Green is the color of 2008

My desire is to not only design beautiful spaces but to design spaces that are Eco-friendly and do their part to lessen our "footprint" on the planet.

Okay, let's talk Green. Not the color but the concept. As a society we are wasteful. More importantly our homes just are not healthy. With the interest in conserving energy and creating a more energy efficient home we have "air tight" spaces that although they are great for energy expense they can promote an unhealthy space. When I look at designing a space I always ask my clients how important is it to them to have a chic and elegant space, but promotes health. Some do not know or understand that going green and Eco-friendly does not need to be expensive or bland and boring. Green is just a way of life and Eco-friendly is looking for products that are healthier for the body. There are a lot of beautiful fabrics that are organic and natural. Look for furniture that uses water based stains with low VOCs especially for your children's furniture. Buy furniture made of solid wood instead of MDF or plywood for a healthier purchase. Keep in mind that in green design means finding wood products that are made from sustainable forests.

When I made the decision to go green I looked around my own home to see where I could improve my own environment. This takes time, I am not finished yet a little at a time. However; with a son that has Asthma, it was important to me to find things to help cut down or even eliminate the allergens that trigger an attack such as dust mites and the "off gas" of products.

Off gas is when carpet, furniture, paints, and stains expel that "new" smell. The smell is the "off gas" of the product that is actually creating what is called VOCs. (Volatile Organic Compounds) Not healthy for you to breath. Over time it will dissipate but until it does it poses a health risk. Some of these chemicals are carcinogens.

Down feathers are NOT considered Eco-friendly because they promote the growth and reproduction of dust mites. Mattresses that are made of wool are healthier because the are not chemically treated since wool is a natural fire retardant and they don't promote dust mites. Wool is the MOST breathable fiber on earth and will adjust to your body temperature. It won't be moist and warm which is what dust mites love.

Try a mattress that is made with NATURAL RUBBER produced from Rubber Trees. Not the synthetic rubber. Natural rubber is very Eco-friendly and comfortable. Harvesting rubber from rubber trees does not harm the tree and it is all natural and organic.

Carpeting can be both Eco-friendly and non Eco-friendly. There are more companies that are making carpeting Eco-friendly. Most carpeting has formaldehyde incorporated in it so it will off gas in your home. Simply put, you know that new carpet smell? Well, that is NOT healthy for you. If you are not purchasing carpeting that is considered Eco-friendly try to air out the room after installation. Trapping that smell in the room is really unhealthy and can give you headaches, nausea, or dizziness. If you put new carpeting in a bedroom, close the door and open the windows and DON'T sleep in there for a night or two.

Wool carpeting is a great option for the Eco-friendly. Dust mites HATE wool because it does not hold moisture and remember wool is a natural fire retardant so it does not need to be treated with chemicals.

Paint is also another product that can introduce VOCs into your home. You can find a variety of companies that are improving their paint with LOW VOCs or no VOCs. So shop around for them and give those a try.

Bottom line is that we all need to make a change. For more information concerning green design with Eco-friendly options visit our website at http://www.kpdesigns.org/ See the Green Room and Healthy Rooms.