tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31049274502021535072024-03-13T00:18:30.325-07:00ecoFiber custom rugsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-76736304910898079742013-01-21T18:52:00.004-08:002013-01-21T18:52:39.801-08:00LUXE MagazineExciting!! - ecoFiber will be featured in a 2- page spread in the Spring issue - the interview and photo session went really well. Look for LUXE Magazine in the spring - I'll have more details later.....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-27190161479091672982012-04-13T09:23:00.003-07:002012-04-13T10:00:05.082-07:00Less can really be more....<a class="highslide" href="http://theaustintimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/2900E.4thCourtyard.jpg"></a>Saturday, April 14, 2012 Central Texas will have the opportunity to see eleven homes in varying architectural styles that exemplify utility and clever design in 2,500 square feet or less at the first Austin Smarter Spaces Tour. On this self-guided driving tour from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, attendees will discover how architects, builders, designers, and space planners made homes as small as 182 square feet feel spacious through use of sliding doors, innovative storage and brilliantly placed windows. A portion of the proceeds from the tour will benefit The Big Give, a program of I Live Here, I Give Here, a local non-profit that educates and connects individuals and charities in this area.<br />The following curated homes were selected for the Smarter Spaces Tour:<br />2019 East 11th Street, Austin, TX 78702 (Newcastle Homes)**1006 Prospect Avenue, Austin, TX 78702 (Newcastle Homes)1715 Giles Street Unit C, Austin, TX 78722 (North Arrow Studio)1602 Forest Hill Drive, Austin, TX 78745 (Thoughtcrib, Inc.)**4813 West Park Drive, Austin, TX 78731 (GnM Lohr Homes)**2900 East 4th Street, Austin, TX 78702 (Harris Welker Architects)2110 Kenwood Avenue, Austin, TX 78704 (Sago International, Austin Modern Living)3112 Lafayette Avenue, Austin, TX 78722 (Texas Construction Company)2301 South 5th Street, Austin, TX 78704 (DEN Property Group)443 Bastrop Highway, Austin, TX 78741 (Sarah Stacey Design, Reclaimed Space)**3404 South 2nd Street Unit A, Austin, TX 78704 (DEN Property Group)<br /><a class="highslide" href="http://theaustintimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/2900E.4thCourtyard.jpg"></a><br />2301 S. 5th St. photo by Patrick Y. Wong<br />To experience the true meaning behind “less is more” on the Smarter Spaces Tour, tickets may purchased in advanced for $25 at http://smarterspacestour.com/tickets.html and picked up at designated Will Call locations. Tickets will also be available at all properties for $30 the day of the tour. Children 12 and under will be admitted for free. For more information please visit: http://smarterspacestour.com/.<br />Presented by Compact Appliance and founded by Launch787 & Modern Home Tours, the Smarter Spaces Tour was created to promote innovative design in smaller spaces. As many cities are moving towards a more urban landscape, living spaces are decreasing in size, the Smarter Spaces Tour highlights the Architects and Designers that are addressing this trend and finding progressive solutions to enhance function and design of living spaces.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-75565359535003165712012-03-27T16:58:00.002-07:002012-03-27T17:02:25.084-07:00Recycled Homes in Austin, Texas<span style="font-family:arial;">Reclaimed Space is making news as a unique company which builds “one of a kind modular structures” from reclaimed or repurposed materials. Headquartered in Austin they use reclaimed galvanized metal, salvaged wood and home fixtures to build sustainable modular homes designed for use on or off the grid.<br /><br />The focus of Reclaimed Space is to counteract the environmental impact of new construction and give a new slant to old materials. Their structures can function as offices, guest homes and cabins. They use reclaimed materials from homes with historical or architectural significance to create sustainably and beautifully designed living spaces.<br /><br />Check it out!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-16209560227088115082012-03-13T19:46:00.003-07:002012-03-13T19:52:00.464-07:00A carbon-neutral opportunityThe typical journey of a 60,000 pound rug shipment from Kathmandu to New York amounts to 25 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. To put this figure in context, 25 tons of carbon is equivalent to the electricity usage of 12 homes over the course of a year or the use of 9,500 gallons of gasoline.<br /><br />ecoFiber Custom Rugs and Goodweave have partnered with Carbon Clear to provide the ability to calculate transportation emissions and to purchase offsets from some of the most reliable and high quality offset projects available in the marketplace. A custom portfolio of projects, including two textile projects in India, ensure that your contribution will make a difference to the environment and communities where GoodWeave operates.<br /><br />Working with Goodweave and Carbon Clear is another example of how ecoFiber is working to reduce our environmental impact, while maintaining the aesthetics we hold dear.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-30280950038539079612011-10-28T08:42:00.000-07:002011-10-28T08:47:10.414-07:00You’ve already made your design choices for your child’s room, but have you thought about the hidden impacts on your child’s health and well-being of those choices? When decorating a room you are probably unaware that a component used in paints, furniture and carpeting can compromise your child’s health. <br /><br />Formaldehyde categorized as a VOC and is used extensible in the manufacture of paint, furniture and carpeting. VOC’s are released into the air with the normal use overtime of these products and can have short and long-term effects on your family’s health contributing to increased asthma, headaches and respiratory ailments. One of the most common sources for harmful VOCs is the carpet upon which your child crawls, lies, rolls and plays. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recently established a direction link between the surfaces upon which a child walks or crawls as having a direct relationship to respiratory diseases. The rate of childhood asthma has increased 12% since 2001.<br /><br />Choosing products which have eliminated the use of artificial chemicals and dyes reduces the percentage of air contaminants. Mass-produced commercial rugs undergo extensive chemical treatments prior to ending up in your child’s room.<br /><br />As a parent what you choose when decorating your child’s room can have a lifelong impact on your their health. Making educated choices is the first step to providing a safe healthy interior. ecoFiber Custom Rugs are completely chemical free.<br /><br />ecoFiber Custom Rugs has looked beyond the healthy production of their rugs to examine who produces their product. With an eye to this ecoFiber became a leader in demanding ethical labor practices when making their rugs. We have aligned with Goodweave (<a href="http://www.goodweave.org/">www.goodweave.org</a>.) an international organization which monitors and prohibits the use of child labor in international rug production. This partnership guarantees that the rug you purchase will be free of any child labor.<br /><br />You want the best in all aspects of your child’s environment from choosing the best childcare to ensuring that your decisions make a positive difference in the health and well being of your child and children around the world.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-31650367923210265172011-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:002011-04-22T06:00:01.488-07:00Earth Day 2011: Fired Up for Sustainability<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; ">At <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber</a>, we're big advocates of a healthy, sustainable global environment. Our standards of production are based on an ethic of responsibility, which mandates choices that are good for the planet. Despite all the damage that's been done to our planet, there's plenty of hope for the future. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; ">Today - <a href="http://www.earthday.org/">Earth Day 2011</a> - We at ecoFiber are fired up about the increasing number of businesses and individuals around the globe who share values for sustainability. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><b>What is Earth Day?</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><object width="480" height="270"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/msn/http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.app.msn.com%2Fwatch%2Fvideo%2Ffirst-earth-day-april-22-1970%2F17wfydxvn/embed/CBVHA7_QWOO5IJ-TroyLEw/0/168"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.hulu.com/msn/http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.app.msn.com%2Fwatch%2Fvideo%2Ffirst-earth-day-april-22-1970%2F17wfydxvn/embed/CBVHA7_QWOO5IJ-TroyLEw/0/168" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="270" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><br /></span></div>It may be hard to imagine that before 1970, a factory could spew black clouds of toxic into the air or dump tons of toxic waste into a nearby stream, and that was perfectly legal. They could not be taken to court to stop it. There was no legal or regulatory mechanisms to protect our environment. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; ">In Spring 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day as a way to “force this issue onto the national agenda.” With the efforts of government and grassroots efforts, 20 million Americans demonstrated in various U.S. cities. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; ">The momentum from this epic movement persuaded Congress to authorize in December 1970 the creation of a new federal agency to tackle environmental issues, the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/earthday/">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a>. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; ">20 years later, Earth Day went global, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><b>Earth Day Today </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><b></b></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "> <iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZPZt0AEdhPA?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; ">The national Earth Day Network is promoting a <a href="http://act.earthday.org/">Billion Acts of Green</a> initiative this year. The goal is to demonstrate the impact that can be made by millions of people who commit to bettering the environment. It's a people-powered campaign to generate a billion acts of environmental service and advocacy before June 2012. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; ">People can make healthy pledges to the environment to participate in sustainable development of a green economy. We at ecoFiber plan to pledge to continue to mandate choices that are good for the planet, which include using <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2011/03/natural-fiber-rugs-and-your-family.html">natural fibers</a> and chemical-free <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-vegetable-dyed-rugs-are-better.html">vegetable dyes</a>. We also intend to chase new ways to promote sustainability, <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2011/04/volatile-organic-compounds-and-air-you.html">health</a> and comfort. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; ">What will <b>you</b> do for Earth Day 2011?</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-40862135204619564082011-04-18T16:10:00.000-07:002011-04-18T16:24:36.249-07:00Is your rug slave-free?<span class="Apple-style-span" >We discussed the positive change <a href="http://www.goodweave.org/home.php">GoodWeave</a> is making to end the child labor epidemic in the rug industry in <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2011/04/ecofiber-proud-to-offer-product-thats.html">ecoFiber Proud to Offer Product That's One-in-a-Million</a>. Today, CNN produced a segment that shows how GoodWeave is trying to put a stop to child slave labor practices in Asian rug factories. We hope you'll take a few minutes to view this great feature, as reported by CNN's Maggie Lake:</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><object width="416" height="374" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" id="ep"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/apps/cvp/3.0/swf/cnn_416x234_embed.swf?context=embed&videoId=world/2011/04/18/cfp.lake.goodweave.rugs.cnn"><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"><embed src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/apps/cvp/3.0/swf/cnn_416x234_embed.swf?context=embed&videoId=world/2011/04/18/cfp.lake.goodweave.rugs.cnn" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="416" wmode="transparent" height="374"></embed></object></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-66420829949095176202011-04-17T14:52:00.000-07:002011-04-17T15:08:38.603-07:00Goodweave to be Featured on CNN April 18<span class="Apple-style-span" >We hope you have been following the <a href="http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/">CNN Freedom Project</a>'s ground-breaking coverage of modern slavery across the globe. From California's tomato fields to India's rug looms, CNN is bringing its viewers to the scene of exploitation, and telling the harrowing stories of children and other turned prey for profits. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >The Freedom Project also seeks to tell stories of hope and liberation - the stories of emancipated slaves. This Monday, April 18, CNN will air its premier segment on <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2011/04/ecofiber-proud-to-offer-product-thats.html">GoodWeave</a>'s innovative market-based solution to child slavery. The piece will be shown on World Business Today at 9 a.m. EST, and subsequently aired on other shows throughout the day. The piece will also be archived on the CNN website along with a slideshow of images of GoodWeave's <a href="http://www.facesoffreedom.goodweave.org/">Faces of Freedom</a> photo exhibition. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >We invite you to tune in, and inform your friends and colleagues of the coverage. If you haven't already, become a GoodWeave <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GoodWeave">Facebook fan</a> and/or Twitter follower and you'll be updated as the coverage unfolds. You can also join the GoodWeave Ambassadors group on Facebook, which will ensure that you see the latest news and enable you to spread the word. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >We hope the project inspires you to take action against the enslavement of children. Click <a href="http://goodweave.org/index.php?pid=9339">here</a> for a list of other ideas on how you can help GoodWeave take a stand. With your help, we can replace exploitation with education, which should be the birthright of every child. </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-53160170095547694382011-04-16T14:11:00.000-07:002011-04-17T15:46:55.686-07:00Volatile Organic Compounds and the Air You Breathe<span class="Apple-style-span" >The links between sustainability, health and comfort are becoming increasingly understood and appreciated. Nowhere is this more acute than with indoor air quality. In <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2011/03/natural-fiber-rugs-and-your-family.html">Natural Fiber Rugs and Your Family</a>, we discussed how non-natural fiber rugs can be dangerous for you and your family by the off-gassing of chemicals from various materials. But you may be left wondering: What exactly are the chemicals that result in dangerous indoor air quality?</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>What are VOCs?</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >They're called <a href="http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html">volatile organic compounds</a> (VOCs), present in many paints, carpets, and rugs that we buy to perk up the interiors of our homes. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Often the 'new smell' of products we use in our homes are actually VOCs being released into the air we breathe. VOCs may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. These substances can harm human respiratory health, and make you or your loved ones more susceptible to headaches, allergies or asthma. Young children are particularly vulnerable. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>VOCs in Your Rugs and Carpets</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Mass-produced, commercial rugs have often undergone extensive chemical treatments, including dye and bleach, before they end up on your floor. Some handmade rugs also use chemical treatments in their creation. These chemical treatments have a direct impact on your indoor air quality. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Carpets can also be culprits of poor indoor air quality, not only from the chemicals used to treat them, but also from the glues and adhesives used to stick them to the floor. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Health problems associated with indoor air quality can come on slow, resulting in inadequate preparation. Fortunately, we know more about VOCs today than ever before, and there's clear choices we can make when designing our interiors to err on the side of health, safety and comfort. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Improve Your Indoor Air Quality</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Installing as much hard flooring as much hard flooring as you can is a way to reduce VOCs in your home. Rugs made with <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">natural fibers</a> can provide the comfort and warmth of carpet without the health risks. You'll be able to rest easy knowing your flooring won't negatively affect your health. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >At <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.com/index2.php#/home/">ecoFiber</a>, we decided early on that there's a clear link between sustainability and health and comfort. Our standards of production are based on an ethic of responsibility, which mandates choices that are good for the planet. We do not use petroleum-based fibers or <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-vegetable-dyed-rugs-are-better.html">chemicals</a>. Our simple, elegant designs are not beautiful, but also sustainable and safe. </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-62114610036081189352011-04-06T18:00:00.000-07:002011-04-06T18:07:55.457-07:00ecoFiber Proud to Offer Product That's One-in-a-Million<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xVsxCT8ogb0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span>100 years ago more than two million children under the age of 15 were employed in American industry in conditions that bordered on <a href="http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/hine-photos/" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">child slavery</a>. We now live in a world where millions of children are subjected to child labor beyond our borders.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><a href="http://www.goodweave.org/child_labor_campaign/about" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">One-in-a-Million: GoodWeave’s Campaign to End Child Labor</a> is raising awareness of the child labor epidemic in the handmade rug industry and inspiring consumers to take action. We’re proud at <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/index2.php#/home/" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">ecoFiber Custom Rugs</a> that our products bear the <a href="http://www.goodweave.org/about/rug_certification_label" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">GoodWeave label</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span>What’s great about GoodWeave’s campaign is that it doesn’t just inform consumers about the problem, it offers solutions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span>Consumers who buy a rug that’s certified by <a href="http://www.goodweave.org/home.php" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">GoodWeave</a> can be assured that their purchase is one in a million — because adult artisans made it, not child laborers. At ecoFiber, adult workers whose families are provided health care and tuition hand make our rugs in Nepal, where they use only <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">natural fibers</a> and <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-vegetable-dyed-rugs-are-better.html" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">chemical free vegetable dyes</a>, creating products of true <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/index2.php#/info1/" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">ethical elegance</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span>GoodWeave offers ways that concerned citizens can help end child labor in the handmade rug industry, including insisting on the GoodWeave label when shopping for a handmade rug. Check out more ways to <a href="http://www.goodweave.org/index.php?pid=9339" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; ">get involved with GoodWeave</a>.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span>Nearly a century ago, grassroots efforts helped to end child labor in the U.S. With the aid of social media tools and other unique approaches, GoodWeave is helping to eradicate child labor throughout the world. It’s inspiring. And ecoFiber Custom Rugs couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of it!</span></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-10465915929913321072011-03-24T08:30:00.000-07:002011-03-24T08:42:18.524-07:00Natural Fiber Rugs and Your Family<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwY8Zn9Drymph63Dt0bkbm88ZyX7ydCUYNLJyP8XSHgnfpduYbkEw8QmEUMNyNGEgIvCVus7lad1vsTJIeyIcgFk94ISyEK3ZvZpUFU9FKY4SpGh3JFZsTwPjAmo5_wMtHCUn5y5bodI/s1600/baby"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwY8Zn9Drymph63Dt0bkbm88ZyX7ydCUYNLJyP8XSHgnfpduYbkEw8QmEUMNyNGEgIvCVus7lad1vsTJIeyIcgFk94ISyEK3ZvZpUFU9FKY4SpGh3JFZsTwPjAmo5_wMtHCUn5y5bodI/s320/baby" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587671495784081986" border="0" /></a><br /> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; }.MsoChpDefault { font-family: Cambria; }div.WordSection1 { page: WordSection1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal">You babyproof the house, make sure the bottles are BPA-free, ensure the car seat is safe—but did you think about getting rid of the rug in your living room?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">While seemingly innocuous, it turns out non-<a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">natural fiber rugs</a> can actually be very harmful for you and your family—especially so for the little ones who spend a lot of time crawling on the floor (and putting things in their mouths).<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">We’ve talked a lot about why <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber Custom Rugs </a>are <span style="font-weight: bold;">environmentally friendly</span> (like the fact they are made using <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-vegetable-dyed-rugs-are-better.html">vegetable dyes</a>, maintain a low carbon footprint, and use only sustainably harvested natural fibers), but we haven’t spent much time discussing how <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">eco-friendly rugs</a> can be also be <span style="font-weight: bold;">good for the health and wellness of your family</span>.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our homes are our own personal eco-systems, so it only makes sense that you’d want to mimic nature in order to create environments that are healthy and free of dangerous toxins.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Indoor Air Quality</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Indoor Air Quality</span> can be negatively affected by many things inside our homes--including the off gassing from various materials and surfaces found in paints, carpets and rugs, mattresses, bedding, furniture, and even cleaning products.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The best way to avoid these dangerous chemicals? By using the most natural and organic materials in order to enhance indoor air quality and improve the health of you and your family. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you have babies or children in the home (who spend many hours crawling and playing on the floor), the <span style="font-weight: bold;">dangerous toxins in synthetic rugs can adversely affect their development</span>.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Because babies breathe at a faster rate than adults, they have an increased intake of toxins in relation to their body weight. Children’s hand-to-mouth activity also increases their risk of toxic intake from rugs and carpets. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The “breathing zone” for children, and babies in particular, is closer to the ground where pollutants in many synthetic rugs are more concentrated. Infants’ bodies are not as able to detoxify and excrete toxins as easily as adults. Natural fiber rugs give babies’ immune systems the best opportunity to adapt to their new environment, without exposing them to dangerous toxic materials.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Every <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber Custom rug</a> is created without the use of any dangerous chemicals or toxins. <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-vegetable-dyed-rugs-are-better.html">Our dyes</a> are made are non-petroleum based and come from safe, natural materials. Our rugs are also woven using only the softest, safest and natural and organic fibers from nature.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Purchasing a <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">natural fiber rug</a> means that not only will your family be healthier and happier, but so will the environment. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-4199678854538476002011-02-09T10:38:00.000-08:002011-02-09T11:00:46.173-08:00ecoFiber Custom Rugs Featured on Pretty Little Green ThingsA favorite blog of ours here at <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber Custom Rugs</a> is <a href="http://www.prettylittlegreenthings.com/2011/02/ecofiber-rugs-from-livingston-associates/">Pretty Little Green Things</a>, a blog dedicated to showcasing the beautiful side of green design and the sustainable side of of luxury. So we were absolutely thrilled to see read the kind words <a href="http://www.prettylittlegreenthings.com/2011/02/ecofiber-rugs-from-livingston-associates/">Pretty Little Green Things</a> author Petra Boykoff wrote about our luxurious, <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">natural fiber rugs</a> (she even called them gorgeous).<br /><br />Here's some of what Miss Boykoff had to say:<br /><br /><blockquote><p><em>When we think about carpet, most of us think ‘wool’ right? But you know what? There are so many other fiber types available and they make for really beautiful and <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">eco-friendly rugs</a>. Now that you know you have other options, let me tell you a bit about them, courtesy of Livingston & Associates. They sell gorgeous <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber rugs </a>that are totally custom – pattern, color, size and type & number of fibers, whatever you’d like. In addition to being green, all of their products are<a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/05/importance-of-purchasing-child-labor.html"> GoodWeave certified</a>, meaning that inspectors visit carpet mills to make sure that no illegal child labor is used. And this group is strict! If a mill neglects that policy, the child is not only sent to a good school courtesy of <a href="http://www.goodweave.org/">GoodWeave</a>, the mill looses its certification and has to work to get it back. Now that’s what I call fair-trade!</em></p><p></p></blockquote><br /><br />>><a href="http://www.prettylittlegreenthings.com/2011/02/ecofiber-rugs-from-livingston-associates/"><em>Check out Pretty Little Green Things' post on our rugs on her blog</em></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-81553889747185646292011-01-28T10:33:00.000-08:002011-01-28T11:03:51.118-08:00Design San Francisco Kicking Off Next Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcEI2zVAoh_0UBmk1dFrgiq6a6nAGcVLa9f8A9u4iS5pOAQnBh9Cm3kMCqZxoujjfeBo0bxG5DE_0MipQ8XD_P1zCF1oPZjhf-2Rzs0-ESE8MDnX_76IkrLKmr5RFbz7W6ayz5IaURT0/s1600/designsf_homepage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcEI2zVAoh_0UBmk1dFrgiq6a6nAGcVLa9f8A9u4iS5pOAQnBh9Cm3kMCqZxoujjfeBo0bxG5DE_0MipQ8XD_P1zCF1oPZjhf-2Rzs0-ESE8MDnX_76IkrLKmr5RFbz7W6ayz5IaURT0/s320/designsf_homepage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567313778439056530" border="0" /></a><br />Design professionals from around the country will be headed to San Francisco next week for <a href="http://www.sfdesigncenter.com/">Design San Francisco</a>, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">premier annual market for interior design</span>. The event will take place on <span style="font-weight: bold;">February 2, 3 and 4</span>, 2011 at the San Francisco Design Center located at 101 Henry Adams St # 450.<br /><br />The three days will be packed with presentations, receptions and awards ceremonies, which aim to <span style="font-weight: bold;">inspire designers “with all manner of creative possibilities, provocative ideas and valuable intelligence on what’s happening locally and globally. “ </span><br /><br />The keynote speaker opening the event at 10 a.m. on February 2 will be <a href="http://www.jefflewisdesign.com/">Jeff Lewis</a> of the popular Bravo Reality television show “<a href="http://www.bravotv.com/flipping-out">Flipping Out</a>.” Those who have seen the show know that Lewis designs beautiful, upscale and modern homes. He was recently tapped by House Beautiful to design their 2010 Kitchen of the Year and his legions of devoted fans include upscale acolytes, real estate professionals, and interior designers.<br /><br />The event will also host a huge array of presentations, aimed to educate and inspire designers, some of which include topics near and dear to our hearts here at <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber Custom Rugs</a>.<br /><br />Among the presentations we’re most excited about are<span style="font-weight: bold;"> “Demystifying Environmentally Responsible Fabric Decisions,”</span> a keynote presentation called <span style="font-weight: bold;">“Shades of Green,”</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">“Textiles-Inspiration, Imagination and Interpretation.” </span><br /><br /><br />We’re also thrilled that our own <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">natural fiber rugs</a> will be shown at the event—allowing designers not yet familiar with our <span style="font-weight: bold;">elegant, eco-friendly and luxurious designs</span> to see them up close and personal.<br /><br />If you’re headed to San Francisco next week, make sure you keep an eye out for <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber Custom Rugs</a> and let us know what event you most enjoyed. You can also check out our rugs on permanent display at the <a href="http://www.sloanm.com/floorcovering/ecofiber.html">Sloan Miyasato</a> showroom in the San Francisco Design Center.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />>>See a <a href="http://www.sfdesigncenter.com/events/SFDC1012MZ_design%20SF.pdf">full list of the events</a> or <a href="http://www.sfdesigncenter.com/events/registration/forms/reg_form.php">pre-register</a> for the event</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-43585707843408463862011-01-24T10:45:00.000-08:002011-01-24T11:10:47.777-08:002011 Décor Trends We’re Excited About<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWb6vPOp1j_0DVZCQhXdlxfQDl7IajlDkvAJJjr08drTqjanxF3ql5IuV2TMTQaDLDgrOhRAwpp9vccr01EnWD_OAkUlogcqfhJYu6P0LV-y5cv-Mfn3CpOcZwHGQ1osQ3cCKxR1XZBo/s1600/Trend-Home-Decorating-2011-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 435px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWb6vPOp1j_0DVZCQhXdlxfQDl7IajlDkvAJJjr08drTqjanxF3ql5IuV2TMTQaDLDgrOhRAwpp9vccr01EnWD_OAkUlogcqfhJYu6P0LV-y5cv-Mfn3CpOcZwHGQ1osQ3cCKxR1XZBo/s320/Trend-Home-Decorating-2011-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565831111946797746" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With the arrival of 2011, it's time once again to contemplate which decorating trends will be making an impact in the coming year. Since ringing in 2011, plenty of design bloggers and publications have given their two cents on what trends will reign supreme this year.