sources include PhillipJeffries.com and KireiUSA.com.
Add Architectural Detail
Architectural detail can be that special touch that really makes a room pop. Crown molding, baseboards, door and window trim, mantels, beams and wain- scoting are affordable details that add in- terest and value to a home. Planet-friend- ly products of recycled and reclaimed origin ensure that we get the look we want and keep a clear conscience.
Reclaimed wood
Reclaimed wood comes from a vari- ety of sources and species. Whether it’s heart pine from a 1890 Virginia warehouse or burgundy-stained oak from old California wine barrels, all reclaimed wood has a story—and the kind of character and richness not avail- able with new wood. Choosing re- claimed goodies also keeps more trees firmly planted in the ground.
Recommended sources include VintageTimber.com, Elmwood ReclaimedTimber.com and Habitat.org/ cd/env/restore.aspx.
Wood alternatives
Wood-like composites made from recycled plastics are as much or more effective as solid wood for interior decoration. Timbron International makes decorative moldings that are 90 percent recycled. “Our moldings can be cut, nailed, glued, sanded, caulked and painted, just like wood,” says Steve Lacy, the company’s president and CEO, “but, unlike wood, our product is more durable and impervious to water.”
Innovative sources include Timbron. com and PlasTeak.com.
Website: LogicalTherapyCenter.com
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