This client came to us with a unique challenge: create a modern design that matches her fun and funky personality but to make it as "green" and chemical free as possible. We rose to the challenge, researching the best options for sustainable, green and chemical free furnishings. The upholstery pieces are made from sustainable and chemical free materials, the dining table is made of sustainable wood with a chemical free finish. The rugs are from a fair-trade company that supports education for women in India. The client had hired a Feng Shui expert to provide her with a report which we used to design the space. The wallpaper behind the living room sofa is custom designed and custom-made. It is a map made up of hundred of small photos that the homeowner provided to us. It represents the area in her home that will bring travel and connect her to the people she loves. The large, colorful art piece in the dining area is hung in the area of the home that will bring joy around family and children. The hearts and pink/red colored wallpaper in the den will evoke love and relationships. The client has a colorful, fun personality and we wanted to infuse the design with it. A white backdrop allows all of the pinks, reds, navy blues and turquoises to pop, creating a lively, modern feeling. The textures in the floor and wall coverings and in the fabrics create a lived in, collected feeling and add a touch of bohemian chic style. The new modern cable and walnut stair banister is in keeping with the original modern feel of the row house and keeps the narrow staircase from feeling tight and closed in. This was a fun, creative and unique project for us. This particular client was one of Olamar's first clients eight years ago when we first opened our doors. At that time the house was nothing but a condemned shell that the client renovated, with our assistance. At that time we designed the kitchen, which is still in excellent condition and still looks amazing! Photographer: Greg Tinius

Photo of a mid-sized traditional full sun side yard mulch driveway in DC Metro for summer.

Advanced Grass artificial turf products give our clients a gorgeous natural-looking lawn without the work, chemicals, and constant watering. The color, texture and even the coarseness of the blade are inspired by nature.

Savvy Rest Serenity mattress is featured in this photo. 100% natural Talalay and Dunlop latex comprise the contents of the mattress. Free of harmful chemicals and off gassing, the Savvy Rest mattress is one of the cleanest and most comfortable bed settings offered in the marketplace today.

One consideration, of course, is avoiding toxic chemicals in your plant care. “Earth-friendly lawn and plant care is very possible,” says Dave Stockwell of Deck and Ptio. “It not necessary to go for a fast kill of plant disease and pests. Besides, you might also hurt helpful organisms in the process. Not to mention that toxic chemicals in large amounts are also dangerous to pets and children. A more organic approach is a much healthier way to control them — and protect butterflies and other pollinators in the process while you’re at it.”

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional partial sun backyard concrete paver formal garden in DC Metro for spring.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard mulch driveway in DC Metro for summer.

Ethan Drinker
Mid-sized trendy green two-story concrete fiberboard gable roof photo in Boston

Long Island Hot Tub built the new deck, and the pergola for the hot tub, in the first of three phases for this outdoor retreat. Hot tub is positioned so users as can enjoy the spectacular surrounding water features, as well as the fireplace. www.longislandhottub.com

Savvy Rest Serenity mattress is featured in this photo. 100% natural Talalay and Dunlop latex comprise the contents of the mattress. Free of harmful chemicals and off gassing, the Savvy Rest mattress is one of the cleanest and most comfortable bed settings offered in the marketplace today.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard mulch driveway in DC Metro for summer.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard mulch driveway in DC Metro for summer.

An automatic Coverstar safety pool cover creates a barrier to protect children and pets, keeps out dirt/debris and lowers operating and chemical expenses.

This client loves color, and insisted on organic cotton, organic latex foam, and sustainably harvested, kiln dried hardwoods in her furniture. photo- Michele Lee Willson

River Rock Shower with Glass Door and Brushed Stainless Fixtures
Elegant brown tile and stone tile alcove shower photo in Atlanta with beige walls and a hinged shower door

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional full sun side yard mulch driveway in DC Metro for summer.

Kitchen in Great Room with Island, low VOC paint finish Caesarstone counter top; photo: Roberta Hall
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo of a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard mulch driveway in DC Metro for summer.