Bernhardt Furniture — Melissa Mathe Interior Design Blog — Melissa Mathe Interior Design
As an Interior Designer I have an opportunity to play a part in helping the environment by creating healthy, non-toxic spaces for clients that desire it. More and more people are becoming aware of these practices and demanding materials in their home or office that are environmentally friendly and good for the health of the people using the space. Not everyone may know what “Eco-friendly” or “Green” design is and how it can be achieved. Green or eco-friendly interior design focuses on the improvement of indoor air quality as well as reducing the impact that finishes and furnishings have on the environment. Here are some basics of what Mathe Design can offer in sourcing safe finishes, materials and furniture as well as tips to show benefits for greener living.
As a LEED Accredited designer, eco-friendly design practices are important and part of the Mathe Design philosophy. While working on a great number of green projects in Hospitality design, I’ve had the opportunity to have hands on experience in the high standards of sustainable design practices. While bringing these ideas into residential design is excitingly increasing it is a pleasure to share with my clients alternatives for healthy environmentally sound options.
PAINT
Choosing products with low to no VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) or chemicals that give off sometimes harmful gas into the air, is the basis to start from in improving indoor air quality. Select zero-VOC or low-VOC paints like Benjamin Moore’s Natura line which comes in many colors. This zero-VOC, zero-Emmisions low odor interior paint is an acrylic blended latex coating designed for application to a wide variety of surfaces with a durable, washable film. When this is being installed you won’t experience that “fresh paint” smell. This is a great product to use in children’s bedrooms and spaces – their systems can be more sensitive to harmful chemicals.
Mathe Design offers clients access to fabrics and custom upholstery made with organic materials, made in the USA. Using products that have recycled materials from a regional plant all play a role in making an environmental impact. Supporting local businesses by using local workrooms for custom drapery and upholstery will also continue to reduce our carbon footprint.
Companies like Lee Industries and Bernhardt Furniture are dedicated to using natural materials to upholster their products with. Standard upholstery goods are made with petroleum-based man made materials. Containing highly flammable ingredients and often treated with flame-retardant chemicals that have been linked to a wide range of health problems. By offering access to furniture companies that are dedicated to using natural materials like organic wool and natural latex clients can be set at ease that they are making a quality purchase and decision. Many environmental fabric and furniture companies include recycled materials from pre-consumer and post-consumer wastes in their eco-friendly practices.
Look for solid wood materials made with basic wood joinery that ensure a stronger bond and uses less adhesives. Avoiding furniture made with particle board or MDF held together with resins, glues and binders that often times contain formaldehyde which can cause allergic reactions and is known to cause cancer in animals. Investing in quality constructed furniture will in most cases create a longer lasting use life cycle, reducing the need to get rid of furniture more often. Choose woods for cabinetry, floors and furniture that are reclaimed, locally milled and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, meaning that they support responsible forestry practices to help protect forest ecosystems by harvesting sustainable wood.
“We want to go beyond simply complying with environmental legislation and regulations; we want to become leading supporters in our community and industry ~ Alex Bernhardt, Sr., Chairman and CEO, Bernhardt Furniture Company”
Select alternative choices such as natural fibers in wool, cotton, or jute over synthetics. Wool is naturally fire retardant and absorbs moisture as well as captures dust or pollen, reducing humidity and allergens in the air.
While synthetic rugs are quite often made from nylon, acetate, or polyester materials. Highly flammable man-made fibers are often treated with synthetic chemicals to reduce flammability, increasing the potency of toxic gasses releasing into the air of your home which may cause headaches, dizziness, or nausea.
1) Conserve water use by being observant of your daily water usage, opting for dual flush toilets and low-flow high efficiency aerator faucets. Like this Kraus CarboFlex™ Pull Down Kitchen Faucet which provides great design with California Green compliency.
2) Plants can improve air quality. In the 1980’s the NASA Clean Air Test showed that certain plants help filter harmful toxins and pollutants in space stations. We’ve shown three plant options from their list below; the boston fern, variegated snake plant and the peace lily. Plants are also a great way to add natural elements indoors to any design space.
3) Enhance your air handling efficiency by investing in a HVAC system that can sense when no one is home to conserve on heating and cooling costs. Using eco-friendly furnace filters that are made from environmentally responsible materials and have a MERN high rating level along with maximum airflow rating can help to minimize energy consumption while maintaining a high dust holding capacity.
4) As an added bonus, you may qualify for tax credits for your efforts to design with the environment in mind.
Mathe Design is dedicated to providing safe environments to clients. If you have any questions about how you can “Go Green” in your Interior Design spaces feel free to reach out through the mathedesign.com contact page.
Cheers,
Melissa Mathe
A well designed bedroom will allow you to get your best sleep… waking up refreshed and ready to take on the day. As a beloved sanctuary it deserves a fair share of attention to details to create a serene space. Thoughtful planning will provide not only a beautiful result but one that functions especially for you. In working with a designer it is helpful to talk about how you utilize your space. We’re sharing a few bedroom designs in this blog post to show how a design is pulled together for a client
In the first spacious master bedroom design Bernhardt furniture was selected for it’s timeless silhouette and impeccable crafted quality. The upholstered panel bed draws your eye in with it’s bold curved lines. Combining with it a more traditional dresser and a contemporary nightstand gives the master a feeling of grand updated sophistication. While selecting paint the tray ceiling was chosen in a complimentary paint color to the walls so to accent the architectural details. Custom draperies made with additional trim detailing were fabricated for those added designer touches our clients love.
