Archive for the ‘Home Décor’ Category
Thursday, January 26th, 2012
Image from The Embellished Nest.
There are so many items that most of us buy and own that we don’t even think about. Shoes, books, cellphones…How many people stop to think about where those items come from and how they’re produced, or if they’re sustainable? Seriously, when was the last thought you gave the calendar hanging on your wall any thought green-wise?
Simple things, such as calendars, may not seem like a big deal on the environmental scale, but they’re made from precious resources, in potentially harmful ways (paper manufacturing is a common source of pollution), and you can bet that nearly every single house in America has at least one. So this year, if you’re still shopping around for the perfect calendar to hang in your kitchen or office, try making one instead! The above pictured calendar is a handmade version by Laura from The Embellished Nest. Using a simple background which she painted herself, Laura simply printed her own calendar pages at home and sewed them onto the decorated platform.
Not only is this idea simple and easy (you can even get the calendar template free from her website), but it also gives you the control over the specific design aesthetic as well as the greenness of it. You can use recycled paper, re-purposed paper, and even eco-friendly inks and paints! It’s the perfect combination of craftiness and environmental responsibility.
For more eco-friendly calendar ideas, head on over the TLC website to find some inspiration!
Tags: creative, eco-friendly, ecofriendly, environment, green, recycle
Posted in Art & Design, Eco-Friendly Tips, Green Living, Home Décor, Paperie, Sustainability, Sustainable Products | No Comments »
Saturday, January 7th, 2012
Image from Better Homes and Gardens.
Now that all the fuss of the holidays are over, maybe you’re finding that you have a little more time on your hands. Go ahead and enjoy that hard-earned break from holiday shopping, decorating, and present wrapping, but once you start looking for another project to occupy your time, why not try something like this eco-friendly and chic DIY birch table from Better Homes and Gardens?
This stylish table isn’t only stunning visually and fully-functional due to its industrial casters, but it’s also a green alternative to store-bought furniture. Since it’s made of mostly reclaimed birch pieces and can be constructed in your own home with non-toxic materials, you can be sure that it’s not harming the environment. Plus, it’s always neat to be able to tell guests after they admire it, “Oh, yes. I whipped that up a couple of weekends ago!”
All you need for this project are the following materials:
Birch logs cut 18 inches long
4×8-foot sheet birch plywood
Wood glue
Wood screws
Grout
4-inch casters
Clear polyurethane
And these tools:
Circular saw
Miter saw
Cordless drill
Grout float
Putty knife
If you have some of these items on hand or can get access to them (many home improvement stores will allow you to rent these tools by the hour, for example), try your hand at this awesome and unique project by following these detailed instructions. You’ll love the look and the zero-environmental-impact that it creates!
Tags: creative, eco-friendly, ecofriendly, green, product, recycle, reusable, sustainability, sustainable, tips
Posted in Art & Design, Eco-Friendly Tips, Green Living, Home Décor, Sustainability, Sustainable Products | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
It may feel like time is flying by as the holidays approach. Maybe it’s flying by because you’re having such a blast and you’ve had all of your gifts bought and wrapped since Thanksgiving. Or, if you’re like many of the rest of us, maybe it’s flying by because you just looked at your list and realized you’re only half done with four days to go.
However, fret not! There’s a simple solution to this dilemma: handmade gifts. Not only can many DIY gifts be made from things you already have on hand, but it’s also a thoughtful and green way to say you care during the holidays. There are tons of options out there, ranging from simple to complex, and from minimal to fancy. Below are a few last minute gift ideas that will leave the recipient smiling, both at your commitment to being eco-friendly and at your daring know-how!
Image from Design*Sponge.
These simple and beautiful boxes are super easy to make and can be used as the gift itself, or to put other gifts in. Plus, they’re reusable, so you can rest assured knowing that less perfectly-good wrapping paper will be going into the garbage this year! Simply follow these instructions to turn some ordinary boxes and spare ribbon into a gift that will continue to get use after the holidays are done.
Image from RealBeauty.com
What better gift than that of a little bit of relaxation? Well, maybe some organic and homemade relaxation! By whipping up some simple and chemical-free spa treatments, you can help your nearest and dearest de-stress and detox after the holiday scramble is over. Some examples of stellar spa treatments found at Design*Sponge include the Mush Ado About Nothing face cream, the Air Supply aromatherapy diffuser, and the Well Oiled Machine bath soak.
Image from Design*Sponge.
These cute little crackers hold a variety of surprises inside. The first surprise is that they’re very easy to make and can be whipped up within a few minutes, and the second surprise comes when they’re opened, revealing all kinds of goodies, from candy to confetti! They’re also a great gift for New Year’s Eve and birthday parties!
