C.A.R. Green Tip of the Week: Reusable packing crates

When packing, take advantage of companies that offer reusable packing crates, which can eliminate excessive waste. One such outfit that rents sturdy packing crates made of recycled plastic bottles is California-based Earth Friendly Moving. The company drops off the crates before you move and picks them up afterward in its fleet of bio-diesel trucks. Another company is Rent-A-Crate, a nationwide firm that offers moving crates made of recyclable high density polypropylene.

2011 Home Decor Trends - Green continues to be keen

According to Kathy Hoffman of Susan Fredman Design Group, products and materials such as bronze, copper, clay, cotton, linen and hemp – which are environmentally friendly, contribute to healthy indoor air quality and can be repurposed or recycled at the end of their lifespan – will be in high demand. Andrea Vollf adds that using such natural textures as hemp, jute, organic cotton, recycled polyester, bamboo fiber, organic wool and linen and soy silk will help keep it simple but still green.

2011 Home Decor Trends - Things are definitely looking up

According to Janet Davidsen of Details in Design, Inc., homeowners are casting their eyes upward. The ceiling will be embellished and noticed more as the “fifth wall,” and may be painted or architecturally enhanced to play more of a focal point in a space. M. Grace Sielaff also suggests homeowners consider a painted metallic ceiling with a large, eye-catching chandelier.

2011 Home Decor Trends - Underfoot…but not underrated

M. Grace Sielaff of M. Grace Designs, Inc. envisions rich-looking herringbone-patterned hardwood floors in an ebony oak finish – paying attention to board thickness and giving special consideration to products that meet industry LEED requirements. For a green touch, Jase Frederick suggests hardwood flooring from reclaimed wood or sustainably grown and harvested sources. To add warmth, Marta Cullen of Dream Interiors suggests round rugs – the bigger, the better.