TOTALLY ACE

I am madly in love with the design of the Ace in Portland. It's aimed at creative types on a low budget (tick) and even has rooms with bunks for bands on tour. A lot of the former hotel built in 1912 was retained as it was under preservation and much of the materials were salvaged and restored such as bathtubs, doorknobs and signs. Other items used in the design were sourced locally in order to keep the ecological footprint down like the ingenious use of tables made of stacked books from bargain bins in local shops. Artists from around the city painted murals in the rooms so each room has an individual quality to it. There is a photo booth in the lobby and the front desk is made from a factory unit. My favourite thing about his hotel is that it has record players in the rooms and you can borrow vinyl from the front desk. Alex Calderwood of the Ace Group is quoted as saying “things that are slightly imperfect have soul” and I couldn’t agree more. Check out the equally excellent website here.

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

I was taking a short cut through Habitat to Dame St the other day and I spotted the most fantastic armchair in 20th Century Furniture. Unfortunately I couldn't stop because I was on my way to meet a friend so I didn't get the details or price (which is probably a blessing in disguise). Anyway, I looked up the website when I got home but boo hoo, it wasn't online. I did however find another few beauties to drool over.

I am loving this teak G plan nest of tables, the Charlottenburg lamp by Paul Henningson and this fantastic Danish teak dining table.

POWER TO THE PRINT

Check out these organic duvet covers and throws from design public. Love the bold print. Sometimes we all neeed a bit of pattern in our lives.

LIMERICK STYLE

Thank you so much to Maz from Style Treaty for adding me in her links. Style Treaty is a blog about fashion, interiors, food, books...basically everything that's good. Check it out here.

PRINT PASSION

These cushion covers by Fokus Fabrics are another great find on Matteriashop. I love the graphic monochrome crane print. Made from organic cotton and hemp it goes to show that you don't have to compromise on style when it comes to soft furnishings. I do so love my graphic print textiles.

LOVIN' THE LIGHT

Matteriashop set up by two friends Anu and Monica has lots of well designed and eco smart products on it's website. I absolutely love this Bloom light below. During the day it acts like a funky pot plant taking in energy from the sun. Then lo and behold, at night you turn it over and it's a table lamp. I'm such a sucker for multi-tasking design.

HOMEBUG

I have to say a massive thank you to the lovely Zee at homebug for the mention. I have been an avid fan of her blog since she started last year. The girl's got great style and a way with the words! One of the best design blogs there is. Pictured below is a new mood board she has been working on for her den. Check it out here.

ULTIMA THULE

Well, I'm still keeping the Finnish theme. There is just so much excellent design originating from this place that I could go on for weeks (but don't worry, I won't). Tapio Wirkkala is another amazing designer from Finland. He is most famously known for his beautifully designed glass. For a long time now I have been lusting after a set of Ultima Thule glasses and jug. Designed in 1968 its frosty distinctive shape is based on the icy landscapes of Wirkkala's home country. You can pick up vintage Tapio glass on ebay and other similar sites, you just need to keep a sharp look out. Oh so pretty.

BAMBU

Artek, the Finnish furniture and lighting company set up in 1938 has always created simplistic, functional and well designed products. One of its founding members was none other than the man mentioned below, Alvar Aalto. Artek still produces Aalto’s classic designs but with Tom Dixon as Creative Director now things are moving on. Last year the company launched their Bambu range. They have kept the same simple, functional style but used laminated bamboo to create a chair, coffee table and dining table. These beauties could work just about anywhere.

FABULOUS FINLAND

Since I have been speaking about Alvar Aalto I thought I would do a round up of my favourite pieces by him. Aalto is my favourite architect/designer of all time. I have always been in awe of Finnish designers and the inspiration they draw from nature and their landscape. Aalto was one of the first truly holistic architects and designers. Here are three iconic designs by him, the stunning curving Savoy vase, the fabulous Tea Trolley 900 and the fab organic Beehive light. Beautiful, beautiful and beautiful.

VALOEARTH

Eleanor Flegg has produced a good article in the Sunday Times 'Home' section this week on ethical and fair trade furniture. One of the companies she discussed was Valoearth, whose owner, Johanna Harmala is a niece of the late, great Alvar Aalto. The company whose showroom is based near South Circular Road, Dublin sources contemporary furniture and lighting from producers who respect the environment. Their products can be viewed online at here or by appointment at their showroom.

