Ikea Slipcovers

Over 90 designs and colours. 8 fabric choices. Fits old and new IKEA sofa models. Chair and cushion covers too. Simple to put on. Easy to take off. Completely Machine Washable. Inspiration has never been more fun. Check out Bemz.

Vintage Wallpaper

Second Hand Wallpaper represent the world's largest collection of vintage wallpaper. This impressive wallpaper collection, spanning the 1860's to 1970, has been featured on Martha Stewart and is a the collections of museums throughout the world. Kitchen, bathroom, geometric, and floral wallpaper prices range from $70 per roll (60'sq) to $1,200 per roll for original Frank Lloyd Wright designs (90'sq.) Check out their vintage linoleum too!

Trend Watch 2008-2009 - update

Back in October 2007 I posted trends we should expect to see for 2008-2009. Here's an update on that topic as viewed at the summer Vegas World Market Show.

Warming Trend
This is not to say silver is going away, but the spotlight is on gold, copper and other warm-tone metals. Metallics-rich marketplace. Don't forget ethnic spicy colors too. (West Elm)

Imperfect Finishes
Look for livable furniture that is upscale & distressed with gold undertones or highlights. As well, Eco-looks continue to deliver with natural distressed imperfections such as reclaimed woods. (French Heritage)

Home Media
TV and media needs are quickly changing and retailers need to catch up and offer home electronic solutions. Las Vegas Market exhibitors delivered solutions in a variety of styles, sizes and configurations. (Aspen Home)

Take note: we are in a mode of infatuation with the flat screen TV and no longer NEED big armories to hide them; however, displaying your flat screen TV as a feature is just a trend and we most certainly will move towards units that hide your TV when not in use.

Lodge Living
Plenty of products to support this trend can be found from rustic cabin to luxe lodge. As with any "theme" a little goes a long way. (Charles Forge)

Dark Espresso
Espresso wood tones still going strong. (Laurier Furniture)

Painted Furniture

I've been seeing loads of painted furniture. Check out some examples and ideas.

Voltaire Dressoir - $1490 (special rubber coating). If you don't need it for outside or heavy use look at craiglist for a good find, spray out yourself or take it to an auto body shop to be sprayed with a high gloss finish.

Daniella Chest, Pottery Barn

Curvee Shelf, from House Eclectic $371

Next two photos from Knack Studios. Great reuse of furniture. Check out her site for before and afters. Love how she incorporated fabric or wall paper on the drawer fronts of the side table.


If you are up for a DIY project, check out this craislist posting that has many inexpensive pieces that are great in shape/form.

Global Antiques & Salvage Finds

Located in Sonoma, Artefact Design & Salvage offers carefully selected architectural antiques, large scale garden ornaments and unique finds from around the globe. They have a four thousand square foot showroom and extensive outdoor show space which house these unique pieces of odd gift items, rusty relics, a dash of modern design and some industrial stuff for a shopping experience like no other.

Constantly changing and always fresh, their showroom has earned a reputation in the design community for uncompromising, quirky originality. They are located at 23562 Highway 121, Sonoma CA 95476 - At Cornerstone Gardens. 707-933-0660

Sign up on their website to receive emails with updates, new container info, events, etc.

Upcoming container arrivals:
Due September 10 - From Italy Italian carved stone, fountains, gazebo
Due September 20 - French iron table bases
Due September 30 - Carved stone urns, columns, troughs, contemporary styles.

To the trade:
Special Sales Event for trade professionals and resellers only
Sept 25, 16, 27, 11am-7pm

Alameda Estate Sale Aug 22nd, 23rd & 24th

If you love shopping flea markets, garage sales or estate sales get on www.lynnsofalameda.com mailing list for regular email updates of upcoming estate sales. They also have a shop at 2807 Encinal, Alameda.

Here's info on an upcoming estate sale this weekend:

622 Valle Vista, Oakland
Off Elwood and Grand by the Coffee Mill
August 22th , 23th, 24th
Friday noon-5pm
Sat. & Sun 10am4pm

A Gardeners Dream House! Very Large Collection of Plants, Pots, Soil, Statuary, Outdoor Patio Furniture, Decorative Mirror, Old Cameras, Photography Books, Crafts, Massive Iron 1900's Water Boiler, Professional PFAFF 335 Sewing Machine, Beautiful Bolts of Fabric, Cool Blonde Vintage Modern Eames Era Furniture: Credenza, Coffee Table, Corner Lamp Table & Dining Room Chairs Vintage Christmas, Danish Teak Tile Nesting Tables, Modern Side Table, Pair of Wing Chairs, Frames, Old Luggage, Vintage 60's Clothing, Shoes and Purses, Plant Stands, Collection of Costume Jewelry, Kennel Club Photo's & Ephemera, Kitchen Items, Pots, Pans, Glassware, Painted Antique Furniture, Framed Fabric Room Divider, Desk, Meito China, Sewing Patterns, Newer Vacuum Cleaner, Mask Collection, Cleaning Supplies, Upholstery Tools, Gardening Tools, Hand Tools, Paints & Solvents, Building Supplies.

SUNDAY noon everything is HALF OFF! Don't miss this one if you're an artist or a crafter! You'll kick yourself on Monday... No Early Sales.

House Salvage Sale...What a Score!

