It’s been a warm (ok, downright hot) summer in much of the country this year, so it may seem a little crazy to start talking fireplaces.  However, in many areas, the temperatures, then the leaves, and eventually the snow will all start to fall.  So why not plan ahead for a way to keep little warmer and a lot greener this winter?

From cooking, to heating, to romantic backdrop in bad ’80s movies, the fireplace has served many purposes over the centuries.  Unfortunately, while the crackling logs in the fireplace bring a cheerful warmth to the room, they also have some major downsides, such as the creation of carbon monoxide and particulate matter.  And they aren’t even very efficient heaters, with most of the heat created by your average, wood burning fireplace going up the chimney in the form of hot air.   Up to 24,000 cubic feet of hot air an hour!   So, while you gather round your hearth toasting marshmallows, your house becomes like a vacuum cleaner, replacing the hot air going up the chimney by sucking in cold air from outside through poorly sealed window and doors.  It can even cause your home heater to turn on just to compensate.  In fact, using an old, wood burning fireplace can actually increase your overall heating bill – and not just because of that cord of wood you bought at the local store!

Happily, there are some fantastic new options available these days in efficient, non-polluting fireplaces.  You don’t even have to replace your old, wood burning version – you can just pop in a readymade insert that will improve your air quality, and warm you home more easily.  Here are some of your options:

Natural gas

Gone are the days of those cheesy looking fake logs with flames shooting up between them.  Today’s natural gas fireplaces have a more aesthetically pleasing, natural look, and far less polluting.  Because burning natural gas doesn’t produce creosote (that black gunk that the chimney sweep cleans out) maintenance is also greatly reduced.

If you want, you can simply put in one of the new styles of faux logs, which even come with a material to spread out below that will glow like embers when the fireplace is on.  Or, for maximum energy efficiency and safety, you can purchase a full fireplace insert complete with glass screen.  These are particularly handy for retrofitting older fireplaces.

Bio-fuel

Typically a form of de-natured alcohol, bio-fuel fireplaces are a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of a fire, without all the drawbacks.  Derived from crops such as beets, corn and even bananas, bio-fuels are so clean burning they can be used right out in the middle of a room, without any sort of chimney or flue.

However, bio-fuels put off only a limited amount of heat, so they are best used for their aesthetic qualities, rather than as a method for heating a room.

Pellet

Also referred to as “bio-mass”, the pellets are derived from corn and agricultural by-products, which are then burned in a specially designed stove or fireplace insert.  Although they produce a fire that is more functional than pretty, pellet stoves are a very efficient source of heat, and can be easily adjusted to control temperature and output.  One consideration to keep in mind though is that pellet stoves require electricity to operatel, so they would be nonfunctional during a power outage, unless they have a battery back-up system built in.

Wood

Even though I began this post discussing all the drawbacks of old style wood burning fireplaces, it is now possible to make a very energy efficient, low-polluting, wood burning fireplace.  So if you are building a new home, or engaged in a major renovation, you might want to look at an EPA approved fireplace.

My personal favorite are the gorgeous Tulikivi soapstone stoves/fireplaces coming out of Europe.  Although bearing a bit of a heavy carbon footprint on the way over (they can weigh close to a ton), they are a very efficient, lovely looking way to warm a home.  Essentially, they use the heat radiating properties of the soapstone to make the most use of the high efficiency wood burning fire.  The larger versions can heat an entire home from one relatively small fire.

In the end, the type of fireplace or stove you choose will depend on what you need most.  Is it aesthetic beauty?  An efficient way to heat your home?  Or maybe just a place to hang the stockings with care?  Whatever you are looking for, there are now great choices that are also green choices!

Reduce, reuse, recycle…  Reduce, reuse, recycle…  Reduce, reuse, recycle…

When you work in the field of sustainable design, you hear that set of words so often it becomes almost meditative.  Ohm…..

But what do those words really mean when it comes to sustainable interiors?  How do they differ from some of the other “re” words, such as reclaim, or re-purpose?  Why are some more important for one product, but practically meaningless for another?

