The Home Green

10/01/2025

We have a new bucket list item: The Seattle Floating Homes Tour. We just discovered this is a thing and now we're slightly obsessed. It won't happen until next year, but in the meantime we had to share what we learned about how these floating homes are pushing the boundaries of sustainable design.

Here's what blew our minds: these homeowners are literally using Lake Union itself as their heating source. They've got heat pumps with radiators submerged 17 feet below their floating foundations. One couple went from wearing jackets inside during winter and paying $200/month for heating to warming their entire home for just $65/month total—heating AND electricity. No noisy systems, just silent warmth radiating up through their floors.

The part that really got us was how living on water creates these incredible design challenges that lead to brilliant solutions. Planted roofs that add insulation, rooftop gardens with lighting designed not to bother neighbors on their docks, even water-filled planters that double as ballast for stabilizing the home when guests come over. One architect literally shaped her entire floating home around the bones of an older structure that reminded her of a lighthouse.

If you're like us and never really thought about houseboats as the future of sustainable living, this will totally change your perspective.

https://www.geekwire.com/2025/from-energy-efficiency-to-green-design-seattle-floating-homes-embrace-innovation-on-the-water/

Peter and Brigitte’s floating home uses a lake-sourced heat exchanger to provide hot water for domestic use, as well as for radiant heating through the

09/25/2025

HDPE is a great, durable outdoor furniture choice. Check out Loll Designs latest. 💚

Created in collaboration between Landscape Forms and Loll Designs, the Harvest line of communal tables and seating brings us together to share our experiences outdoors. Including rectangular tables in standing and dining heights, a round standing height table, a round dining height table, a round ca...

09/25/2025

Love to see sustainable decorating called out in AD's fall decor story!

Whether you’re looking for subtle autumnal vibes or you want to go full whimsigoth, check out our fall decor ideas guide to get ready for cozy nights in

09/25/2025

Ever heard of fast furniture? It's just as bad as fast fashion. Here are some furniture brands getting it right: https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/12-of-the-best-sustainable-furniture-companies/

09/08/2025

We recently shared an article on what to keep in mind for a more eco-friendly bathroom design and it seemed like fate that this article on sustainable cleaning came across our paths shortly after. Because what's the point of designing a beautiful, sustainable bathroom if you're going to maintain it with harsh chemicals that undermine all your eco-conscious efforts?

What caught our attention is how these aren't your typical vinegar-and-baking-soda DIY solutions that leave your bathroom smelling like a pickle jar. The piece breaks down everything from tile scrubs to mirror cleaners that complement your sustainable design choices while keeping every surface sparkling.

Even better, the article emphasizes starting small by replacing products as you run out rather than tossing everything at once. It's the perfect way to complete your eco-friendly bathroom transformation, beautiful sustainable design maintained with products that work harder, smell better, and support the healthier home you've worked so hard to create.

09/07/2025

5 Bathroom Sustainability Mistakes That Could Sabotage Your Eco-Efforts

If you've got a bathroom renovation in the future, check out this eye-opening piece about bathroom sustainability mistakes. The experts interviewed reveal that even the most environmentally conscious among us are probably making some major missteps that undermine our good intentions.

What really caught our attention was how they break down the less obvious culprits like choosing trendy finishes that won't last or overlooking smart ventilation systems. Interior designer Jessica Helgerson puts it perfectly:

"Longevity is the best design tool we have for sustainability." The piece shows how investing in timeless, high-quality materials and water-efficient fixtures can dramatically reduce your environmental impact while actually making your space more beautiful."

We're particularly fascinated by their advice on materials—swapping carbon-heavy options like virgin marble for recycled stone or terrazzo, and choosing porcelain tiles that mimic natural stone with a fraction of the footprint. It's proof that sustainable design doesn't mean compromising on style; it just means being smarter about our choices.

https://www.livingetc.com/advice/mistakes-that-make-your-bathroom-less-sustainable

We all want to do our bit for the planet, but designers say these common mistakes are making your bathroom less environmentally friendly

09/07/2025

A Chair Made from Old Jeans? Meet the Roll Up Chair.

We stumbled upon this incredible chair that's made entirely from old jeans, and it's part of a growing trend that has us completely fascinated. Designer Caroline Chao partnered with Dutch denim brand G-STAR to transform discarded denim into the Roll Up Chair—a piece that somehow feels both familiar and completely surprising.

Here's what blew our minds: we're seeing denim pop up everywhere from home insulation to furniture, giving this notoriously hard-to-recycle material gorgeous second lives. Chao's chair has an amazing sculptural quality, proving that sustainable design doesn't mean compromising on beauty.

It's exciting to see how creative minds are turning fashion waste into everything from the walls that keep us warm to the furniture we actually want to live with.

Roll-Up Chair - Caroline Chao introduces the Roll Up Chair as a new exploration of reclaimed denim furniture, created in partnership with G-Star RAW. The design re...

09/04/2025

Looking for a kitchen update that’s beautiful and planet-friendly? This article explores six eco-friendly countertop options including recycled glass, bamboo, and reclaimed wood. Each material is stylish, durable, and designed to reduce waste while adding character to your space.

Whether you love the idea of jewel-like glass chips, the warmth of wood, or the sleek look of bamboo, there’s a sustainable countertop that fits your style. Investing in one of these options means enjoying a kitchen you love today while making a positive choice for tomorrow.

From recycled glass to compressed paper, discover five eco-friendly countertop materials you’ll love for decades