3
DON'T IGNORE THE WALLS Instead of just painting
them and leaving it at that, Beth gave the walls more
interest with plaster made from clay and natural pigments.
It cost about the same as wallpaper to install. “I love the
texture,” Beth says. “It’s like a living wall.” Plus, the plaster
produces negative ions that repel dust and pollen for
cleaner indoor air. American Clay Plaster, americanclay.com
4
BUY LOCALLY The reclaimed wood floor Beth
dreamed of was too pricey, but U.S.-grown cherry
had the right look and pedigree—it was certified harvested
in an Earth-friendly way. Plus it had lower transportation
costs and a lighter carbon footprint than more exotic
rainforest woods. Chatham HillCherry floor, mullicanflooring.com
5
PICK THE RIGHT PAINT Air quality is important to
Brian, who was a spokesperson on the topic for his
state. So the built-ins got a paint with zero VOCs (volatile
organic compounds, chemicals that give paint an odor and
can contribute to poor indoor air quality). The FreshAire
Choice Paint, homedepot.com
94
NOVEMBER
2009 BETTER HOMES AND
GARDENS
indoors
liv
in
.
g
.
green
