sustainability Archives

Behind the Brands: Sustainable Clothing to Wear at the Lake

Posted on September 2, 2021October 22, 2021 Camille Smith

In recent years, sustainability in fashion has become a hot topic. The 2015 documentary The True Cost highlighted the atrocities of the fast fashion industry, illuminating the increasing environmental and human costs of creating clothes that are low priced. Regarding environmental cost specifically, according to the World Economic Forum, fashion production comprises 10% of human’s carbon emissions, additionally polluting rivers, streams, and other sources of water. As lake lovers, this is certainly a concerning issue for preserving our natural resources.

Luckily, many brands care about sustainability too. They are working hard to create comfortable, stylish products for people who love the outdoors. To learn more about sustainable clothing for lake dwellers, we spoke with Steve McCann, senior marketing manager at Toad & Co. and Kristinn Sigridarson, CEO and creative director of Anjali Clothing. With both companies committed to sustainability, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what they’re doing differently — including some stylish AND sustainable looks you can wear at the lake!

A Commitment to The Environment

In short, sustainable clothing companies stand out because they care. By minimizing their environmental impact, these companies are cultivating a refreshing and necessary change in the fashion industry. In addition to creating clothing from eco materials like organic cotton, tencel, hemp, and recycled fibers, Toad & Co. partners with green organizations like The Conservation Alliance to “keep our wild places wild.” Similarly, Anjali Clothing uses recycled polyester for printed leggings, derived from post-consumer plastic bottles. Another notable pioneer in sustainable clothing is Prana which uses organic cotton and recycled wool to create durable clothes for the outdoors.

Luckily for these brands, the sustainability trend has turned “eco-friendly” into a priority for customers. Steve says that before the movement, customers thought Toad & Co’s sustainability component was “nice” but not the reason why they purchased. “Now it’s completely shifted,” he says. “People are saying, ‘If I’m going to purchase something, I want that brand to stand for what I stand for.” This mindset will hopefully enhance an environmental commitment in other companies as well.

Not Just About the Clothes

Sustainable clothing companies who are truly committed to the environment often infuse sustainability into every part of their product. This doesn’t just include clothing. This also encompasses its entire lifecycle, including factory production and shipping. For many companies, employing factories that treat workers fairly, have safe working conditions, and pay fair wages is important. For example, Everlane lists all their factories on their website so consumers have insight into the ethical factories they work with.

As far as the packing and shipping process goes, Anjali Clothing uses recycled and biodegradable poly bags. “For the most part, we try to be as local as we possibly can,” Kristinn says. “Most companies still ship all of their things in plastic bags, so it was harder to find an alternative. We came up with a paper option and 100% abandoned all plastic.” In the same way, Toad & Co. uses eco-friendly packaging alternatives and has teamed up with other outdoor brands to set up a new industry standard for shipping.

Perfect for Lake Lovers

As people who love the outdoors, we want to protect the spaces we adore with our clothing choices. Not only do these companies’ products align with the sustainability value of lake homeowners, but they also are tailored for lake activities. The Sun Kissed Collection at Toad & Co, made of recycled polyester, is one that Steve particularly recommends for the lake. “You want pieces where you can be comfortable and look good when you’re out on the lake,” he says. “You want something that will dry quickly or that you can throw on when you’re at a campfire by the lake. Something that you can wear all day.” In the same way, Anjali Clothing values comfort for lakeside living, as well as an eco-friendly design. “We try to fit all kinds of people,” Kristinn says. “We never try to make clothes that only look good on size 2 people. We tend to get good feedback on the way things fit, and our general customer base keeps coming back.”

From their sustainable practices and comfortable designs, these companies are making a difference in the industry. Kristinn shared that he previously worked for a 4 billion dollar fashion conglomerate and left the business due to their lack of environmental consciousness. “They weren’t willing to adopt sustainable methods because they thought ‘We can’t sell it.’ Their motive was only to look good.” Now he’s working to change that mindset, along with Steve and many other leaders in the sustainable clothing movement. As lake lovers, investing in these eco-friendly clothes is the perfect way to both look good and preserve the outdoors. That’s a win-win!

