The observance of Earth Day falls on Tuesday, April 22. It arose from an interest in gathering national support for environmental issues in the early 1970's. Annual activities vary depending upon where you live, but can include beach cleanups, planting trees, and nature hikes.
In recent years, "going green" has become very trendy. In the world of antiques and vintage, we are way ahead of the trend. Purchasing antiques is an excellent form of recycling. Antiques were and are the original eco-chic. Buying antiques is actually the smart move, as well. With an increased emphasis on going green, the resale market for antiques and vintage goods, such as art, books, and jewelry is becoming as liquid as investing in the stock market. In recent years, items that have been salvaged or repurposed into something else offers the additional benefit of helping the environment by recycling and keeping things out of landfills. We've got some great ideas at helping you find something stylish and eco-friendly!
A new addition to our shop, (but not the planet), the gold framed Rococo chair is both romantic and sinuous. Like many things, the French took Italian Baroque style and made it their own. (Rococo is derived from the French word "rocaille" meaning shell encrusted rock). It is often thought of as curvy and carved, and very ornamental. American Rococo furnishings of the 18th and 19th centuries became especially popular in growing cities amongst the wealthy classes.
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One of my favorites is the extra large blanket chest or storage chest. I believe the piece is made from re-claimed wood, being "green" before going green was cool. The piece has dove tail sides. There are also three bottom drawers. Inside there are 2 additional drawers, plus another storage area above the two drawers, that is opened with a thumb hole. There are large black wrought iron hinges. I believe the wood might be pine, but has a darker stain. The uses for this piece are endless!
A final word on decorating with "green" finds- green because no new resources were used to make them: Don't think that antiques are out of fashion. They are actually quite trendy. Think about how designers and party planners are relying less on "matchy-matchy looks" and embracing a collected look. My favorite example of this has to be mismatched tea cups and serving pieces for a bridal shower or Mother's Day gathering. I've included pictures of some that are available in our shop. You'll see that green design can be rich, eclectic and stylish!
