There is no debating the issue that sustainability is more than a fad…it is here to stay. What many reading this article may be unaware of is that sustainability has taken the design world by storm. Incorporating carbon friendly, sustainable characteristics into the design of your work or living space is not only affordable and socially responsible, but it is also design chic. Design trends are ever evolving and have a strong influence on how we work and live. How you design your work or living space not only makes a personal statement about you, but it also significantly impacts livability, usability, functionality and several other key factors that improve quality of life.
Let’s begin by providing a broad definition of sustainability and what it means to you, our economy and the planet as a whole. While much has been written of late on this topic most people are still wondering what it means and how it affects you. The truth is it means different things to different people, but it affects all of us. From the smallest change like turning off the lights to buying local products everyone can participate in some small way. Even if you don’t believe in global warming, it’s hard to argue against improving the balance between our environment, economy and culture.
Sustainability is as much about products and people as it is about the planet. In order to sustain as a culture and planet we need a healthy economy, environment and society to ensure balance. Buying from local businesses and supporting local products can be as important as conserving energy. These three spheres working together define sustainability. An example of these three spheres working together is the consignment and resale industry. Have you ever thought about recycling your furniture or clothing for profit? How about reducing your shopping expenses by purchasing reusable designer clothing or furniture?
If you’ve ever consigned your furniture or purchased an outfit from a vintage retailer you’ve contributed to sustaining our local resources. The economics are simple. These retailers are local businesses. They sell local products for a profit and consumers are able to reduce their costs by purchasing re-useable items. The environment benefits since no additional resources are used to produce these goods and they are recycled instead of ending up in a landfill. The social aspects involve a common connection with one need filling another. All three spheres are maintained and sustained when you recycle your furniture and clothing or purchase from a consignment or resale retailer. It’s an easy way to affect change and do your part to sustain. What’s hot and what’s not? The bottom line is that it’s no longer in vogue to try and out spend one another in an attempt to beat your peers, but rather what’s hot is to get the most you can at the least cost, while being socially responsible and design chic. Creating sustainable elegance is affordable, feels good, looks good and makes you the envy of others for all the right reasons…If you’re not sure if your décor would fall under the category of sustainable elegance contact Gallerie Nouveau for a free no cost assessment.
Maureen Pulicella is an Interior Designer and the CEO of Gallery Nouveau. She holds a B.A. from the University of Washington. She has over 15 years of design, management, sales and marketing experience. She is a member of the Portland Metro Home Builders Association, Ladies who Launch and the Oregon Entrepreneur Network. Most recently, Maureen has been featured on AM Northwest as a leading authority on interior sustainable design. Some of her services include: Style and color scheme, complete design concepts, window treatments and bedding, repurposing spaces and furniture, as well as commercial and new home design.
To learn more about Gallerie Nouveau please visit www.gallerienouveau.com,call 503-467-4648, email us at Maureen@gallerienouveau.com or stop by theGallerie located at 8601 SW Terwilliger Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97219
