My Design Secrets

Anderson Flooring offers wonderful eco-friendly flooring by using plentiful domestic woods and safely treating them to achieve an exotic and worn look.

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On this 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, we’ve come a long way!  I am thrilled that every year, more and more people are jumping on board.  There are lots of ways to help the earth and no matter which one(s) you choose, I honor that.  But we also have a long way to go.  Living an eco-friendly life crosses many areas; from food and clothing to cleaning products and cars.  But the one area that I can certainly help you with is home furnishings.  So that’s where we are going today…

There are now lots of sustainable options when it comes to furnishing your home and you don’t have to give up an inch of style.  But remember the reasons these options are available now is because some good people and responsible companies realized we had to stop the madness.  The home decor industry is guilty of being a major contributor to the use of toxic chemicals in manufacturing and later loading up landfills with low-quality products with short life cycles.  I mentioned a while back that I am a Green Residential Expert and during that training a learned many facts that would shock you.

Un-Eco-Friendly Home Furnishings Facts

• Deforestation – The furnishings industry is the #3 user of Wood behind buildings and paper; often using woods from forests that are not sustainably managed.
• Air Quality – There are many volatile organic compounds in adhesives, finishes, paints and carpeting which affect us all but especially the 15-20 million people with asthma in the U.S..
• Overloaded Landfills – 8.8 million tons of furnishings are discarded annually, 4% of US total waste.

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Stanley Furniture is blending the old with the new. An example of a long-time company with renewed green values.

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When it comes down to it, the simple mantra of “REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE” sums it up, so lets talk about how you can design your home with those thoughts in mind.

REDUCE

Live with less! There, I said it.  An interior designer who is encouraging you to purchase fewer things for your home.  My role as an interior designer has much more to do with sharing my knowledge and eye for design rather than selling furnishings. So when your  ready to purchase a new chair, take your time and select one that speaks to your true sense of style (not a fleeting fad)and  that is the best quality and most eco-friendly that you can afford.

REUSE

I know it can be fun to get anything new…but I think we can all admit that the joy is fleeting.  Think about what you have that can be used in a new and different way.  Old tables or mirrors are the perfect candidates for a mod face-lift with a coat of bright eco-friendly paint.  An antique chair has new personality when covered it with a modern fabric.  Ask you friends and family if there is anything they’d like to swap.  We’ve all found great items at flea markets and antique stores.  Why not cut out the middle man?

RECYCLE

All good things must come to an end but that doesn’t mean they all need to end up in a landfill.  Used furnishings that still have some life in them can be donated or listed on Freecycle or craigslist. Old textiles can be used for rags, drop cloths or quilts.  Leftover paint should be brought to the proper recycling facility.  Recently I heard about a program where leftover paint is being used to decorate people’s homes who cannot afford the paint themselves.  If you need some guidance on where to recycle you old stuff try Earth 911.

As I follow the path of eco-friendly design I am going to bring you along for the ride.  We’ll go in-depth into flooring, fabrics, furniture and paint.  Why the old options don’t work and what the new ones have to offer.  I will share vendors, shopping tips and wonderful examples to boot.  I want you to be an educated individual in a world of green products.  (Notice I did not call you a consumer…a ridiculous word that has bred a wasteful mindset.)

Every item in your newly decorated living space need not be Green!  Just consider the options and choose the sustainable ones where they work for you.  Balance beauty and function with your earth-friendly values. These small steps get us further down the path to sustainability and a Cleaner and Greener World!

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I started My Design Secrets more than a year ago with one goal in mind:  Help people who love home decorating by giving them professional advice and easy access to the best online interior decorating sources.  After receiving a lot of wonderful feedback and learning that close to 100,000 people visted the database last year, I realized that My Secret Database was the answer to many of your decorating prayers!  So, I  was determined to continue sharing my interior design advice and resources.

A couple of months ago, I announced that we would be making some upgrades to the website.  Now, the time has come!  We wanted to make My Design Secrets even more useful, interesting, and fun for all of you decorating enthusiasts. (And for those of you who don’t know, my husband, Tim,  is the what turns “me” into “we”.)

