Reclaimed Wood

So many people have come up with SEVERAL ideas to use reclaimed wood and recycle an amazing product. Urban Woods shares their take on reclaimed wood:

The term “reclaimed wood” may conjure many different images. Some might imagine sunken logs that have been rescued from Amazonian river bottoms, or old barn siding from a dilapidated Southern plantation, or a peasants home razed in the third world because the value of the ancient timber is more vauable than the shelter it provides. All of these woods are reclaimed by some one, some where for some purpose and by some different method.

Here are a few fun and inspiring ways to use this fabulous material!

Beams & Paneling:

Image Credit - Unhappy Hipsters

Furniture/Product:

Image Credit - Urban Woods

Image Credit - Cliff Spencer

Image Credit - Uhuru Designs

Signage:

Image Credit - Metropolis

Artwork:

Image Credit - The Alternative Consumer

Image Credit - Devon Driftwood Designs

Stairs & Flooring:

Image Credit - Apartment Therapy

Image Credit - Elmwood Reclaimed Timber

Image Credit - Straw Sticks and Bricks

Biomimicry

Photo from the Biomimicry Institute

This term has been floating around now for a while in this era of sustainability. What does it really mean and why is it important? The Biomimicry Institute defines the term as:

“The science and art of emulating natures best biological ideas to solve human problems.”

Established by biologist Janine Benyus in 1990, it looks to the natural world for ideas and inspiration for all kinds of opportunities. The goal is to create sustainable products, processes and policies, and new ways of living that are able to endure just as nature does on its own. There are over 2100 amazing case studies and products that have been created by incorporating biomimicry. The Olympic swimsuit emulating a shark's skin, a sunscreen resembling the high UV protection as hippos do, and the lotus leaf that resulted in amazing fabric protection. Here are some examples:

• Otter Inspires dry, warm clothing that uses fewer chemicals, saves energy in manufacturing and can be recycled
• Dolphins inspire efficient flight
• Learning from Prairies How to Grow Food Sustainably

“How to Clean with out Cleaners” –Learning from the lotus plant!

The crevices of the rough texture (I bet you thought it was smooth!) of the lotus leaf traps air in which the water rolls off naturally cleaning the dirt off the surface. Biologists have learned from this phenomenon and created GreenShield, a protective fabric finish made by G3i. This consumer product is 8 times less harmful then other chemical treatments and provides excellent stain repellency. How wonderful is this!!

For more information on biomimicry and other case studies, go to the Biomimicry Institute.

-Kieffer Design Group

http://www.kiefferdesigngroup.com/

Sustainable Efforts

One of the prime actions that the interior design industry has been embracing is improving sustainable efforts. It is our job to be knowledgeable about new products and procedures so that when we are creating environments, we are specifying products and suggesting processes that will make less of a carbon footprint. Not only as designers, but as a community we can ALL do something for the environment.

Here are three major elements to consider when talking about sustainable design:

1. Environment/Energy - It doesn't require any degree or special training to start being energy efficient and environmentally respectful. There are several free online assistance websites that can get you started in the right direction. For example, you can use specific products to do your part:

*Ecomates - This company makes both ethosFR+ fuel treatment and ethosFR oil treatment for not only vehicles but any type of gasoline or diesel fuel machines (for example: lawn mowers, generators, atv's, etc.) This product increases overall gas mileage by 7-19%, reduces emissions by over 33%, and extends oil life by at least 200%. Check out these great products!

*Planet Green: How to Go Green - This site has a great 8 page informative tutorial that has everything to do with cleaners, ways to clean, and helpful links for further reading.

*US EPA - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - This is a government site that tells you about the benefits of recycling and tips on how to recycle. It also give you information on topics like composting and where to recycle your old computer or electronics.

*Green Peace - Energy Efficiency - This website is a "how to" on energy efficiency and clever ways to save energy, money and the planet. It is concentrated on residences.

*Visit the Carbon Offset website for a simple, fun and free calculation on your very own carbon footprint and opportunities for offsetting those 'terrible tons' of waste.

2. Social Responsibility - There are so many opportunities to give and to choose something can be overwhelming at times. Look at the following for ideas of events and activities to help our environment and community.

*Ecotourism - The International Ecotourism Society is a non-profit dedicated to promoting ecotourism. TIES has been in the forefront of the development of ecotourism, providing guidelines and standards, training, technical assistance, research, and publications. Their mission is to support "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well being of local people."

*Start small or go big - Volunteer Match strengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. It is a great tool to find local places to volunteer your time and efforts.

