After more than 20 years as an interior designer, Jan Robinson recently opened EcoHome Studio; a showroom featuring eco-friendly and affordable furniture and home decor for the public. Jan has joined us this month to tell us all about the products and services she offers, and the many options for “greening” your home interior.
SRG: What prompted you to create EcoHome Studio?
JR: I wanted to be able to offer my design clients an alternative to the same old mass produced, imported junk to furnish and decorate their homes with. My goal was to make available products that are eco-friendly, and if possible, US or Maine made.
SRG: What types of products do you offer at EcoHome Studio?
JR: Interior design services, custom window treatments,( made in Maine), Eco-friendly fruniture, lamps made in the US from recycled glass, tables made from reclaimed wood (some are made in Maine), original works of art from local artists, mirrors made with frames that are made from recycled materials, rugs made from recycled carpet, fabrics, soy candles made in Maine.
SRG: I noticed that you have a collection of furniture. How is this furniture different from what you’d find at other furniture stores?
JR: It is US made, some of it is made form recycled foam, some with 30% soy based foam. They all use water based glues, and there is no formaldehyde and sustainably harvested wood. Some of the fabrics are made from recycled materials. Conventional furniture often has particle board frames. Particle board contains formaldehyde and they also do not last as long as a hardwood frame, so they end up in landfills quicker.
SRG: How are other items found at EcoHome Studio different from other home décor items?
JR: They all have an “eco-story”…recycled, reclaimed and socially responsible. They are unique, and many are one-of-a-kind.
SRG: What do you think it’s important for our readers to know about choosing furniture and/or home products?
JR: What materials are used to produce the product? Where is it made? How is it made? Does the manufacturer employ sustainable practices in the manufacturing of the product? In the United States alone, home decorating waste accounts for almost 9 million tons of the trash landing in our landfill…in one year. Also most cushions are made from a petroleum byproduct. The cushions in our furniture are different; some are made from recycled foam, some have 30% soy-based foam,and the cushion backs are made from recycled plastics.
SERG: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
JR: If you check out the Resources page on my website (www.ecohomestudio.com) I am continually adding new resources and information related to all things eco-friendly.
