KALAMKARI GREEN
 

Pretty and soft to the touch, bedding from Les Indiennes by Mary Mulcahy, a Tucson-based firm, is made in India with the same eco-conscious techniques used in centuries past. The traditional designs, simplified from the original patterns, are applied to organic cotton with wood blocks dipped in dyes derived from plants, roots, earth and rocks. The 13-step ancient Kalamkari process, which sees the fabric boiled and sun-dried, does not depend on automation, electricity or mechanization. Pictured are bedding and pillow covers from three companion collections. For a list of retailers or to order online, contact the company at lesindiennes.com, or call (520) 881-8122. 



DIDJA KNOW?
For every degree you lower your thermostat for an eight-hour period, you cut energy use by about 1 percent. —U.S. Green Building Council



WOVEN WONDER

Weavers in a small Indonesian village created Crate and Barrel’s exotic-looking Adamas Basket. The company notes that the “green” item is crafted of two-tone sustainable rattan and responsibly harvested candlenut wood with an earth-safe matte finish. Each is topped
with a woven lid and features a black diamond motif. Measuring 14 1/2 inches
in diameter by 16 3/4 inches high, the basket is available in furniture departments at Crate and Barrel stores, or on the Web at crateandbarrel.com. For more information, call (800) 967-6696.







SECOND TIME AROUND

Mansour Modern is bringing “eco-luxurious” rugs made of recycled wool and various yarns to the green home-decor scene. The Contemporary-themed carpets, in patterns that include geometrics and animal hide-like designs, feature natural dyes that come from plants, flowers and nuts. Company spokeswoman Tristan Brando calls the rugs’ materials upcycled—“meaning they are made into even more beautiful items the second time around.” The rugs, which can be customized, are available through design professionals or by contacting the company at (310) 652-1121, or mansourmodern.com.