Living the Green Life: Eco-Friendly Lake Home Furnishings

Posted on July 29, 2021July 29, 2021 Jeanne Delathouder

As lake lovers, we all embrace the beauty of nature and the essential need to preserve our environment. And these days, going green—even in small steps—is easier than you might think. As designer Michelle Rohrer-Lauer explains, “Eco-friendly home décor and construction is like switching to organic foods—you can start with a few sensible choices and expand from there. Even small changes at home can make an important difference in your indoor air quality and the health of the planet.”

An interior designer based in Chicago—and an avid lake lover and lake homeowner—Michelle is a proud member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and a certified GREENleader. In one of her talks at an event series she calls “50 Shades of Green,” co-hosted by Orren Pickell Building Group, Michelle shared her ideas for eco-friendly design options along with a display of sustainable fabrics, woods, and cork flooring. Here is a summary of her top tips.

Sustainable and Reclaimed Woods

We all know that forests are vital to our existence on the planet. Trees generate oxygen, breathe in carbon dioxide, and help regulate the global climate by absorbing fossil-fuel emissions. Forests also provide a natural habitat for animals and plants, and millions of people depend on forest resources for their livelihoods. So, doesn’t it make sense to use sustainably harvested woods, reclaimed woods, and other recycled materials in our home furnishings? Yes, absolutely.

Michelle recommends Red Grandis eucalyptus wood for flooring and cabinets—a high-quality, kiln-dried wood that’s both strong and durable. “It has beautiful grain and a smooth finish that requires minimal maintenance,” she says. “I love all of that, but the minimal maintenance is even more important at a lake home,” she adds.

This species is a fast-growing sustainable wood with a long, straight grain that yields one of the strongest and most stable hardwood building materials—as durable as teak and 10 to 20 percent denser. “Red Grandis also has a high oil content that repels water and moisture,” says the designer. “What could be better for a lake home? I like it so much I also put it throughout the first floor of my primary home in suburban Chicago.”

Another one of Michelle’s favorites is reclaimed French farm-house oak. Beautifully rustic, it brings a casual, organic elegance along with a lived-in feel and a sense of history. “Pair it with modern cabinetry and furniture for an industrial-modern look that is casual, warm, and inviting. My supplier harvests the boards from a variety of homes that date back for generations, resulting in rich variations of color and markings,” she adds.

Teak is also a great choice because it’s sustainably raised on plantations, conserving our valuable forests, and providing jobs. “Because of its high oil and rubber content, teak is naturally weather-resistant,” says Michelle. “And because it is slow-growing, it is very durable. I love it because the organic look is perfect for outdoors at the lake.” Click here for more on eco-friendly wood furnishings.

Cork

Who would have thought that the material most associated with wine bottles also makes a fantastic sustainable flooring? Surprise! Harvested from the bark of the cork oak, this highly resilient resource is also naturally hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal.

“Cork is very durable, too,” says Michelle. “Your floor can last over 50 years. It resists dents, absorbs sound, and feels warm underfoot because of its high insulation value. My go-to vendor for this sustainable, renewable resource is Duro-Design. Their product has a water-based finish with minimal off-gassing. It is resistant to abrasion and only needs routine damp mopping with water,” she sums.

Sustainable Rugs

Photo courtesy of *Studio West Photography*

Michelle recently chose a sustainable indoor-outdoor rug from The Delos Company for a client’s covered porch that would be perfect in your lake home family room—it’s incredibly plush and soft on your feet. The rug is woven from fibers made of recycled water bottles.

“It’s good for the planet, and it provides a naturally durable, stain-resistant carpet that is stylish and holds its color,” says the designer. “These rugs are pet-friendly, too, which is great because my kids always bring my ‘granddogs’ up to our lake home. They schlep in and out of the house with sandy, wet paws—but I just can’t say no to my kids,” she laughs.

Wool rugs are also a win-win for your home. Made with sheep’s wool—a natural, renewable resource— they are durable, easy to clean, and biodegradable.

Countertop Alternatives

Eco-friendly countertops? “I’m not kidding,” laughs Michelle. “Manufacturers are recycling everything— from glass and waste-stone from quarries, to paper and post-industrial scrap—and transforming those materials into fabulous countertops you can feel good about.” Click here for more ideas.