Wholehouse Building Supply & Salvage offers quality building materials that have been donated or salvaged from area homes and businesses. They also conduct house salvage sales at homes that are slated for demolition. Call 650-856-0634 or go to their website for more details.
The pictures below shows one of two salvage sales this weekend. I'm highlighting this one in particular because it truly has nice windows, doors and cabinetry. See specific details below or go to their website for more details.

30 Cove Rd., Belvederre
Saturday & Sunday, August 9 & 10
10:00 to 5:00

Best quality Cabinets and Appliances, French Doors, True Divided Light Windows, Great Built-In Office & Entertainment Center

Built in the 1930's, the 2200 square foot house has been extensively remodeled. It features the highest quality windows and doors including some new Marvin windows, unusual multi-pane doors, wood casement windows and true divided light French doors. There are plenty of glass door knobs in this home as well.

You will find a free-standing fireplace with screen and gas stove. The modern bathrooms have oak vanities, Kohler sinks, solid brass towel bars, and cool lighting. Other goodies include a pull down attic staircase, nice oak flooring, copper light fixtures, vintage lights, a large (100 gallon?) water heater, oak columns and posts, and some furniture. Look at this great entertainment center and built in office!

The kitchen is the best of all. Natural wood cabinetry is complemented by leaded glass doors on the upper cabinets. It features a high-end gas cook top and fancy ceramic sink with brass gooseneck faucet.

Eco Shiek - Furniture Sources Vol. 2

Vivaterra or living earth is inspired by their dedication to living in harmony with nature - for a healthier life now and for future generations. All products reflect a commitment to: ecology and elegance; organic, sustainable sources; earth and people friendly;handcrafted by artisans; and celebrating life. (see example picture on right)

Nathan Anthony - classic furniture from beds to sofas

Madera Furniture - Fairfax, CA
All pieces are made out of recycled local wood and are finished with earth friendly top coats. Functional and one of a kind....Always. (see example on left)

Metro Furniture - They begin with recyclable or antique wood frames that would otherwise end up in a landfill. They make the piece new again. Carefully choosing paints, fabrics, cushions and finishes with green production and manufacturing in mind. You would never know these were reclaimed pieces. They make the old look new and hip with paint and modern fabrics. (see example at bottom). Additionally, check out Metro Shed, Cabin, Playhouse and Art for some interesting ideas and maybe a change in the way you think about things.

Other sources for finding green furniture makers:
Sustainable Furniture Council

Craigslist find, $60. DIY green project. Follow the concept of Metro Furniture above...a little paint and some groovy fabric...off you go!

Eco-Shiek...Green Decorating Vol. 1

What does it mean to decorate green? Well this is a complicated question but first I would say your first step should be the basic three R's - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Recycle - donate, give it away, or use Craigs List to sell or give away. Keep useful goods out of over-flowing garbage dumps with Excess Access which links donations of business and household items with the wish lists of nearby nonprofits. This is one of many ways to recycle. Refer to Martha Stewart's list of 100 Reasons to Get Rid of It for anything from recycling furniture to cell phones.

Reuse - can you reuse it in a different room, for a different purpose, paint it or say reface? Buy from a salvage yard or products made out of reclaimed wood, metal, plastic. Anything antique is green. Shop consignment stores, which aren't just used furniture. Consignment stores also get model home furniture and samples from furniture shows or showroom floors. Don't throw away small amounts of paint. Look at the colors you have and mix them to come up with a different shade of paint. OR, use small amounts to do color blocking, paint designs, or paint an accent wall or trim. Basically, keep it out of the landfills.

Reduce - "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." -William Morris. If you don't love it, don't buy it. Keep it simple and make wise decisions. Do you have loads of stuff that you don't love or don't need? Are you saying to your self...it was gift, my kids made it or won it, or I inherited it from grandma? I personally have a one year rule...if 'I don't believe it to be beautiful or useful' it's OK to get rid of it after a year and let if go to a new home. Or let's face it...sometimes it's just time to "retire" it.

All in all, don't be wasteful, teach your children to do the same and be a role model to others.

WHAT ELSE???
Shop Locally
Choose products for your home that can be bought local or buy products manufactured within 500 miles or less. If it comes from China, you're using a lot more energy getting it to your house than if you chose something made just down the road.

Shop Smart
Many companies offer green products from carpet and paint to furniture and tchotchkes that are made from recycled products. Be a smart shopper and be aware.

More Resources
Domino Magazine 2008 Green List
Suite 101 - Green Decorating Articles
Reduce Reuse Recycle
Wholehoue Building Suppy & Salavage
The Furniture Man - Santa Cruz
Low Impact Living


Look for future articles on Eco Shiek. There's so much to tackle.

Wall Tiles, Green Friendly Too

Fun, inexpensive, simple, modern, paintable and a goof-proof product for decorating your walls. These wall flats from Inhabit are designed to expand in any direction, with easy peel-and-stick adhesive tabs and an automatic pattern repeat. You can cover a existing wall, help disguise a not-so-smooth wall or add a modern pattern to any room setting. They are made of 100% bamboo pulp so a thumbs up for being a green product.

If this concept is a little much for you to pull off in your living room try them in a kid's room, laundry room, as a headboard or pair with something more traditional to create an eclectic look.

These tiles can be found on many sites by doing a search on Inhabit wall tiles. I, however, found these on Treehugger.

....