Earth Day Outfit to Room
Tomorrow is Earth Day, and I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about sustainability in a fun and relatable way with an outfit to room. In this edition of our series, I wanted to show you just how stylish you and your home can be while being kind to our planet. Forget all the stereotypes you have around sustainable fashion or furnishings, and take a look at what we have here!
Let’s start with the outfit. Did you know that Frank & Eileen is a Certified B Corp? That means they are committed to considering the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. You can read more about it on their website, but I did want to share this statement from them. “We believe in building wardrobes – and business – with integrity. From day one, Frank & Eileen has partnered exclusively with ethical and sustainable manufacturers to craft pieces using the finest raw materials found in nature.” I love this dress from them and need it in my life as soon as it’s available at The Hive. See what else is coming in their Spring Lookbook.
Regarding the accessories, on Sunday, I picked up these Veja sneakers from The Shoe Hive. I love this sustainable brand made in Brazil. Vegan leather, recycled plastic bottles, natural rubber, and other sustainable materials make up these stylish sneaks. The bangles are from Alx&Co. I have several, and they are my everyday staple. Made out of 100 percent recycled materials locally makes them 100 percent good for the planet. Krewe sunglasses are produced in the US in small batches with plant-based acetates, which means less waste and less carbon footprint. The gorgeous raw silk bandana by Ecoraw Studio can be found at Threadleaf. Each bandana is hand-dyed and printed with plant-based extracts in Ohio. Another made in the USA (read smaller shipping carbon footprint) product is Parker Thatch. From California comes this sturdy and stylish bag.
For the room, I started with Cisco Home products, of course! As I’ve mentioned several times before, Cisco has a commitment to sustainability. Every sofa starts with North American hardwoods such as Maple and Ash from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). The metal that makes the coils and nails is made from recycled materials. The majority of their fabrics are natural fibers and are washed in phosphate-free detergents. Foam is made from a soy and poly-based blend. And, it’s all made in the US. If you’re interested in true sustainability, then ask us about their Inside Green options. Natural latex foam, organic wool, feathers and cotton, and jute webbing replace the standard parts for a luxuriously sustainable product.
In this design, I used the Dahlia sofa (which I own a sectional version of and love) in a heavy distressed linen fabric that mimics the denim dress. You know I love a dark wall to make a room moody. That’s why I went with Farrow & Ball’s Railings. It’s a light black with a blue undertone that allows the photographs to pop off the wall. A couple of weeks ago, I extolled the virtues of wool rugs in this post. We are currently obsessed with our new Fibreworks rugs and knew they would be a good fit for this project. I went light here to balance out the dark walls.
The accent pieces were the next elements I added to the room. The coffee table has a metal base and a reclaimed wood top that make it chic and environmentally friendly. I have been a big fan of the side table by Cisco Home. It’s metal and is made by craftspeople in Los Angeles. I love the edginess next to the casual flowy linen slipcover. The lamp is handmade in Philadelphia. I love that the clean lines here play nicely with the slipcover as well. Finally, the linen Walter G pillows are handblocked in small batches in India, keeping waste from dyes to a minimum.
The name of the game is natural and biodegradable when it comes to home furnishings – also, quality. Whenever you’re buying something, a sofa to a sneaker, buy the best quality you can afford at that time. When you make an investment in well-made products, you decrease the amount of waste in the landfills. So, skip the engineered laminated wood and go for hardwoods and forgo the polyester for linen or cotton. You won’t be sorry, and you will be helping the environment.
If you would like help finding that right investment piece or help putting together the perfect room, then please contact us. We always love to help!
Shop these items: Dalia 90” Sofa, starting at $5160, Red Barn Mercantile Price, $4128; Isaac Sidetable, $2775; Terri Coffee Table, $2205; Pillow 1, $170; Pillow 2, $190; Lamp, $665; Photo 1, $1595; Photo 2, $1595; Rug, email for pricing.
- About the boutique
Red Barn Mercantile opened its doors in September 2007 with a single vision in mind: providing old and new to offer our customers signature whole-room designs at great prices.
We’re more than a furniture boutique and provide more personalized service than a big box retailer. We work hard to bring you the highest quality furniture and gifts, the most unique conversation starters, wall hangings and accent pieces, whether they come from off-the-beaten-track flea markets, or the latest designers.
1117 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.838.0355
