Pippa Jameson Interiors: Blog, Hints, tips, trends and advice for the home » Eco watch

Wooden watches – would you wear one?

Pippa Jameson — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:37:07 +0000

How cool are these! They are made by a company called WeWood, a young Italian company from Florence, whose line of wooden watches are getting noticed by famous wrists around the globe and it is clear to see why. The intricate detailing on the faces and straps teamed with the classic styles (loving the retro feel) makes the watches extremely desirable. The collection is not only Eco friendly but also hypo-allergenic, free from toxic chemicals and has a traditional Miyota movement (Citizen), AND, for every WeWood watch purchased, a tree is planted. The organic matter is also recyclable, biodegradable and takes less CO2 to produce, than materials traditionally used in watch production, such as stainless-steel, platinum and gold – And the best part is that they start from £79! you can’t get much better than that!

They are currently available in two classic designs: Date and Chrono, and in four different types of sustainable wood: maple, black ebony, guaiaco (a tree native to South America), and red wood celtis (derived from flooring waste). I guess my main concern would be the comfort but but Wewood promote them as feather-light and silky-smooth, I’m very tempted…
WeWood watches are available at new green concept store e-side, www.e-side.co.uk

Hotel Review: UXUA Casa Hotel, Brazil

Carrie Graham-Clarke — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:24:12 +0000

Nestled in the colourful fishing village of Trancoso on Brazil’s idyllic Bahian coast is the one of a kind, UXUA Casa Hotel {pronounced ooo-SHOO-ahh}. The creator of UXUA – Dutch fashion designer Wilbert Das, first arrived in Trancoso whilst traveling in 2004, instantly falling in love with it’s beauty and pristine natural spirit, sense of preservation and tradition roots of the community. Wilbert felt at home and after 10 days left with the typical Brazilian ‘saudade’ – a Portuguese word meaning a nostalgic longing for something. Within a year of leaving, he returned and started searching for a property to buy and build a home which would later become UXUA Casa Hotel.

“The colours and energy of this town really offer something magical and as much
as I have traveled, I think Trancoso is one of the most visually stimulating and relaxing
places one can imagine; a true harmony of human habitation and nature, and a place with
a wonderful warm native population with deep and extremely diverse cultural and ethnic ties’
- Wilbert Das

On Trancoso’s historic ‘Quadrado’; a grassy cliff top square, Wilbert purchased the first UXUA casa named ‘gulab mahal’ which was built and restored to an Indian-style pousada. From there Wilbert set out to create a property of houses {ten in total}, each completely different but combining the rustic elements native to the village. The casas range from authentically restored one to three bedroom fisherman houses; self catering or fully serviced, to sleekly opulent, but ecologically-conscious treehouses hidden amongst the lush tropical gardens. Trancoso’s rich 500 years of history adds to the design of UXUA, taking inspiration from it’s Portuguese founders in the 1500′s, Jesuit missionaries, Indian tribes, African slaves, and Brazilian hippies of the 1970s. Resulting in an amalgamation of architecture, showcasing southern Bahian and Indian influences alongside a rustic modernism that nods towards Wilbert’s work in contemporary fashion and furniture design. Wilbert collaborated with local artisans, using traditional building methods, reclaimed and organic materials and Brazilian antiques and art. The fusion between interior and exterior runs throughout the property seamlessly and this can be seen in the choice of colours. The rich, earthy tones and floral brights reflecting the nature that surrounds UXUA.

The eco vibe runs throughout the properties, even the kitchen utensils are recycled coconut shells carved by Bahian cowboys. Shower-heads are carved from the trunks of eucalyptus trees, & sofas are upholstered using canvas taken from the backs of old transport trucks. Further up-cycling can be seen in the beach lounge that is built entirely from old local fishing boats. Wilberts creative use of up-cycling and re-cyling is not only intelligent but inspiring. His keen eye for detail shows up in my favourite feature at UXUA… the lake-like pool. The stunning pool is created entirely from 40,000 specimens of unique green aventurine quartz, a native Bahian stone considered by many to have powerful healing qualities as a therapeutic mineral. The traditional technique used to build the quartz pool walls is called ‘pau a pique’ – creating a stunning finish, especially when lit at night.

Prices start from R$1710 (around £455) per night. For further information on booking the UXUA Casa Hotel please click here.

Eco Chic fashion update

Sophia Bell — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 20:15:34 +0000

Following on from eco fabrics, here’s a run down of fashion brands, flying the flag for ethical clothing. Green is in, and looking good!

Goodone
One of green fashion’s highstreet pioneers, Goodone was one of the first eco-labels to be stocked by Topshop. They have recently collaborated with Tesco to create a range made entirely from recycled roll ends and factory waste.

People Tree
People Tree began in 1991 as the pioneer of Fair Trade Fashion internationally. Their products are made to the highest Fair Trade and environmental standards from start to finish, consistently proving that it is possible to wear stylish, exciting and affordable fashion, at the same time as respecting people and planet.

