Green furnishing options are becoming more and more common — everything from water-based stains and finishes, to low- and no-VOC treatments, to sustainably grown and/or harvested materials. But is there anything more environmentally sound then recycling the old into the new and fresh?

For some, a chair is nothing more than a place to sit. With any luck, it will be at least somewhat comfortable and look decent within the space. But for others, a chair is a statement piece. It can show creativity and uniqueness and allow for untold amounts of experimentation. To that end, here are some new designs that push the barriers of what a “chair” should be, introducing a sense of whimsy and playfulness.

There are still many that have terrifying flashbacks from years long past of walls plastered with horrendous wallpaper(s); visions which have permanently removed the thought of ever using wall coverings within a personal space. The time has come for a new look at a decorating solution that is anything but dated!

Urban renewal of derelict lands is extremely underrated and rarely pursued. The development of Underpass Park by Waterfront Toronto, in my mind, is an even greater endeavour because it reclaims lands that were formerly “lost.”

Planting grasses, plants, or even trees on rooftops is a great aesthetic element. It helps to soften the skyline and bring more life and appeal to the city’s scope while also helping to improve air quality by capturing and recycling airborne carbon monoxide. The fact that green roofs also happen to insulate buildings, cooling them in summer and warming them in winter, while also reducing precipitation run-off is merely a bonus.

Have you ever wished you had a window somewhere in your home or office where one does not currently exist? Or have you ever wished for an alternative view? Sky Factory has a plethora of faux window options for both walls and ceilings that offer views from categories like Flowers and Fields, Clerestory Windows, Deserts and Canyons, Waterfalls, and Deep Space.

A recent report from the United States suggests that an increasing number of North American couples who live together are choosing to sleep in separate bedrooms. In fact, multiple sources have suggested that, by 2015, more than 50% of custom-built homes will feature two (2) master bedrooms — one for each partner.

Perhaps more so in Canada than other areas of the world, we cherish the summer months and the opportunity to spend some quality time outdoors, even if we’re just lounging around home. Our outdoor rooms may not be as elaborate as what you’d find in more temperate areas, but we definitely move seasonal furnishings outdoors and into the fresh air.

For the past several years, all of the primary North American carpet manufacturers have been developing green practices and technologies to prolong the useful life of carpeting. In fact, they have been touting the technology for about ten years now.

For those of you who still question the value of recycling things like pop bottles, be assured there is yet another reason to hold on to those bottles until you reach the nearest recycling bin. Coca-Cola has teamed up with furniture manufacturer Emeco to create the 111 Navy Chair.

After countless years of talking about waterfront revitalization, the city of Toronto has been announcing a steady flow of both completed improvements and approved projects that are moving forward.

Are you looking to enliven your home or office with a fresh new colour palette this fall? Pantone recently released its Fall fashion colours, conveniently breaking the chosen hues into feminine and masculine categories and, of course, highlighting the colour of the year, Honeysuckle.