Friday, February 15, 2008

Luxury Recycling

Here's a juicy little tidbit you probably didn't know -


Nearly 85 percent of all the gold ever mined is still being used today. Because it has been highly valued throughout history, it has always been recycled.


(Source: Discover Magazine)

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Mass Transit with zero-emissions?

Imagine combining the innovation of MagLev technology with solar power, hydrogen fuel, and a futuristic aesthetic. The Interstate Traveler Hydrogen Super Highway does exactly that. The Traveler for short- is a revolutionary solar powered and hydrogen-fueled, zero emission mass transit system that would carry everything from people to cars. It does this all in sustainable style and carbon neutral function.



For more info and concept renderings, read the article at www.inhabitat.com The Interstate Traveler Project is being pioneered by Interstate Travel Company, and will eventually connect major cities across the country.

If this goes forward, the concept could turn quite a few heads and maybe be a step in the direction of a sustainable future...We'll have to stay tuned.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Re-using unexpected materials in luxury pillows


African-born, London-based designer Bridget West crafts gorgeous housewares, pillows, and throws, from vintage labels and tags that critique the throw-away nature of our consumer existence in a really beautiful way. Her Handle With Care pillow is made from clothing tags, while the Delicate Cube and Made in Cube pillows are quirky and comfy.
I love how she has taken something we barely notice and turned it into a unique and useful piece for decorating our homes. The pillows are not only gorgeous and graphic, but provide an interesting critique on consumer culture- here are beautiful pieces made from remnants of other garments, reminding us that we’re consumers while doing it in a way that celebrates pieces of the old.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Reuse those paper shopping bags

I just wanted to share a cool use for the brown paper shopping bags you get at the grocery store -















I did this myself with about a hundred or so bags saved by friends and from my own shopping trips. It was easy to apply, and took just an afternoon. I simply took each bag and tore it with a straight edge into similar sized pieces. Then using wallpaper paste, applied the pieces in a random pattern to the wall.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the subtle differences in color and tone from one piece to the next, which I think enhances the overall look of the texture.