Indoor-Outdoor Fabrics

“Sustainable indoor-outdoor fabrics and fibers are a perfect choice for lake homes. Remember how these fabrics used to be rough and stiff? The newest indoor-outdoor materials have a wonderfully soft, supple feel.

“Durability is a top priority,” says Michelle. “Like so many people, we enjoy sharing our lake home with family and friends. It’s crazy fun with everybody and their dog going in and out of the house all day and into the evening, from our beach and the lake. But that translates into more wear and tear,” she adds.

Michelle’s current favorite is Kravet’s first-ever line of indoor-outdoor fabrics. They are 100 percent recyclable, and the company uses almost no water to produce them. You won’t believe these are indoor-outdoor fabrics—they feel so luxurious. The designer recommends them for upholstery in the family room and kitchen, and they are excellent for Roman shades, too, even in the laundry room.

“I believe you can have beautiful furnishings that are also durable, luxurious, and sustainable,” says Michelle. “Lake homes are ideal for these furnishings. After all, people who live on the lake—like me—love the outdoors and want to protect it. I think of eco-friendly furnishings as a life insurance policy for the future.”

Biophilic Design: A Trend You Should Know About

Posted on June 4, 2021June 7, 2021 Camille Smith

On the Lake Homes blog, we often cover interior design trends related to lake living. Hygge, a Danish concept defined simplistically as “coziness,” evokes comfort in the home by using warm tones, candles, fireplaces, and blankets. Another recent trend is wabi-sabi design, a Japanese concept that focuses on finding beauty in imperfections. Natural materials like driftwood, personally significant artwork, and repaired pottery are all emblematic of wabi-sabi. Each of these trends reflects the spirit of lake living in different ways.

Today, we’re introducing a new concept for lake lovers to adopt in their homes — biophilic design. Although it was introduced in the 1970s by biologist E.O. Wilson, it’s been practiced since ancient times (e.g., the rumored Hanging Gardens of Babylon). To learn more about this style, we talked with Hope McMahan, project manager at Deltec Homes in Asheville, NC. Read on for everything you need to know about biophilic design.

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is all about connecting back to nature through architecture and decor. But it’s more holistic than simply adding a few indoor plants to your lake home. McMahan explains that biophilic design can be broken down into three components. The first is the direct experience of nature (e.g., letting in more natural light, incorporating greenery). The second is the indirect experience of nature (e.g., paintings of scenery, natural colors, wood furniture). Finally, the third component is the physiological connection to nature.

McMahan clarifies, “There’s fear in nature, and at the end of the day, we’re still animals. We need to feel safe and secure in our environments.” Features like large windows play into this sense of safety, allowing you to physically witness any impending threats and rest in the security of your home’s protective qualities. In the same way, many biophilic homes expose the beams of the trusses so you can see the structures that are keeping you safe at home.

Essentially, all three components focus on enhancing our connection to the natural world. This connection, McMahan says, is one that’s often lost in traditional homes. “Biophilic design reminds us that we’re still animals, and we need to exist more like that. We can actually think about the living things in our world.”

Why Is Biophilic Design Trending Again?

According to research from the University of Vermont, more people, especially women, are turning to the outdoors for comfort these days. The resurgence of biophilic design reflects this desire for nature that has become more prominent since the rise of COVID-19. McMahon says, “During the past year, we’ve all been trapped inside. We’re experiencing this trauma together. We’re also starting to understand how our homes make us feel.”

To illustrate this point, she explains the ways in which architecture can evoke certain feelings. For example, the brutalist, concrete structure of a courthouse creates solemn, stoic vibes. By contrast, a biophilic design with wooden cabinets and expansive windows manifests a sense of peace and comfort that we’re all craving amid this global crisis. “Biophilic design is not just functional — it’s also an art,” she says.

Another reason behind biophilic design’s revival is its connection to the popular sustainability movement. Although it’s possible to practice biophilic design without being environmentally friendly, they often go hand in hand. McMahon describes biophilic architects as “the green builders before it was cool to be green.”

What Are the Benefits of Biophilic Design?

