No, Zaishu isn't a new gadget or sugary snack. It's a sturdy little table-seat-whatsit that happens to have quite a story behind it (and on it). The story begins in Japan. Zaishu is Japanese for "small seat" - and small it is (approx 16" x 16" x 11"). Its eco-footprint is equally diminutive. Made of … Continue reading Zaishu!
Tag: designer
Everyday Eco Jewelry to Cherish
When all else fails, buy jewelry. A generalization, yes, but I'm confident of its accuracy. We women love jewelry. You can't go wrong showing up at her birthday party with a pretty pair of earrings or a sweet and simple bracelet - or both. I'm not referring here to bling. Magnificent jewelry pieces are both … Continue reading Everyday Eco Jewelry to Cherish
Lamp Alternative: Illuminated Wallpaper by Jonas Samson
There's no other way to say it - this is the coolest, most forward-thinking product I've seen in quite some time. Sounds dramatic, yes, but it's true. Try and wrap your head around this - illuminated wallpaper. Not glow in the dark or back-lit, but wall covering that emits light - it's a part of … Continue reading Lamp Alternative: Illuminated Wallpaper by Jonas Samson
Modern Balance
I am a defiant modernist. Le Corbusier, Mies, Schindler, Neutra - I gave them my heart years ago (and my last boyfriend accused me of having a fear of commitment!). As my life and my choices have turned a lovely shade of green, these two sensibilities have naturally melded into one. It's fairly easy to … Continue reading Modern Balance
What’s the Story?
Everyone loves a good story. In fact, I'm a sucker for one. As a young girl, I'd squeeze in next to my dad and the huge armrest of his brown and orange plaid recliner (yes, it was the 70s) in eager anticipation of the next chapter of "Alice in Wonderland". An hour later, he'd peel … Continue reading What’s the Story?
Not Your Mama’s Wallpaper
As recently as 10 years ago, if you said the word "wallpaper" I had visions of orange shag carpeting and my mother on a stepladder with a plastic bucket of gloppy paste. That toxic and tres passe technique would never be found on the walls of my home. But today that same technique has become … Continue reading Not Your Mama’s Wallpaper
The Best Made Better
Luxurious, soft, refined, sophisticated. What could be better than cashmere? At one time my answer would have been an emphatic "absolutely nothing!" That was before I knew about Deborah Lindquist, one of LA's most adored and eco-conscious designers. Her passion for the environment combined with a cutting-edge fashion sense has made her a forerunner on … Continue reading The Best Made Better
Fashionably Paperless
It's not uncommon for me to have a week old collection of receipts living in the bottom of my handbag - from the ATM, Starbucks, my local pharmacy and dry cleaners. Just the other day as I dug through the overflow in search of my ringing cell phone, it occurred to me that I could … Continue reading Fashionably Paperless
Style Is Always in Fashion
As eco-conscious shoppers, we've been bypassing the plastic or paper option for a while now. Most grocery stores even have their own brand of reusable bag for sale at the check-out line. It's not as if we're without options. But doesn't it appear that every week a different celebrity is spotted with the new "it" … Continue reading Style Is Always in Fashion
A Couch Case
I have been in the market for a new sofa. The navy blue, "transitional" IKEA purchase (did I just admit that? Oh dear.) had more than worn out its welcome by more years than I care to admit. You'd think this would be a fairly simple process, especially for the self-proclaimed strategic shopper that I … Continue reading A Couch Case
Decorative Days and Sweet-Scented Nights
Pillow acquisitions are not always appreciated by the male of the species, but the aspiring designer in every woman knows how a simple switch of pillows can reinvent an entire room. I have dozens: standard sleeping pillows, square throw pillows, Euro sham-covered pillows, boudoir pillows, floor pillows, cushions, rests, stops. Pillows give us a quick, … Continue reading Decorative Days and Sweet-Scented Nights
Your Own Personal (Portable) Luau
I'm certain you've seen it - the generic cartoon character with wide eyes and a light bulb next to its head. The image fairly screams "I've got a bright idea!". Imagine that, but stylish and eco-friendly, and I'll show you the Luau Portable Lamp designed by Vessel for $199. A lighting solution that works inside … Continue reading Your Own Personal (Portable) Luau
Undercover
You don't have to live in Seattle to know that a good umbrella is hard to find. In fact, of the more than 33 million sold in the U.S. every year, hundreds of thousands end up broken, abandoned and in a landfill somewhere. I've often wondered, as my own ragged umbrella turned inside-out carrying me … Continue reading Undercover
Kim Derby 
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