We were privileged to lead a seminar at the Las Vegas Summer Market and wanted to share with our Green Column Readers the trends we unveiled.
The Las Vegas Summer Market was very special this year, as the International Market Centers (IMC) held its first Las Vegas Market as a combined entity.
IMC is now the world’s largest operator of showroom space for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries with its acquisition of several buildings in High Point, N.C. This unites Las Vegas and many of the High Point home furnishings showrooms under one ownership group.
” Markets” as most of you know, are educational trade shows. They are considered in the home fashion industry as the most important events of the year and are held twice a year in major cities in the US.
The Green economy, “ One Good World” (as named for this Market) was a focal point.
World Market Center Las Vegas partnered with the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC). Together they developed a list of specific criteria required to make products sustainable and Green. The SFC approved the showrooms that met the requirements and a guide was provided in the market directory for all to attendees to follow.
We were thrilled that Executive Director of SFC, Susan Inglis honored us with her presence and answered questions from attendees.
While attendees sipped award winning R&B Cellars wine and nibbled on Vital Choice Seafood Organic Trail Mix, we acknowledged our sponsors and how they are Green experts in their fields. Shortly after, we unveiled our 2012 High Rise Design Green trends.
Here are the DO’s at a glance:
- Specific small scale furniture to deal with space limitations in High Rises
- Energy efficient window coverings such as Roller Shades, or Honey Comb shades that are Green assured. Finding Greener alternatives in the shades themselves by opting for organic fabrics.
- Energy efficient appliances: HE washers and dishwashers
- Efficient water usage via low flush toilets, showerheads and faucets
- Indoor air: purifying plants recommended, to complement the décor and purify the air, Low VOC Paint (Volatile Organic Compounds) and organic wall papers (Mod Green Pod) to avoid toxic gas exposure
- Floors: recycled leather tiles, reclaimed floors or slip resistant recycled glass tiles
- Furniture: sustainable Alder, Bamboo, Rattan or Wicker
- Glass tops: lead free for end, coffee, or DR tables
- Mattresses: 100% wool or soybean based to avoid allergies, asthma. Organic mattress covers reommended for a healthier sleep environment
- Rugs: in natural fibers such as Abaca, Jute, paper, Seagrass or 100% wool to reduce allergies, asthma and chemical exposure via toxic dyes
- Seat fillers and cushioning: Latex or Bio- hybrid foam instead of standard foam
- Upholstery: vegetable leather and natural textiles
All attendees were treated to beautiful samples provided by our generous sponsors: Earth Friendly Products, Grand Somar Lands’ End, Instone Granite and Marble, Living Tree Community Foods, Shear Miracles By Robyn,100% Pure, SophiSticate Interiors, Suki Skincare and Vital Choice Seafood and Organics.
The seminar was well received. Attendees learned that they did not need to sacrifice comfort and design to lead a Greener and healthier life. They left motivated by the new Green High Rise trends unveiled to them.
You can view photos of event here.
Media sponsors: San Francisco Luxury Living, Jet Set Extra and San Francisco Green Living Examiner
Special Thanks to World Market Center and all our amazing sponsors for making the event possible.
Last by not least, Thank you to Margaret Casey, Susan Inglis, Justin Mc Vay, Steve Spatafore, Angela Ellsworth, Diane Showerman, Karen Waters for all their help.
For more about the World Market Center Las Vegas
For more about the Sustainable Furnishings Council
Want more Green Living, Design ideas or know about the latest trends and styles? We are the San Francisco Green Living Examiner and the San Francisco Interior Decorating Examiner You can also follow us on Twitter, facebook, and check our Blog. We are also SophiSticateinteriors.com
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