<br /><br />We’re now about a month into the new year, and here are some of the most buzzed about décor trends we’re excited about in 2011.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Celebrate Classics</span><br /><br />What’s old can be new again, and this is the year to integrate classic pieces into your décor. Mixing vintage items with contemporary pieces can breathe new life into the things you already own. Plus, integrating vintage pieces and flea market finds in your design is not only good for the environment, it’s also charming and cost effective.<br /><br />Wondering why revamping your existing furniture is good for the environment? Here’s why refurbishing is eco-friendly:<br /><br /><ul><li>You decrease the demand for virgin lumber, helping to save the forests</li><li>You reduce the volume of furniture such as tables and chairs in a landfill and the carbon emissions from it’s transfer to the landfill</li><li>You improve indoor air quality and the local environment through the use of eco-friendly primers, paints and polishes</li></ul><ul><li>Restoring old furniture can be inherently eco-friendly because many old pieces used over 50 years ago predate the chemistry of today’s toxic products.</li></ul><br />Of course, adding a <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">natural fiber rug</a> to a room of newly refurbished or recovered furniture will not only complement your décor and breathe new life into a room, but is sure to stand the test of time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Cultural Layering</span><br /><br />Fashion and music can be key harbingers of what's to come in the interior design world. The recent movement towards mixing global styles will take root in the home in 2011. This 'cultural layering' calls for a mix of patterns and styles from cultures all over the world, creating a global aesthetic and ethnic style in your home.<br /><br />For example, a table or chair created by craftspeople in Mexico can look great right alongside a sustainably produced rug from Nepal. Your kuba cloth will pair beautifully with your Japanese print. 2011 will all about mixing textures, fibers and patterns from around the world within the confines of your own home.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Nostalgia for Books</span><br /><br />Over the past year, traditional American heritage brands - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pendleton blankets, Filson canvas bags, Red Wing ceramics </span>– have once again become chic. This nostalgia for artifacts from a simpler time extends to books. We've seen them stacked to create side tables, arranged in unused fireplaces to create literary tableaux, and featured in wallpaper designs.<br /><br />Some of the most popular architectural projects we've featured this year have included floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and a fellow Boulder company, <a href="http://juniperbooks.com/">Juniper Books</a>, is now specializing in building customized book collections for clients.<br /><br />What better way to reflect the personality of a homeowner than their book collection? Dig out your books from storage and put them on center stage.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Bringing Nature Back into the Home</span><br /><br />In the New Year, home owners will find more ways to bring tranquility to their interior and exterior environments. The use of natural materials and finishes will always be a trend that doesn’t go out of style. Not only is this a trend that’s good for the environment, it also helps bring nature back into the home.<br /><br />More and more interior designers (like <a href="http://www.robinwilsonhome.com/">Robin Wilson </a>and <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/11/interview-with-alison-pollack-founder.html">Alison Pollack</a>) are preaching the gospel of how<span style="font-weight: bold;"> bringing natural materials into the home is not only beneficial to the environment, but also to your health and wellness</span>. After all, your home is your eco-system, and filling it with furniture and décor made from <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">natural fibers</a> promotes your wellness and the wellness of the planet.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">>>Find out more about the <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">natural fibers used in our rugs</a> and <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-vegetable-dyed-rugs-are-better.html">why vegetable dyed rugs are better. </a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Green Home Décor</span><br /><br />Finding more sustainable ways to build, decorate and live will continue to flourish in 2011. This is good news for us at <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber Custom Rugs</a>, since our rugs are produced with minimal impact on the environment. Not only do we maintain an extremely <span style="font-weight: bold;">low carbon footprint </span>(our weavers don’t even rely on electricity), but we also promote <span style="font-weight: bold;">water quality and sustainable harvesting</span> of the <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">natural fibers</a> used in our rugs.<br /><br />Interest in the benefits and use of <span style="font-weight: bold;">environmentally friendly products</span> continues to grow, making the green movement stronger than ever. This is especially prevalent for homeowners who are looking to build and decorate their homes in ways that support the environment. Purchasing a <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">natural fiber rug</a> is one small step towards a greener, more comfortable home.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-68912882096319168092010-11-22T10:03:00.000-08:002010-11-30T09:52:45.563-08:00Interview with Alison Pollack, founder of Earth Friendly Interior Design and the Green Designer Studio Collection<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bdakcNRsd5A/TOq62OMPCNI/AAAAAAAAAFM/cHkRUB0Ba68/s1600/alisonpollack.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bdakcNRsd5A/TOq62OMPCNI/AAAAAAAAAFM/cHkRUB0Ba68/s320/alisonpollack.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542447732117932242" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>Alison K. Pollack, specialist in non-toxic interior design for nearly two decades, is founder of Earth Friendly Interior Design and of the Green Designer Studio Collection of furnishings, including AKP and Suite Baby…organic nursery, represented at the <a href="http://www.livingreen.com/">Livingreen stores</a>. Her furnishings are manufactured locally, creating Green jobs and environmental production support services. Alison is a published author, educator, guest lecturer and a pioneer in her field.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p> You founded Suite Baby, an organic nursery line, and AKP Fine Earth Friendly Furnishings. What inspired your interest in green home decor and why did you see a need for more eco-friendly design businesses? </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>My interest in the Green sector was inspired via my search to be the <b>type of designer who gives back to their community</b>. I am sensitive to our natural world so I thought to be an environmentally friendly designer.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> That led me to learn what really are in the materials a designer specifies, hence, the discovery of unlimited toxic chemicals in our every day products, and which I felt was criminal as they were undisclosed.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> When I was in design school, in 1991, an eco-friendly business was not a common find, at all. As my firm grew it was necessary to custom create furnishings for our clientele as there were none on the market to specify.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">You do business in Los Angeles and Hollywood, sometimes working with people in the television and movie industry. Do you think design choices made by designers on sets can influence the greater public? </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Yes, I absolutely do. Set designers are some of the most talented artists and the exposure to their work can be global. Just like a fashion designer’s gown shown on a celebrity figure, set decorators make a huge impact on style trends. </span></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Why is it important to choose eco-friendly decor for your home? If someone were to invest in just one or two eco-friendly options for a room, what items would you suggest? </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">It was important to me to specify </span><span class="Apple-style-span">eco-friendly materials for my own home</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">, especially after knowing the amount of toxic chemicals that are introduced into the many aspects of a remodel.</span></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>By utilizing these materials myself, it was a way to test alternative materials vs. conventional materials prior to specifying them on a client’s project. And it was how <b>I learned, hands-on, the various construction trades, by applying and installing them myself </b>with a general contractor’s supervision. </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> The first eco-friendly option for a conventionally designed room, I would suggest is a <a href="http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airclean.html">transportable air filter</a>. It’s the first step to gain any ground on the exposure we have to the countless toxins we’re exposed to and that are affecting us in ways we may not recognize….yet. </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> And for, let’s say the bedroom, because we spend the majority of our time sleeping, <a href="http://shop.livingreen.com/collections/mattresses">I would recommend an alternative mattress</a>. Again, it’s just simply shocking the amount of toxins that are in mattresses, that we absorb through our skin and inhalation.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">What are the some of the first decorating mistakes you see when you walk into a home? </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>An overdone interior can be just as jarring as an empty one. Too much of everything, using all the tricks of the trade, all in one place, makes a space feel busy and disconnected.