Perhaps the most apparent benefit, biophilic design is simply beautiful. By bringing the outdoors in, both literally and metaphorically, your home blends more seamlessly with the natural world. But beyond aesthetics, biophilic design also has several psychological benefits. Many research studies have demonstrated that those who inhabit biophilic spaces experience lower stress levels and more positive moods. It also has physical health benefits. McMahon mentions the myriad of studies suggesting that patients in hospitals with biophilic design recover more quickly than those in traditional buildings. In workspaces, biophilic design is also linked to greater productivity. With all these clear benefits, what’s not to love?

How Can I Incorporate Biophilic Design in My Lake Home?

Photo courtesy of Hirouyki Oki via ArchDaily

Whether you’re redesigning a home or looking for minor improvements, biophilic design can be for you. If you’re remodeling your lake home, consider a round wooden ceiling. Deltec Designs features a 360 Collection that is completely round, allowing it to withstand higher winds due to its aerodynamic frame. From a design perspective, its structure resembles a tree, eliciting a sense of biomimicry. In these round homes, be sure to install wide windows to connect the home to the landscape. At a lake house, this is especially important since the lake view is a central feature of the home.

However, you don’t have to completely rebuild in order to incorporate biophilic design into your home. Simple changes like adding indoor plants, choosing curtains with natural materials like 100% cotton, installing hardwood floors, and picking native plants can go a long way in establishing your biophilic home. The important thing is to keep it natural. “The more synthetic it is, the less we’re able to realize that it’s from the earth,” McMahon explains. If you don’t have a green thumb, fake plants or photos of plants can offer the same effect.

From the ancient Hanging Gardens to your own lake home, biophilic design is both beautiful and beneficial. We wish you luck in incorporating this trend into your home!

2021 Interior Design Trends for Your Lake Home

Posted on December 18, 2020January 20, 2021 Camille Smith

Photo courtesy of Martha O’Hara Interiors.

Since the start of the pandemic in March, we’ve been forced to spend more time indoors. As a result of lockdowns and distancing, the importance of personal space has become crucial. Now, more people are investing in lake houses, hoping for much-needed outdoor space and a remedy for that familiar “cooped up” feeling.

Due to spending ample time at home, many of us are paying more attention to interior design. After all, if you’re going to spend all day working from home, you might as well enjoy the decor! If you’re looking to re-evaluate your lake home’s feng shui, we’ve got some tips for you.

We spoke with interior designer Karen Parziale, the lead designer of The Real Estate Staging Studio in New York, to learn more. Recently, she’s been redesigning her family’s home on Lake Paradise, and she has advice on the latest interior design trends for lake lovers.

Biophilic Design

A combination of the root words “bio” (life) and “philic” (love of), this concept of biophilic design refers to embracing nature in your interior decor. This concept does not just refer to pictures or representations of nature, but rather incorporating actual pieces from the outdoors inside of your home.

Although the biophilic design trend has been popular since the ’70s and is especially trending this year, it dates back to ancient times. The hanging gardens of Babylon are perhaps the first depiction of biophilic design in action.

In your lake home, one manifestation of biophilic design might be adding live plants inside your home. And not just potted desk plants. Karen says that it’s trending for plants to be the “big focal point of the room.” She adds, “from a feng shui perspective, the lake has water and earth energy already. Incorporating natural elements like plants, distressed wood, and twigs into your home design helps with balance. You want to have a mix of everything.”

Green Design

Photography by Michael Moran via InteriorDesign.net.

It’s always great when interior design trends align with sustainability. Green design has been trending for many years, but it’s becoming prevalent now and will continue in 2021. Like biophilic design, green design is about connecting with nature. However, while biophilic design is more about the connection itself, green design focuses on environmental well-being more broadly. “It’s all about a healthier home,” Karen explains. “This trend involves being intentional about using eco-friendly materials in construction.”

This popular notion of ‘going green’ applies to both interior decorating and landscaping designs. It’s becoming trendy to opt for ground covers over grass to conserve water and choosing furniture that uses recycled materials. In other words, what’s in style is also good for the environment — win-win!

Sense of Warmth

Lake houses are not meant to be cold, detached environments. They’re a place of connection with friends and family. In the world of interior design trends, it’s becoming popular to reflect this sense of warmth into the design intentionally.

