JACKSONVILLE, Florida – The top trends in home design are focused on using green or environmentally responsible products in both home and commercial environments, according to Jacksonville-based Sisler Johnston Interior Design.

“Manufacturers are making commitments to preserve the environment through forestry stewardship and recycling initiatives,” said Judith Sisler Johnston, president of Sisler Johnston Interior Design and ASID Allied Member. “Many have adopted green initiatives that support the research and development of products from renewable sources and use manufacturing processes that align with environmental concerns.”

Sisler Johnston supports green design and promotes the use of environmentally sustainable products in her work. She says flooring is one design area making significant advancements in green design.

Mohawk and DuPont have joined forces to produce carpet polymers made from corn, a renewable source. The technology reduces the need for petroleum-based nylon and delivers stain-resistant, durable and luxurious carpeting. The companies have also introduced carpeting made from recycled plastic beverage containers.

Mohawk also collects and recycles consumers’ carpeting fiber, backing and latex, recovering approximately 80 to 90 percent for re-use. The company produces re-usable carpeting cores made from recycled cardboard, which has saved approximately six million pounds of paper or about 8,000 trees. Mohawk processes more than 30 million pounds of recycled rubber, mostly from landfill tires, to make the backing for its welcome mats.

Mohawk’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The company received the 2007 U.S. General Services Administration Evergreen Award for Environmental Stewardship for the second time in four years.

Convenience, ease of care and its environmental sustainability continue to make tile flooring a popular choice in home design. Many homeowners are choosing tile in areas, including the living room and bedrooms, where carpeting was once the traditional choice. Ceramic tile, porcelain and natural stone are renewable alternatives. While all originate from the earth, each substance is different.

Ceramic tile is a mixture of clay and natural materials mined from the earth, then shaped, colored and fired. Porcelain is a form of ceramic tile comprised of finer quality clay and fired at higher temperatures, making it more consistent, stronger and moisture-resistant. Natural stone tile is quarried directly from the earth, then cut and finished.

Wood flooring is a warm and desirable flooring option continuing to grow in popularity among environmentally savvy buyers. Thanks to a global market, exotic and overlooked species are readily accessible and reclaimed wood brings new life to old materials. With a focus on environmental responsibility, many manufacturers of exotic, solid and engineered hardwoods are promoting the practice of sustainable forestry.

To ensure sustainability, the Brazilian Environmental and Renewable Resource Institute is managing the Amazon forests and issues only a limited number of permits for timber removal each year. Another green initiative is through well-managed forests, which provide assurances from third-party auditors that the timber is properly harvested while protecting wildlife and water quality.

Manufacturers have learned to preserve resources by offering thinner wood solids and eco-friendly engineered products that use less material in production. To reduce waste, leftover materials are engineered into parquet-style flooring and wall panels.

Natural cork is being offered in a variety of flooring options from engineered plank to parquet to contemporary patterning. It is considered a resilient wood product and is comfortable underfoot. Carefully harvested from tree bark, cork is naturally water and insect-repellent and will not mold or mildew.

Although the product is actually a grass, Bamboo is a relatively new wood flooring option. Bamboo offers the beauty of traditional hardwoods with the appeal of relaxed tropical living. Bamboo grain can be cut straight or perpendicular to achieve different designs and textures. Heating bamboo will change its color to brown or deep honey. It can be stained in earth tones or even colors like blue and green.

One of the newest eco-friendly flooring categories is laminate. Advancements in technology, styling and performance combined with increased use have elevated laminate into its own flooring category. Laminate can be manufactured to look like hardwood, tile or natural stone. Laminate “woods” are available in domestic and exotic species in plank or parquet styles. They have surface embellishments to make them look antiqued or oiled. To give laminates a stone or tile look, embossing techniques are used to design a ceramic and porcelain appearance.

Sisler Johnston believes environmental responsibility and sustainability is more than a passing trend. She believes green design is becoming a way of life.

“With the availability of more environmentally sustainable products, green design is getting easier,” Sisler Johnston said. “Manufacturers are offering more choices. Green products are readily available and widely used.”

Sisler Johnston Interior Design offers comprehensive interior design services for residential and commercial clients. The company designs private residences, builder model homes, community centers, hotel guest accommodations and office suites. Sisler Johnston Interior Design also provides marketable designs for senior lifestyle communities.

ASID Allied Member Judith Sisler Johnston and her team of licensed, talented designers help clients enhance their surroundings with designs that range from traditional elegance to classic contemporary style. Sisler Johnston is Jacksonville’s leading authority on designing spectacular spaces that are beautiful, functional and reflect her clients’ personalities and lifestyles.

ASID Allied Member Judith Sisler Johnston and her team of licensed, talented designers help clients enhance their surroundings with designs that range from traditional elegance to classic contemporary style. Sisler Johnston is Jacksonville’s leading authority on designing spectacular spaces that are beautiful, functional and reflect her clients’ personalities and lifestyles.

Sisler Johnston’s design work has been featured in numerous books, newspapers, magazines and television programs. Sisler Johnston Interior Design celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2004 and has been recognized with more than 100 industry awards.

For more information about Sisler Johnston Interior Design, call (904) 288-0908 or visit www.sislerjohnston.com.

Photography:

1. Riverwood Welcome Center – With a focus on environmental responsibility, Sisler Johnston Interior Design chose an engineered laminate flooring for Riverwood’s Welcome Center.
2. iverwood Bistro – Porcelain tile often has the appearance of natural stone, as seen in the café at Riverwood’s Welcome Center.
3. Sisler Port St. John Family Room – Convenience and environmental sustainability made tile a natural choice for Sisler Johnston Interior Design in Brylen’s Port St. John custom home.