So, here is what’s in store…

Improvements to My Secret Database *

The new database is PHENOMENAL.  When it comes to home decorating, My Secret Database blows any search engine out of the water.  Take that Google!  Here’s why: 

• Search through hundreds of online retailers for the product(s) you need and in the specific style you want.
• View a wide assortment of photos of specific products from the vendors in My Secrets Database. 
• Check out the the handy $-$$-$$$!  These icons will help you stay within your home decorating budget.

*While we wanted to keep doing all this for free, a girl has got to make a living!   With all these great new features, we are confident that you will recognize what a great value it is.  So starting this Wednesday at noon, My Secret Database is going to become a membership only site.  We are sure you will agree that the nominal charge of $9.95 per month is a fair price for access to this incredibly valuable, time-saving database.

Hot New Topics and Inside Tips in the Blog (Free)

The blog will continue to be free of charge and will offer my professional design tips as well as introductions to some of the hottest new decorating sources on the web.  I have lots of great ideas for new topics and, as always, you are welcome to make suggestions.  Feel free to search my existing blog entries covering over 350 decorating topics!

Great New Giveaways

We know you all love a Great Giveaway, so those are definitely going to continue.  We have some great ones lined up for high quality paint, gorgeous home furnishings, and fabulous interior decorating/design books.  And remember, your paid membership will automatically enter you into the giveaways.

Thank You…Thank You…Thank You

I have appreciated your support over the last year and sincerely hope that you will find these upgrades very helpful as you continue to put your personal decorating stamp on your home.

~ Lorrie

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If you are going to remodel your kitchen and would like to do it in an eco-friendly fashion, consider using the following materials in your new design.

Appliances- Certified with an Energy Star label.  Use a convection oven versus a conventional oven to save energy. 

Cabinets – FSC-certified plywood, wheatboard, bamboo, formaldehyde-free MDF, reclaimed wood, recycled timber, or recycled steel.

Countertops – Granite, engineered stone, recycled ceramic tile, FSC-certified wood, recycled steel, recycled glass, recycled plastics.

Flooring –  Bamboo, cork, linoleum, stone tiles, recycled glass tiles, recycled metal tiles, reclaimed & sustainable woods.

Lighting – Copper light fixtures, recycled glass, recycled aluminum, recycled steel, sustainably harvested wood, and post-industrial waste products.  Be sure and use energy-saving fluorescent bulbs.

Storage – Store food in glass and ceramic pieces instead of plastic.  They are easier to clean, do not hold odors, and if on display, aesthetically much more pleasing.

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Are you following me on twitter?  You should be!

~ Lorrie

Reuse and Recycle 

First, consider the items you have that might just need a little TLC.

• Friendly Facelift - Sometimes an old favorite just needs a little pick-me-up.  Try a sunny coat of paint on an old table, a new shade for Grandma’s lamp, or reupholstering your favorite chair.
• On the Move – Consider moving accessories, lighting and furniture to another room.  You will be amazed how different the piece looks and how it dramatically changes up a room. 
• Friendly Swap – Talk to your friends and family about what you are looking for and what you are willing to part with.  You might just have a perfect match.
• Dispose With Care – If you have decided that you are ready to part with that sofa, chair, or rug, do your best to pass it on to someone else  who can use it.  (www.freecycle.com, www.craigslists.com, & www.goodwill.org)

Ready to Purchase ? 

 Let’s start from the ground up in the world of eco-friendly decor.

This Hickory Hand-Scraped Flooring is from Eco Timber Flooring. The fantastic character and warmth would be perfect in any room. It is Certified according to the Principles & Criteria of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as well as being LEED certified.

Flooring 

There are lots of eco-friendly options ranging from cork to reclaimed wood.  My best advice is to do your research like you would for any other purchase.  Be honest with yourself and make sure the flooring works with your lifestyle (and the dog’s and the kids’).  And it’s not just the wood or cork you have to consider.  Make sure you have information on any adhesives and sealents that will be used as these often contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)  Just because the flooring is eco-friendly, does not mean the vendor is customer friendly.  Assume nothing and ask a lot of questions.  Get a firm quote, ask about warranties and post-installation care. (Though I have not specified it for any of my clients, my flooring company tells me they are getting a lot of service calls for bamboo flooring, so be vigilant.)