A quiet sitting space was created as a separate area where the couple can retreat to unwind reading or talk about the day. Unique furniture pieces and lighting fill this area and reflect our clients personal style. Personalized touches such as monogrammed pillows give attention to special details that make a room feel more intimate.
We’ve included resources to share for the sourced furniture and fixtures selected on this residential project.
A second bedroom design is pulled together with an adapted theme to it in a subtle way. This particular residential project is located in a warm climate where the sky and sunset were drawn from as inspiration. The cool blue tones paired with warmer coral toned colors create the sense of sunny skies and soaring temperatures all around.
Soft blue walls painted in Benjamin Moore color Harbor Fog bring in the sky inspiration as a backdrop. The design board shows a custom covered upholstered headboard and bedding in a complimenting color palette. For additional interest the dresser selected has capiz shell covered drawer fronts to lend a nod to shell fish from the ocean. Flanking the headboard are two high gloss lacquered navy blue night stands with brass bamboo pulls for that added designer sophistication.
More resources to share with you here for sourced furniture and fixtures selected on this residential project.
Having a bedroom that is designed in a style all your own will help you to related to your space and feel comfortable in it from day-to-day… especially in moments of much needed unwinding.
Cheers!
Melissa Mathe
*Contact mathedesign.com for specialty pricing and all your Interior Design needs.
We’re taking a look back at 2018 and the many projects we’ve had the pleasure of working on with our wonderful clients. Just like each new year a new project has it’s hopes and expectations and most often times the finished result is even better than envisioned. We love talking with our clients about how they wish to use a new space and how they want it to feel. While each project has it’s new adventures and obstacles to overcome we cherish the laughs and victories along the way. Whether a client wants to show a more stylish side of themselves or simply have more functioning light and flow in their space. We guide them on a journey helping to make their interior design dreams and visions come true. Here’s a look inside the highlights of 2018
We started the year out showing design concepts to work on furnishing a new custom built home with large spaces to be filled. Beautifully coffered ceilings and a blank slate were outfitted with a light palette in mink and muted blue. The before and after of the entryway show it’s grand nature, with neutral tones and clean finishes to make an elegant statement.
As the construction was complete in the spring we were ready to start installing. In the dining room the accent color painted in the tray ceiling along with a paint-style patterned custom drapery fabric give the space an uplifted serenity.
This past spring the Mathe Design team attended High Point Market taking in new inspiring finds for the season. Connecting with other designers and meeting with our manufacturer reps to see more details about whats available to designers.
Spring Market is a highlight of the year as designers enjoy time amongst others in our industry… as you can see we have our fair share of fun there too. Shortly after spring market we wrapped up a kitchen remodel that had been in conception since the previous fall. This refreshed crisp classic kitchen is now equipped with brand new custom built cabinetry and an updated dining space.
Photography by Ansel Olson
Along with several client installs this year we have had a pretty large project that’s been underway since May 2018. This project is a home renovation that includes eighty percent of the home. A full master bathroom and master closet area renovation is a major part of the project. Most of the other rooms with exception to the kitchen have new lighting, furnishing and rugs. As we come to the completion of a few of these projects into 2019 we’ll get house tour images up to show you.
While we had been serving our clients Melissa Mathe Interior Design also entered into a presentation for a room design at the Richmond Symphony Orchestra League Designer House 2018. To our excitement we were selected to design a bedroom upstairs in the recently restored historical victorian mansion – Holly Lawn. This started the adventure of bringing together the classic contemporary black and white room design to show during the event. We were more then ecstatic to have the honor of working alongside other esteemed Virginia designers at this charitable event, a definite highlight of 2018.
We’re also excited to share the honorable mentions Melissa Mathe Interior Design humbly received in 2018 press with you.
a new face in the mathe design office
A warm thank you to our wonderful clients, vendors, reps, crew and design team for helping us to make 2018 a big success. Melissa Mathe Interior Design appreciates all of your support and warm friendships.
From our office to you have a safe and Happy Holiday – Cheers to 2019!
Melissa Mathe
*Contact mathedesign.com for all your Interior Design needs.
With the holidays right around the corner everyone will be gathering around to share special moments with family and friends. We couldn’t help but think it to be the perfect time to talk about great furniture in entertaining. Whether in the living room or dining room a stylish Bar Cabinet can certainly up your cocktail game.
Bar Cabinets are an elegant way to serve your guests. They also free up kitchen space and help provide added storage.
You will find there are quite an array of designs, shapes and finishes available in the marketplace. While shopping for your Bar Cabinet furniture keep in mind what your particular needs are. Whether it’s added glass storage, bottle storage or utensil space — there are cabinets with all the bells and whistles including pull out shelves and lighting to suit your fancy.
With all the excitement around the cocktail hour we’re sharing a few go-to aperitifs for your holiday entertaining!