Maria Yee coined these words to describe her technique of furniture creation. The idea of anything green entices me to follow up and learn more. The Maria Yee furniture line is an inspiration truly worth sharing. 

Adapting ancient Chinese methods of furniture joinery, where pieces are fitted together without any screws or nails (get that!), was a challenge for today's modern manufacturing environment. Additionally, the system for hardwood would have to be modified for bamboo creations. Yet, Maria persevered and for the past 20 years she has been supplying the planet with world-class green furniture! Due to the rapidly renewable quality of bamboo, it has become the material of choice for the environmentally conscious.

Take a look at these gorgeous pieces from the Ventana line, named for the sprawling Ventana Wilderness in California.

I knew you'd like these!

www.inmyfourwalls.com

Rosewood

Tigerwood

Blackwood

Teak

Roots so vibrant

Hear them speak!

Cachimbo

Quebracho

Cedar

Fustic

Unearth the treasures

rare and rustic

Root52 Gallery, located in New York’s Catskill Mountains right off Route 52, displays the most amazing collection of bowls, vases, tables, chairs, and even jewelery, all carved from hardwood roots. The wood species mentioned above are only a partial list of types that are represented at Root52.

With the recognition of each species’ character and the talent to explore the roots’ messages, artisans in Costa Rica handcraft unique and exotic creations for Root52 that are in synch with the environment and ecologically responsible.

www.inmyfourwalls.com

In the beginning…..

Life was simple 

And good.

TUCKER ROBBINS

THE ORIGINS OF HOME

Tucker Robbins is an idealist. He believes in the beautiful, the original, and the art of humanity. Tucker Robbins furniture and designs begin in the tropical jungles of Africa, Guatemala,  the Phillipines and other countries where the natives apply their age-old craft to produce one-of-a-kind products. Tucker Robbins has succeeded to awaken a dormant art by seeking out craftsmen who have not forgotten the practice. Made of recycled wood and other materials, each Tucker Robbins item is hand-made and hand-finished.

Shown is the Inca River Cube handcrafted in Peru, Giant  Wooden Balls  and an Egg Stool/side Table, of the Philippines. Each piece of furniture and decorative object bespeaks tranquility and desire, simplicity and depth. Tucker Robbins – paying tribute to tradition.

www.inmyfourwalls.com

Chista, founded in 1990, is the brainchild of Alon Langotsky. His commitment to the environment and appreciation of the qualities of fine wood have produced one-of-a-kind masterpieces that inspire and delight. Chista's unique styles are showcased in various design magazines and in their very own showrooms nationally. Tables, benches, stools, consoles and chairs are carved with care and love from wood, mostly teak, that could have ended up in the garbage heap.

Before carving a new piece, Langotsky studies the qualities and features of the wood so the new sculpture adheres to its inherent personality. A metal base, such as stainless steel or bronze, and paint is usually applied to the finished product. Each Chista item receives extraordinary care, resulting in furniture and installations that wow the eye and arouse the spirit.

www.inmyfourwalls.com

  +     = tulikivi

pronounced:

 too-lee-kee-vee

definition: firestone

material used: soapstone

Soapstone is the best natural material on Earth to withstand fire and store heat.

Radiant heat, generated by soapstone, is pleasant and efficient, spreading heat evenly over the whole room. It leaves the air feeling fresh and easy to breathe.

      shown with bakeoven and cooktop combination

custom and art nouveau fireplaces available

Tulikivi fireplaces are manufactured in Finland, where both heat and efficiency are highly prized. As a superior  heat conductor, a soapstone fireplace is the logical choice for the astute homeowner. With forty different styles to choose from and options such as benches, mantelpieces, and bake-ovens, the Tulikivi fireplace can bring any room to life. What's more, they pass the strictest emission codes of the world.

Looking for a fresh look for your home? Familiarize yourself with Tulikivi soapstone sinks, tiles, and flooring. The advantages of Tulikivi are simply incomparable!

www.inmyfourwalls.com

Mark your place in history

Combine it with the past

Tackle your to-do's

But make sure that they will last

In a world of innovation

New, improved, advanced

Seek a way

To make it stay

Give yesterday a chance.

© Michelle Sieger

Phoenician Stone has been salvaging ancient Roman and Grecian history from the ruins of Cyprus and Lebanon since 1943.  Each artifact and slab of stone reclaimed from the Old World is a direct link to the empires of old.

With showrooms in Los Angeles and Corona Del Mar, California, Phoenician Stone offers their rich heritage for every room of the home.  A distinctive resurrection of authentic, reclaimed biblical stone pavers, wall cladding, stone entrances, wine cellars, fountains, sinks, stone tables, Roman, Greek and Byzantine columns, fireplace mantels and other artifacts, is what Phoenician Stone and their team of talented artisans have carved specially for you.

www.inmyfourwalls.com

Rustic elegance

balances the quality of life

with the qualities of earth.

Natives marked the trail

cleared a space

in which your deepest thoughts

and telling dreams can emerge

to warm you.

Cross bridges of water,

fill buckets of fire

around the cabin

of your heart.

© Michelle Sieger

The inspirational line of Old World bathroom vanities by Native Trails is heart and home warming for those seeking a rustic decor. It is available in chestnut and whitewash finishes and three different sizes.

Using superior craftsmanship, the bathroom vanities are all created by hand in the USA using 98% recycled materials. The wood is salvaged from barns, barracks, fencing and other structures, making Native Trails a company that is truly environmentally responsible.

www.inmyfourwalls.com

DON'T TURN

YOUR BACK

ON THE ENVIRONMENT

          CLARA                   CODY                   DECOR                MARSDEN

At Crate and Barrel green is not a trend. It's a mission. Crate and Barrel has taken the important step of minimizing petroleum-based foam in many of its upholstery cushions with more energy-efficient alternatives such as soy-based and corn-based foam and fibers, without sacrificing an ounce of the quality and comfort that its furnishings are known for.

Gordon and Carole Segal opened the first Crate and Barrel store in 1962 on Wells Street in Illinois. Today there are over 170 stores in the United States.

www.inmyfourwalls.com

Personally,

I'd prefer

a Parsons table

for a vanity

over, say, an antique chest.

Slim,

clean,

invisibly green

it's not an illusion,

but a welcome inclusion!

Waterfall Bathroom Furniture

It's worth the "Price"!

Award-winning residential and commercial interior designer, Lucy Price, created Waterfall vanities because she noticed an absence of colorful, contemporary, yet classic styles in bathroom furniture. Her partner's commitment to helping the environment influenced Lucy to make her line eco-friendly.

The Illusionist Vanity features a mirrored finish with optional countertop. All Waterfall vanities are formaldehyde free, FSC certified woods and use the lowest VOC paint available.