• Eco Timber - Sustainable exotics and hardwoods.
• Check out your local architectural salvage companies for great deals.
• epanko – Cork options for every style.

An Angela Adams rug is truly a thing of beauty. The design, colors and textures mimic the beauty of the natural world.

Carpet & Rugs 

This is where things are getting interesting.  Area rugs can be made from a variety of natural and recycled materials bringing us a fantastic array of textures and designs that are truly amazing.  Along with checking that the rug is made from a sustainable material (recycled items, wools, cotton) make sure it’s made using earth and people friendly practices.  All the better if it’s made in the USA!  This will lessen the use of fossil fuels for transport.

• Flor - Carpet tiles for your whole room or just an area rug.  You can send your old tiles in to be recycled.
• Rug Studio - Sisal, Sea grass and Jute are a good, natural place to start.
• Angela Adams at Velocity – One of my personal favorites.  She makes earth-friendly wool rugs and they are a member of Rug Mark – assuring your rug is child-labor free.

Now that you have the floor covered, are you ready to start adding some furniture?  Then stay tuned for the Eco-Friendly Furnishing Guide Part II this Friday! 

I was in yoga class the other day desperately trying to concentrate on something other than the muscles burning in my legs when I looked down and started thinking about the cork floor they have in the studio.  It’s really nice.  Chances are you have heard or read something about cork flooring lately.  It’s being touted for its eco-friendly properties, versatility and resilience.  But I bet most people still don’t know enough about cork to give it serious consideration when exploring flooring options.  So here’s a primer on where it comes from, how its manufactured, what it costs and how you can integrate it into your own home design. 

Where Does Cork Come From?

It’s the outer layer of the cork oak tree that grows in the Mediterranean area.  It is light colored, insulative and very sound absorbent.  The type we use as flooring is indeed the same as the cork in your wine bottle.  The bark naturally splits every 9-15 years and can be harvested safely without harming the trees.  The trees can live up to 500 years making it a sustainable and renewable resource.   Portugal is home to 30% of the world’s cork trees and produces 70% of the cork worldwide. 

I love the exotic look of Ardosia from epanko. It's available from 12"x12" up to 12"x36".

What Makes Cork a Great Flooring Material?

• Comfort- It feels great to walk on because it is naturally shock absorbent. 
• Durability – It can be compressed up to 40% (by high heels and heavy furniture) and return to its natural shape. 
• Impermeable- It is naturally resistant to liquids. 
• Low Maintenance- Cleaning instructions vary by manufacturer.  All suggest regular sweeping/vacuuming but cleaning solutions recommendations vary.
• Hypo-allergenic- It does not absorb dust so it’s great for people with allergies or asthma.  Suberin is a waxy substance in cork that naturally repels insects, mites and mold.
• Eco-Friendly – It comes from the earth and can be recycled.  Just opt for low- or no-VOC sealents.

Where Should You Use Cork in Your Home? 

You can use Cork just about anywhere in your home.  It’s great for kitchens or anywhere you are on your feet for extended periods of time because of it’s soft feel.  I also like it for kids rooms and recreation rooms because it’s soft and durable.  It can also be used in high humidity areas such as bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms but standing water can damage it so be careful.  Since it’s a natural material, it can fade, so it should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.

The small accent tiles in this kitchen tie the cork in with the traditional look.

What Designs and Finishes are Available?

In order to make floors, the cork is ground up in to pieces of varying sizes.  The pieces are sorted  by size or mixed together to form a variety of styles.  Once you have chosen the style you like, then you can move on to color!  If you are a purist you might want to stick with the natural, warm brown tone.  But if you want to jazz it up, there is a rainbow of colors available.  With tiles you can create any design you can dream up.

How does the Material Come and How is it Installed?

Cork Tiles

Cork tiles come in many shapes and sizes.  Squares and rectangles start at 6″ and go up to 36″.  Various shapes are available from hexagons to herringbone.  Pretty much anything you could do with tile, you can do with cork.

They are cut to size and glued to a clean, even surface.  Once the glue has dried, the floor is sanded and sealer is applied.  There are many tiles available that are pre-finished.  You cannot install cork tiles over other wood or tile floors.  They must go directly onto the subflooring.

