Falper Vetro Integrated Cabinet Glass Top Basin. All photos courtesy Rogerseller.
‘Green’ design and products have historically found their classification in the product features themselves and not necessarily in the processes behind the production, or the facilities that produce them.
But that’s beginning to change, with more emphasis given to the green cogs that keep the green machine going.
Luckily, you don’t have to go green with envy at what others are doing; below, we’ve listed several firms working to contribute to the green movement.
Claybrook
Utilizing recycled marble that is a by-product of its mosaic tile workshop, Claybrook’s MarbleForm bathware is manufactured in a low impact, emission-free production process, using environmentally sustainable products, materials and manufacturing methods wherever possible.
With a unique wet polishing method, which incorporates water, the method is healthier, cleaner and safer, the result is a finer and smoother texture for a superior finish.
Apart from the fact that these pieces are made from recycled by-products, the actual products themselves can be recycled too.
At right: Claybrook Skye Bath
Catalano
“Think Green” is the motto of Catalano, who has been pursuing sustainability and respect for the environment at all stages of its production cycle for years. The firm prides itself in using pure raw materials without any risk of toxicity, while cutting-edge technology has resulted in a new generation of products with reduced thicknesses that require less material.
Catalano pays great attention to environmental efficiency and operating conditions of machinery as well; the installation of solar panels at the production plant generates 1,625,000 KWh – about a quarter of its total energy requirements.
Catalano’s plant is characterized by a low-noise impact and features a closed-loop wastewater recycling system, while the production processes facilitate the maximum reduction of volatile fumes and pollutants released into the atmosphere. But its green efforts don’t stop there.
When it comes to its products, Catalano is constantly innovating to ensure it stays at the forefront of technology and its impact on product design. For example, the company’s revolutionary glazing method, Cataglaze+, actively kills bacteria through Silver Titanium technology, eliminates the stagnation of water and reduces the amount of cleaning detergents and water required. The visibly superior aesthetic also guarantees anti-yellowing over time.
At left: Catalano Zero 55 Basin
Falper
Utilizing only natural materials, Falper recycles all of its manufacturing waste.
Each timber panel is certified ecological and all the wood finishes are entirely water-based.
Scratches and breaks are easily restored on the surfaces of bathtubs and washbasins, reducing the need to replace items, while they are also completely recyclable.
At right: Falper Quattro Zero Caldera bath
Fantini
At its core, Fantini is all about water. Since 2012, its “100 Fontane: Fantini for Africa” project has succeeded in bringing clean water to 25,000 people in Masango, Burundi, through the construction of 12 collection wells, 27km of aqueducts and 100 water outlets.
Fantini products also adhere to the most stringent standards to safeguard consumer health. Its products are certified Lead free (containing less than 0.25 percent) whilst they’re also utilizing more stainless steel across all of its collections. A compact and solid material, stainless steel offers the highest resistance to corrosion and is particularly hard-wearing and durable, facilitating maximum hygiene. In addition, it’s also an eco-friendly and recyclable material.
At left: Fantini Mare Basin Mixer
With organic, vegan design on the rise, assorted brands, luxury and non, are putting forth innovative design creations that are the best representatives of a greener, more sustainable style of design. Consultants/designers at Décor Aid named 10 of the best organic furniture brands making it in the industry right now. We’ve featured a few of their recommendations below!
Anton Doll Holzmanufaktur
Décor Aid interior designer Martha V says about Anton Doll Holzmanufaktur: “With a German name that translates to wood maker, expect to find expertly hand-crafted eco-friendly furniture produced by talented local artisans in Germany.
The company focuses on sustainable wood treated with chemical-free finishes and treatments, and its aesthetic leans on the clean and timeless spirit of Scandinavian design — ensuring that their future-heirlooms will also never go out of style.”
At Anton Doll Holzmanufaktur, carpentry is considered to be art, and attention to detail and a passion for form and design help prompt these “artists” to experiment and further develop their pieces of craftsmanship.
Starting with the processing of solid wood of the highest quality, up to the surface treatment with pollution-free wood oil, their craftsmen control every step of the manufacturing process. This also includes responsible forest management, local production within Europe and ensuring the longevity of its products, all which help cut down emissions and waste.
By emphasizing sustainability, quality and the joy of creating, the company relies on traditional values of the furniture trade. In connection with modern design and online business presence, the company’s values transcend time to the present.
VivaTerra
“People often forget about the artisans behind the pieces they acquire and the low wages they are paid to produce furnishings, and I was glad to learn that VivaTerra always pays its employees fair wages. And I like that their pieces are modern with just the right amount of cool allure to make them unique,” says Décor Aid interior designer Sara S.
