One of my favorite summer rituals is the Wednesday evening concert series at Hillside Gardens in Colorado Springs, while there make sure you wander through their collection of pottery, they have some of the best selections I’ve seen. There is a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to make a special addition to your garden or as a greeting at your front entry. Beware not to buy an undersize accessory, a large pot filled with flowers adds a warm welcome.
In Colorado Springs we take our short summers seriously. We use our deck as our living and dining room.
Did you know there are now literally hundreds of outdoor fabrics to cover your lawn cushions in?
It is no longer just fabric A,B or C to choose from, almost any pattern or color you can think of is available. If your cushions are looking the worst for wear choose your new fabric now and have them reupholstered at the end of the summer when you are no longer using them. These moisture resistant fabrics are also a great alternative for indoor use in areas where small children rule, try them on dining chairs or family room furniture, call me now to see the choices available!
It seems everywhere we go merchandise is labeled with the word “green”. We are now aware that a “green” product is one that in some way is better for our environment. Unfortunately, as yet there are no regulations governing this label. Anyone can claim their product is “green”, or good for the environment. It is up to us to dig deeper and ask questions. In the interior design field there are specific questions you can ask to determine a product’s claims.
How far is the item shipped?
Any product that can be bought locally wastes less energy– and money.
Is it made from a material that is endangered?
Before you purchase an exotic wood floor make sure it is not from trees on an endangered list.
Can the product be recycled when you are done with it?
For instance on commercial jobs, if it is large enough, Armstrong will pick up old ceiling tiles when you purchase a new ceiling from them and they will recycle the material.
Is the product made with recycled post-consumer waste?
Look at content labels to find out what percentage of the material is recycled.
Is the furniture you intend to purchase good quality?
If so, it can be reupholstered at a later date or become a treasured heirloom– instead of landfill waste.
How is the product manufactured?
Look into a company’s policies. If, during manufacturing, all the factory waste is flushed down our river ways it is probably not the product you need.
Eventually we will have standardized labeling to make this process easier. Until then, have your designer help you research products you are interested in. For more information send email to: gina@glo-images.com
