It’s tough to re-feather the nest during hard times. That’s why the home design industry is struggling not to be nailed shut while weathering the storm. But you can make subtle changes to your decor that won’t add up to big spending. Here are a few tips we recommend:

1. Reface Rather Than Replace Cabinets

Innovative companies can work with your existing wood and reface those cabinet doors with sustainable woods rather than trashing and starting anew. Read this post for more tips for the kitchen cabinet facelift.

2. Swap Decor with Family …

Tags: accents , Budget decorating , cabinets , decor , design , green , home , housing , paint , pillows , recycling , refacing , remodeling , repurposed fabrics , saving , Seasons , swapping , upholstery

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The sad truth is the carpets that hold up best to traffic are the ones coated with toxins. And we don’t want those in a place where humans dwell.

If you do have a healthy wool carpet in your home, you can still clean it without harsh chemicals like perchloroethylene – which the EPA has linked to kidney and liver damage. Naphthalene, made from coal tar, is also considered a carcinogen that can harm the central nervous system.

Ask cleaning services if they simply steam to lift dirt or …

Tags: baking soda , blotting , cancer , carpet , chemicals , cleaning , EPA , furniture , naphthalene , natural , natural cleaning methods , perchloroethylene , rugs , shoes , sisal , stains , steam cleaning , upholstery , vacuuming , vinegar , water , wool

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In light of the recent survey finding many of us secure a better night’s sleep in separate cocoons, it might pay to return to the days of twins. You know, lie back and watch a show, roll over for fun, head home to your crib for a snooze so you can get up for work. Just like dating!

Think of the fun of sneaking into the resting chamber of your better half for a “hello stranger” kinda session, while saving all kinds of bucks on the bedding ’cause twin …

Tags: bedding , budget , contemporary design , couples , custom , dating , decor , desing , eco , green , marriage , mattreses , rattan , retro , romance , sex , sleep , sleep disorders , Twin beds , upholstery , wood

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Sit on the grass; look out at the trees; wake up in the field; float on the water.

These four frolics in nature are woven into the fabric of the vintage French furniture reclaimed by Chair Couture, a delightful contemporary source that seeks to make stuffy, highbrow seating more down to earth.

In salvaging original French antiques for her quirky collection, owner Margaret Elman carefully selects fabrics that fits the mode. She says the recycled polyester or organic cotton used is derived from photographs of nature.

It’s all designed to bring the …

Tags: dandelions , fabric , French furniture , furniture , grass , green , nature , ocean , photograph , polyester , recycle , upholstery , vintage

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