Just a pinch...

Just a pinch of vivid color to delight Saint Patrick with the prettiest touch of green.

{This glimmer of sparkles and emerald found here.}

Chromatic theology...

The recent Chromatic Theology series has given me a slight tinge of color envy. Soak up this post and feed your jealous streak with a heaping dose of green.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of green will be present in color variations - grass, avocado, chartreuse, apple, kelly, olive, etc.

GREEN is a secondary color with harmonious emotional content. Green draws life from yellow, while blue lends a calming effect. One of the only unanimous forms of beauty is nature; green is the predominant color in nature - commonly regarded as the ideal color, carrying the positive charisma of all hues. Color schemes implementing green have been used extensively in offices, institutions, and public spaces, denoting the negative ‘institutional green’. Even in large doses of saturated color, green is rarely offensive. This hue is considered innately pleasurable, sharing calming and restful implications with nature.

Come back next week for an optimistic and lively case of the blues.

{Photographs from Michael Eastman.}

{This series is also running on EcoSalon!}

Herringbone haven...

The floors in Chateau de la Couronne {a boutique hotel in France} are a perfect little herringbone puzzle.  Relish the beauty.

{Thank you Kikette Interiors for sharing this hotel with the world.}

Get sappy...

Did you know planting just one sapling can neutralize the carbon footprint of a blog for fifty years?  Did you know there is an initiative {in Germany} that will plant a tree {in California} on behalf of your blog?  Did you know it could be that easy {and free} to make a difference?  Join the fun, plant a tree!

{Thank you Soh Inspired! for introducing me to the My Blog is Carbon Neutral campaign.  Image by yours truly, Leigha Oaks.}

Another shade of green...

Rubie Green, started by Michelle Adams {of Lonny fame}, is a fabric company {seriously} slanted toward sustainability; in addition to their loyalty to 100% organic cotton and domestic printing with non-toxic ink, Rubie Green is genuinely striving to create responsible products. 

This Indian Lake fabric is a recollection of childhood woven with artistic adult sophistication.  Whimsy anyone?

Two tea parties later...

Lately tea towels have been prying their way into my blog.  I have never noticed a specific affinity for these lovely linens, and yet, here they are again.  Perhaps not having a dishwasher is spurring me to search for a little glamour in doing the dishes?  The latest tea towel fascinations are from Ferm Living, an engaging Danish delight {thank you, decor8, for the introduction}.

Birdcage Tea Towel, Velo Tea Towel, and Lovebirds Tea Towel are three wonders of organic cotton that would be lovely {functional} kitchen embellishments.

While exploring Ferm Living, I found a beautiful collection of scientific glassware, with all the charm and intrigue of chemistry glass. 

And a Stem Vase {large or small} to add a little whimsy to your space.

Possibly the most alluring category of all, Wallstickers {literally stickers for your walls, windows, or the smooth surface of your choice}.  Enjoy these sticky treats: Periodic System, Light Bulb, World Map, Lovebirds, and Powerbirds.

If your household is graced with tiny humans {children}, you will adore Ferm Living's Kids Collection. 

Oh la la Los Angeles...

Today I stumbled across Cisco Brothers {thank you John Derian Company}.  Cisco Pinedo puts as much effort into being green as he does into furniture and upholstery design.  From material sources {soy based foam and reclaimed and certified wood} to slight details {eco friendly laundry detergent}, Cisco ensures every part of his design and production is sustainable. 

My favorite Cisco piece?  The Reina Chair; feminine but strong, a wonder in eggplant.

Humble little tea party...

Humble is a modest collection of hand printed "curiosities and textiles."  They are lovely little creations with bold graphics of unique creatures printed in water based non-toxic inks on organic cotton. 

Some tea towels inspired by the sea {Jellyfish Tea Towel and Seahorse Tea Towel}...

Another tea towel inspired by land {Bear Tea Towel}...

To further steal my heart, a portion of all sales is donated to the Coral Reef Alliance.  Humble is slowly saving the world and gracing kitchens everywhere with beauty. {Oh, and the pillows!}

The Little Green...

The Little Green is a little company committed to green initiatives.  They sell paint and wallpaper with a true devotion to the environment.

Enjoy this bit of eye candy from the wallpaper department.  Take note, these papers are all printed on recycled and/or sustainably sourced materials {for every tree used, they make certain another four are planted}.  The Little Green prints with non-toxic pigments and advocates the use of their solvent free wallpaper paste.  How is that for a little green on your walls?!?

Silver Pine from the Oriental Papers collection {inspired by traditional Japanese kimono design}.

