Greenwashing. We all hear about how ‘green’ products are and shop and confidently purchase because we’ve been told, read, and truly believe we are doing something good. Oh, if only greenwashing was against the law. I see it as false advertising.

Products frequently advertised as “green” that are in no way sustainable products include (and there are wayyyy more): LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles), Mattresses, honestly most Ikea items, natural stone, anti-microbials, concrete, and some bamboo.

Who would think that their child’s lack of focus could be improved with interior design? Or that those ongoing sinus problems are due to the overwhelming amount of plastic products and VOC’s offgassing into our homes? We spend 90% of our time indoors, that time should be spent free of toxins and lack of ventilation.

Bamboo was a huge sustainable trend in the 90’s. It has a naturally modern look, is a rapidly renewable resource, and does not require masses of pesticides and labor to produce. This makes it kind of a no-brainer. The problme with huge trends is that they have huge collapses, regardless of how much sense they make. So, sometimes, we just need to look at bamboo in a different way.

What is sustainable? Bamboo? Reclaimed wood? Did you know that it’s more than just the wood that is selected, but also the way that it is cut? Read on to find out more!

I came into my business with strong values and morals, but as a new business owner, I did not have the authority yet to be adamant about the way I worked. It was more important that the client be happy, regardless of how that was done. Of course, it is still the most important thing that our clients are happy, but today we understand that education is a huge part of what we do, and allowing people to unknowingly enter dangerous territory is simply disregarding a part of our job.

I often get texts and emails from clients asking if I have any clients who could use a piece of furniture they are selling. The truth is, that pretty much never ever happens. My clients are typically looking for extremely high quality, new products. On the rare occasion they are looking for a used item, they'll hit up our local thrift stores or estate sales. It is not a part of the search that I am typically involved in. 

However, because it means so much to me that we reduce waste, and there is a right place for everything... well, let's talk about what the options are for that old side table or beat up sofa.

There's one finish that I adore, but when I suggest it, I see winces and looks of doubt. Linoleum. Linoleum is so often confused with vinyl sheet flooring, that no wonder people panic! But, did you know that linoleum is a natural product made of clay with a natural jute backing? Did you know that it is a healthy product, good for the environment, durable, and withstands spills and splashes? Did you know that because the color goes all the way through, when this product is scuffed and scratched, it is hard to notice.