Eco-Friendly Design Materials

Two weeks ago, along with several other Windermere Capital Group agents, I completed the NAR Green Designation Course.  After taking this course, I can’t help but notice all the great eco-friendly materials out there.  Being a self-proclaimed interior design aficionado (Is subscribing to 20 different interior design magazines too much??); here are some of my favorites.

Benjamin Moore has some of my favorite colors to use for interiors.   Now, they continue to be one of my favorites with their new paint line called Natura.   This interior waterborne paint offers 3500 wear-resistant hues.  It is also virtually odorless, zero VOC’s (volatile organic compound), and highly washable.  That means bye bye baby grime marks.  This paint runs about $50/gallon.  For more info, check out their site at www.benjaminmoore.com.   

As most of us new, compact fluorescent lights (CFL) are not the prettiest.  The coiled look is too obvious and noticeably different.  GE has recently unveiled a new Energy Smart CFL that is much more stylish.  It boasts a life span of 8,000 hours and costs about $8.  You can even go to their website to calculate your estimated savings by using their Energy Smart CFL’s.  http://www.gelighting.com/na/home_lighting/products/energy_smart.htm

Caesarstone has never really been my favorite for quartz counters, but they’ve recently added 8 new colors to their ‘09 Collection, and I must say, I am quite impressed.  Within these colors there is a recycled line, a new matte-hammered texture, and the first black metallic-accent surface.  http://www.caesarstoneus.com/

FLOR provides carpet tiles that use non-toxic dyes and are made from recycled materials.  The best part is when you are done with the squares (or sick of them) you can send the tiles back to be recycled.  You also do not need a carpet installer for the tiles.  This is definitely something that you can do yourself.  They are also extremely durable and come in a range of colors and patterns.  I have some in my garage and love them!  http://www.flor.com/ 

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