Katherine Hamnett
A true ethical clothing innovator, and a tireless campaigner for the use of organic cotton, London based designer Katherine Hamnett has been doling out wearable catchphrases like “Choose Life,” and “No War,” and since 1983. After a visit to Mali, the designer saw first hand the devastating effects of the conventional cotton industry, and vowed to help drive the demand for the organic alternative. Katherine Hamnett

Stella Maccatney
One of fashion’s most ethical crusaders, Stella McCartney proves that fashion can be fair, without sacrificing style. She has long been a champion for ethical fashion, refusing to use animal products including fur and leather, and in 2009 launched her first Eco collection made from organic materials.

Kuyichi
Combining cutting edge fashion with faultless ethical policies, Dutch brand Kuyichi use 100% organic cotton from Peruvian farmers who they encourage to become shareholders so that they may share responsibilities and profits.

Edun
Edun, Founded in 2005 by Bono and his wife Ali Hewson, EDUN specialises in organic clothing, graphic tees, and eco clothing with a mission to drive sustainable employment in developing economies.

Images

Sheet 1
Goodone
Peope Tree
Katherine Hamnett

Sheet 2
Stella Mccartney
Kuyichi
Edun
Stella Mccartney

Mary Portas Living & Giving store in Primrose Hill

Pippa Jameson — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:11 +0000

I was speaking with a dear friend of mine about her voluntary work at the exclusive Mary Portas Living & Giving shop in Primrose Hill. She was raving not only about how great the concept is but also how stunning the interiors were.

“Living & Giving is the charity concept that Mary developed for Save the Children following her 2009 series Mary Queen of Charity Shops. With the local community at its heart, Living & Giving is not just a shop, but a place to inspire, share, create, meet and discover.

Living and Giving is a philosophy, a fantastic way to contribute to the community, help some of the world’s most vulnerable children and bag a designer bargain at the same time!”

The look and feel of the shop is just like being in an eccentric persons living room. The walls are painted with rich heritage colours, and decorated with various paraphernalia such as stuffed animal heads, vintage qilt frames a selection of colorful books and some theatrical eye masks. In amongst the clothes, there are old vintage leather chairs dotted around the place and recycled wooden storage units packed full of goodies. I think my favourite part has to be the use of clever lighting scattered around the shop to create small and personal spaces that entice you in to browse. I could see myself loosing hours riffling through all of the hidden treasures…

Eco Fabrics

Sophia Bell — Thu, 26 May 2011 08:00:40 +0000

‘A growing number of textile designers are cottoning on to the rise of the conscientious consumer, and producing fabrics made from sustainably sourced, Eco textiles. Made from natural materials, Eco textiles are produced using none of the chemicals, pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, which make the textile industry the world’s number one water polluter.

In putting together a collective of some of my favourite Eco fabrics, I’ve convinced myself that I need more fabric in my life!One of the great things about buying textiles for the home is their versatility. Adding instant colour and comfort, cushions and covers can be used to create a look of laid back luxury, and moved from room to room, depending on your mood. Alternatively, upholstering is a clever way to update worn out, or mismatched furniture, and give a room a new visual dynamic.

Aside from their green credentials, (and the fact that they would make my home look infinitely better), for me, this eclectic collection of fabrics share a real feel of design authenticity and quality, often found lacking in more conventionally made textiles. ‘

http://www.rajboori.com/

http://www.lesindiennes.com/

http://www.vanessaarbuthnottfabrics.co.uk/

http://www.showpony.co.uk/

Eco Shopping

Sophia Bell — Sun, 08 May 2011 20:26:33 +0000

Going green at home is now easier than ever with more and more eco orientated stores popping up. Although opinions differ on exactly what the term ‘eco-friendly’ actually means, generally speaking eco-friendly products are those which have been made or can be used with minimal impact on the environment. So, for all green decorators amongst you, here’s a taster of what’s on offer this month from some of the best online eco stores.Biome lifestyle is an online store for ethical home furnishings, providing a green alternative to high street home-ware and gift shops. Every product is chosen for its style, design and overall ethical credentials. Many products are handcrafted, and where possible, are sourced from small and co-operative businesses. Here you’ll see home furnishings and gift ideas with a traceable story, ranging from beautiful organic bed linen to dazzling recycled glass tableware, from unique lighting to fair trade toys and ethical handmade cushions. http://www.biomelifestyle.com/

A selection of the best in sustainable design. Your one-stop shop for gorgeous eco homewares, the best eco friendly paints, special eco products, and lovely green and eco gifts for all occasions.

http://www.ecocentric.co.uk/index.html

Based in the Derbyshire Peak District, Eco Eco makes green living easier by providing sustainable, eco-friendly and non-toxic products. They stock beautiful things for the home and garden alongside organic and ethical clothes for men, women and children.

http://www.eco-eco.co.uk/

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Eco Wallpapers

Sophia Bell — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:00:46 +0000

Having until recently been thought of as more of a background, wallpaper, has now established itself at the forefront of interior design and is seen as an effective way of keeping your interior bold, beautiful and inline with the current trends.

