I have a bad habit of tossing my jewelry on top of my dresser at night and as a result I often forget what pieces I have because they're all jumbled up and hard to find. What I should do is invest in some decorative jewelry stands like these from Polli. Available in cheerful bright colors, there are both standing and hanging versions in patterns inspired by coral branches, gum trees, and bamboo. Laser cut out of acrylic, these stands can be used to hold and display jewelry or act as a decoration all on their own. AU$140
In the green and gorgeous category are these letterpress cards from Smock. This printshop in upstate New York creates handcrafted products from bamboo paper. Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource which requires little water to grow. Smock has partnered with a 500-year-old European paper mill to develop their artisan paper. The bamboo for the paper is harvested in Thailand without use of pesticides or fertilizer and is supplied by local farmers and not harvested from areas where traditional or civil rights are violated, nor does it come from natural forests that have been converted to plantations.
The inks used are vegetable oil based or low VOC and their retail packaging is biodegradable, tree-free and petroleum-free. The store does custom orders for weddings and other social events and notes likes these thank you cards are $18 for eight cards with lined envelopes.
Spring has sprung! Well, I realize spring isn't officially here yet on the calendar for a few weeks but I've already switched over in my head and I'm all about the florals. This 'Pop Bamboo' top handle bag by Gucci in white/black fabric with leaf embroidery and black bamboo detail is darling and springy without being childish or overly bold. Black patent leather trim, light gold hardware, pockets for all your gadgets like cell phone and pda, plus it features double bamboo handles and a detachable shoulder strap. $2890 (Gucci website exclusive)
We've mentioned Bali-based John Hardy company's commitment to the environment . The company is now behind a pilot project to plant bamboos and reforest Nusa Penida, a small island off the coast of Bali. Local families will be provided with bamboo seedlings and training in sustainable cultivation of bamboo and other hardwoods. To support the project they have created the limited edition sterling silver John Hardy Bamboo Collection. For each piece of jewelry purchased from this collection, John Hardy will plant a certain amount of bamboo seedlings on Nusa Penida. Each piece of jewelry is engraved with the number of bamboos actually planted. The two largest cuffs also have a special grill on the back that depicts both the bamboo theme and the Bali starling. The sterling silver cuff shown here sells for $850.
This Aitutaki Bamboo Bed is big, bold, and beautiful, but in a completely understated and natural way -- if that makes any sense. The sheer white curtains bring romance to the large bamboo pillars, which are available in 3 stain colors to match your decor. I love almost all 4 post canopy style beds but I think my favorite part about this one is the handmade and completely organic and natural appearance of the bamboo beams, with the end-grain and knuckles clearly visible. Plus it's great that it's made of sustainable materials. $4000
I'm not a bug enthusiast by any means, but there's something appealing about these bamboo insects. Maybe it's because they bring back memories from childhood (some good, some bad!), or it could just be that bugs are so inherently "creepy" and it's a rare occasion to get so close to one and see this kind of detail. Individually hand carved from "tiger print" bamboo they're each amazingly lifelike and detailed, and there's even a bamboo cage available if you're worried they might spark to life and fly away. Ranging in size from 2" (the cricket) to 7" (the praying mantis), there are 5 different designs available and prices range from $55-$65 each.
Logue Studio calls their coffee table a living platform, an ambitious name for a simple yet pleasing concept.. The long table is available in several different sizes and has flip down doors. The four bays in this version can hold remotes, magazines and anything else you want out of sight but within easy reach. The table is made of bamboo with aluminum legs and comes in several different finishes. There are also several versions that have a TV mount but I like it better as a table. Prices start at $1698.
If your desk is anything like mine it is often a sea of paper. The James desk from Modernlink is the antidote to that. It has slots for vertical files built into the top and a large (24 x 36) drawer in the center. The desk is made of bamboo which is farm harvested and sustainable. It is available in either a "Baked" or "Raw" finish. Raw is the color of naked bamboo while the Baked version a toasty color created by subjecting the raw bamboo to high temperatures. It sells for $5,600. There is also a smaller version, the Jimmy, which goes for $4,800.
The Alpha Chair is a sleekly minimalist chair that's shape is inspired by the first letter of the Greek alphabet. It is designed by Bannavis Andrew Sribyatta for PIE and is carved from bamboo, a material chosen not only for its durability, beauty and eco-friendliness, but as a nod to the Asian design styles that inspired the piece. The perfect accessory would be something like an Omega footstool, but the designer does not seem to have developed one yet. Price: $700.
The Slide kitchen cart was
designed for space-challenged kitchens but it would be beautiful anywhere. It expands into multiple surfaces and
storage areas. It has a bamboo tabletop that slides outward to reveal a small wine rack and removable cutting board as
well as two hidden storage areas. The Slide is made of vertical grain bamboo and has polished aluminum legs with
non-skid adjustable rubber feet. It sells for $4,600.
The Alpha Chair
