ecocentric|design

Carriger Residence

2011-05-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

Almost done!

This minimalist modern farmhouse was inspired by William Wurster.'s Gregory Farmhouse near Scotts Valley, California. The simple lines and clean materials create a pristine space for about half of typical building cost in the area.

Stay tuned for more...

Creative Kitchen Concepts_Craftsmen custom blend_1.0

2011-05-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

Introducing Kitchen Concepts_by EcoCentric Design!

Whether you are updating your Craftsman Bungalow or trying to warm up your Mid Century Ranch this sustainable kitchen concept is for you! Just visit your local eco-home improvement store and ask for the samples from the list below and you're on your way to a custom designed kitchen by EcoCentric Design!

Samples provided by EcoHome Improvement, Berkeley California
To schedule an appoint for a kitchen consultation in the San Francisco Bay Area please contact Carrie at, carrie.ecd@gmail.com

Additional Links:
Services
Contact
Creative Kitchen Islands

Material board_Pacheco Valley Residence

2011-04-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

After completing the design for the new kitchen remodel I worked with the owner of this Pacheco Valley post modern condo to create a more updated and cozy look for his living space. With a mix of new, recycled, and existing pieces we created a unique space that truly reflects his personality and budget.

New floor plan and color scheme

Updated living room

kitchen remodel

Sustainable features:
Eames Lounge: Found on Ebay!
Mid Century Cradenza: Found on Ebay!
Bamboo floors throughout
The rug was existing and the art is an inspiration piece. The client will create his own work to frame and place in the new fireplace alcove.

Splurge items:
Prouvé Potence Lamp: Design Within Reach
Thatcher Dining Chairs: Room and Board

Design Finds: Ebay 1_30_11

2011-01-30T09:18:00.000-08:00

Mid Century Madness and a Darling French Sideboard

Beautifully remastered lounge chairs with new foam fills, new upholstery and a great new shine. Original designer Kofod Larsen c.1960s.

I want it! I want it! I want it!

Refinished credenza/sideboard featuring beautiful walnut wood grain, smart sexy base, and groovy Tambour doors. A Mid Century master piece!

I love these multi-functional Drexel Stewart & MacDougall cabinets! Use them as end tables, nightstands, or put them together and they become a beautiful sideboard or credenza.

And one Darling French Sideboard. For all my Mid Century love, I can't resist a beautifully feminine Frenchy.

The Art of Storage

2011-01-26T21:34:00.000-08:00

Composition on the wall, who's the fares of them all?

Whether closed boxes or open shelving storage has become an art form.


designed by Rakks.

Rakks is a favorite of mine!!! A made-to-order shelving system with beautiful brackets and rods that are supported by rails. You can also hide the rails in the wall during construction for a cleaner look.
I've recently ordered 3 closets and a laundry room worth of Rakks for around $1200 or about $300 per room... Stay tuned for pictures...

Additional post...
creative kitchen islands
innovative vanities

Design Finds: Ebay 1_22_11

2011-01-22T10:38:00.000-08:00

Original Papa Bear Chair found on Ebay!
As you may or may not know, I had the privilege of spending a little time in Denmark studying architecture. What struck me the most about their culture was their attention and love of design. From their hats, scarves, and gloves to their lighting, seating, and dining; somehow the Danes have design ingrained in their souls. I am a big fan!

That is why I was so excited to find an Original Papa Chair on Ebay! Now, the price leaves a little to be desired but this chair is a classic and I would be remiss if I didn't share it with you.

This is a beautiful find! An English burled sideboard with delicate wood pattern on the glass. With its clean lines and warm wood tone, this piece would be a wonderful addition to a modern interior.

I love the unique style of these vintage wood side tables. They would be a great compliment to a high bed or flanking the sofa. I could see these tables in a eco-modern living room where their natural wood grain would add to the decor or a high glamor bedroom were their elegant legs and beautiful finish could shine.

Sustain that Look: Bathroom Sanctuary

2011-01-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

You can probably tell by the amount of press that I am giving to this image that I really like it. We've talked about the tansu chest many times, and about the innovative vanity, now it's time to...Sustain that Look: Bathroom Sanctuary style...

