Archive for July, 2009

How to build a luxurious, beautiful “eco” chaise lounge

Monday, July 13th, 2009

This Chaise was built for the 2007 Marin Designer Showcase House to rave reviews.

My goal was to build an upholstered piece of furniture that is “green”, stylish and luxious.  Too often “green” furniture looks utilitarian, rough or crude.

The body of the chaise is built from reclaimed plywood and 2×4’s purchased at the local salvage yard.  Before delivering the wood to my upholsterer,  I pulled out all of  the nails and screws.  OK,  I missed one and he hit it with his saw blade, so be careful! (Dennis was not happy!)

The spring system is made of rubber webbing.

The Foam-  is domestically fabricated latex foam from a foam shop.  I liked the domestic brand much better than the chinese product.  It felt more resilient.   This is a non petroleum foam and does not contain fire retardants, which have been shown to cause reproductive harm to mice and is showing up at alarming rates in human tissue .    I used the 6″ foam for the seat, and 2″ foam which was  rolled for the large bolster.

The foam is then wrapped in dacron.   In this case it was not a  green product, but with some web searching, I bet you can find some made from recycled plastic bottles.

The  beautiful fabric is from “Creation Bauman” a Swiss company and is 100% polyester.  This company has a green certification for its green manufacturing practices.   No pollution  is discharged into the environment.

Add some buttons and a pleated skirt and you have a beautiful, tailored “eco” chaise.

MDS Ken Jpegs 001

Decorative painting is green with a big impact

Monday, July 6th, 2009

Green means using less natural resources, locally produced, and non toxic.

Decorative painting and murals fit perfectly into the guidelines.

Using low VOC paints, we have completed many dramatic interiors.

Faux marble instead of real marble for walls and trim.  (marble is no longer considered a green resouce)

Faux boise (painted wood) instead of using real wood.  To name a few.

Murals create a whole environment with only paint.

Enjoy,  Scott Cunningham

See a few examples of our painted murals below.

Bathing woman mural

Bathing woman mural

Mural in powder room

Mural in powder room