Karen specifies that a home’s warm feel should not be conveyed through a country aesthetic. “The plaid patterns and ‘deer-on-the-wall’ look is over,” she says. “Instead, incorporate congruous, earthy tones in a sophisticated way. You also want it to be warm without being modern and glitzy.” In keeping with a sense of warmth, open-concept spaces are trending. The idea of removing walls and borders and installing big, expansive windows evokes a laid-back, welcoming feel consistent with the lake lifestyle.

Overall, the biggest interior design trends for 2021 are all about the incorporation of nature and sustainability. In keeping with this idea, it’s no coincidence that Pantone’s color trend report for Spring 2021 names “a range of shades inspired by the beauty of nature” as colors to watch out for next year.

The theme of nature is also timely, given what we’re all craving during the pandemic. “With COVID, people are realizing they’re tired of living in little spaces,” Karen comments. “They want to be outside more and have outdoor space.” She explains that her business has become busier recently, as she’s designing these outdoor spaces and helping people connect with nature.

Whether it’s through using recycled wood, creating an open concept living room, or replacing plaid patterns with warm tones, we hope you can incorporate these trends into your decor. After all, this connection with nature is what lake living is all about.

Top 3 Fabric Trends of 2020– And How They Reflect Lake Living

Posted on May 26, 2020May 21, 2020 Camille Smith

While spending more time inside during the quarantine, perhaps you’ve considered redecorating a room in your lake house. After all, if you’re going to be home all day, you might as well enjoy your surroundings. A vital element of any room’s decor is fabric choice. From upholstery to pillowcases, a well-selected fabric has the power to tie a room’s aesthetic together. As we reach the halfway point of 2020, we’re taking a look at the top fabric trends of the new decade. To get more insight, we spoke with some of the best in the business, Sunbrella, and Perennials. Fortunately for us, this year’s fabric trends merge seamlessly with the appreciation for nature that lake lovers share.

Textured Looks

Consistent with the styles described in our previous post on 2020 outdoor furniture trends, textured looks are fashionable for fabrics this year. Materials with intriguing, tactile patterns evoke a sense of comfort as well as style. Jordan Murphy, public relations manager at Perennials, explains, “Textured fabrics such as outdoor cushions bring a few indoor comforts out. No longer are outdoor fabrics relegated to only canvas and linens.” Perennials’ newest collection, In the Mix, features elements of this texture play. Inspired by the Japanese wabi-sabi style of finding beauty in imperfections, it highlights detailed patterns and a sense of movement.

Nature-Inspired

This year, designers are meeting customers’ interest in natural beauty by turning to the outdoors for inspiration. Murphy mentions that Perennials’ top colors are always neutrals and blues — shades that are common in nature. Sunbrella’s designs feature natural colors as well. Lauren Blaskie, manager of brand research at Sunbrella, comments, “A flower garden or an evening sky offer great color combinations. Bring these contrasting hues onto a porch with a classic blue bench or boldly patterned chair.”

Further, just as nature is dynamic and bold, so is Sunbrella’s recent collection, Dimension. By layering vivid colors with detailed textures, the collection showcases a sense of movement. Combining colors like “sunset orange” and “dark night” reflect the same brilliant mix of hues found in nature.

Cultural Influences

When looking at trends, it’s not only important to consider “what’s in” but to also examine the mindset behind the specific styles. This is why Blaskie uses cultural observations to create new patterns for Sunbrella. Some significant cultural shifts that have impacted fabric trends in 2020 are mindfulness and sustainability. These mindsets impact both the way fabrics are created as well as their designs. Lauren Blaskie mentions that Sunbrella’s designs also reflect customers’ values of originality and comfort. She explains, “unique, hand-spun looks and novelty yarns provide a personal, lived-in feel to our favorite outdoor spaces — from a peaceful and cozy porch swing to a bright and welcoming patio furniture set.” Beyond simple color and texture trends, buyers want their decor to evoke a peaceful sense of home.

For Lake Homeowners

As lake lovers who enjoy relaxing outdoors, we appreciate this year’s trends that celebrate the natural world. Textured looks reflect the variety of textures found in surrounding flora and fauna, and natural colors blend seamlessly with the lakeside atmosphere. Finally, the behind-the-scenes emphasis on mindfulness, sustainability, and comfort is already present in the lake living mentality. We hope you embrace these fabric trends and create indoor and outdoor designs that suit you this year!