One of the most dramatic elements in this bathroom is the dark paint. Paint is always a great tool to go green with because now-a-days all colors are available in the low and even NO VOC (volatile organic compounds) option. For this look try Benjamin Moore Natura collection: Flint AF-560

Another eye popping element in this bathroom is the clean white above counter sink. I know, usually when we're talking about sustainability design in the bathroom or kitchen it's all about the flush and flow; water usage. However, I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce you to this way groovy company: Durat . Durat has developed a solid surface material that they use to produce sinks, tubs, countertops, and other custom products. The best part about it is it's made of post consumer and/or post industrial waste and is 100% recyclable. No yard art future for this sink! Now that is refreshing!

You'll notice I didn't mention price...
You can get that same look on Amazon for $112.70. Because keeping in budget = sustainable design.

Square Ceramic Vessel Style Bathroom Sink White

And of course my own personal obsession, the Tansu Chest...
Another great way to go sustainable is to go antique (AKA: old and used). This chest was featured in Design Finds: Ebay on Jan 7 and is going for $999.00

The alternative is another Amazon find at $295.00. Click the link below for more information.
Japanese Ko-Dansu Tansu Chest Kiri Wood w/Cherry Finish

If you have a great look that you would like to see in "Sustain That Look" please email it to carrie.ecd@gmail.com

Additional Stories:
Tranquil Tubs
Transform your Master Bath

design finds: ebay 1.7.11

2011-01-07T14:56:00.000-08:00

Ebay never ceases to amaze!
A set of six mid-century Hollywood, beautifully restored lattice back chairs. The sharp black lacquered finish and newly tufted seat screams, "bring me a martini darling!" adding style and grace to any interior.

including two captains chairs and four armless. For more information about this set click Here

This warm wood glass hutch is simple in its details but very stately in it appearance. It's glass top sits lightly on the base while the caning adds depth and interest without adding too much weight. A refreshing addition to any living or dining room.

For more information on this beautiful wood and caning hutch... click Here

I love the versatility of this Authentic Japanese Temoto Tansu Chest (c. mid 19C.). In the next "Sustain that Look" I will show a Tansu chest under a cantilevered bathroom counter for an updated look and more storage. A pair of them would also make great nights or for additional storage or a place to hide the printer in your home office.

For more information about this Authentic Japanese Temoto Tansu Chest click... Here

Amazon's Tansu

Additional links:
Innovative Vanities
Serene Bedrooms
Elegant Dining Rooms

Sustain that Look: In the Kitchen

2010-12-29T19:26:00.000-08:00

This is a great kitchen for going sustainable because it already as one important attribute... concrete floors! If the kitchen is positioned such that the floors are warmed by the sun during the day, then they will stay nice and toasty throughout the night. However, for "Sustain that Look" I will be looking at the Bertoia wire side chair and the rustic farm tables that give this kitchen it's cozy county kitchen with a twist of modern style.

From the designer Harry Bertoia c 1952 this chair easily retails well over $400. ea.
and this distressed antique Swedish farm table retails at a cool $6500.

Now you can Sustain that Look for $299.00 per Bertoia chair and get this beautiful French antique farm table circa 1850 for $950.00

But wait there's more! Amazons Bertoia Style Chair retails at just $100.00 per chair and they have a gorgeous 7-1/2' long farm table that retails at just $764.00! Yes, there are less expensive farm table on Amazon but this one is unique! I love the length and the legs and finish really give it the look of the original. Now we're Sustaining that Look!

Bertoia Style Steel Wire Mesh Chair with Pad

Charleston Dining Table in White Patina

Amazons Bertoia Style Chair...

Amazons Farm Table...

Additional links to check out...

creative kitchen islands
sustain that look: garden stool
updating a mid-century eichler_the kitchen

Innovative Vanities

2010-12-29T17:03:00.000-08:00

In our modern 24/7 connected world it's nice to wake up and come home to a calm bathroom sanctuary. The images below, although different in style, have on thing in common: no built in lower cabinet! The cantilevered counter top allows the entire ground plane to be visible and therefore creating a more open and expansive look.

Images: Elle Decoration Nov 2010

For additional storage, the image below adds a chest of drawers under the counter top and a horizontal mirror that doubles as a medicine cabinet. Also towel bars are hung under the counter for easy access and less visible clutter on the counters surface.

