A sample of offerings currently at Monument

Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair and ottoman, $14,000

Pair of Ib Kofod-Larsen chairs, $2,200

Bertoia designed bench for Knoll, $2,800

You can see more items at Monument’s online shop care of 1stDibs!

** Need professional help? Interior Designer San Francisco – Niche Interiors **

Seventh Generation discloses all ingredients in their cleaning products.

1. Use CFL Bulbs in Utility Areas. You can dramatically reduce your energy usage by simply replacing the incandescent bulbs in your hallways, laundry rooms, and garages with CFL bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs typically consume 65% – 75% less electricity than regular light bulbs, and they last up to 10 times longer.

2. Use Non-Toxic Cleaning Products. Buy cleaning products that are biodegradable, phosphate and chlorine free, and derive their ingredients from plants (renewable sources) rather than petrochemicals like crude oil or natural gas (which are not renewable). There are a number of green cleaning lines, including companies such as Seventh Generation, Simple Green and Method. Always check the labels to ensure the ingredients are listed.

3. Buy Recycled Paper Products and Unbleached Coffee Filters. Standard white coffee filters require a bleaching process that unnecessarily pollutes the environment. Opt for brown unbleached filters and purchase paper products that have recycled content.

4. Improve Ventilation: Open a Window! The Big 3’s for indoor air quality are: Elimination, Ventilation, and Filtration. Elimination: Reduce the number of products that off-gas into your living space: Paints & finishes, Carpets and adhesives, Engineered wood products, and Cleaners. Ventilation: Open a window! This will reduce the impact of high concentrations of unhealthy gases.

5. Conserve Water. You can save water by simply paying attention to your habits and modifying them to use less. Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth, use your dishwasher and clothes washer only for full loads, install water saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators. If you are in the market for new appliances, make sure to purchase EnergyStar® and WaterSense® rated models.

NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP? Green Interior Designer San Francisco – Providing interior design services to homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Call today for a free in-home consultation!

I was so pleased when Lesley from The Design File approached me about sharing my tips on selecting and displaying artwork for the home. Click here for the full article!

Excerpt from interview:

Q: Is it best to choose art that matches a room or build a room’s decor around art?

Niche Interiors: I think that the idea of matching a room’s decor to a piece of artwork is outdated.

Typically, I don’t design a room around a painting, it’s usually the other way around. I may decide that a large statement piece is needed to bring impact to a space, but I will wait until after the room is painted and all the furniture is installed before searching for the specific artwork to complete the room.

I started to notice that my mailbox isn’t as full of interior design magazines as it used to be. I miss Domino as much as the next guy (or gal)! Here are my favorite images from this month’s (remaining) decor magazines. Elle Decor and Coastal Living are where I found the most inspiration; the below images are from these two publications.

Bold stripes sass up this bar area.

Glossy blue walls and a cozy mix of furniture create an inviting library.

* Check out more inspiring contemporary interior design photos! *

I’ve been a fan of Petit Collage since spotting their booth at the Renegade Craft Fair. How cute is that mobile??

Jungle Friends Mobile, $68. Made from sustainable bamboo.

Zac & Zoe offer a great selection of modern baby accessories, from furniture to creative toys and decor. Best of all, many of their products are made from sustainable materials. Go green babies!

Cariboo Classic Bassinet, $425. Made from sustainable wood. Shown in Teak finish.

2Modern carries tons of modern baby lines such as Offi, Oeuf, and Boodalee. They also carry Argington — a Green line of kid’s furniture made of Baltic Birch that is finished with a non-toxic, ecologically friendly clear coat.

Oeuf Robin Crib, $565. Sustainable wood and painted in 100% natural, water-based paint.

Oilo Penelope Glider, $1,299. Faux-leather is easily cleaned. Finally, a stylish glider!

Installation day 2 tackled the powder room and a teenage girl’s bedroom.

Osborne & Little's Pompadour "Du Barry" livens up this powder room

The subtle metallic sheen makes for a sophisticated statement.

Kravet Pattern #3013 adds a girly touch with a hint of rock and roll.