This drawing shows us the elements of cork plank flooring.

Interlocking Cork Panels

Cork Panels made like other laminate floors and are pre-finished.  They have cork on the bottom, MDF,  a cork core, a cork veneer and then an acrylic varnish.  Because there are other materials involved, it’s important to speak to the manufacturer about all the components of the flooring material if you are looking for an eco-friendly product. 

These panels require a floating floor installation.  Depending on the product, you may be able to float it over a tile or wood floor.  Some may require it be removed.

Whether you go with tiles or planks, always order an extra box or two for repairs down the line.  Dye lots vary and you want repairs to blend in.

I love this rich color and pattern variation in Cordovan from Epanko.

How much does it cost?

The average cost of a cork floor is $5-$10 a square foot installed.  As with any material, it can vary greatly (from $3-$22 per sq. ft.) depending on the quality and design.  If you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer, you can save a couple of dollars per square foot by installing it yourself.

Cork Flooring Sources:

West Cork

Globus Cork

duro design

epanko

Here’s are some great tutorials:

This Old House ~  How to Lay a Floating Cork Floor.

eHow ~ How to Install a Cork Tile Floor

So if  you are selecting flooring for new construction or are renovating your existing home, cork is a wonderfully versatile and attractive option.  It’s comfortable, easy to maintain, eco-friendly and beautiful.  Personally, I love it and am already planning on installing it in my next home.

Win a $2oo VISA Gift Card!

What is resilient flooring?  It’s one of those materials that people kinda, sorta understand.  I wanted to explore it further with you because these days it’s offering some interesting design options.  First of all, resilient flooring is a broad term used for a few different kinds of flooring that you may be more familiar with, for example linoleum, vinyl and cork.   By definition it refers to flooring material which has a relatively firm surface but that also has some give and “bounces back” after objects of heavy weight have been moved.  It has long been used in many commercial environments, such as schools and health-care facilities, because of it’s many positive qualities:  it’s durable, comfortable under foot, good looking, long lasting, cost effective and relatively easy to install. 

The Cork Collection has a clean and modern Swedish look to it but it's not real cork.

The stone is really handsome and warmer on the feet than porcelain tile.

In the past, homeowners have used it mainly in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and foyers.  For a while, it was not very stylish and the first thing that was ripped out when moving into a new home.  Homeowners got bored with the muted colors and flecked designs, though I have always loved a great black and white checkerboard pattern!  The reason I am talking about it today is that quite a few companies have really stepped it up with the style options and it’s definitely worth a second look.  Armstrong, in particular, has come out with it’s MODE Flooring collection and I bet you will be surprised at the cool options being offered.

I love the mix and match options, they are endless!

Most of the styles come in 16″x16″ tiles and some of the wood styles come in 6″x36″ planks.  You can mix and match the tiles to create whatever look suits you.  This is a very affordable way of getting a custom tile look at a fraction of the price.  You can have it installed using traditional adhesive if you are confident that you are going to stick with the floor for a while.  Or you can use Quick Tac if you want an “easy down/easy up” option. Either way, it’s worth considering for your next flooring project!

The Planks Collection has a warm, rustic look.

Shop for a variety of flooring options in My Secret Database!

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

Whether you cook as a profession, hobby, or out of necessity, there is no reason that you have to suffer for your supper.  Wood and tile floors are beautiful, but they can be murder on your back.  So we try different things: rugs, slippers, sneakers or takeout.  Well here’s a stylish solution for you…GelPro Mats. 

These wonderful mats help relieve back pain, foot pain and arthritis by providing you a much-needed mediator between you and the unforgiving floor.  You can use them in so many places: the kitchen, at your work bench, in your bathroom or in the laundry room.  The non-slip mat has a gel core that helps absorb shock and the outside synthetic surface is stain resistant and easy to clean.  They are available in 6 different styles/textures and a multitude of colors with one sure to coordinate with your kitchen.  There are two sizes available – single (20″x36″) or double (20″x72″) and they have a 30-day money back guarantee.  Now you too can cook in comfort!

Visit Gel Pro on My Design Secrets!