Tags: creative, eco-friendly, ecofriendly, green, Holidays, organic, recycle, reusable, sustainability, sustainable
Posted in Art & Design, Bed & Bath, Eco-Friendly Tips, Green Living, Home Décor, Paperie, Sustainability, Sustainable Products | No Comments »
Monday, November 28th, 2011
If you’re still stumped as to what to get the men in your life this holiday, consider one of these eco-friendly gift options from Olive & Myrtle. Not only will he appreciate the gorgeous craftsmanship and sleek designs, but he’ll also be pleased by the low environmental impact and use of reclaimed materials.
Think these grilling utensils aren’t special enough? Think again! This set of six grilling tools by Outset are made from recycled stainless -steel and farm-raised bamboo. They even come in 100% sustainable packaging, and since the set includes a spatula, locking tongs, fork, grill brush, flex griddle spatula and 3-in-1 locking claw tong, he’ll never need to buy another grilling tool again. It’s the perfect gift for any grilling-enthusiast in your life!
This reclaimed wood cribbage board by Wood from the Hood is a great gift; it’s not only fun to play, but it’s also made from sustainable materials and crafted to last generations! The board is made from reclaimed ash trees, which would have been chipped and buried otherwise, and even the metal game pegs come from recycled materials. Small magnets in the board ensure that the pegs stay securely in place. We recommend that this board be given only to guys ages 8 and up, as the small pieces may present a choking hazard.
This 1 liter, stainless-steel, BPA-free water bottle is the perfect gift the green guy on the go! Made by EarthLust, each water bottle is crafted by hand from high-quality food-grade stainless steel, which is naturally safe unlined, and each is decorated with non-toxic paints in a variety of designs, then topped off with a BPA-free safe polypropylene #5 cap. He’ll definitely appreciate the convenience of this durable, handy, and attractive bottle, just as he’ll appreciate how it helps him eliminate plastic-bottle waste and stay green year-round!
This set of six coasters is the ultimate in sophistication meets sustainability. These functional coasters are made with 100% industrial wool felt from factory excess and cut and sewn in a modern design. They make the perfect gift for the sustainable man and are guaranteed to protect his furniture while looking stylish in the process.
To search for other green gift options, head on over to the Olive & Myrtle website. From November 25th to November 28th, the entire website is up to 25% off! We’ve already posted our 2011 holiday green gift guide for her, but be sure to check back in the upcoming weeks for additional gift guides for children, babies, and pets!
Tags: barbecue, cooking, eco-friendly, ecofriendly, green, grilling, Holidays, recycle, sustainability
Posted in Art & Design, Green Living, Home Décor, Kitchen, Sustainability, Sustainable Products | No Comments »
Friday, November 25th, 2011
This holiday season, it may seem like getting the perfect gift for the eco-friendly woman in your life is an impossible task. Sure, there’s a lot of gorgeous stuff out there, but you know that she’d appreciate getting something that’s not only beautifully designed, but also sustainably crafted. If that’s the case, getting a gift may be easier than you think. Simply head on over to the Olive & Myrtle website, where you’ll find tons of options that we guarantee will be chic and environmentally responsible. And if you’re still stumped as to what to get her, here are a few ideas.
This refreshing Artemisian Lemongrass Kobo Candle not only has a fine fragrance to stimulate the senses, but it’s also made of pure soy wax, which means that it will burn longer and cleaner. This beautiful candle has notes of lemongrass, thyme leaves, and sage, and will encourage her to take a moment for herself to relax this hectic holiday season.
Another great option that she’ll love is this beautifully textured, ivory cotton blanket by Loop Organic. This soft, durable throw is the perfect wrapper to cuddle up with this winter, and it’ll warm her heart knowing that this sustainable blanket is 100% organic, as well.
These beautiful ash frames come in a variety of sizes and are beautifully designed with a slight taper, offering the best viewing angle for your loved one’s photos. In addition to their sleek and timeless design, these frames are also about as sustainable as it gets! They’re made by Wood from the Hood, a company which salvages trees which are otherwise headed for the wood-chipper and turns them into these gorgeous picture frames. Even the glass is recycled and comes from old windows! They’re the perfect choice for any woman in your life.
The O bowl by perch! is a multi-functional, gorgeous ceramic vessel made by hand using entirely non-toxic glazes. This bowl is the perfect green holiday gift because it really is up to the recipient how they want to use it. It looks beautiful holding an arrangement of flowers, lovely as a catch-all on an entry-way table, or stunning when displayed as a piece of art on a shelf. The eco-conscious woman in your life is sure to love this versatile ceramic piece!
