Before & After
A Fresh Perspective on Green Design
“Many people think green is a style. What they don’t realize is each of the components used in this room is an aspect of green design, from being able to deflect the sunlight at a certain time of day to the adhesives used on the furniture.”
—Bernadette Upton, EcoDecor
Tell our readers a little about this project. Is there a story behind the design?
As the library we were designing was a showhouse for the American Lung Association, our goal was to optimize indoor air quality. The room had two windows that were exactly alike on opposite ends of the wall, with windows and a door on the side. I decided to make the two end windows the decorative windows, while the side windows and the outside door were made more functional using wooden blinds.
How did you determine the window treatment style?
This room had a fabulous view, so I wanted to maximize the day lighting and give the windows a great presence without overpowering them with large amounts of draperies and window treatments. This was accomplished by using Vista window film to combat the heat transfer.
As for the window treatments, I knew I wanted the formality of a smart tailored cornice, but I didn’t want it to obstruct the view. By dressing the sides of the window with side cornices, we allowed the draperies to fall from underneath.
What are the advantages of creating a green home or room?
This would be an ideal room for people who suffer from allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities, etc., as there were no harmful chemicals or emissions being exuded from the products. The cornices were made on high-grade plywood with no VOCs, instead of particle board. The furniture came from antique shops or showroom floors, meaning it already had time to off-gas and would no longer produce harmful emissions.
How can designers better market green options to their clients?
People really do, on some level, want to do the right thing, but they also need to stay within a reasonable budget. Therefore, if designers do their homework and enough research, comparable products are available, and many times the investment means a better, longer-lasting, and healthier product. If cost were the only factor in everything we purchase today, many of us would be driving around the cheapest car we can find. If we take these considerations into every purchase, why would home furnishings be any different?
By purchasing green products, we’re receiving a higher-quality product, creating healthier homes to live in, and being a steward to our environment—it’s a triple crown, and you can walk away feeling good about the decisions you’re making.
What suggestions do you have for other designers who are working on a similar project?
Search for the companies that have sought out certifications for their products—there are numerous certifications today that were not available before, such as the Sustainable Furniture Council certification or GreenGuard. We’re so fortunate today that more and more manufacturers are getting on the green bandwagon and offering green products to their clients.
Also, being aware of the process manufacturers use in creating their products is revealing—where does it come from, how does it get there, and where does it go once its useful life in one home is over? Being aware of those companies who reclaim and recycle draperies can prevent more and more draperies from ending up in the landfill.
“Many people think green is a style. What they don’t realize is each of the components used in this room is an aspect of green design, from being able to deflect the sunlight at a certain time of day to the adhesives used on the furniture.”
—Bernadette Upton, EcoDecor
Tell our readers a little about this project. Is there a story behind the design?
As the library we were designing was a showhouse for the American Lung Association, our goal was to optimize indoor air quality. The room had two windows that were exactly alike on opposite ends of the wall, with windows and a door on the side. I decided to make the two end windows the decorative windows, while the side windows and the outside door were made more functional using wooden blinds.
How did you determine the window treatment style?
This room had a fabulous view, so I wanted to maximize the day lighting and give the windows a great presence without overpowering them with large amounts of draperies and window treatments. This was accomplished by using Vista window film to combat the heat transfer.
As for the window treatments, I knew I wanted the formality of a smart tailored cornice, but I didn’t want it to obstruct the view. By dressing the sides of the window with side cornices, we allowed the draperies to fall from underneath.
What are the advantages of creating a green home or room?
This would be an ideal room for people who suffer from allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities, etc., as there were no harmful chemicals or emissions being exuded from the products. The cornices were made on high-grade plywood with no VOCs, instead of particle board. The furniture came from antique shops or showroom floors, meaning it already had time to off-gas and would no longer produce harmful emissions.
How can designers better market green options to their clients?
People really do, on some level, want to do the right thing, but they also need to stay within a reasonable budget. Therefore, if designers do their homework and enough research, comparable products are available, and many times the investment means a better, longer-lasting, and healthier product. If cost were the only factor in everything we purchase today, many of us would be driving around the cheapest car we can find. If we take these considerations into every purchase, why would home furnishings be any different?
By purchasing green products, we’re receiving a higher-quality product, creating healthier homes to live in, and being a steward to our environment—it’s a triple crown, and you can walk away feeling good about the decisions you’re making.
What suggestions do you have for other designers who are working on a similar project?
Search for the companies that have sought out certifications for their products—there are numerous certifications today that were not available before, such as the Sustainable Furniture Council certification or GreenGuard. We’re so fortunate today that more and more manufacturers are getting on the green bandwagon and offering green products to their clients.
Also, being aware of the process manufacturers use in creating their products is revealing—where does it come from, how does it get there, and where does it go once its useful life in one home is over? Being aware of those companies who reclaim and recycle draperies can prevent more and more draperies from ending up in the landfill.