This recent popularity, along with people’s general shift toward sustainable living, has seen more and more designers producing eco wallpaper collections. Printed on paper that has either been recycled or sourced from responsibly managed forests, eco wallpapers are dyed using water-based inks that release none of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) so commonly found in conventional wallpapers.

Environmental credentials aside, it’s how these eco papers measure up in the style stakes that will determine their success, and ultimately, shape attitudes towards eco design. And although these have come a long way from what was once commonly considered to consist of ‘various shades of hemp’, on brief investigation I came across attitudes such as ‘decoratively disaterous’, ‘dull’ and even, ‘spinachy’!

So, in a bid to prove it is anything but, (and quite apart from getting carried away looking at nice wallpaper), I’ve compiled a comparative selection, putting some of the best eco wallpapers up against the competition. Hopefully fellow decorites will see that eco wallpapers can certainly hold their own, and making eco friendly choices needn’t necessitate a compromise on style.

**Please note, some are eco and some non eco wallpapers, point being to compare.
Descriptions in brackets aren’t actual design names and are just there for you to identify each design.

Sheet 1.

Top left (green waves) – Paper Flavor, http://www.flavorleague.com/wallpaper/ – Non Eco wallpaper

Top right (silvery gold leaves) ECO wallpaper, http://www.eco.se/main.aspx?l=4 – Eco wallpaper

Middle left (gold squares) Designers guild, http://www.designersguild.com/ – Non Eco wallpaper

Bottom right (pink flowers) Crinson, http://www.crinson.com/Dominic_Crinson_Tiles/Home.html – Eco wallpaper

Bottom left (pink on grey) Madisonandgrow, http://www.madisonandgrow.com/ – Eco wallpaper

Sheet 2.

Top left (silhouettes) Ferm living, http://www.ferm-living.com/ – Non eco wallpaper

Top right (green leaves) ECO wallpaper, http://www.eco.se/main.aspx?l=4 – Eco wallpaper

Middle left (50′s) Sanderson, http://www.sanderson-uk.com/ – Non eco wallpaper

Middle right (plants) ECO wallpaper, http://www.eco.se/main.aspx?l=4 – Eco wallpaper

Bottom left (cars) Studio Ditte, http://www.studioditte.nl/ – Non eco wallpaper

Bottom right (penguins) My Little Eco, www.mylittleeco.co.uk – Eco wallpaper

Chocolate Creative at My Deco

Pippa Jameson — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:55:35 +0000

I was invited to My Deco bloggers meet up last week where the lovely Margarita Lorenzo from Chocolate Creative was showing her beautiful home accessories. It was a really interesting night; as well as getting the chance to meet some fellow bloggers, My Deco talked to us all about some great tools that will make the whole blogging process much easier. I will keep you posted about when they become available…

Margarita also took the time to talk to us about her lovely designs and below are a few examples of her work, see her full collection at Chocolate Creative or visit her lovely blog.

29th July – 12th August 2011

Introducing Polly Hope

Pippa Jameson — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:53:08 +0000

I recently came across the work of Polly Hope and wanted to share it with you all as I am a big fan. Her Eco freindly collection includes interior textiles, cushions, lamp shades, upholstered chairs and illustrations. I think her choice of colours are spot on. The style is decorative and feminine but has a very sophisticated feel due to her choice of subtle colours. Her cushions would make a fantastic focal point on any plain chair, bed or sofa. I am particularly drawn to the one below, uh oh, I can feel a purchase coming on…(the only down side to this job is that when you see something you fall in love with you just HAVE to have it!)

Here is what Polly has to say about the collection: “The textiles are special because they are very Eco friendly, all organic cottons, peace silks and linens and the dying and printing is carried out naturally using herbal dyes and designed by me. I spent 4 months in India last year researching the right factory for production, it was important for me to know the people I was working with and make sure the whole production process was sustainable and the workers were treated fairly.” Click here to see for of her work and her contact details. She also publishes a gorgeous blog – good work Polly!

Upcycling by Weckner Design

Pippa Jameson — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 08:00:11 +0000

Whilst we are all loving the fashion for clever ‘upcycling’, I thought I would post some great pieces of work by a company called Weckner Design. They are a Glaswegian based furniture company who’s objective is to redesign old, discarded furniture to create unique, sustainable and functional design (up-cycling).

Each retro piece has been lovingly created using a wide variety of materials with a slight Scandinavian feel. If there is a particular object that you are looking for then just make an enquiry as they also offer a commissioning service.

You have to love the ethos behind up-cycling as in today’s throwaway society it’s great that we can prolong the life of an object rather than it becoming part of a landfill