Stephanie Nickolson has designed residential, commercial and eco-conscious environments for more than 24 years. Her firm, Stephanie Nickolson Design, promotes the use of sustainable, non-toxic, recyclable and environmentally-friendly products and services. The firm works largely with clients who have allergies, chemical sensitivies or who have children with special needs.
Repurposing has many meanings, but in the eco conscious world, it encompasses taking something old or existing and changing it into something new and exciting. San Francisco photographer Steve Rotman highlights this idea in his book Bay Area Graffiti, in which he photographs contemporary street art in San Francisco. The two photos below are by an artist who goes by the name of Reyes. The left photo is a parking lot wall made into the area’s focal point. In the photo on the right, Reyes painted a stone wall repurposed as shown, with bold graphics and vibrant colors from the urban graffiti culture.
Steven Rotman captures modern street art in his book Bay Area Graffiti. Photos By Steve Rotman/Courtesy Flickr.
You can creatively express yourself by painting words or phrases on a wall, as shown here by artist Kristin Korjenek, owner of the artistic company Flourish.
Photo By Kristin Korjenek.
C’est La Vie; literally means ” such is life,” so if that’s going to be life, we better make the effort to breathe in healthier air.
I love this one here. The pale blue background is so soothing in a room…
Photo By Kristin Korjenek.
A partial list of paint companies that offer no-VOC paints are:
Sherwin Williams (Harmony Collection)
Mythic Paint
Benjamin Moore (Eco Spec)
AFM Safecoat
Finally, an innovative new concept: a non-toxic paint that becomes a wipe-off board called writeUp h2o. Several companies have introduced this technology, but Designtex offers a low-VOC version at 45 grams per liter. It’s easy to apply, offers a nice collection of color choices and can be incorporated into LEED projects.
It’s safe for children (adults and pets too) in playrooms, offices or other recreational spaces.
Photo Courtesy Designtex.
WriteUp h2o is a dry-erase paint that allows you to write on–and erase off of–any wall. Photo Courtesy NBS Commerical Interiors.
So, express yourself–artfully, naturally–by using a new or repurposed wall as your artist’s canvas.
Editor’s Note: Natural Home does not recommend, approve or endorse the products/services offered by companies guest bloggers review online. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.
