Energy of the City

 

When shopping for your home, remember this: Embracing a green, more sustainable lifestyle doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to items that are attractive and affordable. Three shops in the Washington, D.C., area—Well Built, Take Home a Park and West Elm—offer a wide range of sustainable furnishings and design ideas no matter what your budget is. Their shelves are stocked with items that marry comfort, usefulness and thoughtful design with sustainability and efficiency.

Eco-function

Ann Blackwell, the founder of Well Built, has been the voice of integrating design and eco-responsible practices for more than 25 years. Focused on products that combine efficiency, sustainability and functional design, Well Built offers a great array of ideas for every room in the home or office. Whether you’re looking to furnish a large space or a small area, the products that characterize the Well Built brand encourage use, movement and sustainability. From storage solutions and workspace ideas, to living room furniture and dining tables, Well Built’s impeccably designed and constructed products embody the store’s commitment to functional, eco-friendly design.

Greening the Garden

Take Home a Park, located in northwest D.C., is a by appointment only shop for urban gardeners, offering a wide assortment of garden containers, plants and outdoor furniture. “Being eco-friendly is something that has to be done all the time,” said Anna Esser, landscape designer for TLG Design, Take Home a Park’s sister company. “Not only are people looking to go green with gardening and landscaping, but they are also looking to use more recycled materials and conserve water.” Many homeowners are changing their priorities; instead of having the best-looking lawn on the block, a growing number of individuals are more concerned about function and the carbon footprint they are leaving behind. Not sure where to begin your landscaping project or need help with gardening ideas and suggestions? Ask Take Home a Park about their “plant packages,” an easy way to get started.

Inspired Ideas

Full of big ideas for small spaces, West Elm, located in Tyson’s Corner and now Georgetown, boasts an extensive inventory of 100 percent-green items designed to meet the specific demands of modern living. Bedroom furniture, modular seating and unique storage pieces prioritize function, as does the wide selection of outdoor furniture for deck, pool or patio. West Elm continues to develop new products that are affordable, efficient and visually appealing.

With an abundance of inspirational ideas and resources to get you started, it’s never been easier to spruce up your living space, both inside and out. If you’re committed to a greener lifestyle, some creative thinking is all you need to maintain it. Sustainable doesn’t have to be complicated. It can even be fun!

RESOURCES

Take Home a Park
7059 Blair Road, NW, Washington, DC
301-270-2229

Well Built
1541 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC
202-299-0597

West Elm
7866 L. Tysons Corner Center, McLean, VA 22102
571-633-0227

3333 M St., NW
Washington, DC 20007