London Wallpapers II is a collection of historic wallpaper designs {based on original samples from the English Heritage archive at Kenwood House in London}.  Ascending from top to bottom, Paris Grey Marlborough, Marigold Lansdown Walk, and Quartz Lower George Street.

Artisan sustainability...

Tucker Robbins is a designer with a purpose; his vision prominently displayed through a short documentary exhibiting values of "...community, respect, tradition, hands on, and making a difference," greeting visitors with significance long before he tries to sell you his products.

After, and only after, you experience his message are you directed to a website full of striking, unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.  Each item is made entirely by hand, nothing manufactured, nothing mass produced. 

Here are a few luxurious interiors with Tucker Robbins embellishing:

Robbins' accessories are the brightest facet of his product line.  Acacia in the form of lovely organic spheres, Giant Wooden Balls are Tucker's tribute to the primordial form.  

An extraordinary statement in the form of wall art, the Feather Headdress is indicative of Cameroon highland custom.

There are several products salvaged from Southeast Asia, specifically the Philippines.  The Philippine Ladders {top} were found 'as is' in Philippine farmhouses.  The Solid Columns {bottom} are made from various woods reclaimed from house supports, simple elegant structures to stand alone or be adorned.

A few notable furniture pieces, the Japanese Coffee Table {top}, made from recycled Philippine sleeping boards, and the Dutch Chair {bottom}.

Tucker has an extensive and exquisite collection of stools, most of which can double as side tables.  Acacia carved to an immaculate finish; the Hollow Cube {top} and the Pierced Cube {bottom} make glamorous, primitive pieces. 

Relying on a more organic form, the Cup Stool and the Pouf Stool both earn their keep as conversation topics alone.

Allow Robbins to brighten your space through his unique lighting: Tucker Robbins Lighting.  Definitely worth a click or two, find your way to his lighting collection by first clicking "Catalog" and then "Lighting".

Not surprisingly, Tucker Robbins boasts indulgent price tags.  Even if a personal Tucker Robbins piece is out of reach, we can all appreciate and take inspiration from his creativity and focus on global social responsibility.  Robbins himself travels to faraway lands to experience his sources and immerse himself in local heritage, both for technique and inspiration.  Tucker Robbins proposes a new type of sustainability and green design, where not just materials, but cultures, artisans, and traditions are sustained.

Ecology and elegance...

Ecology, elegance, sustainable sources, artisans, organic, and living earth; all of these amazing components and descriptions apply to the philosophy of Viva Terra.  Not only does this company stand for something beautiful, but they offer truly beautiful and unique products.  Allow yourself to admire my favorite Viva Terra goods...

This Railroad Tie Dining Table is made from reclaimed railroad ties {teak, pine, and ironwood}.  The waxed finish perfectly retains the history of each piece.

Brimming with character, this Reclaimed Pine Farm Table is made from raw materials {rafters and floor joists} harvested from gracefully aged barns in Wisconsin. 

No table is complete without the perfect vignette of glassware.  The handmade Porcelain Pear Vases {top} and Recycled Glass Balloon Vases {bottom} are both 'perfectly imperfect' and just right for holding a bloom or two of your favorite vegetation.

Here are two gorgeous options for a place to rest your head.  The charming Farmhouse Bed is on the left.  On the right, the Gustavian Vintage Bed boasts its classic Swedish design influenced by French neoclassical principles.  Both beds are a vision of reclaimed Douglas fir treated perfectly to highlight the wood.

These chic Kalamkari Pillows are the culmination of hand-printed wood blocking with natural dyes and a modern view of antique patterns.

This Vintage Fir Modern Dresser displays the beauty of the same wood as the beds above, making lovely complimentary pieces.  I am not usually one for matching bed suites, but when each piece is as lovely and unique as these, how can I disagree?

A few accessories you might fancy.  On the left, the Whitewash Trophy Lamp would bring light to any room.  On the right, this terra-cotta Laughing Buddha will surely bring a smile to your face.

Possibly one of my favorite finds at Viva Terra, this Vintage Grain Sack Rug is based on {not surprisingly} a vintage grain sack.  The texture mimics burlap but allows for a more comfortable surface.  Truly lovely!

Mirrors have long been used to reflect all things good in life.  Bring a little shine to your space with this rustic Classic Floor Mirror {top} or the delightful mango wood Talisman Mirror Collection {bottom}. 

And finally, though the next product doesn't belong on your walls, it is simply too pretty to be left out.  Wooden beads covered with vintage scarves have never looked so delicious.  Is it too late to ask for this Vintage Silk Scrap Necklace for Christmas?

Looking for more green products with the beauty and character only Viva Terra can deliver?  Make every day earth day at: Viva Terra.