Piet Hein Eek: Reclaimed Wood Furniture

Posted on July 19, 2009 by Matt Embrey .

There are many roots to our addiction to consumption, but in this post I am going to discuss just one of them… aesthetics.  It’s funny that dispite the inherent aesthetic beauty of nature and the environemnt, our desire to make our own environments aesthetically pleasing can wreak havoc on the former.   Now obviously there [...]

Re-Inspired Elements: Once a Wine Barrel

Posted on April 13, 2009 by Matt Embrey .

This “Wine Tasting Station” was once a wine barrel holding Newton Vineyard Red Wine. Now it has been given a second life, resurected by Claire Danthois and tasked to hold wine once again. Dainthois is known for her work reclaiming old timber planks and turning them into beautiful pieces of furniture.

Environment Furniture Balances Innovation and Sustainability with Exotic Materials

Posted on February 5, 2009 by Derek Markham .

Buying exotic wood furniture can be a boondoggle. Many of the world’s exotic trees have been over-harvested due to the high demand over the years, and the programs that bring the consumer’s awareness to the plight of tropical hardwoods are still gaining traction from the mainstream. Environment Furniture is one company striving to balance innovation [...]

Botanist Benches Add Style to Your Space

Posted on January 31, 2009 by Derek Markham .

Botanist Benches, out of Santa Ana, California, are made out of up to 50% recycled aluminum and come in a dazzling variety of colors, with custom pieces available to fit your home or office. Before you comment on the fact that these are new pieces of furniture (maybe not so eco-friendly), the company is committed [...]

Fantastic Tables from Recycled Car Hoods

Posted on January 3, 2009 by Derek Markham .

Dallas welder and furniture maker Joel Hester is breathing new life into our American car culture with his line of tables made from the sheetmetal hoods of junkyard cars. The colorful rusted hoods will make a big visual impact in any home, and with some of the materials being repurposed and upcycled, you can feel [...]

Once a Gate: Reclaimed Timber Chair

Posted on June 6, 2008 by Doug Gunzelmann .

Once Discarded is a design concept by Claire Danthois of the UK. She believes that the sustainability movement is in the hands of the designers. Designers often have the power and skills necessary to recreate objects of value and use from refuse … a gifted and driven portion of the population that can offer greener options for those of us willing to seek them out. Reclaimed materials, like the Once a Gate shown above as a chair, can give great depth and character to simple fixtures by way of their markings and evidence of previous life. With such products as Once a Door and Once a Ladder in her portfolio Claire has taken reclaimed timber and added a personal and artistic touch creating value and meaning to her work.

Reclaimed Wine Oak Dining Table and Bench

Posted on June 1, 2008 by Matt Embrey .

Here’s another strikingly sustainable piece by Cliff Spencer. This oak table and bench is made from reclaimed oak staves, used in wine-aging process at California wineries, non-toxic adhesives and a water based finish. The rich color of the wood comes from the grapes that are fermented in the Oak staves. While the wood imparts a subtle flavor to the wine, the grapes leave a rich and unique stain on the wood.

Reclaimed Wine Oak Storage

Posted on April 17, 2008 by Matt Embrey .

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This beautifully simple entry way cubby unit is made from reclaimed oak staves, used in wine-aging process at California wineries.  It features a non-toxic finish, and a recycled plywood core held together with non-toxic glue.  This is just one of the many eco-friendly designs from Cliff Spencer.  

Eco-friendly Bamboo Becca Stool

Posted on April 9, 2008 by Matt Embrey .

Upgrade: $490
 
Designer Anthony Marschak elegantly combines function and form in this simple yet versatile piece.  Use the Becca Stool it as…lets start with… a stool, with or without a cushion.  Use it as an end table, or stack them to make a unique shelving unit.  Made from fast-growing, rapidly renewable bamboo and with [...]

Sushi Hyacinth Daybed

Posted on April 7, 2008 by Doug Gunzelmann .

Upgrade: $3,600

Hyacinth is a renewable and fast growing material that can be woven together creating marvelous fabric like coverings. The Sushi Daybed uses woven hyacinth over a rattan frame to create a mellifluous structure. Like bamboo, the growth rate of hyacinth is astounding and is adapted to perfect functionality and beauty with the Sushi Daybed. [...]