{eco} design: off-grid in El Paso

Whew!  Sorry about my extended absence!  I was away at a very long trade show and underestimated the degree of exhaustion I was facing!  I had intended to post... but alas.  However, I'm back to regular posting, and you were on my mind!  I don't think you realize what a creative outlet this is for me and I missed it!  So, to kick off I've got a super cute, diy, off-grid haven to share with you, located in the deserts of Joshua Tree National Park in California.  What started as a birthday camping trip for owners Edmund & Lizet ended in ownership of this run down home, seeing potential in the spectacular views and not letting themselves be discouraged by the junk, old linoleum and purple walls.  Here's the good part: doing yourself and having being handy with a hammer really pays off: Edmund & Lizet did this entire home for $10,000!  True, Edmund is a furniture maker, which helped save a few bucks.  And, if you like the look of this home, you can rent it!

The wall art are actually the old linoleum tiles that they ripped off and liked the random pattern the glue made on the back!  Make art with totally unexpected, upcycled things!

Source

{eco} design: Petra Bindels

Hey! Just a quick one today, late at night.  I'm pretty tired right now as I've just finished setting up my booth at a massive trade show for my store, Sustain.  Very exhausting, but exhilerating! So many people! 

Anyway, I thought I would share these images full of vintage inspiration from my latest find as of late,and I think one of my all time favourites, Petra Bindels.

Tomorrow: Hotel Favorita!

Images via: Elle Decor Sweden

{eco} design: a Greek paradise

I caught a glimpse of this home on Desire to Inspire... and I had to click through to see more.  I was floored by these images, instantly transporting me to a place I never want to leave!  Having been to Greece, I can picture perfectly the surroundings... the dry rock, salty air, scraggly brush paired with manicured, potted shrubs and geraniums, the hot sun and cool breeze....and finally, the architecture.  Outside of Athens and particularly on the islands, the buildings and their owners take on a certain respect for nature by bending to its rules, allowing it to guide and shape each structure.  This home, located on the small island of Tinos in Cyclades, Greece, is a prime example.  Owned by interior designer Marilyn Katsaris and designed by Zege Architects, the smooth, curvaceous lime plaster walls (which is an age old and green building method) echo the rocky landscape and provide thermal mass, keeping the home comfortable.  The home is actually two historical homes that were combined into one - the split levels allow for a roof top terrace with a stunning view of the sea.  Inside, many elements are built in, allowing the spaces to exude a certain freedom and unpretentiousness, allowing you to completely relax.  In many of the rooms you can see vintage elements, underscoring the importance of character.  This is, quite possibly, my dream home.

Images via Yatzer

{eco} design: We Do Wood

Isn't this beautiful?  I have been looking for kitchen designs to build out of bamboo plywood for our store.  This is a great jumping off point.  Built by We Do Wood, a Danish company that builds furniture, and now, modular kitchens! 

{eco} style: reMade USA

Happy Monday everyone!  It's going to be a great week here on Pure Green!  I have lots of great finds to share... I'm very excited.  First up is reMade USA by Shannon South - the company makes handbags (by hand, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn) using recycled leather jackets.  Each bag is different, as the details of each jacket guide the design of each bag.  I love finding upcycled products re-worked in ways that are functional and truly stylish!  Sustain (my other hat) doesn't carry accessories right now.... but we just might have to!

"I see reMade USA as part of a back-to-basics, holistic approach that is in line with the way I try to live my life. It sees beauty in the past, praises a lifestyle of 'making do' and has a deep appreciation for things have been cultivated by hand– be it tomatoes from a garden, a piece of wood from a salvage yard, or a bag that has been hand-crafted from an old jacket. In the end, I am trying to lead a life of authenticity and responsibility, doing what I love and attempting to be as good as possible." - Shannon South

 

{vintages & design}: Roman & Williams

While hungrily devouring the latest issue of Vogue Living (Australian Edition), I turned the page onto this dark, moody setting, featuing the design dynamo behind NYC based Roman & Williams.  I knew two things at once: I had found a new favourite, and they have an impeccable eye for integrating vintage/antique peices into their work.  Formerly set designers in the film industry, its no wonder that their designs have a bit of drama.  I love that their work isn't too perfect or pretty, they are lived in, rugged, organic, and moody.  Thought you might enjoy.  These images are from the couple's Montauk summer home.

{eco} style: Plant Styling Roundup!

from Boskke

After my post yesterday on the beautiful planters, I felt inspired to go on the hunt for interiors with plant life.  Plants are so good for the air quality in your home, so I have always had a few, but I've always struggled a bit trying to display them and fit them into the decor.  After this particular round-up, however, I'm inspired to work at it a little harder.  The images below are beautifully styled - I tried to include unusual groupings/planters as well, in case you have space challenges! Tell me, how do you like your plants?  I'd love to see!

The photos above are all from Boskke - planting upside down is visually interesting, it helps save water and space.  I love the kitchen herb idea - it's on my inspiration board!



Hannu Johannes via Flikr



Go Smaller: this is the direction I want to go in.  The trouble is, I plant something in the most adorable tiny pot, the plant gets too big, and then, sadly, it dies.  From the look of my "pictoral research", the trick is using cacti, succulents & bonsai... something with a small root system, that doesn't need a lot of water.  I have these silly little shelves by the window in my kitchen that I've never known what to do with, but they get a lot of light.  I'll give something like this a try and keep you posted!

joo joo via flikr

Above 3: Petra Bindels



Elle Decor

Finally, go BIG!  Sometimes, less is more.  If you have the space, go for impact with a larger piece.  My mom used to have a GI-NOR-MOUS coffee tree, but I've seen some striking palm too.  Whatever is in these 2 photos... I like!



Woolly Pocket