I love the new Fleming chair by Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams.  It’s very clean lined and would work very well with a sleek low back sofa in either a mid-century or traditional style mix.  They would also make great condo chairs that don’t block the view.  (32″w x 30″h x 30″d – $1,565 at Elte)

Brentwood Classics KS95 - awesome classic (and it's green!)

There is so much information available on the internet, it is easy to find out about companies who have  adopted green manufacturing processes.  For example, Brentwood Classics (www.brentwoodclassics.com) north of Toronto uses “bio-plush foam” made from natural soy beans, in their sofas.  They are a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council (www.sustainablefurnishings.org) which lists green furniture manufacturers.

If your furniture is looking tired, consider giving your wood pieces new life with a professional paint job.  And for your sofa or chairs, how about some fresh, organic cotton slip-covers or new fabric with recycled content.  For example, the Kravet Green Collection (www.kravetgreen.com) of fabrics is made of 100% recycled polyester and is not treated with additional chemicals.  And after years of use these fabrics can be recycled again.

With today’s eclectic mix of home furnishing styles, incorporating antiques or vintage furnishings into your rooms makes for a wonderful, warm environment that speaks about history, nostalgia and meaningful treasures.

Also, there are lots of options for purchasing from artisans who craft furniture from salvaged wood, like old dismantled buildings, barns, etc. – you can’t get much greener than that.  For example, The Rustic Cottager (www.therusticcottager.com) in Marmora, Ontario makes beautiful furniture from barn boards.  My favourites are the harvest tables, and a wonderful contemporary square, thick slab coffee table.

There are economic and environmental benefits of doing business with local manufacturer.
By purchasing locally we support the Canadian economy; and reduce freight and transportation costs, thus reducing toxic carbon emissions.

Another benefit is that locally manufactured products are usually made in smaller batches and by hand, ensuring a superior level of quality and craftsmanship.

In my business, a room doesn’t look finished until it has all the right accessories. My design mantra is not new one, but one that I try to remember, “less is more”. It’s far better to make a design statement with one or two large pieces than with a large number of smaller pieces.

Note: “Less is More” originated from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe as a precept for minimalist design.