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In my Seattle interior design practice, I like to share the importance and benefits of building green. I saw this article on the website of Central WA Homebuilders.

Here are 10 reasons for Green

1. More Money in the Piggy Bank. A built green home typically saves $ on operating costs due to efficient energy use, natural daylighting and upfront construction costs.
2. Less ‘New’ Odors and Better Indoor Air. Using low VOC and low toxic interior paints and finishes reduces toxins and improves indoor air quality. Paints like Benjamin Moore’s Natura and Aura are my favorite choices.
3. Saves Old Growth Forests. Rapidly remewable materials like bamboo, cork, and strawboard can be harvested in a sustainable way. Plastic lumber made from recycled plastic jugs can be used for decking.
4. Happier Salmon. Water conservation using drought resistant plants and porous pavers are both techniques. Erosion control benefits salmon habitats.
5. More Couch Potato Time. Maintenance is minimized with durable materials like decking made of plastic and materials like stone, tile or slate.
6. Reduced Breezes inside the Home. The impact of outside elements is reduced using caulking to seal windows and doorframes.
7. Healthier Yard with Homegrown Topsoil. Topsoil removed for grading can be saved and reapplied for a better soil compositoin.
8. Reduces Dependence on Fossil Fuels. Local materials reduce transportation costs and the inclusion of pedestrian access to mass transit decrease auto use.
9. Less Trash. Built Green projects recycle large amoutns of scrap materials as well as include recycled content into the building.
10. Promotes Businesses Committed to Green. The supporting member companies go the extra effort and work with one another demonstating committment to a green, healthy home.

Tags: design, green, home, indoor air quality, recycle, Seattle
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Roy Hunter, a contractor and environmentalist started Second Use after becoming frustrated with the amount of materials he saw getting thrown away on construction sites. He pooled finances with a few family members and leased an empty 2-acre field in Woodinville, Washington as the site of the first store. The first inventory consisted of salvaged lumber and beams from the demolition of a Fred Meyer store in north Seattle. Second Use has been reclaiming building materials for reuse in the Puget Sound region since 1994.

Second Use Founder Roy Hunter

In 1997, the Seattle store opened in its current location on Second Avenue South in the South Park neighborhood. Second Use has been recognized for ongoing growth and achievement in the community. In 2006, it was a winner of the Seattle Mayor’s Small Business Award. In 2007, it received the Washington State Recycling Association’s “Recycler of the year – business primary” award.

Online Inventory Search

Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, or contractor Second Use can help you find a greener way to approach your next remodel or demolition. If you have a project you’d like to discuss, please contact our field crew. If you have materials you’d like to bring in, see our acceptance policies and/or visit our store. You can also learn more about our salvage services by exploring the links.

I hope you will visit Second Use either online or in person. Try the calculator:

Find out how much re-using materials can save the environment in real world terms:

• Lbs of CO₂ averted
• Days a fluorescent bulb could stay lit
• Miles a SUV could drive

Love your comments, Faith

Tags: environment, Green Design, recycle, remodel, remodeling, resource
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The sinks by Sanindusa represent a new level of design and environmental committment. They are not only beautifully designed but also made of recycled materials.

Choose your favorite and let me know your vote!

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Tags: most popular sinks, Portland, recycle, remodel, Seattle, sinks
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 2 Comments »

from the archives of my blog -

Remodeling, re-furnishing and re-arranging what you already have are definite solutions for a fresh new look in your home. I find my clients are spending more time at home and tweaking what they own is a big boost to their mood and budget. That’s why I recommend a specifically selected design application with a defined cost which works like a restaurant menu.

I call these packages Design Ala Carte Solutions.

Homeowners today consider a remodel as a solution to upgrading their surroundings. Selecting a great team of designer, architect, and contractor are essential for a smooth process. However, refurnishing and redesigning existing rooms is a more immediate and less costly solution to a complete remodel. For example, you could reupholster a favorite chair.

Another option is to rearrange your furniture and make your space flow more functionally. A new arrangement creates fresh appeal in your room. An interior designer can rearrange major pieces, edit what you already have or suggest simple additions.

Accessories add fresh interest and are an inexpensive way to bring new life to old tired spaces. Simply swap out art and accessories in rooms and change the look and style of a room without major changes or expense. Showcase an existing collection and add to it. Make sure the style is one you really like and enjoy. Stay clear of clutter, and carefully select. Less is more. Use a few important pieces rather than many smaller items.

Check out these one time Design Solution Packages

One time consultation package… $350.00
Averages about one hour to 1½-2 hrs and includes advice on your home from a design point of view. Recommendations to refresh the look and image of your spaces, color, light, furniture and space plan are discussed in a general way. This is followed by a written recommendation emailed to the client.

Re-accessorize and Re-place… working with your existing art and accessories, we arrive at your home and suggest, rearrange and place your existing art and accessories for their optimum visual impact. Also included is re-placement of home furnishings $400.00 for two hours

Color consultation… We professionally select specific colors that work best in your environment to evoke the feeling that you want. Interiors and exteriors can look new and updated with the correct color choices. Includes color samples and placement recommendations $250.00

Questions? Comments? contact Faith design@faithsheridan.com

Tags: Accessories, economize, recycle, redecorate, refresh your home, Seattle, staging
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 1 Comment »

Displaying a passion for cutting edge design along with equal passion for the environment, Urban Hardwoods creates 1 of a kind furniture pieces from salvaged trees. In business for more than 10 years, Urban Hardwoods rescues trees lost to disease and transforms them into beautiful furniture. This company sets the pace and leads the way in urban tree salvage. Along the way approximately 3,000 salvaged trees from Seattle homeowners became tables and other furniture.

Urban Hardwoods^® was recently named one of the 2008 Top 10 Green Building Products Manufacturers in the United States by Sustainable Industries magazine. Winning products were selected based on environmental performance, value, market impact, design aesthetic and LEED compatibility.

Urban Hardwoods is proud to announce the March 2 opening of its newest retail furniture showroom located at 553 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA. The Jackson Square store displays an array of modern solid wood furniture with the spotlight on dining tables. The furniture is made in Seattle from massive slabs of pacific madrone, sycamore, walnut, elm, and other trees that spent their lifetimes in Seattle. Each piece unique, each with a story to tell.

Tags: decorating, Furniture, interior design, recycle, salvaged trees, Seattle
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