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>On the flipside, a space that is done to aesthetic perfection, but shows no real signs of inhabitants, is also just as psychologically disconcerting. An inviting space, with groupings of interest and places for one’s eye to rest, within a warm and comfortable atmosphere, whether it be of traditional or contemporary design, is what I believe to be the ideal.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">What decorating techniques/ideas/suggestions would you recommend to a homeowner looking rev up the look of a room or house without spending a fortune? </b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>First, <b>de-clutter</b>. Get rid of anything that doesn’t please your eye every time you walk into that room. And if it’s still too much, store a portion and rotate decorative items throughout the year.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Negative space is just as important as used up space. <b>Cluttered space = cluttered thought.</b> Introduce house plants in small groupings. Not only do they bring the outside in, but they filter our indoor air, absorbing toxic chemicals and they look lovely.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">What piece should homeowners start with to build a new decor scheme around? </b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> A favorite <b>item that will be around for a long while, for instance <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">a rug</a></b>, or a piece of art, a favorite piece of fabric, or cherished piece of furniture.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">What has been the best decorating advice you've gotten or what do you wish you would have known before decorating your own home? </b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> “Less is more” is the best advice I received while apprenticing an amazing designer and I know it originates with a famous architect, but it is just as suitable among décor. </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">For customers on a budget, what pieces do you think are important to splurge on higher quality furnishings/decor and what can you get away with doing cheaper? </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> A mattress is an item worth the price, IF, the materials used to make it are free from harmful chemicals. <b>Shopping for vintage items at flea markets</b>, garage sales, antique malls – that’s a great way to discover treasures at reasonable prices.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">What do you think amazing floor coverings can do for the look and feel of a home? </b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Floor coverings ground a space. They create a visual foundation. For high volume spaces, they make one feel…well, grounded.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>For shorter ceilings, they create a slightly enclosed space that lends a feeling of coziness and introduces a more human scale of proportion. And when they’re <i>amazing</i>, the comfort level increases to one of luxury, such as the effect of a<a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html"> cashmere, silk or mohair rug</a>.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Why is it important to invest in a natural fiber and/or vegetable dyed rug for your home? What do you see as the primary benefits? </b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> It comes down to <b>healthy home = healthy inhabitants = healthy natural world</b>. In knowing that there is no sacrifice for beauty, luxury, or the health of ourselves and the natural world, to me, there is no justification for deciding otherwise.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <a name='more'></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Do you find many clients seeking out green home decor products strictly because of environmental ethics? <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Yes, I do. And it’s wonderful how awareness has catapulted in the interior design sector of the Green movement.</span></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>We also have a client base who seeks green home products, not so much as a choice, but that they have become so chemically sensitive that they can no longer live with conventional products. Their immune systems have been compromised and they can no longer live with petroleum based synthetics, and the like.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Who would you recommend ecoFiber Custom Rugs to? </b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>To everybody. The product is gorgeous, durable, feels wonderful on bare feet, and is harmless to indoor air quality and to the planet in its’ natural degradation. </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">Natural fibers</a> would embrace dry climates, but, even so, I don’t think I would let that stop me from purchasing one for my own coastal house!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">What are the advantages to investing in a high-quality, custom made rug? </b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Well crafted rugs are known to grow in value over time</b>. They are meant to be multi-generational, heirlooms, that grow richer with patina over the years. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">They are not only functional for many years to come, but can be timeless in their design. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A good rug is like buying a Hamilton watch, once you’ve purchased one, you never have to consider making that decision again in your lifetime. Unless of course, the same in another color is desired. At that point, I’m just spoiling myself….and I do.</p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-1202740477459384932010-11-15T14:40:00.000-08:002010-11-16T09:06:37.995-08:00Help us win the British Airways Face of Opportunity contest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_H81t-gV2OTR6wk9bNzT7VLHK0-IEkR1_huAAAvrQ4dWuw7MXJvchDBvahhXE-2z40MhhxbtDeffSTI8vTl0imzrHFWkWyAVuA-qecaB40E4qPKAXw1w2ByPfuos1wh5qRI8gq7I8Ms/s1600/bairways.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539918643007230898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_H81t-gV2OTR6wk9bNzT7VLHK0-IEkR1_huAAAvrQ4dWuw7MXJvchDBvahhXE-2z40MhhxbtDeffSTI8vTl0imzrHFWkWyAVuA-qecaB40E4qPKAXw1w2ByPfuos1wh5qRI8gq7I8Ms/s320/bairways.jpg" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber Custom Rugs</a> has always been an international business. With our main office in the U.S. and our master weavers in Nepal, international travel and business are an essential part of the company. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p>This international connection is why we recently jumped at the opportunity to be a part of <a href="http://www.faceofopportunity.com/gallery"><b>British Airways Face of Opportunity contest</b></a>. The contest will <b>award the top 250</b> teams (yes, top 250), with an invitation to exclusive networking conferences in New York and London and one flight after London events to any British Airways destination.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>For obvious reasons, this opportunity would be tremendous for our business. Because each <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber Custom Rug</a> is made by skilled artisan weavers in Nepal, traveling there would allow us to work with the weavers on new designs for the next season and oversee the development of custom colors of clients' rugs.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Winning a trip to south Asia would also increase our ability to personally communicate new ideas for rugs, colors and textures with the weavers, thereby enhancing our ability to respond to clients' desires and needs in the rugs for different sizes, textures, colors and designs.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>The Top 250 entries for the contest will also win a trip to London for a networking event that would also us to expand the export of our beautiful rugs to new markets and connect with important international business leaders. </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>That being said, please <a href="http://www.faceofopportunity.com/gallery?id=1794">VOTE for us</a>. As stated, the top 250 teams win, so every vote really makes a big difference.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>It takes 10 seconds to vote. Just go to the <a href="http://www.faceofopportunity.com/gallery">contest gallery</a>, read our entry (titled "A Simple Choice, A Global Impact") and hit “<a href="http://www.faceofopportunity.com/gallery?id=1794">Vote for this entry</a>.”</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>THANK YOU for your support!</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-50974031870079920992010-11-03T09:52:00.000-07:002010-11-03T16:29:59.084-07:00Interview with Richie Morgan of AVA Design<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpd9uA4v7-vyn9ePvguQkb8BFDf_ubOx_Pfuih7lt3O1N6wr2DplGjTwj4L7-NsYNyJK74rzJybHEbwb5IvRCHRJgtaNWJG91NdHN6CNHFcTh1fxXuKgDY69hPSlGEsitiNkw-AVFjlw/s1600/ava_design_photos_031%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 283px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535369004871687458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpd9uA4v7-vyn9ePvguQkb8BFDf_ubOx_Pfuih7lt3O1N6wr2DplGjTwj4L7-NsYNyJK74rzJybHEbwb5IvRCHRJgtaNWJG91NdHN6CNHFcTh1fxXuKgDY69hPSlGEsitiNkw-AVFjlw/s320/ava_design_photos_031%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><em>Richie Morgan has been working with AVA since March, 2010. Previously, Morgan worked for 12 years as a freelance interior designer in Atlanta, working on projects around the country. His work has been featured numerous times on MTV and Morgan has also worked as a corporate designer for several clothing companies creating retail concepts for products.<br /><br /><a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/10/ecofibers-ceo-and-founder-to-host.html">AVA recently hosted ecoFiber Custom Rugs' founder Phyllis Waldron-Ripple for a design workshop</a> at their studio in Atlanta. </em><br /><br /><strong>What are the some of the first decorating mistakes you see when you walk into a home?</strong><br /><br />Unnecessary clutter is the biggest one. If you are a person that has a lot of 'stuff" that's ok, as long as it's organized it will make a better impression.<br /><br /><strong>What decorating techniques/ideas/suggestions would you recommend to a homeowner looking rev up the look of a room or house without spending a fortune?</strong><br /><br />Paint! Paint! Paint! It is the cheapest and easiest way to spruce up any environment.<br /><br /><strong>What piece should homeowners start with to build a new decor scheme around?</strong><br /><br />I would suggest finding the most prominent piece first—like a sofa, bed, or some other large piece of furniture. Start there and build upon it.