Allow me to try to help you sort it out.  The following is a list of some of the most common “re” terms used to describe sustainable materials, along with my advice as to why and when it matters.  (All definitions are from Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 11th ed., unless otherwise noted.)

Reduce - “to diminish in size, amount, extent or number”

There is a reason that ‘reduce’ is the first word of the holy trinity of green words.  It is, after all, the most basic and important concept.  Every time we remove something from it’s natural state of being, there is an impact on our planet.   The less we take, the more stable our planet becomes.

Although designers, by the very nature of what they do, must specify “stuff”, that stuff doesn’t have to be as resource intensive.  Imagine the difference in the amount of material used to make a simple, light weight, wall mounted shelf system, vs. a set of heavy, built-in bookshelves.  This principle applies to every imaginable product, but is often overlooked by both designers and manufacturers as an aspect of green. Read the rest of this entry »

Choosing a Design Professional

Designers and decorators are to rooms what architects are to buildings: They are problem solvers and executors of your beautiful dreams.

Assessing your needs

Assessing your needs and realizing your working style will define your relationship with your designer and help you hire the right person. Are you:
• busy but would like to be involved in the creative process as much as possible
• in touch with your design style but require assistance with color, space planning and resources
• Interested and available to be an active member of the design process
• a hands-off client who doesn’t want to be involved in every decision and prefers to be notified only when the job is complete

In any scenario, you must feel comfortable spending time with the designer. While this is a professional relationship, your designer becomes intimately involved in your household; optimally, your relationship should evolve into a lasting friendship and ongoing relationship.

The scope of your project

Determining the scope of your project early on is important because it may also dictate the qualifications and experience of the interior professional.

If you are building or doing a major renovation, you have probably hired an architect. Many architects and designers work in concert, balancing the aesthetics of the home’s bones with the interior furnishings and finishes. Architects focus on precise spatial balance; interior designers create softness and style through the choice of furnishings. If you are working with an architect, you may want to get him or her involved in the selection of the interior designer. It’s likely that your architect has worked with many designers and knows someone who would be a good match. Some architectural firms are one-stop shops that have interior designers on staff, allowing them to handle jobs from start to finish.

If you’re only redecorating a room or have a limited budget for a space that does not require structural change, you may be better served by an expert, say an exceptional colorist who can work with your existing furnishings. Don’t be afraid to tell your prospective designer that you need to keep the project under a predetermined budget. A good designer (and architect for that matter) will help you determine a realistic budget based on what you want to accomplish.

Credentials

There are many acronyms that design professionals may attach to their names, and there are many types of design degrees, but many designers and decorators will tell you that experience is the most important credential.

States are struggling with licensing issues for the design trade. Should the trade be licensed and governed? What are the skills required? Should designers have a degree in design? Does it matter?

Unlike architecture, which requires years of schooling and licensing in any state in which an architect wants to practice, the world of interior design has been much less governed. That is changing; in several “interior designers” must pass a strict exam and be licensed to legally refer to themselves as designers. The exam is given by the National Council on Interior Design Qualification (http://www.ncidq.org), which defines interior design as such:

Interior design includes a scope of services performed by a professional design practitioner, qualified by means of education, experience and examination, to protect and enhance the life, health, safety and welfare of the public.

While all interior professionals are concerned with aesthetics and style, licensed and experienced interior designers have comprehensive training and skills that may include an understanding of:

• flame-spread ratings, smoke, toxicity and fire-rating classifications and materials
• space planning and the ability to use AutoCAD and 3-D model design proposals
• building codes (state, local, etc.)
• lighting
• Americans with Disabilities Act design

You can learn more about accreditation, education and licensing in your state by visiting the website of the American Society of Interior Designers, (www.asid.org), the leading organization for interior design professionals.

There are no rules or regulations about using the term “decorator.” Even a person with little or no formal training may refer to himself or herself as a decorator. However, many of these professionals have several years of experience or are trained in related fields. There are numerous educational institutes and certification programs that offer training in specifics such as color theory, lighting and space planning. Although this education isn’t as extensive as that of an ASID-accredited program, a decorator with this training may be suitable (and perhaps more affordable) than a licensed interior designer.