Named VivaTerra, meaning “living earth,” this sustainable interior design brand is dedicated to operating in harmony with nature, inspired by blending global inspiration with modern, eco-conscious design. The company and its craftsmen strive to share a contemporary, artisan-crafted aesthetic with consumers through unique and earth-friendly goods.
In 2003 on the California coast, VivaTerra’s founders developed a passionate belief that there was no need to compromise natural resources or environmental health in pursuit of a beautiful home. Blending modern Californian design, natural and eco-friendly materials, and global inspiration, the brand grew and developed its signature style.
Today, VivaTerra continues its mission to help transform homes into natural sanctuaries filled with beautiful, uncompromising products. It sources from and supports artisan communities in more than 20 countries across the globe, seeking out fair-trade partners and sustainable methods of production.
Environment furniture
“Environment furniture makes functional pieces of art that are the perfect tribute to sustainable living thanks to materials that are reclaimed, recycled, and repurposed or from certified forests,” says Décor Aid interior designer Mandy M.
For over 15 years Environment, located in the heart of Los Angeles, has become a leader in reclaimed wood furniture design. After many years of exposure to the elements, nature imparts its process of natural-aged patina, which in turn crafts the history and story behind every piece of Peroba and other reclaimed woods used in the Environment collection.
The brand’s upholstery collections only use the ultimate furniture-building methods and natural materials that are both superior in terms of comfort and lifespan, as well as inherently flame retardant without the use of chemicals.
To see what other brands are excelling in the field of sustainable design, visit Décor Aid’s post!
“The place we live in can and should do three things: reflect who we are, bring out the best in us, and contribute to a better world.”
This mantra is the basic, driving principle behind the work of interior designer Deborah DiMare, founder of DiMare Design in Miami as well as VeganDesign.org, two businesses that strive to create a healthier world and save animals. We spoke with Deborah DiMare who discussed everything from her passion for vegan interior design, her daily inspiration, and her new book titled “Vegan Interiors.”
What image comes to mind when you think of vegan design?
I imagine ultra luxury such as a beautifully made crisp white bed or a fabulous living room with beautiful sumptuous fabrics. The feeling of any vegan space should always emit good health, comfort, happiness and an overall “feel good” environment, a space you never want to leave. Vegan design focuses on optimal health and well being.
How did you come to be a designer, what led you to this career?
How I became a vegan designer was initially from the love of animals that my family and I share. Animals are a very important part of our lives. We also do our best to maintain a healthy, optimal lifestyle. We are very active and love nature. When I discovered the term “dog leather,” it was a pivotal moment for me personally and professionally. … It changed me, It had a deep effect on me. How could I continue to be such a hypocrite? … I did a 360 in my business and refused to continue designing spaces with products originating from animals.
Vegan design is not just about saving animals. It’s about putting an end to the inhumane treatment of desperate people forced to work in dangerous, deplorable conditions. It’s about saving the planet. It’s about healthy design and well-being. Animal based textiles and materials such as leather, wool, silk, fur, down and treated woods etc. are laden with poisons and toxins that penetrate our skin. Thankfully, today, consumers are demanding compassionate, healthier alternatives in a majority of industries.
What do you think are some key things to remember when outfitting a home with vegan design stylings?
Use as many natural materials as possible — cork, linens, bamboos and blends. Keep it clean and as low on toxicity as you can.
Where would you draw inspiration from when outfitting a home in this style?
Everywhere, everyone and everything. I travel a lot with my family and I soak up the architecture and materials I see in other countries. I get inspired by the color of the ocean on a gray day or the way a woman’s red lipstick looks against her skin, or even the blue spot on my dog’s eye. Everyday life inspires me. But, most importantly, getting in tune with my clients is my true inspiration. … Starting new projects is like detective work. I have to uncover a client’s true needs and taste. It’s so much fun.
Tell us about your book and what readers can expect from reading it?
“Vegan Interiors — Home Edition” is a first of a series of books that focuses on the beauty of humane design. The book is filled with stunning images portraying compassionate design as luxurious and healthier for everyone from newborns to seniors and simple to embrace. It provides facts about how many animals, workers, trees, etc. are saved in each vegan room or piece of furniture. There are pages dedicated to the future of textiles. “Growing materials” are fabrics made out of fruits and trees that will be readily available to consumers soon enough. “Vegan Interiors — Home Edition” is a beautiful way to show others through demonstration and education that no living thing, including humans, animals and the planet need sacrificing for beautiful interiors.
All images courtesy VeganDesign.org