<br /><br /><strong>What has been the best decorating advice you've gotten or what do you wish you would have known before decorating your own home?</strong><br /><br />Hmmm... I think trying to utilize some of what you've already got. Be organized, develop a plan and stick to it!!<br /><br /><strong>For customers on a budget, what pieces do you think are important to splurge on higher quality furnishings/decor and what can you get away with doing cheaper?</strong><br /><br />That's subjective. Different people have different priorities.<br /><br />Personally, a great quality sofa is number one for me. A great mattress is number two.<br /><br />You can fill in the blanks from there. I collect art so that is important to me. However, my artwork doesn't have to match my sofa. My connection to it is more emotional than anything. Good artwork will outlive anything else in the home.<br /><br /><strong>What do you think amazing floor coverings can do for the look and feel of a home?</strong><br /><br />Great rugs can be a anchor for the room. It's the comfort you feel when you walk on it. Higher quality rugs will last generations, and are things that can be passed down through the family for generations, like antiques.<br /><br /><strong>Do you find many clients seeking out green home decor products strictly because of environmental ethics?</strong><br /><br />Most people in Atlanta looking for eco-friendly products know the philosophy and concept of the products. I do think it is a limited market at the moment, but I think more and more people are interested in finding out more about green home décor.<br /><br /><strong>Who would you recommend ecoFiber Custom Rugs to?</strong><br /><br />EVERYBODY!<br /><br /><strong>Do you think ecoFiber Custom Rugs look/work best in contemporary or traditional interiors?</strong><br /><br />My personal opinion is ecoFiber rugs are conducive to more modern/ contemporary environments, although the wools and silks can be transitional. It's a customer or designer’s call.<br /><br /><strong>What are the advantages to investing in a high-quality, custom made rug?</strong><br /><br />Higher quality rugs are made to last generation after generation. Normally the materials and manufacturing of ecoFiber Custom Rugs make them a sustainable and durable choice. The customization of ecoFiber rugs, in particular, give the customer the ability to create a rug tailor made that caters to their tastes and homes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-64960209675444779922010-10-15T14:00:00.000-07:002010-10-19T09:37:38.715-07:00ecoFiber's CEO and Founder to Host Workshop on State of Eco-Friendly Custom Rug Industry at AVA Design in Atlanta<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfSOLMU3zMOe-_eO5Ggkq6eBK44NvQOtWbPdw4h6TQG0K1x7VJBzvDackU6ehK7k33Ma6ApWdGg0TTGWyUIvcEm-rBIjBST0F7GWAlKZen9XwYflE5it5KJvrDWodERorA1Mwxlzztcc/s1600/EcoFiber_Evite.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 466px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfSOLMU3zMOe-_eO5Ggkq6eBK44NvQOtWbPdw4h6TQG0K1x7VJBzvDackU6ehK7k33Ma6ApWdGg0TTGWyUIvcEm-rBIjBST0F7GWAlKZen9XwYflE5it5KJvrDWodERorA1Mwxlzztcc/s320/EcoFiber_Evite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528381645452455618" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">ecoFiber Custom Rugs Founder and CEO Phyllis Waldron-Ripple Shares the Eco-Friendly Production Process of her Goodweave Certified Rugs and Discusses Importance of Sustainability in Today’s Design and Furnishings Industry</span><br /><br />Founder and CEO of <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber Custom Rugs</a>, Phyllis Waldron-Ripple, will host a design workshop at <a href="http://avadesign.com/">AVA Design</a>, a custom American Furniture Company and showroom in Atlanta, on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday, October 21 at 5:30 p.m. at 1100 Howell Mill Ed. #150. </span><br /><br />The workshop, which is aimed at both consumers and design professionals, will showcase ecoFiber Custom Rugs’ stunning and eco-friendly Tibetan wool, mohair, silk, hemp, nettle and cactus <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">natural fiber rugs</a>, as well as discuss the importance of sustainable and socially responsible production practices in the textile industry.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />“Our objective is to educate designers and interested parties in the benefits and philosophy behind eco-friendly products,” said Richie Morgan of AVA Designs. “Trade professionals need to have this information to incorporate sustainable products into their business and design projects.”<br /><br />Waldron-Ripple, a member of the <a href="http://www.sustainablefurnishings.org/">Sustainable Furnishings Council</a> and a<a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/05/importance-of-purchasing-child-labor.html"> Goodweave certified rug importer</a>, will speak on the present and future state of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">eco-friendly rug</span> industry, an art form she is deeply connected to.<br /><br />“In my travels, I saw cultures becoming more and more westernized. The arts and handicrafts were slowly disappearing from places like Pakistan during the time I lived there in the late 1980s. Being able to play a small role in helping keep those cultures alive is very important to me,” said Waldron-Ripple.<br /><br />“Vegetable dying and using indigenous materials is not only environmentally friendly, but it is also about as directly involved in the re-birth of the cultural awareness of a place as a westerner can get.”<br /><br />Waldron-Ripple’s passion is evident. She often speaks of her rugs as if each has a life of its own. Her goal is to make <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber Custom Rugs</a> as memorable for her clients, bringing the quiet appeal, organic look and luxurious textures of her rugs into living rooms.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RSVP:</span> RMorgan@AvaDesigns.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-65900542627943061732010-10-08T13:54:00.000-07:002010-10-08T14:25:51.237-07:00Kim Stockwell discusses the importance of keeping it simple<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-w-7TPtYhCbCKgD7EAq6EkQaKlEURFgf017pAVVcsts9de4haEn8P80McoqDKUTLLERC1SvPfNSOk7WDGZp5oK-nXLN8Bf2sspoycKgErlFx0JwgyCjhGp5aMT7GcGmAmceIFpd_ByDQ/s1600/kimstockwell.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-w-7TPtYhCbCKgD7EAq6EkQaKlEURFgf017pAVVcsts9de4haEn8P80McoqDKUTLLERC1SvPfNSOk7WDGZp5oK-nXLN8Bf2sspoycKgErlFx0JwgyCjhGp5aMT7GcGmAmceIFpd_ByDQ/s320/kimstockwell.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525789553601544130" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Kim Stockwell runs <a href="http://kimstockwell.com/home.html">KDSDesign</a>, a design firm specializing in interior decor, residential and commercial space planning, and urban garden design.<br /><br />Kim also works as an independent representative for AVA Designs. She has represented rugs, broadloom wool and synthetics and hard surface flooring for 14 years, and in 2010 she added furniture and pillows/bedding her mix. Her customers extend from retail carpet and rug showrooms to lifestyle stores, furniture locations along with design firms. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What are the some of the first decorating mistakes you see when you walk into a home?</span><br /><br />Decorating is very personal so immediately it allows you to see inside the heart of the home...sometimes it looks clutter filled, messy or mismatched. I usually see space that is too crowded.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What decorating techniques/ideas/suggestions would you recommend to a homeowner looking rev up the look of a room or house without spending a fortune?</span><br /><br />If someone wanted to start decorating within a budget, I would suggest painting first with a neutral color paint.<br /><br />The next piece would be the largest piece for the room (i.e. rug, sofa, chairs or wall center). It is hard to put everything in prospective because we usually come with necessities or bring along things to the mix— so trying to keep it simple would be my biggest suggestion.<br /><br />Paint and start to put things in the room that you really love, whether it's your rug or sofa table or artwork...use it to start.<br /><br />If your budget allows you to buy something, purchase texture medium tones for furniture pieces as they will always lend change for future decorating styles and try to stay away from patterns.<br /><br />Remember less is better and keep it simple!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What piece should homeowners start with to build a new decor scheme around?</span><br /><br />Whether you pick hardwood flooring or carpet this decision will dictate your next purchase. If you select hardwood, then I would suggest the rug be chosen before the sofa and chair arrangement.<br /><br />Rugs are the artwork for the floor and extremely important part of the room, which is what most people tend to forget. This is why when all is in disarray natural fibers come to the rescue—giving texture with no committing color.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What has been the best decorating advice you've gotten or what do you wish you would have known before decorating your own home?</span><br /><br />The best advice from my past was to always remember when you buy something make sure it will work in 3 different areas of your home.<br /><br />It's important as you move into different homes that the pieces that you buy can be used in several spots—bedroom, hall, family room, etc. I like to change my space a lot so this advice gives me options to redecorate and change up the look!<br /><br />For costumers on a budget, what pieces do you think are important to splurge on higher quality furnishings/decor and what can you get away with doing cheaper?<br /><br />I would have my family and friends splurge on fine wood pieces and rugs. Secondly, medium priced stuffed pieces. I have learned that a $6,000 sofa wears pretty much like a $3,000 sofa and is expensive to reupholster.<br /><br />Lastly, I think artwork is so very important but so individualized it’s better to wait for the big purchases as you aspire a definite taste!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What do you think amazing floor coverings can do for the look and feel of a home?<br /></span><br />I tell my girls that the rug needs to settle the floor and draw you in...Make it beautiful!! And keep it clean!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Do you find many clients seeking out green home decor products strictly because of environmental ethics?</span><br /><br />Most folks love the idea of going Green! They love the aspect of nature with no harmful chemicals introduced into their homes. So not only environmentally do they love it, but [they] also realize the quality and longevity in green/natural products!