FEEL MORE HUMAN

Another one I have been meaning to talk about is Feel More Human. I really like this site. It's not making itself out to be 'greener than thou' but does say that it hopes to make a little bit of a difference. I also love the fact that the products are so stylish and modern or 'meaningful modern' as they like to call it. They also have a modern flea market where you can post furniture for sale. Only problem is this site is US based and I live in Ireland. Here are some great products from the eco friendly section, branches rug, ailanthus, knu lateral file, rekindle coffee table, zebra critter, lions, tigers & kittens..oh my

MARKS & SPENCERS

M&S are one of the high street retailers leading the way in their effort to become green. You can read all about their Plan A on their website here. Below are a few of my top picks from their organic and fair trade ranges. My favourites are the Erin and Twiggy organic cotton eco shoppers (Erin and Twiggy’s faces look great as graphic prints) and the Fern sofa and chair. Finally a high street retailer has come up trumps and produced an environmentally friendly sofa and chair. They also stock products such as the Bamboo duvet, organic cotton towels and some great organic cookbooks. Check out their Greener Living Shop here.

PEDLARS ROCKS

I love Pedlars website especially the vintage section so I have done a round up of my current interior favourites. As a former graphic designer I still hold a torch for anything with type so these original London Underground signs and printers blocks make my heart skip a tiny beat. The vintage Station Clock is an eternal classic and the retired Hovis tin planters are ingenious and sentimental all at the same time. Speaking of ingenious, check out the recycled bike chain bottle opener and the set of lids to fit used jars. Recycling heaven.

DARCY GOES ECO

The actor Colin Firth and his wife Livia have opened an eco store in Chiswick, London. Firth, his wife and two partners have renovated the shop building to high eco standards and hope to be up and running with solar panels and a roof garden in the very near future. The store stocks eco products, furniture, accessories and books over three floors. There is a consultancy in the basement where you can get advice on interiors, energy efficient appliances, solar energy etc. Their website should be up and running soon and I for one am looking forward to browsing. Fingers crossed for a Dublin branch soon then.

FRUITFUL

Through Design for Democracy 08 I came across designer Adam Moody who has come up trumps with his Objectify fruit bowl. I adore the shape, laser cut pattern and the fact that it is made from sustainably managed hoop pine. At first glance I actually thought it was a magazine rack so it could be multi purpose (another big plus). It comes in four easy to assemble pieces and can hold up to six pieces of fruit. You can buy it here from Vanilla Design Store. No room for mouldy looking fruit in this beautiful bowl though.

PIECES OF YOU

The excellent Inhabitat has once more brought some great eco housewares to our attention. Bridget West from Pieces Of You creates furniture, cushions, artwork and bags from recycled and ethically sourced textiles. My love of many things graphic means that Bridget's clever and eco friendly accessories have won a place in my heart. I'm such a sucker for type and textiles.

MODERN MARVELS

Another fantastic place for vintage goodies is the Dublin based, kirkmodern. This website is stocked full of midcentury marvels, specialising in Scandinavian and post war British design. If you're looking for fabulous interior accessories this website is a one stop shop. Below is a collection of my current favourites which includes ceramics, glassware, a 1950's sweet tin and a school poster on 'soap making'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CUSHION CENTRAL

These fabulous Kstudio cushions are from the super cool ReForm School. Kstudio are a mother and daughter team who use only sustainable materials to create home accessories and bags. I love the simple illustrations and colours that these guys use. These cushions would brighten up any sofa!!

GREEN TEA ANYONE?

So, on my Traffic coffee table (see below) I would definitely have to use this fantastic Old/New Tea Set by Christine Misiak. She re uses parts from old discarded tea sets to create these stunning and kind to the environment new ones.