Images: Elle Decoration Nov 2010

Stay tuned for
Sustain That Look: Bathroom Sanctuary

Amazons Tansu Chest

Additional posts of interest:
tranquil tubs
fall colors
transform your master bath

Sustain That Look

2010-12-25T20:14:00.000-08:00

Welcome to "Sustain That Look" a new series from ecocentric|design

This series combines the classic "get the look" or "look for less" with sustainability! In "Sustain That Look" I will publish a photo and source, in multiple price ranges, either one or a few key items in the photo.... Now here comes the new twist!
I will also give recommendations on how you can make that look sustainable! Now any look can be sustainable and affordable....Hope you enjoy "Sustain That Look"

images by Dwell, Elle Decor

This little table really gets around, just by a quick Google search I've seen prices ranging from $1250. with a two stool minimum to $700 for just one!

An alternative option that is both sustainable because it's.... dare I say it... used, and much less expensive ( at $250.) is this beautiful black and white Chinese garden stool. This stool is very similar in size, shape, and function but also in color, the black paint in the alternative plays off the voided space of the original giving the piece both depth and interest.
This could be a beautifully inexpensive and sustainable alternative to this look.

Additional Links:
Modern Drapery
Designing with Color

For an even less expensive options check out Amazon! Just click the link below....

Amazon's option:

tranquil tubs

2010-02-14T14:20:00.000-08:00

Form has finally caught up with function ... Today's new bathtubs have become sculptural stand alone works of art. These are perfect examples of pieces that become sustainable through their beauty. In other words, beautiful design is sustainable design.

Additional links

Design Ideas:

Creating a Bathroom Oasis

fall colors

2009-10-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

Paint is a great way to go ecocentric! Not only is paint an inexpensive way to make a big impact in a room but now low and/or no VOC paints are available in any color imaginable. Big impact on the walls with low (or no) impact on our environment!

photos: Elle Decor Oct 2009

creative kitchen islands

2009-10-17T15:41:00.001-07:00

Kitchens are often the heartbeat of the house, an active place where meals are made, we catch up with family at the end of the day, and inevitably where all the parties ends up. All the kitchens below reflect that activity in their design

elle decor 9 2010

decorpad

One of my all time favorite stand alone kitchen islands is this Carrara marble top island from Crate and Barrel (shown above). Its clean French details can add a little old world style to any kitchen.

Stay tuned for Sustain that Look: In the Kitchen
amazons granite top island:

More sustainable ideas for the kitchen...

recycled glass countertop

alternative kitchen islands

sustain that look

just the right roman shade

2009-10-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

Roman shades are a wonderful alternative to "hard window coverings" such as blinds or shutters. With tons of shade styles to choose from, a roman offers the same softness as draperies as well as endless opportunities for customization.

photos from Curtains by Caroline Clifton-Mogg

modern classics

2009-10-17T15:33:00.001-07:00

As we move away from the over indulgence of our recent history, modern classicism is making a come back. Clean lines and simple materials accompanied by natural forms and colors allows space for the mind to relax.

photos from Metropolitan Home summer 2009

Elle Decoration Dec 2010

comfy living rooms

2009-10-17T15:30:00.001-07:00

With soothing colors and luring textures your living room can be a place to unwind and cuddle-up, we can create a living room that is as inviting to the eyes as it is to the skin.

photos from Metropolitan Home summer 2009, Decorating Small Spaces summer 2009, Dwell July/Aug. 2009 and Feb 2010

elegant dining rooms

2009-10-17T15:26:00.001-07:00

Whether you prefer a glamorous dining room or understated elegance, your dining room should allow for quite dinner at home or an extravagant dinner party that lasts all night long.

photos from Metropolitan Home summer 2009

Elle Decoration Dec 2010

decorpad

serene bedrooms

2009-10-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

Nothing is as important as the serenity of your bedroom. Carefully chosen colors, linens, and a few special pieces will go along way in creating your peaceful nest.

photos from Metropolitan Home summer 2009

photos from Dwell July/August 2009

More ideas for your serene bedroom...

extend your master bedroom

bamboo flooring

add some color

modern drapery

2009-10-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

Draperies have been around for centuries, we've see swags, jabots, cornices, and valances with trims, tie-backs, hold-backs and even grommets. Never the less, I am pleased to say, the modern drapery is clean, sophisticated, and quite. They add to a rooms visual warmth with their texture and even help prevent heat energy (aka money) from escaping through your windows.

photos from Curtains by Caroline Clifton-Mogg

photos from Elle Decor Sept. 2009

designing with color

2009-10-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

Like music or the smell of something cooking in the oven, color on the walls fills a space unlike any piece of furniture or artwork. Designing with color is an inexpensive and non-toxic way to make a big impact in any room.

photos from Elle Decor Sept. 2009

photos from Metropolitan Home summer 2009

ecocentric|color