To search for other green gift options, head on over to the Olive & Myrtle website. From November 25th to November 28th, the entire website is up to 25% off! And be sure to check back in the upcoming weeks for gift guides for men, children and babies, and pets!
Tags: eco-friendly, ecofriendly, green, Holidays, product, seattle, sustainability
Posted in Art & Design, Bed & Bath, Green Living, Home Décor, Sustainable Designers, Sustainable Products, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
Photo from DesignSponge.com
During this time of year, it can be tempting to buy new holiday décor for every occasion. You know the kind we’re talking about: white porcelain deer for the coffee tables, sparkly new napkin-rings for the dining room, and beautiful glass candlesticks for the mantel. And while there’s definitely a time and a place for giving into those holiday-décor desires, why not also incorporate some sustainable elements into your entertaining?
This Thanksgiving, make use of a free, natural, and bountiful resource…fallen leaves! Autumn leaves offer the savvy entertainer the opportunity to bring beautiful fall colors into any centerpiece or tablescape. Use these fiery beauties by themselves in a vase, grouped with berries for a festive bouquet, or as filler for a bowl of fruit. And if straight up leaves doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you can always disguise them as something else—like roses!
This simple tutorial from Design*Sponge will show you just how easy it is to transform a handful of backyard rubbish into a bouquet of beautiful, crimson and gold flowers. So not only will you have a great, handcrafted centerpiece to delight your guests, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you did your part to reduce waste this holiday seasons!
Tags: creative, eco-friendly, garden, green, Holidays, recycle, sustainability
Posted in Art & Design, Eco-Friendly Tips, Events, Garden, Green Living, Home Décor, Sustainability | No Comments »
Monday, July 25th, 2011
Seattle shopping website NWSource was so kind to feature Olive & Myrtle again this past weekend. This July 22 article on outdoor summer entertainment and style ideas suggests using a Big Bamboo Bowl and Reclaimed Cocoanut Shell by Bambu to serve your salads or pastas.
Big thanks goes to writer Caitlin King and NWSource for featuring our sustainable products.
Tags: bamboo, bambu, dining, entertainment, food, media, nwsource, press, summer
Posted in Home Décor, Press, Sustainable Designers, Sustainable Products | No Comments »
Friday, December 31st, 2010
MIO Culture is an eco-friendly design company whose self-described mission is to make the world a better place through good design and sustainability. Brother team Isaac and Jaime Salm create furniture, lighting, home décor, and paper products that have chic, stunning aesthetics, and are created upholding the utmost in environmentally friendly practices.
The innovative green products by MIO are varied, with shapes, functions, and amenities that are appealing to anyone. For example, the modern Soft Felt Bowls, handmade with renewable/compostable/biodegradable wool, work great as catchalls, visual design pieces, yarn baskets, planters, or any other imaginable use. The Beehive (pictured above), Wobowl, and Swoop bowl designs are all made with functionality in mind, and collapse for easy storing or shipping, and come in lively colors.
Check out MIOCulture and other Olive & Myrtle environmentally responsible retailers, and have a happy, green New Year!
Posted in Home Décor, Sustainability, Sustainable Designers, Sustainable Products, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 29th, 2010
Shaped by hand from coconut shells, the whimsical Reclaimed Coconut Shell Bowls by Bambu are a fun addition to any home. Each bowl is made from a reclaimed coconut shell that is cleaned a polished to a glossy sheen, and then completed with a coat of natural, waterproof lacquer in three vibrant colors—Basil, Mango, and Spearmint (red shade Cayenne is discontinued).
Well-suited for food both hot and cold, or use as a catch-all/decorative dish, these bowls are lightweight, 5 ½ inches in diameter, and chic. These unique bowls are made exclusively from harvested IMO-certified, sustainable bamboo that is fertilizer and pesticide-free. Display or eat from these bright bowls guilt-free, knowing both the harvesting of materials and the work done to create them was completed with preserving and respecting the environment in mind.
Posted in Home Décor, Kitchen, Sustainable Designers, Sustainable Products, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Monday, December 13th, 2010
On the eighth day of Christmas, Olive & Myrtle gives to thee…$5 off gorgeous-smelling, eco-friendly Kobo Candles. Available in six luxurious scents, these 100% pure soy candles have 70 hours of burn time and lead-free wicks, making for a safer, fresher, and more chic way to scent any abode.
Get $5 off Kobo Candles through December 17th by entering coupon code KOBO at checkout, and then check out all the deals, good on all 12 products for all 12 days for Olive & Myrtle’s 12 Days of Christmas Deals!
Posted in Bed & Bath, Cleaning, Home Décor, Sustainability, Sustainable Designers, Sustainable Products | No Comments »