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Who would you recommend ecoFiber Custom Rugs to?</span><br /><br />I truly love the hand-crafted quality and feel of the ecoFiber rugs. They are simply majestic in appearance! This is the case of what the love of nature brings to our senses.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Do you think ecoFiber Custom Rugs look/work best in contemporary or traditional interiors?</span><br /><br />The looks of the ecoFiber rugs complements any décor—that is one of the beauties of this rug. This rug talks of lush richness you can't explain until you touch and feel it for yourself. Remember my words earlier—keep it simple, lasts a lifetime!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What are the advantages to investing in a high-quality, custom made rug?</span><br /><br />If the consumer today looks at this purchase as an investment, it is hands down a perfect choice. This rug will last a lifetime ...And so if your home is your most important investment then certainly this rug would give you the performance and style to complete your rug purchases for future generations.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-8253378525732298082010-09-24T14:23:00.000-07:002010-10-08T14:23:33.082-07:00Kelly Molak on why investing in floor coverings is money well spent<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bdakcNRsd5A/TJ0YZdtpvdI/AAAAAAAAAEU/cgndroW6MAw/s1600/kelly.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 180px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bdakcNRsd5A/TJ0YZdtpvdI/AAAAAAAAAEU/cgndroW6MAw/s320/kelly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520595543977999826" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Kelly Molak is the owner of <a href="http://www.elementsupply.net/">Element Supply</a>, an environmentally friendly building materials showroom and distributor in Austin Texas, and has more than 12 years experience developing multi-million dollar residential and commercial building projects. Here are some of Kelly's design tips and advice. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What are the some of the first decorating mistakes you see when you walk into a home? </span><br /><br />Pictures hung too high, scattered décor.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What decorating techniques/ideas/suggestions would you recommend to a homeowner looking rev up the look of a room or house without spending a fortune? </span><br /><br />Group existing décor pieces to create focal points. Paint! It’s amazing what a little paint can do, choose a focal point wall & go for it!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br />What piece should homeowners start with to build a new decor scheme around? </span><br /><br />A new rug of course.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />What has been the best decorating advice you've gotten or what do you wish you would have known before decorating your own home? </span><br /><br />Always refer to your color selections in the home, with both natural & incandescent lighting. It is amazing how colors can change from the store to your home.<br /><br />New low-e windows tend to cast a blue / green shade, so natural lighting in newer homes can be tricky. In my own home I chose hand blown pendants for the bar, our grey walls did nothing for the pendants…I actually refused to turn them on, the warm glow with the cool walls just DID NOT work. So, we repainted the gameroom a beautiful camel color, and the pendants look fantastic!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />For costumers on a budget, what pieces do you think are important to splurge on higher quality furnishings/decor and what can you get away with doing cheaper? </span><br /><br />Splurge worthy: Rugs & wood furniture pieces. Higher quality rugs & furniture will last a lifetime, be smart about your selections by choosing timeless pieces, fill in with hip accessories from furniture & manufacturer outlets.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you think amazing floor coverings can do for the look and feel of a home? </span><br /><br />Flooring definitely sets the tone of a home. Warm wood floors with a soft, beautiful wool rug is so welcoming. Marble floors with a cashmere & linen rugs says chic all the way.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Do you find many clients seeking out green home decor products strictly because of environmental ethics? </span><br /><br />Yes and no. Some clients are defiantly driven by environmental concerns, including chemical intolerance. Others, just like the quality of our products and the environmental aspects are secondary.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Who would you recommend ecoFiber Custom Rugs to? </span><br /><br />Anyone!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you think ecoFiber Custom Rugs look/work best in contemporary or traditional interiors? </span><br /><br />They work fantastic in both.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What are the advantages to investing in a high-quality, custom made rug? </span><br /><br />The rug will last a lifetime.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-8326918845099645532010-09-10T14:32:00.000-07:002010-09-10T14:47:41.219-07:00ecoFiber Custom Rugs in this month's EcoLuxe Magazine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CElzSR4Bv8bCjhyphenhyphenDNc0RaATYBQPnQv0KqQTMxW0S1LApKK_nWaRTzuqaJ5kb5KcJf4yqW2_Xg0dHrPxiiiO44O0L81onhhm5hGtAspmsDmjy1wr6HnzBm3UZhmi_vwFMXJd3kswL1BU/s1600/efcr+ecolux+ad.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CElzSR4Bv8bCjhyphenhyphenDNc0RaATYBQPnQv0KqQTMxW0S1LApKK_nWaRTzuqaJ5kb5KcJf4yqW2_Xg0dHrPxiiiO44O0L81onhhm5hGtAspmsDmjy1wr6HnzBm3UZhmi_vwFMXJd3kswL1BU/s320/efcr+ecolux+ad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515404557155832242" /></a><br />Perhaps the thing most striking about new trends in eco-friendly products and greener ways of thinking is it is often a lot less about innovation than it is about returning to the ways of the past. <br /><br />Ideas like eating local food products, avoiding disposable plastics, and in the case of our custom rugs, making beautiful, <span style="font-weight:bold;">natural woven rugs</span> in a centuries old tradition, are all prime examples of returning to the past for a better future. <br /><br />Our <span style="font-weight:bold;">rugs from Nepal</span> are made using the same fibers and materials that have been used by weavers for centuries and our dyes are made from natural materials which have been gathered and used long before chemical dyes ever appeared. (In Nepal and Tibet, most of the natural dyes are collected in the wild from sources such as oak tree galls, larkspur, woad, indigo, madder, and cochineal. If you’re curious, read more about <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-vegetable-dyed-rugs-are-better.html">why vegetable dyed rugs are better</a>).<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />All of that being said, we at <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com">ecoFiber Custom Rugs</a> aren’t the only ones to realize that sometimes the best and easiest way to go green is to look to the past. This month, we have an ad featured in the new <a href="http://www.ecoluxemag.com">EcoLuxe Magazine</a> (check out our ad on page 44). In her letter to readers, Shannon Dunn discuss how you shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality for eco-consciousness and how looking back may be the best way to move forward: <br /><blockquote><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I’ve grown up as part of the disposable generation — if it’s quick, easy, no hassle, then eat it, use it, wear it. The convenience of plastic has moved most of us away from quality. From flimsy, throwaway plates and eco-clogging water bottles to leak-free diapers and brightly colored toys. Anything disposable once made life seem easier, faster and hassle-free. We know how this story ends.<br /><br />I love being green, but I also crave quality. I adore hand knitted blankets and made-from-scratch soups, well-crafted furniture and vacations away from the bustle of dime-a-dozen resorts. I’d much rather spend my dollars on a dress that will last many seasons and a Christmas present that will still be cherished 20 years from now.<br />When we choose quality over convenience, we not only nurture the environment and ourselves but we also learn to stop and breathe again. Life becomes about more than just replaceable stuff—it becomes about experiences and whom we experience our choices with.<br /><br />Gone are the days when being eco conscious was thought to be about going without and accepting second best. Welcome to the next generation of green and to a publication that captures everything a conscious, quality-driven life is about.<br />EcoLuxe magazine was born from a desire to bring you conscious content, cover to cover—from toxin-free beauty and food devoid of animal products to green destinations that give back; and inspiring people whose mission it is to heal the world. It is our mission to promote only information, goods and services that inspire all of us to live naturally and consciously.<br /><br />One person who is doing just that is Will Estes, star of CBS’ hot new show Blue Bloods, also starring Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg. Will chatted with me about his love of film, literature, surfing, friends and family, as well as his environmental protection work (page 16).<br /><br />We also bring you our cover story on why it feels good to do good (page 11), an interview with Peter Rodger, director of documentary Oh My God (page 67), delicious eco-food inspirations (page 32), tips on bringing up an eco baby (page 52), natural spa retreats (page 58) and much more.</span></blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-24802207080999811172010-08-11T15:48:00.000-07:002010-08-09T16:04:54.990-07:00Find ecoFiber Custom Rugs on Green Design Hub<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojRwvZEWJ3pvXnPkilZl_8O9BhLfFd6X9yEDboSNmT6jUO3pZg-0tpdWbYCW4hZ8vxIybQF9Lr1Dz3hnmzbnhQAX-tYukEqKcAX7bU4pAaFbbMwymOEGUHsMBvi4s3XfRWCeaJO4he38/s1600/greendesignhub.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojRwvZEWJ3pvXnPkilZl_8O9BhLfFd6X9yEDboSNmT6jUO3pZg-0tpdWbYCW4hZ8vxIybQF9Lr1Dz3hnmzbnhQAX-tYukEqKcAX7bU4pAaFbbMwymOEGUHsMBvi4s3XfRWCeaJO4he38/s320/greendesignhub.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503549892561561362" /></a><br />Supporting the movement for green and <span style="font-weight:bold;">sustainable home design</span>, <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber Custom Rugs</a> is now listed on <a href="http://www.greendesignhub.com/green-categories/green-interior-design/item/root/ecofiber-custom-rugs">Green Design Hub</a>—a web site that <span style="font-style:italic;">“is an online research resource for designers to access Eco-friendly solutions, materials, and businesses. Our vision is to inspire and provide creatives with the power to make a positive global change through design.”