I know all the talk about “green houses” can get boring at times, but there’s nothing dull about HGTV’s Green Home 2008 in Tradition, South Carolina. If this is what environmental responsibility looks like, then sign me up.
My only criticism is that I hope someday we can move beyond the literal interpretation of “green homes” and branch out into some other colors. But that’s a tiny quibble. The green they use here is lovely, if a bit of a cliche. Maybe they’re afraid we won’t “get” that it’s “green” without a liberal use of lime, sage, and celadon.
Whatever. It’s a small house done right. I finally think I’ve gotten over the fact that I didn’t win the Dream Home in the Florida Keys because I’ve realized that this is the one I was supposed to win instead! So, you see, it all works out for the best in the end. I guess I can forgive Stephanie Dee of Iowa for snatching it out from under me.
If you don’t believe me that I’ve got this one wrapped up, you can enter to win it yourself once a day between now and May 9. But don’t get your hopes up! I’ve got a good feeling about this one.
To take a tour of HGTV’s Green Home 2008, click “more” below:
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March 23, 2008
I have a daughter named Lily, so maybe I’m partial to a company that calls itself Lilipad Studios, but I love their handpainted table and chair sets for children. This is the Mandarin Butterfly table and chair set. Lily would love this, but she has had to make do with a tough-as-nails plastic table and chair set that my brother rescued off a curb for us years ago. Until I saw these, I didn’t realize how deprived she was!
To see more photos of Lilipad’s handpainted children’s furniture, click “more” below:
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March 12, 2008
Trendspotters predict that the “green” movement will continue through 2008 and beyond. This means we’ll be seeing even more natural, organic, and recycled materials in our homes.
I’m hearing that the enthusiasm for bamboo flooring may be waning, however, despite the fact that it is an eco-friendly source that is sustainable and renewable, producing about 25 times the yield of hardwoods. Homeowners are complaining that it is so soft that it doesn’t hold up well enough–getting warped, dented, and scratched. I’ve heard that it may even delaminate.
Experts say that the problem is with lower quality manufacturers who are harvesting bamboo before it is fully mature. Flooring made from bamboo poles less than four years old will wear out sooner. If you’re willing to take the chance on bamboo, be sure to buy from a high-quality manufacturer who offers a good warranty.
Beyond the quality issues, however, are lurking environmental ones that you may not be aware of. The lower-quality bamboo floors are produced with substandard glues that contain higher levels of formaldehyde, and inferior finishes contain higher levels of VOC’s.
Another thing to consider: most bamboo flooring comes from the Asia Pacific region–especially China and Vietnam–which means that it takes a lot of fuel to transport it here to the U.S.
On the bright side, when bamboo flooring is done right, it is more durable than many hardwoods and can last 30 to 50 years. Once removed it will biodegrade in landfills.
If You’re Hooked on Green:
January 22, 2008
