Sustain Me

Have you ever thought, "It's not easy being Green?" I'll admit, I sometimes share Kermit's sentiment, but in a different context....With Earth Day right around the corner (April 22nd), the benefits of living "green" are brought into greater focus.

Many of us have probably made it a habit to carry reusable bags to buy our groceries, or have switched many of our incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescents. WAIT! STOP! Before I go any further - I have a confession to make: I HATE cfb's! There. I said it. I know they consume eons less energy, but the light they emit is horrible - cold, harsh, completely unbecoming. Installing nothing but cfb's in my home would be the equivalent of sentencing me to life in a bathing suit fitting room!
Having said that, I try to use as many energy-efficient bulbs as I can tolerate.

Since Interior Design is directly correlated to the way we live, it only makes sense for designers to look for ways to bring Green Living into our homes in ways that are pleasing to the senses.

One of the best directions of sustainable interiors I've seen is by designer Jessica Helgerson. She backs up her earth-friendly creds by using products and materials we may not always recognize as being green simply because they are so beautiful and elegant. From what I've seen, she takes bamboo, hemp, and Low VOC paints to soaring heights!

Take a peek at this Turn-of-the-Century home she redid for a hip Portland couple. Oh, and try not to drool too much onto your keyboard...

This is the view into the living room. Believe it or not, the woodwork is not original - it was added as part of a post-gutting reconfiguration. The molding and framework was created to fit the age of the home, but given a rich ebony finish to add some serious swank.

Now, standing in the room, looking back into the dining room. Do you spy that bubble-glass chandelier? I bet in the evening, when all the other lights are low - having dinner at that table, under sparkly-lit bubbles makes you feel like you're "Under the Sea!"

What can I say - the bathroom is pristine. Love that circa-appropriate fixture, too!

The bedroom - Where designer Jessica took a Moroccan departure via a punched tin light, pouf ottoman, and inlaid mirror and bureau - all the while being true to the ebony & white color scheme.

OK. I'm giving you fair warning...this kitchen might make you feel faint. It's THAT gorgeous!

Craftsman-style built-ins, marble countertops and farmhouse sinks pay homage to the original character of the home, while industrial-chic seating and pendants keep it real - real FAB-U-LOUS, that is!

I'm feelin' better, can you tell? Happy Monday, ya'll! ;)