*10 ways to help your community in 30 minutes or less - This is an awesome list that might get your mind running on all sorts of things you can help to improve your community and surroundings.

3. Conservation

*Recycle, watch your water use, your food intake and what you eat and throw away.

*Those darn plastic bags! There are some really great reusable ones out there. Try and find a local company to purchase them through. There are some local ones here in Boise from Shop Wise Bags.

*Deny the 79 of the 80 phone books they love to leave at your office or home... or refuse them all and get your information online. If you really need them, you can look here to find some great suggestions for reuse or recycling - Green Eco Services.

*Tread lightly on back roads - Seriously stay on the trail...

*Join a local conservation group. Here in Idaho we have the Idaho Conservation League or one of the Idaho Master Naturalist programs put on by the Idaho Fish and Game Department – you can learn some great things outdoors, and volunteer at the same time! Click here.

-Kieffer Design Group

www.kiefferdesigngroup.com

Inspiring Outdoor Living Spaces

Get Inspired... Outside!

Its August, already! I did NOT want to see this beautiful time of summer pass by without highlighting one of my favorite spaces. I get most inspired in the great outdoors, but sometimes I have to be in doors and just look out! It is so important to create those inspiring spaces where you can do both at the same time - indoor/outdoor living or working.

When I acquired our office building in downtown Boise a few years ago, we had a small gravel 2 stall parking area behind the building. It just didn’t make as much sense to maintain that space as parking when there were several other great alternatives. This space seemed to have such high potential for something better! And that it is - we get so much use out of our “zen” courtyard including: employee lunches, staff gatherings, client meetings, etc.

Here are a few photos of our patio I thought you might like:

I especially like the view from my desk in my office:

So... Just imagine the waterfall softly flowing and the birds chirping around the bamboo trees…ahh! And Yes, I do actually get work done in this space... it is my most inspirational spot!

Some materials that I think are mandatory to make a balanced outdoor space are:

• Natural Stone or Rock
• Lush Live Plants
• Metal of some sort
• Wood Element
• Water
• Fire is an Option
• Easy access to inside and out (preferably large openings)
• Lighting for Accent (preferably solar or another sustainable source)
  
  It doesn't always have to be a big space either - you can create a big feel in a little space almost anywhere!

Here are some other outdoor relaxation and inspiring spaces I really like!

photo courtesy of hgtv.com

On this Brooklyn rooftop, beach-style plantings surround informal furniture creating naturalistic boundaries between neighboring buildings.

Photo Courtesy of Western Art & Architecture Magazine

photo courtesy of hgtv.com

The telescoping pocket door that disappears into the wall provides seamless transition from indoor to outdoor. When entertaining bring out some indoor furniture and plants, even some lamps, to give it a cozy feel.

Photo Courtesy of Kieffer Design Group

Photo Courtesy of Western Art & Architecture Magazine

New use for the common "twig"

Check out this fabulous idea for making a tree branch chandelier!! During a search for cost effective unique lighting for a rustic restaurant, we came accross this "do it yourself" pendant on the Apartment Therapy San Fransisco Blog. It is made out of fallen limbs or twig. Yes, you will need to have some electrical knowledge or advise from a professional. One could make this as contemporary or rustic as desired and in any size or shape.

I have decided that I will be creating one for my cabin retreat so check back in the next couple of months for photos and a finished product.

Here are the directions to building your next fabulous and very unique chandelier:

• Choose the branches that you like - feel free to add a little color if you would like!
• Clean them up by removing all the little twigs that are not attractive and pull off loose bark
• Place the branches on a long table or dining table that way you can match the table and the bottom will be flat when hung.
• Screw the branches together - First drill a pilot hole and use small "bullet" head wood screws
• Buy some lamp cord, small candelabra sockets, some 1/4 IP nipple, and a light canopy at your local hardware store.
• Drill a shallow hole a little smaller than the 1/4 IP nipple and twist them into the hole.
• Wire all the candelbra sockets together ("daisy chained") and screw them onto the nipples
• Cover the sockets with plastic candelabra "candle" covers
• Suspend the whole thing using thin plastic-coated cable.... the hanging wires were passed through 2 small pulleys and attached to the light in four places so it could be balanced back and forth to get it level.
• Run the electrical to a canopy that you need to buy ...connected to the "daisy chain" on the lamp with small wire nuts, and hang it up!
  

The whole thing cost roughly $35 in lamp parts from a local hardware store and about a couple of hours to make!