DESIGN & SHOPPING
1 SPRUCE UP YOUR INTERIOR IN AN ECO-FRIENDLY WAY.
Just take a glance at the rise in eco-friendly trends—from solar power to smart thermostats, reused building materials to rainwater harvesting—and the pattern is clear: Sustainable home design is becoming more prevalent. Local experts shared their insights, including practical ways to perk up your space while being kind to Mother Earth.
Choose plants that fit your lifestyle. Laura Dooley of LoKey Designs urges plant shoppers to think realistically about how much time they spend at home. “Folks who travel should choose low-maintenance plants, such as pothos or philodendron,” she says. “Those who are home more often want their plants to be useful and are requesting air-purifying plants.”
Opt for textured carpets in natural colors and fibers. “A lot of carpets are made with synthetic materials and treated with stain protectors that are inherently toxic and off-gas,” says healthy living blogger Angela Flotken with The Better Have. “Find rugs made with natural fibers in a neutral palette, like an untreated wool or sisal rug. You might have to pay a premium for these items, but your well-being and the environment are worth it.”
Decorate with a wall of plants. St. Louis–based Vertical Garden Supply (2641 LaSalle ) makes freestanding and wallmounted garden planter walls (dubbed “vardens”) for indoor and outdoor spaces. These walls freshen the air, are aesthetically pleasing, and even edible when herbs or vegetables are planted in them.
2 EXPLORE SOME NEW SHOPPING OPTIONS.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor apparel, jewelry, or a perfect gift, these new-to-St. Louis retailers are a great place to start.
Located in a 3,000-square-foot space on the second floor of Plaza Frontenac, this Austin-based retailer specializes in Western wear that won’t break the bank. The location
