Go Organic. It's not just for produce and milk anymore!
After all the hustle and bustle of a crazy Open House weekend at Chestnut Hall, my co-worker Tonya and I were talking about the use of what we call "organic" materials throughout the home. When I think about the word "organic," I think about foods that we eat. I do not consider myself to be an organic shopper, but I have turned to organic milk because I am not much of a milk drinker and it lasts longer. Well, we have a lot of opportunities to use organic materials throughout our home. Think about our recent adventure to Mud Monkey. A big pile of mud that is thrown and formed into a beautiful bowl, plate, vase is considered "organic." It is a material that comes from the earth. And in a way, without sounding like some beatnik or guru, everything God has created could be considered "organic."
I recently attended a workshop at one of our upholstery manufacturers in North Carolina. This particular plant has been the first to receive the prestigious Sustainable by Design registration from the American Home Furnishings Alliance. As we toured their plant, we learned five sustainability features that they have implemented into the make of each piece of upholstery that they create.
~ Frames are made from sustainably harvested hardwoods
~ Water-based wood adhesive with no volatile organic compounds emissions
~ Eight-way hand-tied coil springs made from approximately 50% recycled metal
~ Seat deck and trim pad made from 80% regenerated fibers
~ Foam padding and foam seat cushion core made from at least 10% natural soy base
Ok...so I know you are thinking, what does this have to do with me? Well, why wouldn't we try our hardest to use the natural materials that God has so richly given us on this earth?
Also, you are thinking, what does this have to do with decorating my home? Well, that is a good question too! What is your biggest investment to the interior of your home? Your upholstery. It is where we truly show our style and where we find our comfort. If there are ways that we can protect the land God has given us by choosing sustainable pieces, then why wouldn't we? I haven't purchased an upholstered piece for my home in 6 years, but I will be considering these points when I look for my next piece.
Now down to the fun part. What are some other "organic" items that we can use in our home? Let's go back to our trip to the Mud Monkey. I know that last year, Pam Gross made a beautiful bowl that she could use in her home decor that was more sophisticated than the sad Christmas plate that I tried to paint. When our Pastor's wife was apprehensive about coming Monday night because of her lack of artistic ability, I told her about Pam's bowl. She was convinced that she could do this too! Think about flowers and leaves and all the things that we find in nature that look beautiful. Organic! This is a picture of the table in our entry at the store right now. It is an excellent example of the use of organic materials in decorating.
The combination of pottery and greenery are perfect examples. And that wild chair in the background (which I covet for my house) is from the manufacturer that I spoke about earlier.
Think about your children's artwork that you want to show off. Frame it and use it for great splashes of color throughout a playroom or hallway. Organic!
I think a goal of mine in the upcoming year is to think of ways that I can practice "sustainability" in my home. Our Lord created a beautiful earth, and we should make every effort to protect what He has so graciously given to us!
Think Green, girls!
In Him,
Stacy
Stacy McSpadden
Manager of Interior Design Services
Chestnut Hall Interiors
3075 Forest Hill Irene Road
Germantown, Tennessee 38138
901.753.8515
stacy@chestnuthall.com
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