For interior designer Kelly LaPlante, decorating with stylish, sustainable pieces is a no-brainer.
The Austin–based designer, author, and founder of Standard Magazine, has outfitted everything from eco lodges in the Caribbean to modern resorts and music venues in Austin. “There is no such thing as ‘eco-perfect’ says LaPlante. “With me, intention counts for a lot, and so does not resting on your laurels and always making strides to do it more responsibly and sustainably. Reuse is the best way to go green.”
Here, her top 10 must-haves for creating the ultimate eco chic space. kellylaplante.com
SPRING BRIGHTS
Now that spring is here, it’s time to bring out the brights. I love the look of this Sunrise Stripe mohair pillow from Mockingbird Domestics. The stripes are classic and playful at the same time. Mohair is an incredibly sustainable fiber that is also really strong and resistant to dirt. At my house, throw pillows take a fair amount of abuse so I always appreciate one that can take the challenge.
REPURPOSED SOFA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is a work of art. Don’t believe me? Watch the “process” video on his website and you’ll be sold. Made of a steel frame, leather strapping, custom webbing belt and reclaimed WWII military fabric, this piece has a story so special it almost makes me cry. Stephenkenn.com
HAND MADE
I’m always more apt to use a stool than an ottoman because it’s much more versatile. The Perforated Drop Table/Stool by RAD is only 17 inches high so it’s perfect as an extra seat, side table, or something to kick up your feet on (and just try to destroy it. You can’t!) The guys at RAD hyper-focused on making heirloom quality pieces by hand and are com- mitted to responsible material selection and minimization of waste. And, their products are made by folks being paid fair wages, here in Austin. Radfurniture.com
RECLAIMED RUG
There are some gorgeous area rugs out there, but most of the kinds of projects I design (primarily hotels and restaurants) also demand durability and the ability to quickly and easily address a stain. I’ve been a huge fan of FLOR for years because their carpet tiles are so durable and easily replaceable. FLOR uses reclaimed fibers in their production, and you can send the old tiles back when you are done with them to be recycled. FLOR.com
EASY ARTISANAL
I adore Agustina Rodriguez’s collection, Agi Miagi. They cast excellent patterns on the ceiling and walls. I have two of her pieces in my own home, including this one which is the first thing guests see when they arrive in my entry. Agustina’s pieces are artisanal, as are most of the items on my list, which means they are not being mass-produced (and pack- aged and shipped from over- seas). She uses laser-cutting technology which minimizes waste too. Agimiagi.com
SPECIAL SHELF
So often, shelving just has to be func- tional. So when I have an opportunity to play, I like to make a statement with a piece like this Round Metal Hanging Shelf made of reclaimed metal from VivaTerra. Vivaterra.com
NONTOXIC TILES
I chose to collaborate with Fireclay Tile on The Runway Collection by Kelly LaPlante because they are an incredibly responsible com- pany. They are champions of using reclaimed material, and their glazes are all non-toxic. They treat all of their employees with dignity and respect. Fireclaytile.com
ONE-OF-A-KIND
This Daily Catch-all by Noah Marion is a new favorite. I’m not big into accessories that have no purpose other than to look pretty, so I am always looking for beautifully-made pieces that can do something to make my life easier or more organized. Plus, Noah is a true artisan who does everything by hand, so that gives each of his pieces a unique feel and a story that I can share with everyone who admires it. Noahmarion.com
ECO EASY
David Trubridge is a design genius who not only cares deeply for the environment, but also uses that passion for his design decisions. The Ruth Kitset Rocker is one of those modern pieces that is instantly a classic. I love the lines of this Dondola outdoor chair—it’s perfect for summer! He also flat-packs many of his items, which means that the shipping from New Zealand is way friendlier to the environment. Davidtrubridge.com
RECYCLED TABLE
LOLL has amazing outdoor pieces, many that are pretty enough to be used indoors as well (back to the durability factor). One of their new pieces, the Bolinas Cocktail Table, immediately caught my eye. It’s reminiscent of the classic Eames Elliptical Table but slightly more casual, especially if you order it in Sunset Orange or one of their other pop colors. My favorite thing about LOLL, besides all of their great designs, is that they make everything almost exclusively from recycled milk jugs and they flat-pack it for easy shipping. LOLLdesigns.com