Starting the search

Most interior designers have online portfolios for review, and your local design center is likely to have referral programs. Referrals from friends can be an invaluable resource because as important as it is to respect your designer’s skills, it is equally important to trust him or her.

Over the years, the design industry has received a tainted reputation for unreasonably charging clients for services. While there are many reputable, honest professionals, the unregulated nature and non-transparent “to-the-trade” pricing structures have left some consumers vulnerable and victimized.

The key to preventing this is to understand how the industry works and how things are priced and to hire a designer/decorator who has transparent billing methods. It is important for you, as a consumer, to have a clear understanding of what you’re paying for product versus services. The “to-the-trade” industry marks list prices with a built-in commission of 20 percent to 50 percent. Likewise, third-party contractors are practiced to build in a percent for the referral. A reputable interior designer will clearly explain these charges to you.

The interview process

Once you’ve narrowed your choices to a few designers, interview them in person. Here are some questions to ask:

– How long have they been working as designers and what are their educational backgrounds? Who are the members of their teams and what are their backgrounds?

• Based on the scope of the project, will they help you establish a working budget (you may have one in mind, and they need to know what it is). It is also helpful to know what their typical job/budgets are. This will give you a sense for their shopping styles.

• Will they fit into your time schedule?

• Are they willing to do smaller projects? Do not feel that you can only call an interior designer to do a complete house. Your interior designer will help you prioritize your design needs, make suggestions as to what can be accomplished with your budget and develop the best plan for your quality of living and budget.

• How do they charge? Here are some established ways that designers charge:

a. Flat-design fee: Client pays a flat fee for interior design services based on the design plan, time required and scope of services.

b. Hourly rate: Interior designer bills a negotiated rate per hour. You may want to negotiate a defined number of hours per month then require your designer to check in with you before adding more hours. It should be clear that the designer would be passing any discounts on to you in this model.

c. Cost-plus method: Interior designer charges a set percentage on merchandise purchased and third-party services rendered. Tradesmen include upholsterers, window-treatment shops, faux painters — anyone the designer brings in to work on the project.

d. Mixed method: Client pays a set percentage on purchases and a base design fee at an hourly rate.

• How will the designers provide a visual representation of what the project will look like? Do they work with AutoCAD or SketchUp (programs that give 3-D modeling), hand-drawn renderings or project boards, and are these additional cost? Decide which type of presentations you’ll be more comfortable with; there’s no wrong or right answer — it’s a matter of preference for the client and professional.

• What are the criteria for choosing subcontractors? Professionals usually have a reliable network of professionals they bring to projects.

• Who owns which piece of the project (designer, architect, contractor, you)? In large-scale projects, it’s easy for too many team players to focus on the same issues. They need to work in concert but efficiently; time management is important, too. Likewise, consider whether a project is large enough to require a manager. If that’s the case, who provides management?

• Who is responsible for insurance, bonding and licensing?

• Do the designers have a standard contract?

• If applicable, is the design professional comfortable with your being involved in every detail and decision? If you want little involvement, that should be communicated as well.

• Ask for references. Current references will give you a sense of their schedule and the state of their business.

You also need to evaluate your own working style. Ask:

• How good are you at articulating your ideas?

• Are you more visual or tactile — meaning can a designer show you photos of products, or do you need/want to see and touch everything before deciding whether it is right for you? Likewise, assess their ability/lack of to use modern technology to expedite the design process and your receptiveness to that work approach.

• Do you like to be involved in all of the aspects of the research?

• What are your expectations in terms of a timeline?

• Do you prefer many choices or fewer?

• How open are you to others’ input?

• How confident are you about the choices you make?

The designer also needs to evaluate you and your project and should be asking you questions during the interview. The sooner he or she can determine the scope of the project, the easier it will be to develop of plan of action. Here are typical questions:

• Who is the space being designed for, and what activities will take place there?

