The Bear Necessities

Back to the wild! Lodge fabric never goes out of style. And, what could be better than lodge fabric celebrating one of natures finest creatures - the bear. I picked these three fabrics to share with you as examples of themed fabrics with a casually sophisticated style.

Think of sturdy comfortable fabrics in rich earthy colors punctuated by an exciting dose of red or terra cotta. Corduroys, chenilles, denim, twills, and leather all can be used to achieve the lodge look.

A room decorated in a lodge theme can evoke a feeling of refuge where you can feel removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday lifNo matter where you live, a little bit of lodge is good thing.

The Recasting Couch

Historically, when faced with the choices for a synthetic substitute for leather, the design community has turned to polyurethane and pvc products. These leather alternatives have the advantage of being more affordable, but no one enjoys the feeling of their thighs peeling off of a vinyl couch cushion in the middle of summer.

I am carrying a new product line made out of recycled leather called “Recast.” Not only is this product beautiful and affordable, it is also eco-friendly and sustainable. Recast is made by incorporating ground post-industrial leather onto the back of a 100% polyurethane base. Does that make Recast a type of “steer-veneer?”

This process creates a product so leather-like, it is difficult to tell the difference between genuine leather and Recast. Currently, it is available in 25 combinations of natural grains and designer colors. And with an abrasion rating of 100,000 double rubs, Recast is an ideal choice for any rough and tumble lifestyle project or the contract and hospitality market. Isn’t modern technology a beautiful thing?!

Going for the Green

What in the world does "eco-friendly" mean to us as consumers and business owners? Is it a fad, a trend, a marketing gimmick, or a movement toward environmentally responsible decisions?

Those of us involved in the home decorating industry can no longer afford to ignore the green movement. Today, not only do many government and commercial projects require LEED certification, consumers have access to green products and information in every home decorating periodical from “Domino" to "Architectural Digest." There is even a cable television program dedicated to environmental issues, "planet green.”

Many of my vendors are responding to the eco-friendly movement by manufacturing products sensitive to environmental issues. As a fabric, trim, and supply wholesaler, we now have access to a myriad of products, such as fabrics made from recycled water bottles, recycled polyester, and renewable resources such as bamboo, hemp, linen, cotton and other natural fibers, and leathers dyed with vegetable based dyes - all manufactured in a environmentally responsible manner.These products cover the entire spectrum of designs and textures and colors - they are attractive, practical, and affordable.I believe our customers and clients will drive this market. I am very aware that when the consumer decides to purchases green, she (because the decision maker is usually a she) is making an economic statement. However, I think most consumers will still purchase based upon aesthetics and price - and if the product is green, she will feel warm, fuzzy and good about her choice.What do you think? I am interested in your thoughts, ideas, and experiences regarding this issue.