Reclaimed Wood
Sugar Editorial Picks
Etsy Find: Table Talk Napkin Rings
If you were tempted by the customized wedding ring bowl from artist Paloma's Nest, chances are that you'll also fall for these Table Talk Napkin Rings ($48 for four). Made from reclaimed wood, the rings are stamped with a message of your choice. Need a wedding present for a newlywed couple?
Casa Verde: Jon and Kate Plus 8 Go Green
This Sunday, the Gosselin clan of Jon and Kate Plus 8 will welcome Planet Green's Renovation Nation host Steve Thomas into their home to retrofit it with some eco-friendly upgrades. Steve and his crew will help install electric solar panels and solar thermal panels onto the house, as well as solar powered lights along the driveway. They'll also build a picnic table for the family using reclaimed wood.
Inspired: Bloodhound Bar
7x7, San Francisco's city magazine, recently wrote about a new bar in the SoMa neighborhood called Bloodhound. My life isn't short on watering holes, and I rarely find myself in that 'hood, but I was impressed by the design of the space. The coolest thing, as the mag points out, is the flock of black birds painted on the ceiling.
Steal of the Day: Railroad Tie Dining Table and Chairs
A dining table is a big investment. So why pay full price when you can swoop up a gorgeous one at 30 percent off? Made from reclaimed railroad tie wood with a sturdy, waxed metal frame, the Viva Terra Railroad Tie Dining Table and Chairs ($278-1,468) is a beautiful set for a casual, rustic home, or an eat-in kitchen if you have a separate dining room.
Casa Verde: Nick Stagg's Turned, Reclaimed Wood Bowls
Woodworker Nick Stagg lives in rural Oregon, where he operates Moonraker Turning from his farm-based studio. Using reclaimed wood whenever possible, Nick shapes rough pieces of wood into beautiful, turned wood bowls, vessels, and vases. I recently had the chance to ask Nick about the craft of woodturning, and he explained the ins and outs of the craft.
Before and After: Reclaimed Lumber Bench
Oakland-based design-building studio Because We Can was hired by SunPower to create furniture for their new office in an old Ford manufacturing building in Richmond, CA. This enormous, potential-filled pile of lumber had been taken out of the building and slated to be dumped, but the studio stepped in, deciding the wood could be reclaimed to build something new. After mulling it over, they "decided that benches were the most feasible idea to use the lumber and keep costs down."
Other Search Results
Etsy Find: Appetite Home Fern Pillow
It's been a while since the pale yellow and gray trend made its debut, but the color pairing hasn't lost its appeal on me. I'd be a proud lioness if this Appetite Home White Yellow and Grey Fern Pillow ($28) were mine. Not only is its palette utterly delightful, but it's pared-down, nature-inspired print is simple and versatile.
In the News: Cabins Go Green
In a recent New York Times article, "A Cabin Is Not a Shack," writer Louise Tutelian reports on the emerging trend to green second homes, or "cabins" as these houses are identified. One such cabin featured in the article, which is pictured below, was built in Montana using only local and reclaimed materials.
The article maintains that currently, cabin culture is defined by the following:
Ditch the deer heads and moose antlers.
Casa Verde: Sleek and Green Furniture
Environment Furniture Inc. creates compellingly sleek furniture that's also notable for its eco-conscious design. Located in Los Angeles, the company sources much of its furniture from reclaimed and recycled wood.
Ask Casa: How Can I Go Green With My Furniture?
Dear Casa,
I've been trying to go "green" more in my daily life by doing things like taking public transit and using nontoxic cleaning products. But I'm not sure exactly what to do about furniture. What are the best ways to "green" my furniture purchases?