This inspired me to consider bringing more of the outdoors to the inside. After all nature simply makes us happy so why not have a little of it inside too?  I am no green thumb when it comes to house plants but I may be able to swing these!

How cute and simple! They require almost no water, just some misting and monthly fertilizer so hopefully they can survive with little ease.

Best part is that there is no dirt required!

Wouldn’t this be a great piece to add some texture and an organic feel to an art wall?

I’ve been itching to start planting gardens in our backyard that has yet to be landscaped. However, it isn’t planting season where I live yet so I think air plants may be just the ticket!

The kitchen is is functional and open. The bookcases offer warmth and gives the sense that the space is lived in.

Who wouldn’t want to curl up on this daybed and read a book on a leisurely weekend afternoon?

The integrity of the architecture was maintained well throughout with keeping the truss support system open to the space below and the barn board used as wall paneling.

Personally the only thing I would change would be to add some artwork, accessories, and a pop of color here and there. Overall the space is gorgeous and soft but needs some personalization. I’m sure if you looked inside the windows of this home today those things would be added… artictureal photos are often missing that element.

A few more photos for your enjoyment…

To learn more about this project check out the article on Inhabitat.com (one of my favorite sites).  To see more images of this project and others from Shed Architecture check out their site.

Funky…

Unique…

Something a little more interesting used in an ordinary way…

Why use a CFL?

• They consume two-thirds less energy
• A CFL lasts 10 times longer than incandescents
• Average savings of $30 on energy bills over its lifetime
• Three-way CFLs are now available; light quality is better than when they originally came on the market, the price has dropped… but don’t forget to dispose of them properly as they do contain a slight amount of mercury

The CFL is a green option that is here to stay and the Plumen sculptural bulb spices up a rather dry product that is a must. You have to admit the sculptural bulb is pretty cool. I’m going to skip the lengthy discussion today and direct you to some additional resources to learn more about green lighting options including:

• GE unveils hybrid halogen-CFL light bulbs for 2011
• LED, CFL, and Other Green Lighting Options
• Energy-Efficient Lighting Options (from This Old House)

To revamp what you already have consider painting the cabinets. Be sure to keep the paint low VOC. You can even find great eco-friendly paint at the big box stores these days.

Example of my old kitchen before painting:

And after painting the cabinets.

These kitchen cabinets are stunning. Made from metal cabinets and repurposed windows they are  gorgeous sleek addition to this kitchen.

Salvaged wood created these cabinets in a designer’s cabin.

One of the most creative ways to keep it green is to reuse and repurpose. Check out the local salvage stores (Example the Habitat for Humanity Home Stores in most urban areas) or look on Craigslist. Many contractors and DIYers will post cabinets that were removed from a home project that are still in great shape or just need a little face lift.  Not sure what is available in your area? Go to dexonline.com and search “Building Supply: Used” for your area for local sources.

If you want just a touch of that salvaged look or you are already happy with the cabinets you have but need more storage and counter space then try a repurposed kitchen island. If you have the space for an island a couple creative ideas to get you started include a dresser repurposed…

Or a vintage store display case repurposed.

This kitchen is a bit over the top when it comes to the vintage look but the kitchen island showpiece is inspired and exquisite. A metal cabinet picked up at a garage sale with an added butcher block top makes this space come together.

You may find that items you repurpose for an island are not the standard height of 36″ so you may need to add legs. You can find wood legs in different heights at a local home improvement store or better yet to be truly green you may be able to find salvaged legs or borrow them from another piece of furniture to get the proper kitchen counter height.

If you are unable to redo what you already have or can’t find salvage cabinets from another source then to keep new products green think about products that are sustainable (cork or bamboo) and those that are formaldehyde free.  A few go-to kitchen cabinet companies include:

• EcoUrban
• el-Furniture
• Second Use

On that note… the bottom line is the purpose of this green trend is to get your mind thinking of creative ways to be “green” and save green ($) because at the end of the day when you repurpose an item it typically costs MUCH LESS than buying something new.