How do I leave this world?

It's a question that 's been burning in my mind for some time now.

I'm deep in the throes of edumacating myself on all things Interiors, and now the question burns even brighter because part of my focus as a student is on Sustainable Industries. I learn a little bit more each week about the burden we humans have created for the Earth and how we might be able to bring that to a halt.

It is becoming abundantly clear that we, as a species, may no longer be able to backtrack and bring ourselves back to the clime and clarity of the times during which we grew up (I'm talking 1970's, early 80's here folks).

We may be able to throw on the brakes though, because it is also true that we are far more aware, in this era of "green", of the indelible marks we leave in our wake as we consume and build and tear down and throw away...it is true that, at least coastally, the United States is starting to wake up and smell the coffee.

It is the smell of fair-trade coffee brewing that we sense wafting in on the smog-filled breeze.

We are opening up to the ideas of reuse on a commercial level. We are now expecting contractors to recycle their building waste. We are entertaining the thought of using LOCAL materials to build in the first place. Giant material making corporations are putting time, effort, and big money into utilizing clean wind and solar energy to run their facilities, as well as choosing cradle-to-cradle routes for the materials they produce. Finally!

I'll be spending my free time bringing you tidbits of sustainable news from the world of Interior Design. I'll also get back to some promises I made to you earlier...raves about Donald Kaufman Paint, as well as who are my favorite contractors and subs in Portland. I'll probably also start talking about a new piqued interest of mine, Universal Design (the design of all things from a humane and practical aspect--think ALL bathroom stalls being wide enough for ANYONE with disabilities- not just those wheelchair bound-- to turn around in) and how to make it an affordable, beautiful, and viable option for commercial interests in any state.

SO, check in with me from time to time and I'll tell you what I know! I'd love to hear from you, so please feel free to post comments.

Did I mention that I love paint?

Yup. I do. It is bar none the most forgiving design tool in my quiver.

When we moved into our "new" old house in March most of its interior walls had been hastily clad in a thin wash of get-this-house-on-the-market white. Yesterday I took time out between studying and researching materials to open up a quart of chalkboard paint and carefully applied it onto our entry room walls.

This chalkboard paint hales from Benjamin Moore (of course) and, once on the wall, takes on a slight hint of indigo. It is more of a rich and dreamy navy than a black. I think it looks fantastic and can't wait to see my husbands reaction.

The artwork in the foyer really pops now. Black walls, when done well, can elevate children's art to gallery-worthy in a heartbeat.

Once I had the walls up, I found I just couldn't stop. I lugged out a can of medium gray-taupe and painted the handrail (after I washed it - oh, man WHEN was the last time that thing was washed-ewww!). Incredible what a fresh coat can do. Then I painted the stringers with the same color.

Next up was a deeper, more olive-y taupe with which I painted the risers of the staircase. I love how painting those boards defines the zip-zag of the steps.

When I woke up this morning, I STILL had paint on my mind. So, I pulled out a couple of sample pints and set to work on the wall under the stairs. Dried Mustard, Sienna Clay, Soft Pumpkin, Butterscotch, Roasted Sesame Seed..

I'll make the final decision with hubby and post pics when its all done.
Now back to my research.


(not nearly as fun as paint)