• What is your projected time frame (are you planning a party in the new space and are you being realistic about the finish time)?

• Do you understand that good-quality furniture and finishes are not only an investment in money but also in time? (Some furniture delivery lead times can be up to 14 weeks; custom orders may take longer.)

• Are there features in the room or space you would like to emphasize? Downplay?

• Do you have an interest in environmentally sensitive or “green” options in your space?

• Does anyone in the house have allergies?

• Do you know which style(s) you like? Dislike? (The designer will appreciate websites or printouts of interiors you’re interested in emulating.)

• How do you like to receive information? Via email? In person? Weekly meetings?

• Do you want the designer to cull the options and only show you what he or she thinks works best, based on your discussions, or do you prefer to be a part of the selection process?

It’s a match!

The fact-finding and interviewing can take weeks to months; choosing the right designer is critical to the success of your project. Do it carefully and do it to last.

Final advice: maintain a sense of humor. Large (and small) design projects are intense, and frustration is inevitable. The memories you make during the project are just as important as the pleasure you take in the final product.

When I work with residential clients on their kitchens and baths, I’m frequently told “I can’t wait to rip out than old linoleum floor and replace it with something more eco-friendly!”   While they are right that their current floor usually lacks in the eco-friendly department, it’s not because it’s linoleum, it’s because it isn’t.  In fact, what’s actually occupying their floor is vinyl.

So where did all this confusion in names begin, and why does it even matter?

Well, if you knew how beautiful and green a product linoleum is, you would wonder how anyone could possibly mistake it for decidedly un-green vinyl.

To understand how one got mixed up with the other, let me fill you in on a little history first.  Linoleum has been around for 150 years now, and began life as the gummy crust inventor Frederick Walton saw on the top of a jar of linseed oil.   Thinking he had finally found a solution to the problem of how to make a less expensive raincoat, what he actually discovered was a method for making clean, flexible flooring from readily available natural materials.  In fact, the word linoleum is a combination of the Latin words linum (flax) and oleum (oil) – and flax (aka linseed) oil is what is used in linoleum to this very day, along with ground up cork, natural resin, pigment, and jute.  Colorful, durable, and very natural.

So where did the confusion come in?  Until the mid 1940′s, linoleum was found in homes and businesses all over Europe and North America.  It was the resilient flooring of choice.  Then, after WWII, less expensive polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring, commonly referred to as simply vinyl, hit the market place.  Because linoleum took several days to cure once it was formed into sheets, it was impossible for it to compete with vinyl, which could take only hours to make from start to finish.  Early vinyl flooring was initially made to look like its more expensive cousin linoleum, hence the confusion.  The words rapidly came to be interchangeable, and since no one was concerned about the sustainability of either flooring, no distinction seemed necessary.

Although it never disappeared entirely, by the 1970′s the once booming linoleum factories in the United States had all closed their doors, leaving only a couple of factories in Europe to continue production.  Now that we are realizing that the use of PVC can have serious health ramifications, linoleum is seeing a resurgence in popularity, and the number of factories in the world has increased to 4.  One of these factories, located in Scotland, has been churning out linoleum since 1875!

The largest, and by far the greenest, of the few linoleum makers left is Forbo, which markets its product under the name Marmoleum.  Available in sheet, tile, and clickable plank form, there are over 120 possible colors to choose from.   Happily, they still use that same formula of natural ingredients first invented by Frederick Walton all those many years ago, making Marmoleum a very green product indeed.

Editor Rachel Hulan, IIDA, has been an interior designer for over 12 years.  You can visit her sustainable interior design blog here.

For centuries, wine bottles have used cork as their primary stopper.  How many of us associate the sound of a cork being popped from a bottle of champagne with celebration and good cheer?  Yet, cork has another use that is even better…

Cork is one of the very best, most sustainable materials for flooring.  And why is that…? Read the rest of this entry »

Every year in the United States, around 50 BILLION bottles of water are sold.  But where do all those bottles go when we are done with them?