</span><br /><br />Our custom rugs are made with only <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">natural fibers</a> and <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-vegetable-dyed-rugs-are-better.html">chemical free vegetable dyes</a>, we easily fit into the category of eco-friendly solutions for sustainable home décor.<br /><br />You now have the option of purchasing <span style="font-weight:bold;">beautiful custom area rugs</span> for your home or workspace without negatively impacting the environment.<br /><br />If being green wasn’t enough ecoFiber doesn’t stop with our commitment to sustainability, we also support the community of weavers who create our rugs and are GoodWeave certified by RugMark. RugMark is an international certification process which ensures there was is no use of child labor in the creation of our custom rugs.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">>>Check out <a href="http://www.greendesignhub.com/green-categories/green-interior-design/item/root/ecofiber-custom-rugs">ecoFiber Custom Rugs’ page on Green Design Hub</a></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-87881710912544694242010-08-09T15:14:00.000-07:002010-08-09T15:41:00.601-07:00Natural Fiber Rugs: Why Tibetan Wool?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLclMIG5PX64huUFkEkautZ2Ay6SMXz6wGBLRr1FNcl5qeT7ohVlqL48nCnrpVWV3rLd5WLG2mbS2SnZEN3E9Pza13hJegVxaM2_XaUfFr2rQAf5A84PU4-7hRTSBWDnd8v88AXWEL9c/s1600/39176_146973215317993_146971345318180_487694_1124142_n.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLclMIG5PX64huUFkEkautZ2Ay6SMXz6wGBLRr1FNcl5qeT7ohVlqL48nCnrpVWV3rLd5WLG2mbS2SnZEN3E9Pza13hJegVxaM2_XaUfFr2rQAf5A84PU4-7hRTSBWDnd8v88AXWEL9c/s320/39176_146973215317993_146971345318180_487694_1124142_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503543542510535138" /></a><br /><h2> Benefits of Tibetan Wool Rugs</h2><br /><br />The best feature about <span style="font-weight:bold;">environmentally friendly area rugs</span> іѕ tһаt they are created using sustainable natural resources, which are materials that usually grow back very quickly and do not require chemical intervention for growth.<br /><br /><a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">Natural fibers</a> used in these rugs are biodegradable and free of synthetics. Apart from using plant fibers (like sisal, hemp and cactus for example), we also offer Tibetan wool rugs—another renewable fiber often used for <span style="font-weight:bold;">eco-friendly area rugs</span>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/index2.php#/info4/">Tibetan wool</a> is known for its high quality, longer fibers. Noted for its long lasting super soft texture <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/index2.php#/info4/">Tibetan wool rugs</a> are perfect for humid or high traffic areas. AƖѕο, our non-toxic, hypoallergenic wool prevents the growth of bacteria, thus providing a more hygienic atmosphere. A wool area rug can act as an air filter by trapping contaminants in its fibers.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><h2>Beautiful green home décor </h2><br /><br />EcoFiber Tibetan rugs are authentic pieces of art incorporating textural design and or natural organic dyes. The centerpiece to any room our handmade rugs draw in the eye to make a dramatic statement.<br /><br />Timeless in their elegance, classic in their style, our custom made and <span style="font-weight:bold;">sustainably beautiful rugs</span> are always tasteful. Your rug will become not just a fashionable adornment in your home, and, with the proper care, it can become a treasured family heirloom passed from one generation to the next.<br /><br />Our <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/05/importance-of-purchasing-child-labor.html">sustainable area rugs</a> are entirely hand woven or hand knotted. The time and craftsmanship devoted to these pieces is remarkable, and we ensure only adult artisan weaves have a hand in their creation by being <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/05/importance-of-purchasing-child-labor.html">GoodWeave certified</a>.<br /><br />The unique, ancient techniques used to produce our <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">natural fiber rugs</a> is unlike the rug making process anywhere else in the world, making our environmentally friendly rugs a proud statement for beauty and elegance and a commitment to a better world.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-34787670833680771142010-07-29T20:45:00.000-07:002010-10-19T09:38:52.522-07:00ecoFiber Custom Rugs compared to Armani Casa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7KT1nRf7RgB6IOxVyKiIi1drGhhggncwo2GYQdL3IsceXWIin9J9ltcEvFuIvJmEciyHIw59MEHGXDutrsx2V-YwgX_xmLd3DqW4-BEoGFtmzMrRDBPjc2OEI8q_n_-0DjJhhPlsUVE/s1600/39176_146973198651328_146971345318180_487689_7667437_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7KT1nRf7RgB6IOxVyKiIi1drGhhggncwo2GYQdL3IsceXWIin9J9ltcEvFuIvJmEciyHIw59MEHGXDutrsx2V-YwgX_xmLd3DqW4-BEoGFtmzMrRDBPjc2OEI8q_n_-0DjJhhPlsUVE/s320/39176_146973198651328_146971345318180_487689_7667437_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499544334295708402" border="0" /></a><br />While we certainly believe that we sell some of the most <span style="font-weight: bold;">beautiful, luxurious eco-friendly rugs</span> on the market, it certainly is nice when someone else seems to take notice. Especially when that someone is connected and respected in the design world.<br /><br />As it turns out, an employee from Livingston & Associates in New York City showed samples of our rugs to design students and compared our natural fiber rugs to—<span style="font-style: italic;">gasp</span>—<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.armanicasa.com">Armani Casa</a>.<br /><br />That’s right, THE <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.armanicasa.com">Armani Casa</a>. The design house known for sophistication and timeless elegance, which has now been translated into a collection of understated interior decor.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />We believe our rugs, <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">made from all natural fibers</a> like <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tibetan wool, cashmere, mohair and silk</span>, are not only made from some the best, most luxurious feeling textiles, but that their <span style="font-weight: bold;">custom designs</span> have the same sophisticated and <span style="font-weight: bold;">timeless elegance</span> that Armani brings to his own designs.<br /><br />The real beauty of <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber Custom Rugs</a>, is the value. While our Nepalese rugs have the same craftsmanship, luxurious feel and sophisticated beauty of rugs from top design houses, they don’t carry the same inflated price tag. Basically, you get a high quality, beautifully made rug that rivals any other rug on the market for a much lower price.<br /><br />Our <span style="font-weight: bold;">sustainable rug</span>s can brighten and change a room without major renovation, add a comfortable, soft space to any room, or tie an entire room together with a sustainable area rug that is both environmentally friendly and elegant.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3104927450202153507.post-13148214399170006532010-07-23T14:24:00.000-07:002010-07-23T14:43:21.990-07:00GoodWeave's Faces of Freedom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbj0TJhnt7Fgo5itGrudflr0gwWSguz6pAoxT33tE_gWXNyWLL56Yx_4HyHQRfzPaffGo7fEsWPaRiGHITLpZcjkgv2Jm5YzsK4X1aTJD_guEDIuqP4Rvs7EYAFMDKkD233X6mdfwVlWk/s1600/facesoffreedom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbj0TJhnt7Fgo5itGrudflr0gwWSguz6pAoxT33tE_gWXNyWLL56Yx_4HyHQRfzPaffGo7fEsWPaRiGHITLpZcjkgv2Jm5YzsK4X1aTJD_guEDIuqP4Rvs7EYAFMDKkD233X6mdfwVlWk/s320/facesoffreedom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497219488444111042" border="0" /></a><br />Here at <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber Custom Rugs</a>, we are proud to be a <a href="http://www.goodweave.org/">Goodweave</a> certified dealer, and we ensure that no child had a hand in the making of any of our rugs.<br /><br />Because we truly believe in Goodweave’s commitment to ending child labor practices in the rug industry and think it’s important people educate themselves on <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/05/importance-of-purchasing-child-labor.html">the importance of buying a child labor free rug</a>, I encourage everyone to check out <a href="http://www.facesoffreedom.goodweave.org/">Faces of Freedom</a>, a traveling exhibition sponsored by RugMark and the U.S. fund for UNICEF.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />According to their web site: <span style="font-style: italic;"><blockquote>“The beauty of a hand woven carpet is inextricably linked to the people who make it. Yet today approximately 250,000 children weave the rugs that adorn North American and European homes. RugMark, the organization behind the Goodweave certification program, gives these children hope. The GoodWeave child-labor-free certification program not only rescues and educates thousands of child laborers, it is transforming the industry that impacts them.”</blockquote></span><br /><br />While buying an <span style="font-weight: bold;">eco-friendly rug</span> that uses both <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/natural-fiber-rugs.html">natural fibers</a> and <a href="http://ecofibercustomrugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-vegetable-dyed-rugs-are-better.html">vegetable dyes</a> is also important, here at <a href="http://www.ecofibercustomrugs.com/">ecoFiber Custom Rugs</a>, we also think making sure the rugs are made by fairly compensated adult artisans in Nepal is of equal importance.<br /><br />The exhibition, which is currently displayed at Miami International Airport until July 31 and at Odegard in Chicago until August 31 “takes you behind the looms and inside the carpet factories of South Asia. The images, captured by photo documentarian, filmmaker and human rights educator U. Roberto Romano, are displayed in their entirety on this website. They will connect you to the positive, real-life difference that the GoodWeave program is making - and we hope that they inspire you to take action.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />>>Get <a href="http://www.facesoffreedom.goodweave.org/">more information on Faces of Freedom</a> and find out where and when the exhibition will be displayed next</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo by U. Roberto Romano from his Faces of Freedom exhibition</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0