LOST WEEKEND

The people of the 'sunny south east', especially me, are very grateful to Emily and Declan of Lost Weekend for opening their fantastic shop in Wexford. Their shop is a haven for design lovers everywhere. For me it is the lure of the vintage furniture that brings me back each time. Buying vintage furniture is considered better for the environment for a number of reasons such as cutting down on landfill and not requiring additional manufacturing. Buying furniture owned by someone else also means there is always character and history attached to it and if it is a quality item it will have a good resale value as well. Here are some of my favourite items on their website at the moment.

Treehugger has a great article on How to green your furniture if you would like further info.

ORTOLAN

Over at Design Sponge I found a piece on US company Ortolan. They make beautiful home accessories using 100% organic cotton and 100% natural kapok fillers. I absolutely love the graphic patterns and illustrations they create. Prices start at $24 for a napkin up to $1400 for a blanket. With my January finances they way they are though, the only thing in my budget range would be a tea towel or maybe one napkin. Always nice to look though.

GORGEOUS & GREEN

I came across this Californian house over at the excellent Inhabitat site. The Beitcher Residence combines sustainable materials and the latest green technologies to create an amazing home that manages to be beautifully designed and environmentally friendly. Renewable Bamboo and Palm wood have been used for ceilings and floors in the interior and creates a cosy but contemporary atmosphere. Strawboard has been used to create the cabinets throughout the house whilst Cesar stone was used for the countertops. The large amount of glazing ensures that this home is light filled and benefits from solar energy. This droolworthy green residence truly is a credit to the architects (W3 Architects) and owners.

WHAT THE BOOK?

Continuing the book theme, here are two more books that I have always found helpful. Alan Berman’s The Healthy Home Handbook is a good choice for anyone trying to make their home more environmentally friendly. I am a big fan of books that have lots of beautiful interior shots that I can drool over and this book is no exception. However it’s not all about aesthetics, there is lots of practical advice that is expertly and clearly explained too. Great for both inspiration and information.

WHAT THE BOOK TOO

The second book is The Whole House Book by Cindy Harris and Pat Borer. This is a bible for anyone with an interest in ecological building. Cindy and Pat have both been involved in the Centre for Alternative Technology which has earned them many years of valuable experience in the field. This book covers everything from the initial site, to choosing materials and a selection of case studies. If it’s information you’re after then look no further.

SEO GOOD

Danny Seo is one of the leaders of the field when it comes to environmentally friendly homes. I bought his book Conscious Style Home a couple of years ago and I would recommend it to anyone interested in sustainable design. You can read his daily blog here. He has currently worked on a range of eco friendly products with the US retailing giants JC Penny in their effort to Go Green. Here are a few of the items that will be available in the stores.

WINTER? BRING IT ON

Oh my, I found these beauties over at one of my favourite sustainable design sites, Treehugger. They are wood pellet stoves with a difference. The flame is right at the front so it provides the same pleasurable effect as a fireplace. The design however is miles from your average 'cottagey' type stove that seems to take up the majority of the market. Simple, clean lines that will work well in contemporary homes and it can be remotely controlled with a GSM phone. They are produced by an Italian company called MCZ. I’d never leave the house again.

GO VINTAGE

Etsy is always a good place to source individual and quirky pieces. Whilst having a wee browse today I came across White Elephant Vintage. Two friends Jane and Hollie who are passionate about vintage interior accessories run it. I am posting pics of my favourite items on their site at the moment. I mean who doesn’t want a vintage fan, globe and shoe form thingy in their home?

FLIPPIN' FANTASTIC

I have just across this excellent design at Treehugger. Made by Flip Furniture in the UK this piece is a good solution for people who like to mix it up a little. It changes from coffee table to dining table in two easy moves and it is made from FSC certified wood. Multi tasking heaven.

WILD CHILD

I am a huge fan of homebug and whilst perusing the site have been reminded that it's sale time over at Wildchild. This shop is great for design classics and quirky pieces. Although I am quite obsessive about furniture I think my favourite pieces in the shop have to be the old electronics stuff. They have some great retro stereo systems and radios in store. Here are some of my current favourites from the website.

UNTO THIS LAST

Ooh, so many things I could purchase from Unto This Last. I love the simple shapes and designs of their products. They are a London based company and use birch plywood from cultivated forests in Latvia and Finland for its sustainability and structural integrity. At the moment they don't seem to deliver outside London and for this my credit card thanks them.

TWISTED CITIES

Sixixis are a bespoke furniture company based in Cornwall. I first spotted their chaise lounge No 4 in an interiors magazine last year. Since last year their range and popularity has understandably expanded. They are a company who quote high environmental standards and use local unseasoned timber such as oak or ash in their impossibly bendy designs. My favourite pieces are the cityscape coathangers. I just need to choose which city I would like hanging on my wall now. Wonder if there is any chance they will create a Dublin one soon?