Unfortunately, although most water bottles are made of easily recyclable polyethylene terephthalate (commonly referred to as PET), landfills are still the biggest recipients of our empties.  In fact, only 27 percent of them ever make it to recycling centers.  Which is a real shame considering the beautiful things that can be made from recycled PET.

Take for instance carpeting.

Read the rest of this entry »

So how many of you remember working with wool felt when you were a kid?  The bright colors, the shapes carefully cut out with those dull scissors, and all the glue stuck to your hand as you tried to gently apply just one more piece to your grade school master work?

Well, wool felt has come a long way baby! Read the rest of this entry »

When you first decide to dive into the world of sustainable design, the type and number of certifications and systems you need to learn can seem overwhelming.  And then there are all those acronyms – LEED, ANSI, FSC, SFI, USGBC, MSDS, VOC, HAP, IAQ, SCS, ICMYC.  OK, that last one was mine.  It stands for “It Can Make You Crazy”.  Anyway, some of these are certifications, and others represent standards or organizations.  When it comes to certifications like FSC though, how do you know whether it’s important or not?

Essentially there are three types of certifications.  “First party” certifications are the type a manufacturer gives to themselves.  I refer to these as window dressing, because they may look nice, but they mean absolutely nothing if you want to know what’s inside.  The next level is “second party”.  These are where an industry trade group gets together to create a certification for some aspect of their product type, and then self-polices to make sure the standard is met.  While some of these are useful for determining the environmental and social ramifications of a purchase, they are only as good or as stringent as the trade group feels like making them.

The final type of certification, and by far the most useful and relevant, is “third party”.  This is where the rubber meets the road.  Third party certifiers are neither manufacturers, nor trade groups.  Instead they are independent entities, with specifically defined standards, and independent testing or procedures.  Because they are not associated with the manufacturers or material sources they certify, there is little opportunity for bias or greenwashing.

One of the best examples of a third party certifier is the Forest Stewardship Council.  Founded in 1992 in response to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, the FSC has since managed to certify over 105 million hectares (almost 260 million acres) of sustainably managed forest around the world.  Becoming certified is a difficult process, requiring a great deal of documentation, inspection and effort.  But the result is that once a company becomes certified, they can truly claim to be sustainable. Read the rest of this entry »

Every year in the United States we generate over 26 billion pounds of glass, which works out to about 85 pounds per person.  Somebody must be drinking a whole lot of Grape Nehi!

Luckily, glass is an almost perfectly sustainable material.  It is manufactured primarily from sand, one of our most easily obtainable and abundant resources. It emits no harmful chemicals, doesn’t absorb toxins and can be used in many different applications.  Best of all is that in most forms it can be easily and endlessly recycled.  The energy used to produce products from recycled glass is also generally lower than that used to create new glass.

In the end though, it is the beauty of recycled glass that makes it such an ideal material.

The jewel like qualities of multi-colored glass really shine in this countertop by Vetrazzo.  A leader in sustainability, Vetrazzo not only offers a beautiful alternative to granite, but they do so in an amazing array of colors, with a product that is 70% recycled glass! Read the rest of this entry »

Well hello there! Welcome to The Green Revolution Blog.  I’m Rachel Hulan, IIDA, CID, and I’m really excited at the opportunity to share my knowledge of green interior design with you at HomePortfolio.com.

Green design is about so much more than “doing the right thing”. It’s about creating quality design with lasting value – interior spaces that have style, comfort, and are suitable to the needs of the people using them. If we want beautiful design not just for ourselves, but for generations to come, then we must also create spaces that are sustainable, and not wasteful of resources. Simply put, green design is good design.

I’ve been lucky during my time working in the field of green design to encounter quite a few amazing companies and products. Whether it’s someone creating handcrafted furniture, artisan tile, or organic cotton fabric, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know many dedicated people who are working hard to create a more sustainable future. I’m looking forward to introducing them to you.

And please, introduce yourself to me! I love getting to know my readers, and having them share their thoughts and ideas. We are all in this green revolution together, so let’s join forces!

Next week I’ll be taking a look at some of the beautiful and amazing things that can be made from recycled glass.