Call it a response to the economy, or bandwagon environmentalism, but I found this tid-bit from Iconowatch interesting… as suburbanites downsize their homes, how can our clients respond to the new beauty found in smaller spaces?  House Beautiful’s July 2008 issue smartly devotes the entire issue to small spaces; gorgeously photographed spaces that could easily be considered a “dream home.” Definitely something to note and keep watch.

According to the editors at Big Backlash, ”the ‘burbs beginning to diet. A recent report by AIArchitect suggests that homeowners are feeling the ballooning weight gain of love-handle rooms and spare-tire spaces. In their Q1 2008 survey of residential architects, “more than twice as many respondents reported home size declines” (AIA.org 6.6.08). That’s the inverse of results from the 2006 report.

So why the architectural about-face? At Iconoculture, we’ve been citing the same reasons that AIA mentions: an economic downturn, population shifts and increased environmental awareness. A National Association of Home Builders survey recently found 60% of potential homebuyers would rather have a smaller house with more amenities than vice versa (Realtor.org 5.12.08). From sky-rocketing utility costs to the need for universal design, many are finding that a morbidly obese McMansion just isn’t sustainable.

The home goods marketplace is starting to respond. Mammoth furniture mainstreamer Pottery Barn is now shedding the pounds with its in-demand “Small Spaces” collection. We’re even seeing luxury kitchen appliance brands making smaller versions for grand-at-heart-but-not-in-size galleys.

As some American dream homes start to shrink and homeowners jump off the unsustainable-home treadmill, they’ll be looking for retailers and brands that promote a more (financially and environmentally) healthful way of living.”

So, I haven’t seen the movie- yet, anyways- but I came across this wonderful blog: elementstyle.blogspot.com. To my delight, up pops a break-down of how to get Carrie Bradshaw’s new, grown-up apartment, featured in this month’s issue of Traditional Home (above.)

Of course, C2 Paint’s “Stargazer” is the wall’s new paint color. Would Carrie settle for anything less than couture paint?

Check it out: http://elementstyle.blogspot.com/2008/06/note-sorry-this-is-so-late-blogger-has.html

Partnering with outdoor fabrics guru, Laurie Jenkins of Laurie Bell fabrics, Jason Champion debuts his new DECO collection, indoor-outdoor tables, planters and screens.  Mama Jenks collection, named after Laurie’s garndmother, was also as cute & delicious as the pecan pie she used to make. Congrats guys to a great ICFF. xx jill

Wow- this year’s Greenfest was really rockin’ the casbah this year.  My faves?  Colori eco-paint boutique, Allyu Spa’s on-site treatments, the fun group at Holy Cow! T-shirts, buying Simple shoe’s “Eco-Sneaks” and munching on everything from veggie dogs by The Field Roast Grain Meat Company and vegan cupcakes by Bleeding Heart bakery to the delicious frozen Acai sorbet, a crowd favorite by Sambazon- yummmmm!

I loved this booth pictured below, too: the question they ask is, “What can you do?” The basis is that no one can do everything, but we all can do something.  While “Act Now” may be a bit vague when denoted on a T-shirt, ”Shower Together” seemed a creative, concrete solution. :)

Happy Earth Day everyone!  Inspiring how much Earth Day has grown over the past few years. This year’s is especially near and dear, as it is the “official” launch of C2 Paint’s LoVo.  I celebrated by painting my office walls with C2 LoVo in “Variegated” over the weekend- a beautiful, light green-aqua color.  I am very novice painter so I can attest that this paint performs, even with only 1-2 coats. Its self-leveling qualities are simply wondrous.

Available in all of C2 Paint’s 496 colors, LoVo also has the ability to color-match. I just matched my doberman’s paw as well- look for pictures to come soon. LoVo really color matches even the most complex or full spectrum of colors, AND you can sample the product in cute little 16 oz. sample cans, shown above.  Being able to sample product may not seem like a new thing, but it most certainly is in the low-VOC paint world.  C2 does it right, once again: finally, a low-VOC paint that sacrifices nothing!

Bucktown color boutique Colori Chicago is proud to introduce “LoVo,” C2 Paint’s non-toxic, low-VOC paint, available in all of C2’s 496 handcrafted, luxurious colors, in every interior sheen. 

Come to the event tomorrow, April 22- EARTH DAY for LoVo treats and Qino Vodka & Lemongrass drinks, 312, organic food by Kitchen Witches and Rock Star Dogs and lovely eco-friendly home goods and Allyu spa discounts! Sponsored by Conscious Choice magazine.

Our mascot, the LoVo frog: