For many people, time spent in a home library is just as relaxing as a day at the spa. In your private library space, you can curl up with a cup of coffee, a cozy blanket and a good book to get lost in. Modernize and revamp your home library with any of these design ideas:

Warm materials
Balance out the cool, contemporary vibe of your library by using a warm and inviting material like bamboo. Bamboo lumber can be used to construct anything from bookshelves to tables and chairs. The minimalist qualities of this fast-growing grass make it the perfect fit for a modern design style. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers bamboo lumber in light and dark colors as well as a combination of the two for a unique look to your home library.

Plenty of windows
Natural light is essential not only to highlight the design of your library, but to make all the books easy to read. Having only interior lighting can create shadows and put a strain on your eyes when you’re reading. A skylight is a great option for a home library because it creates a private sanctuary that’s bathed in plenty of light during the day.

Track lighting
Make it easy to read the titles on the spine of each book with track lighting at the top of your bookshelves. Choose pendants for your lighting that match your home’s modern style.

Fresh color
While modern interior design often calls for a subdued color palette of various neutrals, using accents of fresh color throughout your home library is a must. It livens up the space without overwhelming the other hues in the room. Including color in your library can be subtle – paint the inside of your bookshelves with a bold shade, put down a colorful rug or paint an accent wall using a vibrant hue.

Color gradient
One aesthetically pleasing way to organize your large collection of books is to arrange them by color. This effortless method creates a rainbow of various hues throughout your library for a stunningly beautiful focal point.

Fireplace
There’s nothing cozier than curling up by a warm fire while reading. A fireplace is a great focal point for a home library and can be surrounded with walls of books for a lavish and snug reading area.

Modern displays
Floor-to-ceiling bookcases are always beautiful, but for a fresh, modern take on your book display, consider grouping wall-mount ledges together and painting them the same color as the wall to create a seemingly large and spacious room.

Believe it or not, your surroundings can have an impact on your state of mind. Some designs can actually encourage productivity, concentration and even creativity. Think about the spaces in your office or home, like a garage, an art studio or a kitchen. Are these areas inspiring to work in? If not, you can alter your interior design to encourage flexible thinking.

High ceilings
High ceilings can actually encourage critical thinking and creative thought, but if your office or home art studio has low ceilings, there are a few things you can do to give the appearance of high ceilings.

Opt for low furniture: Choose furniture that is low to the ground to alter the perceived height of your ceilings.

Use vertical stripes: Bring some life to your walls by painting vertical stripes – the pattern gives the illusion of height, making a room look taller.

Fill wall space: Use vertical displays like open shelving to draw the eye up.

Bring in nature
Nature has the ability to instantly create a tranquil, inviting and relaxing environment. Such a laid-back ambiance can spur creative thinking. Look to materials and colors found in nature to decorate your space. For instance, bamboo flooring and paneling are two great options for implementing this fast-growing and versatile material into your home. Bamboo is also eco-friendly and is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are often found in traditional building materials.

Nature’s color palette of rustic oranges and subdued blues can be great for a working environment. For instance, orange stimulates mental activity by revitalizing a room, while pale blues can increase productivity and creative thinking.

Positive environment
Part of sparking creativity means being able to relax and have fun. Your surroundings should evoke positivity, whether through a picture of family and friends or a comfortable chair you love to unwind in. Having a serene retreat in your work space is essential for getting your creative juices flowing. Even allowing a pet in an office, art studio or garage can ease tension and instantly brighten up a dull environment.

Part of creating a relaxing and productive ambiance means creating zones. This way, you have a designated area in the room where you can really hunker down and concentrate on work, and another area where you can unwind and let your mind wander.

Fill it with inspiring images
Constantly remind yourself exactly what you’re working toward by putting up images of goals you’re trying to accomplish. In an art studio, use your own drawings or paintings for inspiration!

It may not be summer quite yet, but the season is fast approaching. Summer is filled with warm rays of sun shining down on vibrant green grasses and boldly colored blooms sprouting from the ground. There is just something so likeable about this time of year – there is a relaxing and easygoing vibe that’s always in the air. Bring this casual ambiance into your home for a warm and inviting space. Here are a few simple summer decorating tips to consider:

Brighten up with pillows
Pillows not only offer you and your house guests comfort, they are versatile and can easily be switched out to fit the feel of the season. Go through each room in your home and swap your current pillows with ones that brighten up the space. It could be a vibrant floral pattern or a bold hue like sunny yellow. If your new pillows don’t match the hue of your couch, simply look for a slipcover that you can use for the duration of the summer season.

Install bamboo flooring
Despite the modern aesthetic of bamboo flooring, there is just something so pleasant and warm about the look of this material. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers bamboo flooring in a variety of light and dark colors to match your home’s style. This eco-friendly material goes well in any room of your home, and while it has a look similar to hardwood, bamboo is actually more durable.

Sheer curtains
It’s normal to have heavy, dark curtains in your home during winter because they can help insulate your windows and they match that cool winter vibe. But you don’t need those heavy drapes once the weather starts to warm up. Fill your home with the sun’s warm rays and open up outdoor views by putting up sheer curtains.

Bring flowers in
Flowers brighten up your backyard with freshness and color, so why not bring them inside as well? Blooms are the perfect summer centerpiece for your kitchen table or coffee table and can help tie the room together with color and texture.

Hang stringed lights
You’ll probably be spending a lot more time outside on your patio during the summer so, you should have an adequate light source on your deck for when the sun goes down. Stringed lights are a beautiful option for your patio – they give off a subtle glow for when the sun dips below the skyline on those beautiful summer nights.

One of the most basic interior design principles is rhythm. Much like music, any space that you design must have balance and an appropriate flow, no matter the style. Rhythm can be described as a regular or repeated movement or sound. When it comes to interior design, rhythm refers to repetition throughout a space. Repetition is important for a number of reasons – it helps define a specific style and creates a necessary flow, gently guiding the eye from one end of the room to the other. You can achieve repetition in a space using anything from colors or lines to textures and patterns. Here are a few ways to have consistency in any home, office or business:
Pick a pattern
Love florals? Then why not use them throughout a space? Don’t worry about the pattern being too overwhelming – as long as you create a balance using floral prints and solids, you can achieve an appropriate rhythm. Lay down a flowery area rug and pair it with the same pattern curtains, chair cushions or wall art.
Repeat a material
There are plenty of subtle ways to introduce repetition into your space. Take bamboo for example – this material is not only eco-friendly, it’s extremely versatile. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong can help you find the perfect shade and texture for your home using flooring, bamboo panels, lumber and more. Fill your room with caramel-colored bamboo floors and use the material throughout the rest of the room using trim, panels, tables or countertops. Bamboo is a great way to modernize any space and bring a warm and welcoming feeling.
Select a shape
Repetition can be as simple and subtle as you would like. Simply pick a shape that you can implement into your interior design. Choose a window design complete with diamond shapes, use the shape in your tile floors, or use it on curtains, rugs, lamp shades, wallpaper and stencils. This straightforward and simple shape can really dress up a home, office or business in a clean and modern way.
Use architectural lines
Architecture plays a big role in repetition – just look at modern interior design. The style consistently uses clean, sharp lines and edges in everything, whether it’s ceiling beams, coffee tables, wall scones or open shelving. This uncomplicated idea brilliantly creates a transitional flow throughout any space. The idea is perfect for offices that need to achieve a subtle design that’s still big on style.

In order to really help your home stand out from other dwellings, it’s important to step out of your comfort zone every once in a while. Taking a risk in interior design by utilizing creative approaches can leave you with an inspiring and striking design. Here are a few ways to think outside of the box when it comes to your home’s style:
Hanging swing chairs
It’s no secret that chairs normally sit on the ground. But what about hanging a swing chair from the ceiling instead? It’s a modern and playful way to offer seating, whether it’s in your living room, sunroom or bedroom.
Ceiling decor
Not many people think of the ceiling when it comes to decorating, but this area of a room is often underutilized. Apply a coat of bold-colored paint to draw the eye up and help pull the color scheme in the room together. A gold ceiling, for instance, can provide an accent of glamour and sophistication. You can also consider wallpaper and stencils to provide a custom look to any room in your home. Bamboo lumber is great for exposed modern ceiling beams, which can emphasize architectural details, bring warmth to a room and create a beautiful focal point on your ceiling. Highlight the bamboo with recessed track lighting and create repetition throughout the rest of the room with bamboo flooring or panels.
The same goes for your floors. Nobody ever thinks to wallpaper or paint the floors, well, because they’re not walls. But you can add visual interest by painting a pattern of thick stripes of a stained floor to really pull the whole room together in a dramatic way.
Glam up unexpected areas
In a formal dining room, a sparkling chandelier hanging from the ceiling might be expected. But in a rustic, country bathroom, a glamorous chandelier above your freestanding tub would certainly be unforseen. You don’t always have to combine luxury with luxury – try blending a number of different styles, like modern with traditional and industrial with rustic.
Use unpredictable items
You can fill your home with appealing and unique decor simply by using unpredictable items in each room. For example, instead of the traditional wood railing lining your stairway, try using nautical rope for a beachy, seaside feel. And in your living room, replace your TV stand with an easel to help open up wall space and provide an artsy aesthetic. One homeowner even used her chandelier in her living room to hold onto notes, directions, sketches and lists.

Coffee tables are a must-have for any room – they create a focal point, contribute style and provide necessary storage space for items like magazines, books and TV remotes. However, your coffee table doesn’t have to be made from a traditional slab of wood. Achieve a modern design in your home with any of these unique coffee table ideas:

Surfboard
Give your beach house a burst of modern color by repurposing a surfboard into a coffee table. It gives any room a relaxed feel and contributes to an island aesthetic. It’s also a fun way to add character into the space and really make it your own.

Bamboo
Show off your architectural style with a coffee table constructed using bamboo lumber. This material is eco-friendly and extremely durable. Plus, its rich color makes it perfect for a contemporary space and it blends well with a number of other hues. Opt for a glass surface above the bamboo structure to keep the focus on the architectural details of the fast-growing material.

Trunk
Have an old trunk lying around the house? Consider bringing it in your living room to provide plenty of storage space and a beautiful focal point for the room. If your trunk has a vintage design, but you have a modern living room, you can refinish the piece and paint it a solid white color for a refreshing take.

Bench
If the layout of your living room allows, you can use bench seating in place of a traditional coffee table. It can be used to put items on display, and when you have company over, it can be cleared to provide extra seating space.

Cubes
Cubes, otherwise known as poufs, are very useful for your living room. They’re similar to ottomans because they’re cozy, but they’re also great for providing hidden storage. Place a tray atop the soft surface to hold coffee table items like vases of flowers, books or TV remotes.

Wine crate
Add some country elegance to your modern living room by using a wine crate, or multiple wine crates as a coffee table. Give it a glossy finish to match the contemporary aesthetic in your home. A wine crate can also work as the base of your coffee table – simply place a framed mirror on top to reflect light and provide a glamorous spot to display a collection of candles, magazines or books.

From bamboo flooring and wall panels to open shelving and wall art, there are always lots of elements to highlight in a room to really bring out the style of the space. Proper lighting is essential to not only provide sufficient illumination, but to set a mood and draw attention to decor and architectural pieces. Never overlook the importance of lighting in any space, whether it’s a tech startup office, a yoga studio, a home or a restaurant. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you get it right:

Know the different types of lighting
Combining different types of lighting throughout a space can help to create the perfect glow to highlight various decor items.

Ambient: This type of lighting is also known as general lighting and casts a comfortable brightness throughout the entire room. This is the primary light source in a space.

Task: You’ll use task lighting for specific functions. For instance, you might install track lighting under your cabinets to make it easier to prepare food. Task lighting is also perfect for reading nooks and grooming areas in a bathroom.

Accent: You have accent lighting as well, which can produce a decorative and artistic effect. You can use this type of lighting to highlight your bamboo wall panels or any paintings or sculptures in a space. Whatever you would like to be the focal point in a space, use accent lighting to draw attention to the object.

Natural: Natural light is of course the light that streams in from windows or skylights. But this type of illumination can also include candlelight and firelight. The location of your windows can have an impact on the overall mood of the room. For instance, a west-facing room often receives strong, warm light in the evening, which produces an orange glow. But an east-facing room gets brighter light in the morning, producing a white shade.

Blend with decor
There are so many different styles of light fixtures from which to choose. You’ll always want to make sure the fixture you select complements the decor throughout the space. For instance, if you have a modern office complete with bamboo flooring, contemporary furniture and a subdued color palette, you hang industrial pendants from the ceiling or attach sleek and modern wall sconces to contribute to the contemporary design style.

Use enough light
Some rooms only have an overhead lighting source that doesn’t give off enough light and often creates shadows in certain areas of the room, making it difficult to see. Make sure that whatever space you’re renovating, you opt for at least three to five different light sources to create layers of illumination that properly show off architecture and interior design.

Thanks to hidden chemicals, bacteria, allergens and toxins hiding in homes, offices, gyms and other areas, the interior of spaces can have a big impact on your health. This is why it’s important to have health and well-being in mind when restructuring your interior design. Certain materials can help ward off unwanted elements for a much more hygienic space.
Opt for bamboo
Wood is no longer the only top contender when it comes to flooring, paneling and other architectural structures in homes, businesses and offices. Bamboo is a much more eco-friendly option – the grass is rapidly renewable and is able to grow much faster than traditional hardwood forests. Bamboo is also hypoallergenic, which makes it a no brainer to install in places like homes, schools, offices and places of business. The material is just as durable as hardwood and gives the same warm and inviting feel to any room.
Paint without VOCs
Before you purchase that can of paint, check to see if it’s free of or low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This is an odorless gas emitted from paints, cleaning supplies, building materials, furnishings and other common household items. VOCs have been linked with skin and eye irritation along with kidney and lung damage, according to the American Lung Association.
Use copper
Not sure what finish to choose for your bathroom or kitchen sinks? You may want to put copper at the top of your list because of its versatility, beauty and health-conscious properties. The material is packed with antimicrobial properties that helps fight off bacteria. Copper blends well with both modern and rustic interior designs, so it should be easy to fit into any bathroom or kitchen design.
Choose FSC®-certified furnishings
When selecting furnishings for your space, check to see if what you’re purchasing has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. This ensures that the product meets certain environmental standards that protect forests all over the world. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers beautiful and architecturally sound bamboo flooring, paneling and lumber that has been certified by the FSC® to ensure your home or place of business is on its way to being eco-friendly.
Use an air filtration system
When the weather allows, opening the windows can help filter in fresh air. However, an air filtration system can help remove particles that you can’t see, like dust, pet dander, pollen and chemical gases that could be hazardous to your health.

Throughout 2014, interior designers are implementing more flex rooms into areas of the home. A flex room is essentially a space that can be used for a number of functions. One month it could be used as an entryway, and the next, it could be transformed into an elegant dining hall.
The purpose of flex rooms
Flex rooms are being implemented into homes for their versatility and for their convenience to the baby boomer generation. This demographic is going to experience changing needs as they continue to age, and having the ability to alter a room based on those needs is essential. Having a room that changes with them is a convenience that not many have experienced before.
Flex rooms may also appeal to families with young children. For the first few years of their little one’s life, it could be used as a nursery, and as they grow, it can transform into a bedroom and then maybe a home office when they go away to college.
Overall, these rooms provide homeowners with choice and flexibility. The room can always change as a family grows.
Designing a flex room
Flex rooms are great for condos and townhomes because these buildings are often short on space. For instance, interior designer Stephanie Brown turned a flex room into a proper dining room for one of her clients. She added white built-in cabinets on top of a banquet, which provided extra storage space.
Furniture should be functional
Furniture should always serve multiple uses in a flex room, because you want to get as much out of the space as you can. For instance, an ottoman could have storage space inside of it, or a daybed can double as a place for guests to sleep at night and a lounging area during the day.
Choose versatile materials
Bamboo flooring is perfect for flex rooms because the material can be used to fit a number of design styles and functions. The warm, rich tones would work perfectly in a laundry room, provide a modern elegance to a dining room or could mesh well with rustic design in a cozy country bedroom. You can always add area rugs over the flooring to add warmth to the space.
Maximize natural light
Always take advantage of natural light, which can help a room feel more spacious. Use monochromatic color schemes and mirrors throughout the space that can help bounce that light around into even the darkest corners of the room.
Enlist an interior designer
If you’re really stuck as to how to go about designing your flex room, you can always ask an expert for help. They can help you tackle the design from a professional standpoint while keeping your needs in mind.

Your basement is the perfect area in the home to gather with family, entertain and just lounge around. But if the space is filled with lots of clutter, the basement can’t be properly enjoyed. Here are a few unique storage solutions that will help you clear away the mess:
Under-stair cabinets
Use your basement’s lower staircase wall as a display/storage area with built-in cabinets slanting downward alongside the stairs for a unique look. This storage method not only gives you plenty of room to store your things, it doesn’t take up any floor space by taking advantage of the staircase. Use the same stain and color on your shelving that’s on your stairs to help everything blend together.
Open shelving
If you have lots of books to put on display but not enough space to store them, fill the walls of your basement with open shelving. This makes everything easy to find and showcases books in a visually pleasing manner. Instead of using traditional wood for your shelving, opt for bamboo lumber instead. It’s a much more durable material, not to mention that it’s eco-friendly and available in just as many shades and textures. Bamboo lumber will be able to withstand heavy books stay looking as good as new for years.
Entertainment center
Surround your basement’s TV with an entertainment center. This creates a focal point around the television and allows for plenty of room to store basement essentials such as books, movies, remote controls, pictures and other decor. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers bamboo lumber that would be perfect for the job. The Neopolitan finish combines both light and dark bamboo for a striking addition to your entertainment center.
Clear plastic bins
Fill clear plastic bins with your children’s toys so that your little one can easily identify what toys are in which container. This type of storage is always preferred over cardboard boxes, which can become damp in the basement and attract mold and rodents. Store the bins under the stairs or in a nearby closet to keep them out of the common area.
Bar cart
Don’t have room for a full wet bar but need space to store your wine and spirits? All you need is a small bar cart. Tuck it in a corner against the wall – it won’t take up much floor space, but it will put your favorite glassware on display, along with other entertainment essentials like coasters, shot glasses, cocktail recipe books and more.

You may want to think about swapping traditional architectural-grade wood for bamboo lumber. Not only does bamboo offer a much more striking design, its durability and versatility simply cannot be beat. And if that’s not enough reason to implement bamboo lumber into your home, office or business, the material is also eco-friendly. While hardwood takes anywhere from 30 to 50 years to mature, bamboo grows to its full potential within just three to five years. Bamboo also produces more oxygen per square foot than many other common tree varieties.

San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers an outstanding line of dimensional bamboo lumber. It’s available in a number of tones and textures to blend beautifully with any decor you have in your space. The dimensional lumber was also recently featured in ARCHITECT magazine for its mix of dark and light hues, which produces a natural and unique design aesthetic. You can incorporate this environmentally friendly material into virtually any space, such as these:

Home
Take advantage of the extreme durability of bamboo lumber by using the material for your bed frame. It will be easy to match your room’s style because you have a variety of light and dark options from which to choose. You can be sure that the material will last for years, and it requires little maintenance to keep it looking as good as new.

Office
The conference room is an often visited room for employees, so it’s important to have a sturdy conference table that will be able to stand up to frequent use. Consider using bamboo lumber for this table. The sleek finish is the perfect fit for a professional environment and will help create a great impression for the company’s external image.

Retail store
The displays in retail stores have a big impact on the customer. The shelving holding the merchandise must be visually pleasing, but shouldn’t take away from the products. Bamboo lumber shelving is perfect for any retail store because of its durability and ability to blend into a wide variety of interior design styles.

Library
Sturdy tables are essential for libraries – people are always hunched over them reading, studying or doing homework. This furniture experiences daily wear and tear, which is why it’s important that they be able to withstand frequent use. Bamboo lumber’s incredible strength is what makes it perfect for the job. The natural wood-colored finishes available make the tables easy to blend into a library.

Kitchen trends are constantly changing, and the year 2014 is all about innovative surfaces and materials that are stylish and work with your lifestyle. Ensure that your kitchen is up to date on all the latest and greatest trends by implementing these design ideas:
Eco-friendly lighting
Being eco-friendly in the kitchen doesn’t just mean conserving water and recycling. You can help out the earth with the lighting you have installed. Whether your kitchen is filled with pendants, under-cabinet lights, track lighting or accent lighting, always be sure to use energy-efficient LED lights. You can even consider using LED lighting inside of cabinets to brighten up dark areas and help you find kitchen tools fast.
Decorative tile
Create a colorful and decorative focal point in your kitchen with an ornately designed backsplash. This popular kitchen feature will help wow your guests and incorporate the perfect accent of color. There are a number of patterns and designs from which you can choose – opt for an intricately designed Mediterranean pattern or go with simple strips of glass tile. Backsplashes that are heavy in details go well in traditional kitchens, while more simple designs lend themselves to a more modern or contemporary kitchen. The rest of your kitchen design should be kept minimalistic to really help put a focus on the backsplash.
Natural wall materials
Instead of painting your kitchen walls, consider implementing natural materials such as exposed brick, stone, wood or bamboo panels. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers three different lines of bamboo paneling – all with warm, rich tones and intricate patterns. Their Linear Line reflects the texture of a woven textile for a great accent to a modern kitchen. Highlight the design on your panels with pendants or track lighting.
Black countertops
Create a sleek, sophisticated look in your kitchen by installing black countertops. Granite or quartz are both timeless options and would contrast beautifully with a cool white interior as well as other bright hues like blues, corals and reds. Choose between a glossy or matte finish, depending on the overall design aesthetic of the space.
Copper
Copper is making it big in 2014 when it comes to kitchen design. This warm metal is being used for kitchen hoods, accessories, utensils and more. When designing with copper, stick to a monochromatic color palette to create a cohesive look. You can pair copper with similarly hued bamboo floors, chairs, countertops and panels.

Spring is the time for renewal and freshness, so what better time to revamp your home? Prep your dwelling for a new season and give it a unique and memorable look with any of these chic and modern upgrades:

Implement gold kitchen and bath fixtures
Gold can help promote elegance and modern design. Swap out the traditional stainless steel faucets and fixtures with gold-toned finishes. Gold can be combined with a number of design elements and creates a dramatic contrast in both your bathroom and kitchen. Combine your gold faucets with striking blue cabinets or keep things neutral with white cabinets and stone flooring.

Install bamboo floors
There’s no better way to bring a modern warmth to your home than with bamboo flooring. Choose between a variety of hues to find the perfect color to blend with the rest of your home’s design. An entryway with rich dark bamboo flooring can give off a sophisticated impression. You can implement the material into your kitchen to create a contemporary, cozy feel. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers a number of different textures and colors of bamboo flooring, making it easy to find the one that’s meant to be in your home. Don’t be afraid to use different color flooring in various rooms. For instance, use Brushed Barnwood in your entryway, and for your bathroom, create a light and airy feel with Brushed Pearl floors.

Introduce bright accents
Modern homes often follow a neutral color palette with splashes of color here and there. Give your home some personality by choosing a color and implementing it into the space. Coral, turquoise and yellow are all great hues for a modern home and can be introduced using pillows, tablecloths, dinnerware, bedding, artwork and more. Just make sure the colors are well balanced throughout the room and don’t take over your neutral palette.

Use large-scale prints
Create a striking focal point in any room of your home using large-scale prints. For instance, a comfortable chair with a geometric pattern would be a great addition to your entryway. You can also choose a print to use for your bedding, which helps create a focal point in your bedroom. Dress up a couch in your living room by draping a throw blanket with a large, fun print over the back.

Paint the baseboards
One easy way to upgrade any room in your house is to paint your baseboards the same color of your walls. Doing so creates a uniform, modern look that takes any room from traditional to contemporary.

Eco-friendly interior office building design is becoming more and more important for conserving water, energy and materials. According to the Western North Carolina Green Building Council, in the United States, buildings account for 68 percent of total electricity consumption, 30 percent of landfill waste and 39 percent of total energy use.
Going green is simple
Some building owners may shy away from adhering to sustainable practices because they’re under the impression that those changes are costly or take too much time to implement. However, going green in office buildings can actually save money in the long run. By implementing just a few simple changes, you can improve indoor air quality, reduce operating costs and enhance employee health. Swap out your current floors with bamboo flooring and create stylish walls with eco-friendly bamboo paneling made of recycled paper. Fill the space with greenery.
Plants are a simple and stylish way to boost the appearance of an office while helping out the environment at the same time. Certain plants and flowers can actually help produce cleaner indoor air by removing chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene. Here are a few ways to decorate your office space while promoting sustainability:
Make a statement
In the reception area of your office, set the tone for your modern or industrial space with a dracaena plant – it’s known for its dramatic foliage and can tolerate an environment with low light and humidity.
Group together succulents
Fill open shelving with mini cacti and succulents for an intriguing and visually pleasing office display. Choose from a number of varieties like jade, aloe, rattail cactus and echeveria. Be sure to place them next to a window – they require direct sunlight, but don’t need to be watered very often. Look for pots in a variety of colors and textures to produce a striking statement.
Fill an empty corner
Give life to a vacant corner of the office by filling it with a small fiddle-leaf fig tree. This plant variety is perfect for a dark corner because it should be kept away from bright light. Keep it looking green and healthy by watering it regularly.
Try a beachy style
Freshen up your office by adding a dose of tropical style with Boston ferns. Place the plant near a windowsill to give it plenty of sun so that it continues to bring splashes of vibrant green into your office space.

Incorporating a coastal, beachy feel in the home is a top choice among many homeowners because of the relaxing, serene vibe that it produces. The colors associated with the sea like cool blues and greens are commonly incorporated into the interior design of a coastal home. Even if you don’t live by the water, you can inject this gorgeous style into your dwelling using the right essentials:
Bamboo panels
San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong has a line of bamboo panels known as Plyboo Sound. These would be perfect if you’re after a serene, beach-like feel in your home because the panels work to eliminate ambient noise. Thanks to sound dampening QuietWall technology, you can easily achieve a relaxing and noise-free environment in your home. These panels are available in a number of neutral hues complete with an intricately designed pattern for an inspiring aesthetic.
Crisp white color palette
Part of achieving a beachy design means using the right colors. You can never go wrong with using white all over – from cabinets to tables and chairs. White offers such a crisp, fresh feel that you can’t get with any other hue. Introduce pops of green and blue using certain decor elements like pillows, throw blankets, rugs, lamps and picture frames. Warm up these cool contemporary colors with contrasting rich bamboo flooring. This flooring material is durable, long-lasting and friendly to the environment – what’s not to like?
Decorate with beach elements
If you have space on bookshelves or open shelving, you can use elements you would naturally find on a beach to dress up your home. Items like weathered drift wood, colorful sea glass, wooden oars, starfish and bright white seashells would make perfect additions to your coastal-inspired dwelling.
Nautical patterns
Introduce a nautical navy blue and white striped pattern into your home using bedding, wallpaper, pillows or wall art. After all, blue and white is the ultimate color scheme for any beach-inspired space. The hues combine well with warm neutrals like sandy browns and rich caramels. You can even choose to contrast blue and white with a vibrant, modern color like coral for a sophisticated design.
Kitchen or bathroom backsplash
Breathe a sense of freshness and relaxation into your home with a beach-like backsplash. Combine various shades of seafoam green and maritime blue shades to mimic a seaside cottage. Pull colors from this backsplash to use in pieces throughout the room, such as dinnerware, seat cushions or wall art to create a cohesive style.

Whether you’re designing an office space, a hotel lobby or a home, there’s one thing you should always keep in mind: small details make a big impact. Therefore, if you’re going for a new look, a complete overhaul isn’t always necessary. By updating certain small details, you can stay within your budget while still producing a very stylish and functional space. Here are a few updates to make if you’re looking to renovate:

1. Paint moldings and window panes

For a modern home or office, consider painting the wall moldings and window frames a bold shade for a contrasting look against the white walls. Dramatic molding creates a cool, contemporary look and provides a sophisticated feel. Keep in mind that small, angular-tipped brushes are best when painting molding or window frames because they can access hard-to-reach areas like corners. Also, paint doesn’t swipe on cleanly if there is dirt or debris on the moldings, so be sure to wipe down everything before starting the process.

2. Install wall panels

San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong produces bamboo panels that provide visual interest to any wall. The Linear Line offers a modern design through its graphic inner core, sleek lines and neutral color. These panels would provide the perfect backdrop for a light fixture or help give life to office walls without being too distracting or overwhelming.

3. Put down a statement rug

Statement rugs can provide a splash of color and a unique design to any space. And the best part about these rugs is that they can be swapped out for a different shade or pattern. For a modern space, pair simple, neutral-colored furniture with a colorful statement rug. You can also look for an abstract pattern to add character and depth into any home, office or business.

4. Wallpaper shelves

A quick way to add color and personality to a space is to wallpaper the back of your shelving. It’s not often a space many think to update, but it can draw attention to shelves as well as what’s on display. Pick a color that contrasts with the hue of the shelving itself.

5. Update finishes

Replace your bathroom and kitchen faucets with brand new fixtures with different finishes. This immediately updates the look of the room. Plus, certain finishes can complement various design styles. An oil-rubbed finish, for example, goes best with a Tuscan or Old World design due to its dark, brownish tone. For a modern style, try polished nickel, which offers a smooth and shiny finish.

Your walk-in closet may not be the largest room in your home, but it’s a space that you visit daily, so it should be as stylish as it is functional. Transform your walk-in closet from drab to fab with these simple yet effective design ideas:

Install bamboo flooring

Choosing flooring for your walk-in closet should never be an afterthought. While carpeting is a common choice for the closet, bamboo flooring is simpler to maintain. These floors can easily be wiped clean and they add a sense of warmth and richness to your closet. Bamboo flooring is also a better option than tile because it’s less cold on your bare feet when you’re picking an outfit in the morning. The unique pattern and texture of bamboo floors provide a unique look that you can’t get with traditional hardwood floors. Plus, this material is becoming a top choice for flooring because of its environmentally friendly properties. It’s able to rapidly grow and reproduce, making it a more sustainable choice than hardwood.

Take advantage of vertical space

Keeping your closet functional and organized will be made easier by taking advantage of all the available space in your closet. Put bins of seasonal clothing on high shelves and store hats, belts or scarves in bags on the floor. Open shelving or wall hooks can put jewelry on display to make it easy to coordinate your outfit. Hanging shoe organizers are also great for keeping your shoe collection off of the floor – place the organizer on the back of your door to create more space in your closet.

Consider lighting

Lighting is extremely important in a closet, not only for highlighting design, but for allowing you to see your clothes easily. You should be able to tell the difference between navy blue and blacks without having to strain your eyes to do so. Natural light streaming in from windows is great, but make sure to draw the curtains when your closet isn’t in use – the sun can have a fading effect on your clothing after a long period of time. Plus, natural light can create shadows on your clothing, making them difficult to see. Instead, try overhead lighting, like a chandelier, which casts a soft glow and adds glamour to any closet. Track lighting is another great option, which is perfect for illuminating specific items in the space. Painting shelves and drawers white can help brighten up the space even more. Opt for a high-gloss paint to bounce light around and help create a walk-in closet that appears spacious.

Not sure how to design your office? Consider the simple, contemporary and stylish minimalist trend. Minimalism uses very few design elements and muted colors in order to produce a space that is clean, clutter-free and visually pleasing.

Benefits of minimalism in the office

There are several benefits to sticking with a simple, minimalist interior design style. This trend puts a strong emphasis on cleanliness and a reduction of clutter. Reduced messes in the workplace has been linked with less stress and more productivity. According to a survey conducted by Office Depot, about 82 percent of 1,000 office workers that took part in the study said that they feel being organized has a significant positive impact on their performance at work.

Having a tidy office also contributes to an improved company image. If a customer walks into your office and sees papers strewn everywhere and food containers and coffee cups taking up desk space, they may not get the best impression of your company. Margot Stern, owner of MTS Promotions, is a great example. According to Inc. Magazine, Stern found it difficult to find space for everything, so her desk quickly became cluttered with T-shirts, water bottles and more. Stern’s assistant informed her that the clutter needed to be taken care of if she was to be running a successful business. Once Stern took the time to restructure her office, she found that she was able to take on more clients, plan more parties and increase sales by more than 20 percent.

Choosing minimalist pieces for your office

There are certain furnishings you can put in your office space that contribute to a minimalist style.

Bamboo panels: You can draw attention to the walls of your office by installing bamboo panels. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers a Linear Line of bamboo panels that are available in a variety of different hues. The neutral colors add interest to your office without being distracting. The Linear Line also boasts a beautiful design woven with a graphic inner core, which blends flawlessly with a modern or minimalist design.

Bamboo flooring: Set a welcoming tone in the office by installing bamboo flooring. The material is eco-friendly because of the grass’s ability to regrow. You can have a finish applied to your textured bamboo floors that offers and elegance and simplicity in your office. Choose a color that will complement the furnishings, window dressings and walls.

Wireless devices: There’s one thing in an office that can quickly make the space feel cluttered: cords and wires. Avoid having to deal with them entirely by going wireless with everything from your mouse and keyboard to your router and printer.

One trend that’s sweeping through homes are live-in kitchens. In other words, these spaces are transforming into areas that are for much more than just cooking. Kitchens are adapting to make room for relaxation and entertainment. A live-in kitchen is perfect for busy families. The design allows parents to whip up dinner while helping their little ones with homework at the same time. And when adults have guests over, the homeowners can keep an eye on what’s in the oven while entertaining the visitors.

Give off an inviting vibe

If the goal is to have your kitchen be transformed into the heart of your home, the space should have some warm and inviting qualities. One of the best ways to create a welcoming atmosphere is with your floors. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers bamboo flooring in a wide array of shades and textures. Warm up your kitchen with a rich shade of dark brown, or opt for a lighter hue, like caramel or taupe. These floors are three times as durable as traditional hardwood, offer a lower price tag and are friendly to the environment. What’s not to like?

Keep comfort in mind

If you’re going to have a live-in kitchen where family members will be spending much of their time, there must be comfortable seating to accommodate those long hours of homework and fun family dinners. You don’t need to have uncomfortable wooden chairs in your kitchen. In fact, many families have opted for nontraditional seating, like benches with colorful cushions or stools that pull up under the kitchen island.

Create character

Don’t be afraid to really make this space your own. Modern kitchens traditionally call for a muted, neutral color palette, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t use splashes of bright color here and there. Set the table with vibrant dinnerware, or pick a fun hue and incorporate it using a rug, seat cushions, curtains, lampshades or wall art. As long as you create a harmony between your neutrals and accents of color, you can achieve a balanced space.

Include all of the essentials

A live-in kitchen puts a focus on both function and relaxation. You should be able to cook dinner and comfortably watch an episode of your favorite show while you wait for the oven to beep. The more functional a space is, the more likely everyone is going to gather there. Some families have incorporated TVs, couches and bookshelves into the kitchen as well as multiple sinks and a variety of lighting fixtures to properly illuminate the room.

Part of attracting new customers and encouraging existing patrons to return for another visit is the interior design of your space. If you own a modern hotel, it’s important to always stay up-to-date on the latest in contemporary style. Enhancing the look of your hotel lobby as well as each suite can help create a stylish space that customers flock to when they need a place to stay.

Sustainability

Just like in home design, hotels all over the world are making more of an effort to follow an eco-friendly style. Some of the features that hotels are including are oversized windows – which allow for plenty of natural light – recycling bins for guests, locally grown food, greywater recycling and natural building materials.

You can easily incorporate green materials using bamboo flooring in the lobby of your hotel. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers such a wide variety of colors and types of bamboo flooring to match your exact specifications. Choose a warm hue that provides an inviting vibe for your hotel guests. Bamboo is an eco-friendly material because of how fast it can be regrown and harvested. It also releases about 35 percent more oxygen into the air than traditional hardwood. Who knew going green could be so easy?

Coziness

One of the goals of hotels around the world is to make guests feel at home. Interior design plays a huge role in this – if a room is bland and cold, it’s not going to appear very welcoming. Encourage guests to make themselves at home by offering warm and cozy details such as a fireplace, wood additions like bamboo panels, ornately designed rugs, curtains and a TV.

Relaxation

Instead of standard bathrooms, hotels are focusing on creating relaxing and stress-free spaces. This means including features like oversized tubs that guests can climb into at the end of a long day, and plush towels that envelopes the body in comfort and coziness.

Sometimes it’s hard to get your creative juices flowing in your bedroom, living room or kitchen. There are often distractions that make it difficult for you to really focus. Those with a passion for art should consider making room in their home for their very own art gallery. Having a studio designated for designing, drawing, painting and more can offer a quiet, inspiring space to get your work done. Follow these tips for a stylish and functional home art studio:

Figure out the perfect space

When determining where your art studio should go, think about the places that you like working the most. Maybe it’s outside or an enclosed space like an attic or basement instead. For instance if you like being outdoors, you can place the studio near a large open window, where you will frequently see natural light streaming in.
If you don’t have an entire room to dedicate to your studio, no worries! Lack of space shouldn’t stop you – you can easily incorporate room into an existing area. For example, you might choose a corner of your bedroom, take advantage of a nook in the kitchen or set up in a wide hallway.

Include inspiring decor

The decor that you choose to display in your studio should be pieces that inspire you. It could be the work of your favorite artist, or maybe a piece of your own of which you’re the most proud. Maybe the only visual element you need is an open window facing a beautiful view of nature. However, make sure what you hang on the walls and put around the space isn’t too distracting. Include only one or two big decor elements to keep the focus on your work.

Bamboo panels are perfect for bringing visual interest to any art studio. They’re a modern way to fill up wall space with color and texture, and can be a great backdrop for wall sconces. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers multiple lines of eco-friendly panels that are available in a wide array of shades and textures. The warm colors of the panels can be just what your studio needs to look stylish without becoming overwhelming.

Install proper lighting

Lighting is arguably the most important part of an art studio. After all, if you can’t see well, your art isn’t going to be up to par. Opt for overhead track lighting, which will help evenly distribute the light throughout your studio.

Is your kitchen in need of a fresh look? Beat the winter blues by giving the space a bit of life. There are a few easy ways to revamp your kitchen and give it a whole new look. Here are a few ways to improve the heart of your home:

Install bamboo panels

Bring life to your kitchen by installing bamboo paneling around the island. It creates a beautiful focal point in the space and is an eco-friendly material. Bamboo grows quickly, and without the need of any fertilizers or pesticides, making it a great choice for the kitchen. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers bamboo panels that are free of formaldehyde, an odorless, colorless chemical that is often found in common building materials. Bamboo panels are available in various textures and colors so you can easily coordinate them with other kitchen elements like flooring, dinnerware and decor.

Hang pendant lamps above the kitchen island to highlight the textured panels and give you enough light to properly prepare and cook food.

Put herbs on display

Freshen up your cooking and your kitchen design at the same time by planting various herbs in pots and putting them on display near your windowsill. They will help bring lots of flavor to your dishes and color to your kitchen.

Upgrade your tile backsplash

You don’t have to go through a complete renovation of your backsplash in order to give it a new look. Search for tile decals which are adhesive stickers that come in various sizes, shapes and colors to bring life to your kitchen. Once you’re ready for a new design, you can swap them out for a fresh pattern.

Remove cabinet doors

Something as simple as removing the doors on your upper cabinets can instantly help to open up your kitchen and make it appear more spacious. Arrange the items in your cabinets in an organized fashion because they will be easily seen by all.

Replace hardware

Switching out your cabinet pulls for different hardware can instantly transform your kitchen. Look for a varied shape and finish than what you had before, but make sure your selection blends well with your cabinets, flooring and color palette.

Fill your walls with color

A coat of fresh paint can work wonders for creating an entirely new space. With the passing of time, your walls can accumulate dirt and grime, so clean them and wwipe on a new color to construct a bold kitchen. You may even want to use wallpaper to bring both color and pattern to the room for some serious energy.

You may not spend a whole lot of time in your laundry room, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored when it comes to being eco-friendly. There are lots of ways to create cleaner air and cut energy costs in the laundry room.

Install bamboo flooring

The material you use for the flooring in your laundry room can make a big impact on the environment. Bamboo flooring is a beautiful and modern eco-friendly option for the space. It creates a welcoming and cozy atmosphere while helping out the earth at the same time. Bamboo grows and spreads quicker than most trees which makes it a renewable source. This type of flooring also comes with a less pricey cost than hardwood floors. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers a variety of bamboo flooring options, all of which are formaldehyde free, giving your laundry room cleaner air.

Opt for Energy Star appliances

If it’s time to replace your washer and dryer, make sure to look for new ones with the Energy Star logo. They considerably cut down on the amount of water that you have to use when washing clothes. These eco-friendly machines consume only about 25 gallons compared to 40 gallons for the average washer.

Make sure you have a full load

If you only have a few items in your dirty clothes basket, laundry day can wait. If you do lots of small loads on a frequent basis, you’ll be using more water and energy than you need. Delay laundry day until you have a full load.

Use cold water

You can easily reduce the amount of power that your washing machine uses by cleaning your clothes in cold water instead of warm or hot temperatures. Using cold water also ensures that your colors won’t blend when combining lights and darks and your clothes won’t shrink, which is a win-win situation!

Head outdoors

If it’s a beautiful sunny day outside, take your basket of freshly washed laundry and hang it on the line to be dried by the rays of the sun. Sure, it might take longer than the dryer, but letting your garments dry the old-fashioned way will save plenty of energy. It is also gentler on most fabrics. Plus, it gives you an excuse to get your chores done outside!

Clean out lint trap

If you do use your dryer, make sure to regularly clean out the lint trap. This helps heat to circulate properly, causing your dryer’s performance to improve.

The way in which merchandise is put on display can have a big impact on whether or not a customer decides to buy that product. For example, if racks of clothes are disorganized or cluttered, a patron may lose interest, move to a different area of the store or simply leave. Nobody wants to sort through piles of clothes to find what they’re after. This concept applies to any product, no matter what you’re selling. Check out these tips to help you create effective displays:

Create a organization plan

You could group a bunch of products together on one shelf, but there must be a method behind it. There should always be a method of organization behind your merchandise to make products easy to locate. Clothes could be color coordinated, organized by designer or stocked according to season.

Have a strong display

You’re going to need something durable to hold up your products for a long period of time. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers bamboo lumber to create a number of durable shelves for your retail store. Bamboo is lasting and is actually more dependable than traditional hardwood. The natural color and texture of bamboo is beautiful, but understated, so that the focus remains on the merchandise. The merchandise should be what’s attracting and interesting the customer. Choose between dark and light shades, depending on the style aesthetic you’re going for in your store.

Don’t forget about lighting

Lighting is essential for allowing your customers to clearly see the products you’ve put on display. The ambiance of the room should present the merchandise in the best light possible. Where the light is located is important as well. Avoid putting lights directly above your display, as this can create unwanted shadows on the products. Put the lamps or wall sconces slightly off to the side to properly light up the merchandise. Ideally, there should be multiple sources of light to highlight the products.

Regularly switch up displays

Displays should be changed on a weekly basis to give your store a fresh look – this encourages customers to return. At least one display should be designated to a special or a sale promotion to give customers an incentive to check it out.

Color coordinate

The color in your store may have an affect on the way your merchandise sells. Hues should accent certain areas in the space to get a customer’s attention.

Decorating your home certainly isn’t clear-cut – much of it is combining trends with your own personal style. But there are certain rules that you should always adhere to if you’re trying to stick to a contemporary design. Following these do’s and don’ts can help your home look fresh, modern and stylish:

Do use color sparingly

While a traditional modern design often embraces a neutral color palette, feel free to introduce pops of color here and there. To avoid overpowering the room with bright shades, choose small items to fill the space with color, such as dinnerware, vases, wall art, throw blankets, rugs and lampshades. Rustic oranges, reds and yellows contribute a cozy vibe, while blues, greens and purples can give your space a touch of freshness.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match

Matching everything in the room isn’t always the way to go. Switching it up can create visual interest and bring character to the space. For example, combine your bamboo flooring with exposed brick walls, a fuzzy fur throw across the couch and stainless steel pendant lights. While they’re all made from vastly different materials, they blend together to create a space filled with character and modern flair. The stainless still brings a cool factor to the room, while bamboo flooring warms up the ambiance with cozy color and laid-back texture.

Do emphasize simplicity

When it comes to contemporary interior design, less is more. There should be a focus on clean lines, geometric shapes and neutral colors. Make sure kitchen countertops are always cleared off to draw attention to the modern design rather than the clutter. Strip down each room to the bare essentials to have a space that is both clean and stylish.

Don’t rely on overhead lighting

Never underestimate the power of lighting to showcase your home’s modern design. Merely having one bright overhead light won’t do the trick. The space will end up resembling an interrogation room. Instead, your best bet will be to combine layers of lighting. This way, no harsh shadows will be produced and the room will be filled with an inviting softness and warmth.

Do go green

Your environmentally conscious lifestyle can easily be worked into a modern design project. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers bamboo flooring that boasts a beautiful modern aesthetic and is friendly to the environment. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource and releases about 35 percent more oxygen into the air than similar-sized trees.

Consider filling your home with bamboo panels as well, which are available in a wide variety of colors and textures. They contribute to a modern design and blend beautifully with other contemporary materials like brick and stone.

You spend a lot of time in your bedroom, most of which involves sleeping. According to the American Time Use Survey, the average American age 15 and older spent an average of eight hours and 44 minutes sleeping per day. That adds up to quite a lot of time in the bedroom. And that isn’t counting the hours and minutes you spend in there talking on the phone, eating or just hanging out.

This is why it’s important to keep an eye on the air quality in your room. Breathe easier at night by considering any of these design essentials for your room:

Bamboo bed frame

One simple and inexpensive change you can make in your room is replacing your bed frame with one constructed using bamboo. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers a line of bamboo lumber that’s available in a wide array of colors. This makes it easy to match the rest of your room’s design. Bamboo is also extremely durable. In fact, it’s stronger than most hardwoods, so you can sleep easy at night knowing your bed frame will last through the years. Bamboo is also better for the air – it produces more oxygen and absorbs more carbon dioxide than trees do. The material is free of any formaldehyde, which is commonly found in many construction materials.

Ceiling fan

A ceiling fan not only helps keep you cool in humid weather, it circulates the cold and hot air in your room to help you sleep better and even help you save money on energy bills by assisting with the air conditioning. However, you must make sure to regularly clean the fan, because it tends to attract dust mites and other allergens.

Low or VOC-free paints

Volatile organic compounds​ (VOCs) are actually found more frequently indoors than outdoors and are emitted by products like paints and lacquers. They produce smog-forming chemicals into the air that contribute to poor air quality. Make sure that the paint lining your walls is completely free of any VOCs. You can also get low VOC paint which helps produce cleaner air as well.

Bamboo sheets

Swap out your traditional cotton linens for bamboo bed sheets and pillowcases. This environmentally friendly fabric is extremely soft, resembling cashmere or silk. But it gets better – The fine weave of the texture helps adjust to your body temperature to keep you cool or warm. Bamboo linens also have a natural antibacterial quality and are hypoallergenic, making it easier for those with allergies to sleep comfortably.

The environment in which you live, work and play has a direct affect on your day-to-day activities. Your surroundings can either help or hinder your productivity and motivation. Everyone knows that those two things often aren’t easy to come by, but using interior design as a tool allows you to generate inspiration for your daily tasks. One of the design trends that homeowners and business owners alike are taking advantage of is feng shui. This layout style can be applied to your home gym and bring a flow of positive energy into the space for a more effective workout. Follow these tips for a gym that is both stylish and functional:

Consider color

Color can have a large impact on the ambiance in your gym. Red is a hue that many opt for because it’s associated with feelings of passion, aggression and boldness – all of which are perfect for a motivated and effective workout. Red also represents energy, which is exactly what you’ll need if you wish to fit in exercise time at the end of a long day. However, use the color sparingly – create an accent wall in front of your treadmill, or incorporate the hue using art, curtains, lampshades or rugs.

Green is another excellent color to consider because it brings the feeling of natural strength and energy into your gym to inspire strength and activity.

Bamboo flooring

Flooring may not be the first thing on your mind when designing a home gym, but it’s just as important as the equipment on which you’re exercising. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong can help you improve your efficiency in the gym by boosting comfort with bamboo flooring. The Plyboo Fit Performance Flooring and Underlayment system actually absorbs the pressure away from legs, feet and knees. If your body is more comfortable while working out, it’s likely that you’re going to finish your workout instead of stopping early because of joint discomfort. This flooring is also eco-friendly and doesn’t contain any formaldehyde which is commonly found in building materials.

Airflow

It’s important for your home gym to have natural air flowing through the space. But not all gyms have windows to allow for a fresh breeze to blow throughout the area. If this is the case in your home gym, make sure that you have at least two fans to place at opposite ends of the room for air circulation. Exposure to that fresh air can help increase the flow of oxygen to your brain, resulting in decreased drowsiness, higher alertness and a boost of energy.

Many companies use conference rooms for office lunches, client meetings, presentations, business calls and more. It’s a space that’s consistently being used at all times of the day, so it’s essential that the room is as functional and effective as it can be. When designing your conference room, include these essentials to enhance the beauty of the space and help employees to be as productive as possible:

Bamboo flooring

You want the flooring in your conference room to be able to stand up to high traffic, as it’s likely people will be going in and out of it during most hours of the day. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers Stiletto Strand bamboo flooring, which is three times harder than traditional wood flooring. Plus, it has been proven to reduce noise and even has the power to relieve leg stress – making long presentations much more comfortable.

Panels

Bamboo panels not only create a more modern and stylish meeting room, they contribute to the effort to reduce ambient noise. Smith & Fong’s PlybooSound line of bamboo panels are designed to work in large open work spaces to ensure that everyone can clearly hear each other.

Natural light

In order to keep employees as alert and productive as possible, natural light is necessary. It brightens up the space and saves money on electricity by eliminating the need to turn on overhead lights during work hours. If your conference room isn’t located near any windows, install a combination of diffused fluorescent fixtures and indirect candescent lights in the space. Both options allow for a dimming feature so you can control the level of light that’s in the room.

Comfortable seating

Nobody is going to want to sit through a long meeting in an uncomfortable chair. Make sure that each seat has proper cushioning and adequate back support. But comfort also means having the appropriate amount of chairs at the table. You don’t want to have seats positioned too closely and cause each employee to be elbow to elbow. There should be enough room between these chairs for people to get up and move around with ease.

A neutral color palette

While bold colors certainly aren’t out the question, it’s best to stick to neutral shades. This won’t distract from meetings or video calls with clients, but it gives the room just enough modern style. Blend together beiges, tans and pale grays. You can add in splashes of color using artwork or lampshades, but you be the judge as to how much it affects the overall aesthetic of the room.

A coffee shop is where people go to refuel and relax. Some customers are in and out, only stopping in for coffee or a latte, while others choose to stay while they read a book, catch up on the day’s news or get some work done on their laptop. But it’s not just your tasty coffee that can bring in customers – the ambiance in your shop has a lot to do with the success of your business. Create a welcoming, cozy and warm retreat in your coffee shop with these design tips:

Install bamboo flooring

Bamboo floors not only offer durability and a modern elegance, they come in plenty of warm shades to help create an environment that welcomes customers into your establishment. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong provides bamboo flooring that is formaldehyde-free to promote better indoor air quality at your coffee shop.

Blend urban touches

Coordinate your bamboo floors with cool contemporary and natural elements like exposed brick or stone. It gives your shop an urban look and blends well with the warmth of your floors. A chalkboard wall would be another nice touch to your decor, while giving you a creative way to write out the specials.

Keep the customers in mind

In order to keep your customers coming back, you have to keep their needs in mind. Many bring in laptops, so it’s essential to have several outlets near the seating areas where your customers can charge their devices. Seating should also be comfortable and supportive, as your patrons are likely going to be sitting there for a long period of time.

Don’t underestimate lighting

Lighting can easily make or break a cozy atmosphere. Your customers aren’t going to want to spend time reading or completing work in a dimly-lit coffee shop. Make sure there is adequate lighting above each set of tables and chairs. The lighting shouldn’t be too harsh – it should offer a warm glow for a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Support local artists

Don’t leave the walls of your coffee shop blank! Fill them with beautiful works of art from local painters to bring color and personality into the space.
Offer reading materials

A shelf made of bamboo lumber will match your flooring, add to the modern aesthetic and offer a place for you to store books and magazines. Customers can reach for these reading materials when they’re waiting for their coffee or enjoy them when they’re sipping on their beverage.

Updating the lights in your kitchen can change the overall mood and theme of the whole room. Pendant lights are a beautiful way to illuminate your space, and they come in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes to fit any decor.

Floor level lighting

There are countless styles to choose from when you are selecting the right lights for your kitchen space, and you can match the style to anything that inspires you. If your kitchen boasts beautiful bamboo hardwood floors or panels, highlight its warm tones and texture with plinth lights or floor lighting. These are popular lighting effects in modern kitchens and offer ambient and decorative accents as well as focus on safety as you move around your kitchen. Plinth and floor lights are usually small LED bulbs that run along the bottom of kitchen units and cabinets and work perfectly to showcase beautiful bamboo floors..

Overall lighting

Lights hung in your kitchen in a circle, streak or path work well to illuminate a whole room, rather than just highlight one space. Pendant lights come in many different sizes, and larger ones can be installed higher than smaller, more delicate ones to light the whole room.

Clustered lighting

Some pendant light fixtures come in clusters, which creates a focal point in your kitchen, and also acts as both task lighting and overall lighting. Clustered lights are often smaller and more delicate, but because there are more of them, they can light a larger space with a unique flair.

Task lighting

Pendant lights that are open at the bottom are best to brighten a space that is used for work. Kitchen islands are often used for more than just cooking. These spaces are where homework is completed, newspapers are read and conversations happen. A common rule to follow when choosing task lighting is that larger spaces need larger lights.

White is a great color for bathroom designs. It is fresh, bright, and allows you to add elements of color that reflect your style and really pop against a pale canvas. Whether your style is traditional or modern, glamorous or understated, here are some ways to achieve an updated feel in your bathroom.

Fresh flooring

The color white is the perfect canvas for a contemporary bath. Pair it with bamboo hardwood flooring and modular fixtures like a deep, stacked sink and minimal accessories to keep the look clean and streamlined. The light tones in bamboo hardwood blend seamlessly into an updated bathroom design, and the natural texture and warm colors accentuate the way white can reflect light around the room.

Updated accents

Paint the cabinetry in your bathroom white for a new, clean feel and accessorize with hardware that keeps it looking light. Lucite handles are one option that add a modern feel to the face of your cabinets. Try steel handles or knobs for a more futuristic look. Or, for a touch of sparkle, opt for glass or even mirrored knobs, which will pick up the light and add some glamour to your space.

Pops of color

White bathroom designs are the perfect backdrop for bright and exciting pops of color. Whether you choose framed prints to adorn your walls, or fun and funky accessories to decorate your countertops, the possibilities are endless! Leave your shelving open to showcase colorful accents. Or let your linens stand out by matching them to your chosen accent color to pull the whole look together.

Bring in blooms

Another way to adorn a white bathroom is with fresh flowers. Choose brightly colored blooms that will stand out in your bright white room and they will add a romantic element to your special space. Pink roses add a feminine feel, and emerald green succulents look fresh and modern. Flowers can energize any room in your home, and your bathroom is no exception.

Custom kitchen designs are featuring more eco-friendly options than ever, including cupboards and vanity cabinets made with sustainable and durable bamboo. Choosing bamboo has many benefits for business and homeowners, and here are just a few of them to help you as you plan your next room remodel.

Decoration

These days, bamboo is not just for floors. Bamboo can be found in panels that add dimension and texture to your cabinetry. It can be woven or presented in vertical strips adhered to fabric, and both these options add an element of the exotic to any room in your house or business.

Variety

More than 1,000 different species of bamboo exist, and they create different grain orientations in wood. When the bamboo plant is harvested, it is cut into strips and laminated together, which is what affects the grain orientation, either creating vertical or horizontal boards. Bamboo hardwood flooring can be found in different tones from a deep, dark hue to a fresh, light white tone. Any room design you can create can be enhanced with bamboo hardwood floors.

Sustainability

Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials in nature, and is able to grow at a rapid rate. This allows farmers to cultivate this crop on tree farms, and in doing so, protect against deforestation and damage to natural habitats.

Durability

Bamboo is a very sturdy, strong material that is harder than most woods. It is resistant to water absorption and does not tend to swell, shrink or warp, making it an ideal material for vanity cabinets in bathrooms and cupboards in kitchens. Bamboo is also very easy to install because it is so light to carry and often can be mounted with hooks instead of screws.

If you have chosen to let the gender of your baby be a surprise, you may need some advice on how to decorate a space that would welcome either a girl or a boy. Designing a gender-neutral nursery can benefit you if you are planning to have multiple children and want a room that will fit their different needs and personalities. Here are three tips that can guide you.

Design with you in mind

You will be spending a lot of time in your child’s nursery, so decorating to your taste and safety is important too. One idea for a mom-friendly nursery is to opt for safe and sustainable flooring. Bamboo meets both these needs. This material is durable, more forgiving of falls than tile and eco-friendly. Bamboo is also a beautiful natural wood that blends seamlessly with any room design you can dream up and is available in different tones that add dimension to your baby’s special space.

Timeless theme

Choosing a theme for a gender-neutral room is important because it can be adjusted as your baby grows. Some great options for your room could be nursery rhymes, Disney or animals, which appeal to both boys and girls. These are timeless themes that can be affordably adjusted over the years, and you can build onto them as your baby ages.

Pictures and decal decor

When you are waiting to learn the sex of your baby, choosing wall decor can be a hard decision. However, wall decals are easily removed and cause no damage to the walls if you change your mind or have another little one. Photos, paintings, murals or canvases are all great options you can hang rather than painting a whole room. This is also a great way to express your personality.

Inexpensive frames are an affordable way to decorate that you can easily change or make your own with paint to match your color scheme. Fill them with pictures of baby, family members or a favorite vacation spot for a personal touch.

Celebrities can be the inspiration for the way we dress, what we drive and where we eat, so why not turn to celebrity styles for ideas for your walk-in closet design? These functional rooms provide unlimited options for displaying your clothes and accessories. Here are a few tips to follow to achieve a glamorous look after sorting through everything you have to keep, donate or store.

Start from the floor up

Your closet can really reflect your style, whether you want a luxurious space with rich, textured carpets, or a sleek and modern room with hardwood flooring. Either way, you want a surface that is durable, attractive and matches your design. Bamboo hardwood flooring is showcased in more high-quality designs today than ever before because of its sustainability and green footprint. Add a throw rug made from natural fibers to accent the tones of bamboo wood, or let its natural beauty shine through and it will surely add an exotic touch to your closet space.

Upgrade your lighting

Adding a touch of sparkle with a chandelier or illuminating with subtle recessed lights are two options to upgrade your closet design that will give it a richer, fancier feel and make getting dressed a treat. The lighting in your closet makes a huge difference when displaying your clothes and when you are choosing what to wear.

Organize accessories

Bins, hampers and drawer cubbies are all alternatives to sorting through a tangle of jewelry, delicates or socks. These items can be stored on your walk-in’s shelves and provide you with an organized method of finding everything you need to dress without a mess.

Replace hangers

Different options are available for sorting your clothes and most dry cleaners are happy to accept discarded wire hangers. Each of these accessories allows you to organize by color or season and creates an attractive presentation for your morning routine. Racks for belts, ties and scarves help to put them within reach and keep them from tangling. Pant racks and shoe caddies display your items in organized and uncluttered ways, and hooks affixed to closet walls store sweaters and coats out of the way.

Decorating your custom cabinets is a quick and easy way to change the look of your whole kitchen. Many different options are available to anyone who wants to add their own creative touch to their space.

Paneling

Plywood or veneer panels are beautiful and unique options for updating your cabinetry. Bamboo panels can be applied to the face of your cupboards or kitchen island for an exotic feel and rich texture that will add dimension to your space.

Paint

Paint can change the mood in a kitchen easily and inexpensively and is a fun way to express yourself without totally remodeling your space. Hundreds of paint options for cabinets exist and you can choose one to match your favorite theme, a precious heirloom or a piece of furniture.

Mullions

Mullions are slender pieces of wood that are used to create divisions on cabinet doors and are often found in “C” or “X” shapes that add a striking pattern to the face of your kitchen. Another way to update the look of your cabinetry is to add mullions to the doors. Mullions installed on glass cabinet doors provide an interesting element to the look of your cabinetry and the shelves within, and when added to wood doors they create a texture that can mirror the shape of the cabinet itself.

Finishes

Highlighting can be used on panels, moldings and other architectural accents using a controlled airbrushing technique. Stains and finishes help to highlight the beauty and uniqueness of wood cabinets, and there are several different options to chose from to fit your style. Patina is another method of accenting the grain of the wood by applying a glaze and allowing it to set. Antiquing is also a popular trend that features unique brush strokes on the wood that give each piece a unique look.

Customizing your kitchen accessories is an important step in making your kitchen an efficient and fun place to cook. One important and functional element in your kitchen is the cutting board. Countless options are available to you to reflect your style or blend into your kitchen design, so how do you choose? Here are some tips to help you select the right one for you.

Bamboo

Bamboo can be found in cabinets, flooring and even cutting boards because of its growing popularity due to its sustainability. Bamboo is an extremely eco-friendly material, and anyone interested in going green should be aware of its benefits as a cooking tool. Bamboo cutting boards are very low maintenance because they resist retaining water and do not crack or warp like traditional woods can. Bamboo is also very dense and does not tend to scar from knives or other cooking utensils, so it is considered very sanitary because bacteria has nowhere to grow.

Plastic

Cutting boards made of plastic have their own unique benefits. They are often lighter than wooden boards and thus are easier to maneuver around the kitchen. They can be washed in a dishwasher, unlike wood cutting boards, but they don’t have the same bacteria-fighting ability.

Hard woods

Some examples of hard woods that can be found as cutting boards are maple, teak and acacia. These woods are considered to be very high quality because they are not porous like other materials, so they absorb less water and bacteria. These special woods also fight bacteria when they come in contact with the surface, which helps prevent disease – an added benefit. Wood is also gentler on blades than plastic, which may dull their edges over time.

Whether you are going for a complete kitchen remodel or just looking to update your style, there are some trends to consider. One way to reflect your personality with kitchen design is to opt for either light or dark cabinetry and flooring. Bamboo is a natural choice because it is available in different colors. But which one best fits your style? Here are some helpful tips to guide your decision.

Bright, light vibe

If your kitchen is on the small side, consider choosing light colors to create the illusion of space. White paint can help create the feel of a larger room because it reflects light. Match the cabinet color with the countertops and ceiling paint, and the walls will appear to recede. Bamboo flooring in warm, light tones will carry this bright feeling through the room and really make you feel like you’re in a bigger space.

Ceramic tile and stainless steel are also your friends if you are trying to enlarge a small kitchen. Reflective surfaces amplify the effects of light in your room, making it seem larger. Install some lights under cabinets to improve functionality and brighten your space.

Deep, dark style

Dark cabinets or flooring in your kitchen can create a sophisticated space with timeless appeal. Deeper tones in the wood can really make the color in your kitchen pop, so pair cabinet doors with sleek steel knobs or handles that will stand out. Bronze hardware will create an antique, Old World appeal against black cabinets. Dark flooring also makes lighter countertops look fresh and bright. Black paint will conceal any scuffs or marks, but opt for semi-gloss paint that has enough of a sheen to reflect colors around your kitchen so as not to absorb all the light, keeping the space cozy but bright.

Many contemporary touches may make your bathroom seem cold. Smooth cabinet surfaces and tile floors might require using some tips and tricks to add some warmth into your space. There are tons of quick and easy options to heat up your bathroom’s design and will make it a cozier and more comfortable place for you and your guests in the winter months.

Focus on the floor

If you are looking to update your flooring or are completely remodeling your space, opt for bamboo. This sustainable, eco-friendly material gives any room in your home a natural, exotic glow, and can be found in different tones from light to dark to complement your style. Bring in throw rugs made from natural fibers to help give your bathroom a softer and more comfy appeal.

Matching the color of the rugs to your walls or other fabrics like towels and shower curtains can create a luxurious effect that is sure to heat up the coldest of winter days.

Paint can create a cozy feel

Paint colors in rich harvest tones are an easy and quick way to add the illusion of heat in your bathroom. Focusing on the warmer spectrum of the color wheel will be a good way to choose your paint. Reds, golds and oranges all convey a cozy, comfortable feeling, as do terra​-cotta tones in peach, apricot and bronze.

Change your lighting

Many bathrooms are outfitted with overhead lights that may feel harsh and glaring. Replacing these with softer bulbs from ambient or even decorative pieces can help create an intimate space, and these lights are found to flatter more skin tones. You can even find shades in warm tones that can complement the colors throughout the space to create an intimate setting.

Bronze is an ancient metal that been around for thousands of years. Its warm tones can be a subtle complement to any piece of custom cabinetry. Bronze can be treated with different methods to bring out its age-old beauty and add a lovely look to the wood in your home.

Complementary colors

Bronze’s subtle variations in tone help to bring out the rich texture of the wood you have chosen in your room. Bamboo flooring or cabinetry is an excellent option to pair with bronze because it comes in different natural varieties of color that pick up the tones in bronze’s patina. Bamboo is an eco-friendly, sustainable material, and you can continue that eco-friendly  trend by shopping for antique bronze accessories to reuse or repurpose.

Accent tiles

Tiles for the backsplash ​on your kitchen or bathroom walls can also be found with bronze accents. These are lovely pieces to incorporate into your custom kitchen design because their color will evolve from taking in moisture from the air or from constant contact as you clean or cook. These tiles complement natural stone, rich woods and neutral color schemes.

Drawer pulls, knobs and handles

Bronze pulls and handles are enduring pieces of hardware. They will stand the test of time and can emphasize the warmth and beauty of the wood grains. Natural bronze is considered to be a “living finish” because it slowly transforms over time. Bronze can evolve from its coppery tone, develop a patina and appear green or yellow in some places, adding to its depth and dimension. An oil-rubbed finish to your bronze hardware will also maintain its living finish and allow it to change over time because it will oxidize and absorb moisture to create a unique look.

It is important to create a safe space for your little one to explore in your home, and your kitchen is no exception. Your child’s needs will evolve as he or she ages, but here are some tips to get you started on making a space that works for everyone in your home.

Focus on flooring

One concern for parents is making sure their kitchen design is safe for their youngster. Start with a durable floor where they can safely play. Bamboo flooring is an excellent example because it is sustainable and more forgiving of falls than a harder material like tile or stone. Bamboo is also found to be safer for kids than some other materials that may emit harmful chemicals into the air.

Keep it clean

Every parent likes tips for keeping their space clean, especially with children in the house. Countertops are available in a variety of materials that can make cleanup more efficient. One example is a laminate countertop. They won’t absorb spills or messes because they are not porous like natural stone. Laminate comes in many different colors that you can use to match the design in your kitchen. Make cleaning up a family event by letting little ones help too, but make sure to check the labels of your cleaning materials to make sure they are also kid-friendly.

Designate a drawer

Making access to your child’s utensils, cups and plates easier for them by designating a reachable drawer just for their things is another way to keep them safe. This will make it safer for them to help out in the kitchen and protect them from climbing on counters to find what they need in cabinets that are out of reach.

Elements from nature can bring a sense of peace and tranquility to any room in your home, and your bathroom is no exception. Try some of these tips and tricks to update your bathroom area and create a relaxing space for you and your guests.

Bamboo backsplash

The beautiful tones of bamboo are a popular choice for modern bathroom designs. Its light colors tend to blend seamlessly into contemporary decor features and it is available in different styles. Bamboo reeds lined up create an organic feel, while woven bamboo acts as an exotic focal point. A bamboo backsplash is usually easy to install and can complement any style with a tropical flair.

Let the light shine in

Letting more sun into your bathroom is another great way to make it feel lighter, brighter and more comfortable. Sunlight is a natural energizer and can make the colors in your bathroom really pop. Install sheer window treatments to avoid blocking the light, or if you don’t have neighbors, take the treatments off to enjoy the view outside. If your bathroom is located on a shady side of the house, solar tubes are a good alternative and can be installed on your roof to absorb the natural light and spread it around.

Garden inspiration

These days, there are many options for bringing live flowers and plants into your home that don’t require a lot of attention. Potted plants like succulents and cacti can add a healthy pop of green in your bathroom, and a decorative vase of fresh flowers will instantly make you feel energized.

Create with paint

The easiest way to give your bathroom a natural facelift is to add color. Choose a tone inspired by nature, like sky blue or a bright, vibrant green. Painting an element in your bathroom – like one wall or just the doors of your cabinetry – a bright color will change the feel of the whole room. You can even coordinate your bathroom linens, like towels and shower curtains, to match.

If you have a spare room in your home, turning it into a gym can come with a lot of benefits. You won’t have to get in your car and waste gas driving all the way to the gym and back. Plus, you’ll have the convenience of being able to exercise in the comfort of your own home. In order to create a home gym that is as comfortable and effective as one for which you would pay a monthly membership you must adhere to a few design guidelines.

Think about how you like to workout

Ask yourself what your fitness goals are. Do you want to gain more muscle? Would you like to improve your cardiovascular system? Getting toned would call for more weight equipment, while aerobic exercises like yoga and kickboxing would require more space. When you figure out how you want to work out, you’ll be able to more efficiently design your home gym.

Don’t forget the basics

Exercise equipment may be the first thing on your mind, but before you delve into that, think about basics like flooring first. The floors in your gym can have a large impact on your workout, so it’s important to choose a material that will accompany your exercise well. For example, if you want to create your own yoga or pilates studio, San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong has the perfect solution for you. PlybooFit Underlayment System can be combined with bamboo flooring and is specially designed for workouts. The material absorbs the impact of the exercises you’re doing to keep your joints healthy and comfortable – and when you’re comfortable, you’re likely to have a more effective workout.

Know what motivates you

If you want to have the most effective workout possible, it’s a good idea to have items that motivate you to reach your goals. For many, this means artwork, like a wall mural of an inspirational quote or a person who inspires you to get in shape.

Put up a mirror

At first, a mirror may not seem necessary, but being able to see yourself during a workout means that you can correct your form for a more effective gym session. Ensuring that you’re doing exercises correctly is also crucial for your health. Bad form can lead to unnecessary injuries or soreness.

Let in the light

Exercising in a room that’s light and bright can help energize you, unlike a dark space. Let natural light shine in through windows, and if your home gym doesn’t have access to windows, install plenty of warm lighting to illuminate the space and help you get a better workout.

One of the most vital parts of a child’s learning experience is the ability to hear his or her teacher and peers clearly. Every student in the classroom needs to be able to understand speech, concentrate and pay attention to everything being said. Poor acoustics can have a negative impact on all of those things. Background noise like children in the hallway, teachers speaking in classrooms nearby, a lawnmower outside or an air conditioning unit can all interfere with the way children hear things in the classroom. When you’re enhancing a student’s ability to hear and listen, you’re setting him or her up for success.

Bamboo panels

San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers beautiful bamboo panels that work to reduce ambient noise. PlybooSound panels are equipped with QuietWall technology and ensure that large and open spaces like classrooms are quiet enough to provide the best learning environment possible. These panels come in a variety of warm, neutral colors which won’t be distracting to students, and will only help the classroom look more inviting.

Silence the air conditioning system

While this may seem like mere background noise, it has an impact on the way in which kids hear and learn. You might want to invest in noise control devices for your air conditioning system, like silencers, vibration isolators and adequate duct length.

Consider new flooring

If there is a room above another class, there is often unwanted distractions for the class below, like footsteps and chairs being pulled out. In order to reduce this unnecessary ambient noise, consider installing a new type of flooring in your classroom. Smith & Fong’s Plyboo Quiet floors absorb the sounds of walking and playing to dramatically decrease the noise that is heard below.

Bamboo flooring is also extremely durable and would be able to stand up to the constant movement of students around the classroom.

Try small group instruction

It can be harder for a student sitting in the back of a classroom to hear the teacher than for someone who may be sitting closer. One way to improve hearing for everyone would be to try adopt teaching strategies like small group instruction. If this isn’t an option, you can also try moving the desks out of the traditional classroom setting. Instead of rows, eliminate the long distances between student and teacher by putting the desks in a circle. This way, if the teacher lectures from the middle, each boy and girl is at an equal distance and may be able to hear better.

You can say “I do” and be friendly to the environment at the same time. Many couples may be under the impression that going green during your nuptials may mean you have to sacrifice some of the luxuries you’ve always wanted for your big day, but that certainly isn’t the case. Consider any of these sustainable ideas for your big day:

Use bamboo

Bamboo can be used in a variety of ways at your wedding. This environmentally friendly material is rapidly renewable and can be re-harvested every three to five years. Bamboo also boasts a low formaldehyde emission. Formaldehyde is a colorless chemical used frequently in building materials like particleboard, plywood and insulation materials. You and your guests would be breathing in cleaner air during your ceremony.

Altar: Use an altar constructed using bamboo lumber to enhance the beauty of your ceremony. You could adorn the altar with flowers to incorporate some color.

Favors: Give your guests a taste of your big day by sending them home with some bamboo. Consider a favor like bamboo coasters, bamboo beer or even their very own bamboo plant.

Vase: Fill your reception tables with arrangements of colorful blooms. Instead of placing them in traditional vases, opt for a bamboo vase, which offers a natural and rustic vibe.

Boutonniere: Intertwine bamboo with some greenery and a few flowers to pin on the groom’s lapel for a sustainable and beautiful boutonniere.

Chairs: For ceremony or reception seating, opt for chairs constructed out of bamboo lumber. They’re durable, eco-friendly and will be able to match almost any wedding theme you’ve thought up.

Opt for recycled rings

When choosing your wedding bands, visit a jeweler that sells eco-friendly rings. This jewelry is made from recycled metals, but looks just as beautiful and elegant as traditional rings. You can even opt for a bamboo wedding band, which is durable and waterproof. It’s also offers a unique twist on the traditional ring.

Wear a passed-down dress

Consider walking down the aisle in your mother’s or grandmother’s wedding dress. You won’t have to buy a new one and can instead take the dress to a seamstress to have it altered or adjusted to fit your style and make it your own. If you don’t want to wear a gown that has been passed down, you can choose to rent a dress as well, which is another environmentally friendly option.

Email your invitations

Go digital by sending out a virtual invitation. This takes paper out of the equation altogether. However, you could also look for invitations that are printed on recycled paper.

Whether you’re looking to renovate your home, office space, salon, restaurant or gym, color is an important factor to consider. A neutral color palette filled with whites, creams, tans, beiges, etc., can provide as powerful an effect as a bright and vibrant combination of hues. In fact, many celebrities have opted for a muted color scheme in their homes, including Julianne Moore, Ellen Pompeo and Keri Russell. But before you start integrating neutral hues into your space, consider these tips:

Include patterns

Because a neutral space doesn’t have much color, the room could benefit from a bold pattern. Patterns like stripes, chevron, polka dots and flowers all provide some personality. Integrate these patterns using throw blankets, curtains, lamp shades, pillows or rugs. “Grey’s Anatomy” star Ellen Pompeo incorporates a dramatic black-and-white pattern using an upholstered screen in her living room, maintaining the neutral motif while still adding a pop of character.

Use small splashes of color

With a neutral color palette, you can make room for contrasting hues. For example, the living room of Nate Berkus is made up of blacks, whites and shades of brown. But he includes accents of bright green using chair cushions. The green doesn’t take over the neutral design, it enhances it. Bold colors should be limited to accessories only, however, not bigger pieces like couches.

He also integrated rich brown color through the inclusion of bamboo chairs. Bamboo is a perfect material to use with this design style because it’s offered in a variety of hues, from rich, dark brown to a light off-white color. Decorate with bamboo flooring, panels or lumber to keep a consistent motif throughout the space.

Pick a theme

What motif would you like your space to exude? A modern living room may call for a different color than a traditional design style. For example, if you’re after a classic look, you may want to lean toward lighter tones, which can produce a spacious and airy feel. A contemporary space, however, may be better off with darker hues, like rich caramel, amber or brown. Knowing the theme of your home or office can help you narrow down neutral colors.

Blend colors

Instead of sticking with one neutral, like beige or white, blend together a variety of hues. Choose two to three colors, along with one accent shade that can be integrated using accessories. This way, you won’t be putting together too many contrasting hues, but you have enough color to create a visually appealing space.

If you love to entertain, it’s important to have an area of the house where guests can sit back, relax and have a drink. The basement is a perfect place for a wet bar. You and your guests can head downstairs for a drink before you watch the big game or a swanky cocktail party. But before you have any visitors over, consider revamping your wet bar with these ideas:

Put drinks on display

You’re going to need a place to store all of your wine bottles, so why not put them on display in your wet bar where they can double as a work of art? You can use bamboo lumber to create a wine storage rack on the wall. Bamboo is the perfect material for this project because it’s a sturdy and durable material that will be able to hold multiple wine bottles with ease.

San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers bamboo lumber in a number of beautifully constructed colors and textures. Choose a shade that matches the style of your wet bar and all of its accessories. The wine rack should complement things like the cabinets, floors and countertops.

Bamboo countertops

A wet bar needs countertops that can withstand moisture and remain durable over a long period of time. Bamboo lumber can also be used to create countertops that are dependable, ensuring that you won’t have to replace them after a few years of use. Bamboo appears just as luxurious as hardwood, but is a better material because it’s rapidly renewable. Opt for a dark, rich color like Havana for a formal, elegant wet bar. If you want something more casual, look for a lighter hue, like natural or Sahara.

Reuse corks

For every bottle of wine that you pop open, be sure to save the cork. When you’ve built up a collection, you can transform those corks into unique decor for your wet bar. Cork is such a versatile material to work with. You can turn them into coasters, a monogram letter for the wall, drawer knobs or wine charms to pass out to all of your guests.

Chalkboard panel refrigerator

Cover the front of your fridge in chalkboard panels for an urban touch to your wet bar. You can use this feature when guests come over to list the drinks or appetizers you have available for the evening. When visitors aren’t there, meanwhile, you can use it as a way to remember what you need to stock your wet bar for your next night of entertainment.

Apartment complexes must change with the needs of potential tenants in order to attract business. Tenants are not only looking for a place near amenities and ample parking, but a space that directly speaks to their needs and lifestyle. If you’re looking to bring more tenants into your apartment building, here are a few amenities to consider including:

Quiet floors

The issue that many tenants have with multi-unit buildings is the floors. Unless you live on the very top floor, you’re constantly bothered by noisy footsteps from the tenants above. People want a space that is going to be quiet – they shouldn’t know what the people upstairs are up to. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong is looking for a solution to this problem by offering

PlybooQuiet Sound Reduction Flooring. This absorbs the footsteps and any other ambient noises that may come from the floors. With these bamboo floors, little ones can play freely without parents worrying that they may be making too much noise.

Eco-friendly amenities

The millennial generation is putting a greater importance on sustainability than past renters. More and more building owners aim to create a LEED-rated apartment complex. Being LEED certified can create a healthier environment for occupants and works to conserve precious resources like energy and water. In order to get more LEED credits for your building, consider installing bamboo flooring in all of the units. It’s not as costly as traditional hardwood and looks just as luxurious and elegant.

Focus on lighting

When you bring potential occupants to look at a particular unit, it’s important that they get a great first impression. One of the best ways to create a welcoming ambiance in an apartment is with lighting. One light fixture on the ceiling will only produce a harsh glow that won’t do anything for the look of the space. Instead, combine layers of ambient, accent and task lighting. The three work together to create an inviting apartment that people would love to call home.

Include washer/dryer in unit

Many families today are choosing to rent rather than buy for a variety of reasons. Some are uncertain about the stability of their jobs while others are unable to buy a home because of the tight credit standard for mortgage loans. Either way, families are going to want an apartment with all of the amenities needed to live comfortably, like a washer and dryer. For example, a busy single mom may not have time to run to a separate building to get the laundry done, but the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer could attract lots of potential renters.

Stairs are often found in the entryway of homes, so they’re likely the first thing that visitors see when they head into a house. As such, stairs directly contribute to the first impression made about the rest of the home, so it’s important that they give off a vibe that blends with the rest of your interior design. In order to turn your staircase into the main event of your entryway, try these techniques:

Stair nosing

Give your stairs the finishing touch that they need with luxurious stair nosing, which is the projecting edge of the top of each stair. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers stair nosing in a variety of shades and textures that are applied to the forward edge of stairs or landings. Bamboo is a durable material that can take the high traffic that usually occurs on stairs without getting scratched or scuffed. The stair nosing gives your entryway the finished look of elegance that it deserves. Choose a shade that coordinates with the rest of your home for a cohesive feel.

Decorative molding

Enhance the look of your walls around your staircase with decorative molding. This stylish accouterments can easily contribute to the aesthetic of your stairs, whether they follow a modern, vintage or traditional look. Even the most simple molding can provide the perfect touch to your entryway.

Combine white with dark

For a dramatic contrast, use rich wood-colored stairs and railings and display it against bright white walls and molding. Such opposite hues work extremely well together and suit a formal, luxurious home design. Light-colored bamboo can help open up a small space, while darker colored stairs are often used in larger homes.

Take advantage of under-stair space

Don’t let the space under your stairs go unused. There is so much that can be done with the area that can help enhance the look of your staircase. Transform it into a reading nook with plenty of comfortable seating, pillows and adequate lighting, use it as a closet or storage space – or incorporate a small, but fully stocked wet bar. The way you use the space under your stairs is entirely up to you, but make sure that it serves a proper function for the room that it’s in. A closet may work best for an entryway to store coats and shoes, while basement stairs may work best for a bar or a reading nook. If you don’t have enough space for a traditional closet, you can use rows of bins, cubbies or drawers.

The library is a place where people come to study in groups or alone, to read or conduct research for a project. The environment can greatly affect their experience, either aiding in their productivity or working against it. If you want more readers coming back to your library in the future, it’s important to create a space that is centered entirely around the visitor. For a more user-friendly library, consider any of these ideas:

Quiet floors

It’s important for libraries to be as quiet as possible so that people can work efficiently with no distractions. One easy way to ensure a serene space is through bamboo flooring. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers PlybooQuiet sound reduction flooring. It works to absorb footsteps to eliminate distractions. These floors are particularly perfect for a library with multiple floors, as you won’t be able to hear pitter patter from the level above.

Bamboo panels

Use bamboo wall panels in your library, as they can function as decor and as a way to eliminate ambient noise. Smith & Fong’s PlybooSound acoustical bamboo wall panels use QuietWall technology to keep your library quiet and serene. The panels are available in a wide variety of shades, from light to dark to keep your library looking modern and aesthetically pleasing.

Offer a variety of seating options

It’s important to let the patron decide what his or her library experience is going to be like. Maybe he or she would like to study at a desk separate from everyone else, or maybe a table with plenty of seating to collaborate with a group of people. There should be seating areas for a variety of social interactions. Think about the tools that your readers might need, whether that’s a group of computers, a large desk, plenty of comfortable seating located near natural light or a nook. By seeing your library through your customer’s eyes, you’ll be able to better understand what your space needs.

Set out only the bare essentials

When your patrons enter your library, they should be easily directed toward where they need to go, whether that’s to a computer lab, check-out desk, the fiction section, or customer service. In order for them to easily spot these various zones, it’s best that the library is free of clutter. Too many signs and advertisements can create an overwhelming environment.

An office that has well-thought-out and visually appealing interior design is likely to produce a more welcoming environment for all of the employees and clients who enter. A modern style is very popular among offices for its trendy feel and simplistic design. If you’re after this contemporary vibe in your office space, consider any of these style ideas:

iPhone bamboo charger doc

Keep your phone fully charged and easily accessible to take any business calls using an iPhone dock. The Chisel 5 is a dock that is constructed using bamboo, an extremely environmentally friendly and contemporary-looking material.

Bamboo lumber

In order to create an office that is both welcoming and modern, consider swapping out your current desks for desks constructed with bamboo lumber. Not only is bamboo extremely durable and beautifully made, it’s a rapidly renewable resource, making it great for the environment. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers a variety of bamboo lumber that you can use to build anything from desks and conference room tables to chairs and bookshelves for a modern-looking office.

Remove clutter

A minimalist style is perfect for a modern office. Minimalism is just how it sounds – it only includes the essentials in the design and is always free of clutter. Therefore, you want to make sure that there are no disorganized areas of your office. File away papers in cabinets or drawers, leaving only the essential supplies out on your desk. It will add to the modern style of your office.

Make use of natural light

The lighting in your office can largely contribute to the overall design aesthetic. If you’re after a modern office, make sure to let in as much natural light as you can. Not only will this help highlight your beautiful office design, but this light can actually help to improve performance in the workplace. According to a study published in the journal SLEEP, there is a link between daylight exposure and quality of life. Workers with more light exposure not only got a better night’s sleep, they also experienced a higher productivity level.

When it gets dark in the office, have plenty of task and ambient lighting to provide a glow that is soft and welcoming, rather than harsh. Update any wall sconces or fixtures to bring better light into the space.

Nowadays, many people have the option of working at home – a privilege that often comes with many benefits. According to Forbes, it’s environmentally friendly, offers a quieter atmosphere and eliminates a long commute. In order to be as productive as you are in the office, however, you need to have a home space that is just as effective and allows you to get all the work done that you need. One thing that can be used to create a beautiful, comfortable and efficient office is bamboo.

Air desk

If you choose to relax for a bit and work from a couch or bed instead of the typical office chair, an air desk constructed out of bamboo may come in handy. An air desk a portable tray that holds your laptop computer features a mouse pad, as well as and a slot for your smartphone for easy access when you need to make or take calls. There are air holes punched into the bamboo, which helps your computer stay cool and ventilated throughout the work day.

Panels

Bamboo panels are perfect for a home office, not only for their subtle beauty and environmental benefits, but their acoustic qualities as well. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong has a line of bamboo panels called PlybooSound that actually helps to reduce ambient noise for a quiet and serene environment. Without excess noise, you’ll be able to get your work done in peace. Plus, the panels are available in a variety of colors and textures to match whatever style you would like for your home office.

Blinds

Keep the sun out of your eyes while working with bamboo blinds. Not only are they super durable, they naturally blend into many home decor styles, whether it’s contemporary or traditional. Bamboo is a much better choice when compared to the traditional wood blinds. Bamboo grows faster than most hardwoods, so the impact of deforestation isn’t as dramatic. Bamboo blinds can also stand up to harsh sunlight, keeping your office free of unwanted rays that can produce glares on your computer.

Computer accessories

Bamboo is becoming a popular accessory when it comes to computers. Computer cases as well as keyboard covers and mouses are being constructed out of bamboo for its natural, modern look and durability. Even Dell has begun to use bamboo fibers in packing materials for their computer equipment.

Bamboo offers many environmental benefits. It grows quickly, and without the need for any harmful pesticides or fertilizers. It also helps release oxygen into the air – about 35 percent more so than trees. Bamboo can also be used to create a variety of items, like panels, flooring, shelving, cutting boards, bikes and even homes. More recently, however, bamboo is being used to treat wastewater and improve the quality of H2O around the world. Water in rivers, lakes and oceans as well as the drinking and ground water can be polluted. In fact, according to the Environmental Working Group, most drinking water that Americans consume is filled with unwanted contaminants. Some bottled water may even contain contaminants, as a few companies choose not to release the source of their H2O.

Water treatment using bamboo is known as the EU-funded project called Briter-Water. Through the use of bamboo, it’s hoped that gray water will be treated. Found most frequently in the food industry, gray water is wastewater that is free of any toxic chemicals. However, gray water can cause bad odors, negatively affect the health of fish and absorb more oxygen in the environment. Through phytoremediation, the bamboo plant can remove those unwanted contaminants in water. The process occurs through filtration. The filtration system goes through the soil of a plantation, which helps remove certain organisms in the water.

This bamboo filtration system has even been installed for some homes. One dwelling in Cape Cod uses bamboo and a  polyethylene-lined garden bed in order to filter gray water. Not only does this system help to deliver cleaner water to those living in the home, it helps homeowners save money as well. In fact, it came with a price tag that was about $30,000 less than a common septic-and-mound system.

When designing your child’s nursery, you want it to be a space where he or she feels at peace, comfortable and happy. Design plays a large role in the mood of the nursery. The right colors, wall decor and furniture placement can create a calming environment for you and your little one so that he or she can enjoy a sound, deep sleep.

Choose tranquil colors

Believe it or not, there are some colors that can have a negative effect on your child. For example, yellow may be a sunny and cheerful color, but the hue can be harsh on the eyes. Instead, opt for tones that give off a relaxed and serene vibe. Light blues, pinks, greens and lavenders all promote a tranquil and calming environment for a Zen-like nursery.

When you do decide on a color, make sure you opt for a paint that is low in volatile organic compounds, which include a variety of chemicals. VOCs can be found in other items as well, like building materials, pesticides, cleaning supplies and furnishings.

Decorate with bamboo

Bamboo is not only eco-friendly, its natural color and texture gives the room beauty without overwhelming the design. Bamboo flooring, bookshelves, cribs and panels are all great ways to incorporate the material. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers a line of bamboo panels called PlybooSound. These panels have QuietWall technology, which significantly decreases ambient noise, helping the space stay quiet and serene for your little one (and you) to get some decent shut eye.

Keep the sun out

In order for your child to sleep well at night and through the morning, it’s important to have shades that are going to keep the sun out of his or her eyes. Think about installing blackout shades, which do a great job of eliminating light from the nursery.

Maintain a cozy environment

To keep your infant nice and warm all through the night, you may want to install window insulation film. This is perfect for the winter months, and can be bought at your local hardware store. It keeps all of the cold drafts out for a cozy, warm temperature in your child’s nursery.

Have storage space

Whether you choose to store things in cabinets, bins or the closet, it’s important that all of the baby essentials are put away. Not only will this help baby-proof the room, but a reduction of clutter can assist in promoting a more serene environment.

For those last-minute shoppers, why not give a green gift  this holiday season? Here are a few sustainable ideas for everyone on your list:

Bamboo wall panels

Help your loved one stay organized and eco-friendly with a bamboo dry erase wall panel. Its surface makes it easy to write down to-do lists, grocery items, reminders, calendar dates and more. And when you’re done, simply wipe it off!

Bamboo panels without a dry erase surface are also a great present to put under the tree this holiday season. The specially designed panels can reduce ambient noise and provide a modern accent to any room. They’re also great for the environment. San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong has bamboo panels that are good for three Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design credits, which can help to create a more sustainable world.

Clothing

For the fashionista on your list, search through eco-friendly clothing brands for the perfect garment. Sustainable shopping is becoming increasingly popular for its luxury look and eco-friendly qualities. H&M has come out with something called the Conscious Collection, which includes sustainably made clothing. With the elegance of each piece, no one would ever know that it’s made from ethically sourced materials.

Candles

Believe it or not, some candles aren’t friendly to the environment and emit synthetic chemicals which can be unhealthy to breathe in. Instead, look for environmentally conscious candle companies that use natural wax and chemical-free cotton wicks. Select a few different scents for each room in their home.

Kitchen essentials

Every chef needs a good, durable cutting board. Rather than the traditional wood cutting board, opt for a bamboo one. Not only does bamboo release more oxygen into the air than wood, it’s not as susceptible to housing bacteria – its durability prevents deep rivets from being cut into the board.

Bamboo wine rack

If you’re still searching for the perfect gift for the wine connoisseur you know, consider getting him or her a bamboo wine rack. It can be displayed in any room of the house, acting as a piece of decor while providing a storage area for all of his or her bottles of vino.

Audubon coffee

For the coffee enthusiast in your life, give them the gift of caffeine. Audubon coffee is a special variety. The beans don’t need sun to grow, which eliminates the need for deforestation. Combine these beans with a customized mug for the perfect holiday present they will use over and over again.

More and more homeowners are creating a space in their home for media rooms – an area where they can watch their favorite movies and TV shows, and listen to music. But if you have a big family, this space needs to be accommodating to a large number of people. In order to create the perfect gathering space, consider these design ideas:

A bamboo media unit

Bamboo is an extremely durable material, and will be able to hold all of your electronics safely, including stereos, televisions, DVD players, video game systems and more. It will help keep clutter out of the way so there’s more space for guests and comfy seating.

Bamboo panels

Flawless sound is essential in a media room and can enhance any experience whether you’re watching your favorite movie or singing along to the latest song. In order to create a quiet space where the sound of the TV and stereo can clearly come through, place bamboo panels on the walls. Not only are they decorative, providing a modern accent to the room, Smith & Fong’s PlybooSound panels are equipped with QuietWall technology which reduces ambient noise.

Make room for snacks

Snacking and watching movies goes hand-in-hand. Instead of going back and forth from the media room to the kitchen multiple times, install a mini bar area that includes a small fridge and a microwave for making popcorn. Place a variety of beverages in the fridge to let guests take their pick.

Frame movie quotes and posters

If you’re in need of some wall decor for your entertainment room, consider picking out a few of your family’s favorite movie quotes. Whether they’re funny or inspirational, the quotes will help set the scene for your space. You can have sayings and phrases printed out on a canvas. You can also look for movie posters to frame and hang up on the walls.

Choose the right materials

Comfortable couches and chairs are essential to a media room because you and your family will be sitting for long periods of time. There is something as equally as important as comfort, however: durability. If you’re constantly having kids on the sofa with food and drink, you’re going to need a material that will stand up to the consistent usage.

Leather is a great choice for a family area because messes can be easily wiped up and cleaned or vacuumed. A cotton blend is another good choice for its sturdy qualities. Make sure to cover it with a special finish to ward off stains. Choose a dark colored leather so that if something does spill, it can’t be easily seen.

If you’re looking to build a tech startup office, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. The design of such a space is almost as important as the people who work in it. Practical can go hand-in-hand with stylish to create an office that promotes productivity and collaboration. After all, if startup employees are working long hours, why not design an office where everyone enjoys their surroundings? Here are a few design ideas for your startup office:

Cut back on desks

The idea that an office needs one desk per team member is long gone. Instead, put a few people to each desk to free up more creative space. Many people operate under the assumption that there needs to be a desk for every person, but when you walk into many offices, many desks are not being used at a given moment. Plus, sharing a work space can ignite collaboration and teamwork.

Install bamboo panels

You can set your office design apart from your competitors by installing bamboo panels. The San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong has a Linear Line of bamboo panels that are vertically fluted, revealing a uniquely graphic inner core. The design resembles a natural, woven textile, which contributes to a modern looking office space.

Have storage

A large part of productivity is having an office that is free of clutter. And in the first year of business, you’re probably going to see more paperwork than you might expect. Make sure to invest in file cabinets, or even mini-personal file cabinets. Put one under each desk so employees have a way to stay organized. Bookshelves are another great idea for your startup office because they are both decorative and functional.

Offer perks

When employees feel like they’re not at work, they’re much more likely to unwind and let go of some stress. Offer opportunities for people to interact by designating an area of the office for some fun. Ping pong tables and a video game room can lead to comfortable, casual conversation between employees and a more tightly-knit office environment.

Plants

Not only do some plants help to make the air in your office cleaner, they also provide health benefits and can help boost creativity. Plants can decrease fatigue, cold, headaches and even coughs. A study at the Royal College of Agriculture in Cirencester, England, found that attentiveness among participants increased by 70 percent when students were taught in rooms that had plants in them.

Whether you’re designing a bathroom for an office, a home or a restaurant, a serene and calming environment is important to the space. It’s a room in which you should feel comfortable and be able to relax, only if it’s even for a few moments.

Fresh cut flowers

One of the easiest ways to enliven a bathroom is with fresh cut flowers. They’re most commonly placed in areas like the kitchen and living room, but the bathroom is an often overlooked space for a vase of blooms. Put them next to the tub or on open shelving for a splash of color.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a material that is perfect for the bathroom due to its versatility and environmentally friendly nature. Decorate a modern bathroom with bamboo panels. The San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong’s PlybooSound Line of bamboo panels helps to quiet your bathroom with state-of-the-art technology to create a serene and calm space. They come in all sorts of colors and patterns to help fit your exact design preferences.

You can also consider using bamboo lumber in your bathroom, which can be transformed into open shelving to hold all of your toiletries, like towels, soap and shampoo. You can also use these sturdy shelves to hold pieces of art or potted plants for a serene environment.

Plenty of natural light

Open up your bathroom’s windows to allow as much natural light into the room as possible. It helps brighten up the area and subtly warms the space without being too harsh or overpowering. If there are no windows in your bathroom, choose accent or task lighting that will provide just enough brightness and help draw attention to certain areas of the space.

Keep it organized

One thing that can largely take away from a relaxed ambiance in the bathroom is clutter. Make sure that everything is put away in its proper space. Put items that you don’t use in cabinets, under the sink or on open shelving. Keep bath essentials in a storage unit that hangs over the showerhead if you don’t have enough room on the side of the tub. Even in the smallest of bathrooms, there are always creative ways to store items.

Candles

There’s nothing more relaxing than the warm and subtle glow of a candle’s flame. Group a few on a decorative tray and place them on the vanity or use battery-powered tea lights if you want your bathroom to be lit even when it’s not in use.

One of the most central aspects of a recording studio is the sound. You have to be able to hear perfectly, and you want to be able to stop unwanted sound from entering or exiting the room. You don’t need a special room to record vocals, but the acoustic properties and construction are essential to flawless sound.

It’s also important to understand that a studio that is both comfortable and visually appealing can help to encourage better recordings, while making clients feel more at ease and eager to record.

Here are few inspirational design ideas to help you spruce up your recording studio:

Use bamboo panels

Acoustic bamboo panels are perfect for a recording studio not only for their subtle and modern appearance, but for their sound absorbing qualities as well. The San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers a PlybooSound line of acoustic bamboo panels that are equipped with QuietWall technology. This helps reduce ambient noise, making it great for large, open work spaces, especially recording studios.

Install acoustic foam

By putting acoustic foam or diffusers around the room, you can instantly improve the acoustics. This material is very helpful to to anybody looking to reduce echo or prevent any excess noise from coming into a room and messing with the recording. It comes in a variety of sizes and can be nailed or attached to everything from walls to doors to ceilings.

Find the perfect lighting

Most people don’t like working in rooms that spread harsh light throughout the space. Instead, a subtle, warm light is best. Consider installing a dimmer, which can be useful for finding the perfect lighting for your studio. Accent lighting is also great for featuring certain areas of the room, like panels or decor.

Display work

If you have a bunch of albums sitting around, consider hanging them on your walls for everyone to see. It not only adds to the beauty of your studio, but it also adds credibility to your enterprise. You can also store your guitars on the wall to add visual appeal while saving precious storage space. Put them up with guitar hangers, which can be found at any local music store.

Rugs and tapestries

Fill your space with a few rugs or tapestries tacked to the walls in areas near microphones. They can add a splash of color and pattern and keep sounds from bouncing around the room.

Whether you just moved into a new home or are looking to do some renovations, consider using bamboo to dress up your space. Many homeowners love the material for its versatility, making it easy to fit whatever design vision they have in mind. It’s available in a variety of different shades, and is one of the most eco-friendly building materials available. It’s sturdy and solid, and it also regrows extremely fast, which makes it rapidly renewable. It’s also much more inexpensive than its traditional hardwood counterparts.

It’s no wonder why bamboo is popping up in more and more homes. The good news is, you can incorporate bamboo into your dwelling in so many different ways, from closets to tables and everything in between. Some don’t realize all of the ways this material can be used. Here are a few unique ways to decorate almost every room in your house with bamboo:

For the kitchen…

Cutting boards

Dress up your kitchen counters with a bamboo cutting board. Be sure to wipe your cutting board dry after washing to maintain its longevity.

Cabinetry

Using bamboo cabinets can help set your kitchen apart and increase the green factor in your home. It also enhances the decor without a lot of accessorizing.

For the bedroom…

Towels/bed linens

Bamboo isn’t often associated with soft materials, but it can actually be used to create towels and bed linens. Comfy bamboo products are very breathable, and make for a luxurious material. They’re also resistant to odor, mold and mildew, even after numerous washings.

Bamboo panels

Create a natural accent wall in your bedroom by using bamboo panels. The San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong has a Linear Line of bamboo panels that offers the look of natural woven textiles. Combine them with ambient lighting to draw the eye in and accentuate their appeal.

For the living room…

Window shades

Use bamboo as window shades for an elegant statement of style. It’s an ideal material for a shade because it adds a warm ambiance and charm to your interior. It can also blend well with whatever furniture you have in the room.

Rugs

Bamboo rugs are perfect for any living room, not only for their beauty, but for their durability. They are dirt and water resistant, making them easy to maintain. They’re also great for those who have allergies because they’re hypoallergenic.

Windows are one of the most overlooked potential design areas in an office. However, they should never be neglected, otherwise you’ll be left with a bare view. By decorating your windows, you can turn the office space into more of a home, where people feel comfortable enough to socialize and collaborate. Transform your office windows into a focal point with any of these modern upgrades:

Natural-woven shades

Naturally-woven shades using bamboo are quickly gaining popularity in the design industry. They come in different colors of wood, and some even include grassy accents. Not only is bamboo eco-friendly, it diffuses light so people can clearly see what’s going on outside. At the same time, it doesn’t leave windows bare and open window, so there’s still some privacy.

Green design is becoming a popular trend for anyone who is looking to add heat- or cold-repellent window panels, as well as people with allergies. The material is both stain- and mildew-resistant, helping everyone in the office to feel comfortable.

Window frames

Surround your windows with bamboo lumber window frames. This material can help give your windows a modern feel and provides exceptional durability. The San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers dimensional lumber that is available in a wide variety of shades and designs that can take your office to the next level. Surrounding your windows with lumber can help create a beautiful and natural focal point. Susan Schultz, a trend specialist for Grace McNamara Inc., told HGTV that in the past, decorative hardware had been dominated by metallics and sparkle, but now it’s returning to wood and natural textures, like bamboo, to optimize sustainability and environmentally friendly qualities.

Extra-long curtain rods

If you want your office space to appear larger and taller than it actually is, install extra-long curtain rods that extend well beyond the window frame. Mount the rod close to the ceiling for an illusion of height that can help open up the room.

Panel-track systems

For an office with a modern or contemporary design, look for panel-track systems. Unlike vertical blinds, track systems are made of fabric or woven-wood panels, and they can be used as room dividers and to create sleek and simple lines on your windows. They can also cover closet doors and large picture windows to control the ambiance of the room.

Layer fabrics

Cozy up a window by layering fabrics with high thread-count cottons. They provide privacy, while still letting light in so that the office doesn’t seem dark or uninviting.

Bamboo flooring can be installed virtually anywhere – in an office, a restaurant, a yoga studio or a home. This flooring material is quickly gaining popularity not only for its natural beauty and versatility, but for its eco-friendly qualities. It also offers a similar look to hardwoods like oak, walnut or pine, and comes in any shade from dark to light, but for a much more affordable price.

Once you install your bamboo floors, it’s important to consider how to decorate the interior of the room to properly coordinate with the flooring.

Use other bamboo elements

You can’t go wrong incorporating other bamboo elements into your space. Consider installing exposed ceiling beams with bamboo lumber, using bamboo panels to create an accent wall or even using bamboo window shades. When deciding what color to paint the walls, opt for a fresh yellow or green to complement the natural tones of the bamboo. You can also consider a more neutral palette, like taupe, tan or walnut.

Go modern

While bamboo flooring can be transformed to fit any design style you have in mind, it presents a very modern and sophisticated feel, so it’s important that the rest of the room match that design aesthetic. Rich, dark bamboo floors give off a feel of elegance – consider pairing these floors with a lighter wall color, like a cream or ivory, and incorporate light-colored furniture as well, which will stand out nicely against the dark-colored floors and create a dramatic contrast. If you would rather go with a darker color on the wall, make sure the shade is rich enough to stand up against the deep tones of your bamboo floors. To stick with the contemporary theme, add splashes of color throughout the room by adding throw blankets, pillows, a rug or wall art.

For a more natural look, opt for bamboo floors in a blonde shade. Opt for a bold color on the walls, or choose a soft hue that can accentuate the natural warmth that this flooring can emit.

Also, choose a rug that doesn’t compete with the flooring – go with a neutral or solid color to complement the decor in the room.

Tie the room together with accessories

When hanging pictures on the wall, use frames that match the floors for a more cohesive look. Houseplants and potted trees also add a nice touch and complement the natural feel of bamboo.

At first glance, it may seem natural to cover up raw ceiling beams for a finished space. But you may want to think twice before covering them up. Exposed ceiling beams are becoming an extremely popular and modern decorative element for homes everywhere. They add a certain warmth and charm to a room – something ordinary ceilings may have trouble accomplishing.

The San Francisco-based company Smith & Fong offers dimensional lumber in a variety of finishes and colors, like natural and amber, as well as edge and flat grain. Bamboo lumber can help to give any room in your house a finished, urbanized look. These beams are also eco-friendly, with no added urea formaldehyde, and are 100 percent Forest Stewardship Council-certified. Here are a few ways to decorate with exposed ceiling beams anywhere in  your home:

Complement the exposed wood

Create a cohesive design aesthetic by matching the bamboo finish on your ceiling beams with a brick fireplace, which also contributes to a modern style. You can add in more bamboo by installing wall panels or flooring to pull the whole natural look together. Incorporating furniture that has the same tones and wood as the beams can help the eye naturally focus on the exposed ceiling.

Finish the beams

You can use a coat of paint to coordinate with the colors in the rest of the room, or you could maintain their original wood design by using a satin or semi-gloss stain. This will help to take the beams up a notch and really offer a finishing touch.

Add pegs

To give your beams an authentic, aged feel, you can drill small holes and knock a few pegs into them. Properly placed pegs can help transform the room into a modern, industrial space.

Hang mirrors

By hanging mirrors throughout the room, you’ll be allowing natural light to bounce around the space, making it appear larger. These mirrors will also reflect other parts of the room, including the ceiling.

Interior design may be just as important as the food you’re serving in your restaurant. The design and layout of a space can often play a critical role in determining whether a customer’s experience is positive or negative. Customers wish to feel comfortable and at home wherever they may be dining. Therefore, the atmosphere must be conducive to helping them enjoy their experience. You not only want to sell everyone on the food, you want to keep them coming back because of the environment as well.

One material that many interior designers are using more of is bamboo. It gives off a warm, modern vibe, which can be helpful in attracting and welcoming customers. Here are a few ways to incorporate bamboo into your restaurant for a clean and contemporary design aesthetic:

Shelving

Take advantage of wall space in your restaurant by putting art or greenery on display using bamboo lumber shelving. It’s durable and is available in a variety of designs and colors to fit the style of your restaurant.

Panels

Bamboo panels can be used to improve the acoustics of your space so that it’s easier for your customers to hear one another. They can also be used as an accent piece to create a beautiful focal wall in any part of the restaurant. Hang wall art on them or use wall sconces to highlight the natural beauty of the panels.

Flooring

Flooring can make a huge difference in the overall look of a restaurant. The rest of the space could be beautiful and modern, but if the floor is carpet from the 70s, it’s going to take away from the otherwise contemporary design. Pick a flooring material that is quiet and muted, like bamboo. It can stand up to scratches and is resistant to moisture, perfect for an environment surrounded by food and beverages.

Patio decking

Not sure which material to choose for your restaurants patio? Keep the modern aesthetic flowing outdoors with bamboo decking. This versatile and environmentally friendly material can be installed to show texture and a grooved surface, or, if you prefer, a smooth side for a more contemporary vibe. Bamboo will provide a clean finish, which is an attractive feature to draw in customers and keep them coming back. Bamboo decking is comparable to high-density hardwood timber, but offers a low-carbon and eco-friendly alternative that traditional decking materials just can’t compare to.

If you’re looking for a sleek and clean-lined bathroom, modern is the interior design aesthetic for you. With a modern bathroom, you can get a minimalist simplicity that is both classy and edgy.

This style tends to produce a spa-like ambiance by using upscale amenities like modular storage and stylish lavatories. But in order to pull this off in your home, you must include a few essential design elements.

Backsplash

Bring some visual interest into your bathroom with a backsplash. However, don’t choose anything too detailed or ornate, because it tends to date the room. Instead, look for something with clean lines and a simple decoration. Bamboo panels are perfect for your bathroom because they’re neutral, fitting in with a wide variety of color palettes, and their design is both simple and contemporary.

Sleek fixtures

It’s often the smallest details that can make the biggest difference in your overall interior design. The finish on your faucets, handles and knobs can help to set the tone for the rest of the room. Get rid of any crystal or ornate fixtures and replace them with sleek chrome handles and fixtures.

Linens

When displaying linens in your bathroom, it’s best to avoid detailed patterns. Instead, stick with one dramatic hue and carry it throughout the whole space. Mixing and matching hues can tend to distract from the sophisticated design of your bathroom. Contemporary or modern style is all about simplicity. Try selecting one bold color to combine with whites, blacks or grays.

Geometric shapes

Look for details that can provide sleek rectangles and sharp edges. Modern bathrooms often feature these shapes in tubs, sinks and mirrors. A vessel sink atop a contemporary vanity works well with other geometric elements in the bathroom.

Bamboo

“Green” materials are becoming more and more stylish for the bathroom. Many homeowners are selecting bamboo and/or plywood, which is a unique and eco-conscious material that holds up great in modern spaces.The plywood could be used to fabricate many things from shelving units to vanities.

Lighting

Lighting is an often overlooked element of design in the bathroom, but when done right, it can really bring out the refined beauty of your space. Use ambient lighting to illuminate the area under the vanity, on the sides of shelving and as cove lighting on the ceiling to keep it subtle and avoid harsh brightness.

There are a lot of design elements in your kitchen that should coordinate well with one another in order to create a streamlined style. Two of those things are flooring and kitchen cabinets. While they don’t necessarily have to match, it’s good for them to mesh well together. A layering of various tones, hues and textures can create a visually appealing space. Here are a few things to consider when picking out flooring and cabinets for your kitchen:

Color

The flooring should help balance out the rest of the colors in your kitchen. Darker cabinets tend to work well with slightly lighter-toned floors. The mix of colors keeps things interesting and prevents the room from becoming too monotone or too heavily focused on one hue. Instead, there is a certain balance between the light and dark. And if you have lighter kitchen cabinets, you may want to go darker with the flooring for that same contrast.

If you’re not looking for a dramatic contrast, you can try pairing light wood cabinets, like those made out of maple or oak, with bamboo for a similar and cohesive look. In general, if you have a small space, lighter colors and a monochromatic palette help to open up the area. Carrying the flooring into an adjoining room can also help a small kitchen appear to be larger.

Bamboo flooring is perfect for matching with any style cabinet because it’s so versatile. It can be coordinated with almost any interior design and is much easier to maintain than hardwood. You can opt for anything from edge-grain planks to a more exotic, striped design containing multiple layers. Bamboo is also incredibly strong, standing up well to constant foot traffic. It can take a lot of pressure from constant use, and dents less often than hard wood.

Style

Ask yourself what style you would like your kitchen to be. Contemporary? Modern? Vintage? Bamboo flooring pairs well with modern-style cabinets that have clean edges or pronounced wood grains. But if you have more of a country-style home, a light oak or honey-hued shade of cabinets can blend in seamlessly with existing decor and flooring in your kitchen.

Patterns

Contemporary kitchen cabinets tend to clash with floors that are too busy. If you have modern cabinets, you may want to stick to something a bit more simple on the floor so as to not overwhelm the interior design.

You’ve sat down with family and friends, a bowl of popcorn, a blanket and remote in hand. But you’re not quite ready yet – there may be something important missing from your home entertainment center. In order to have the best movie viewing experience, there are a few updates you can make to your space.

Bamboo panels

You can spend top dollar on an expensive surround sound system and giant TV, but without bamboo panels, you won’t have that crisp, clear sound that you get when you’re at the theater. The acoustics of the room itself is just as crucial to the overall experience as your sound system. The San Francisco-based bamboo product manufacturing company Smith & Fong has a new line of bamboo panels, called PlybooSound, that are great for reducing noise, helping to create the ultimate home movie-watching experience. Place panels at reflection points – the places where sound will reflect off of the panel and reach the listener, like wall corners.

Take control of the light

Ideally, home entertainment areas won’t have any windows or doorways that can let in lots of light. Any light that leaks into the room can have a significant impact on the contrast and brightness of the image, diminishing the overall presentation. In order to take control of the amount of light in the room that houses your home entertainment center, invest in a set of black-out curtains.

These are backed with a material that doesn’t let any light through, effectively darkening the entire room, which will improve your picture.

Also, consider installing decorative lamps or wall sconces to soften the light in the room, or aim lights at certain shelves to highlight certain items for when you’re not watching TV.

Bamboo floors

If you want to achieve a modern design in your home theater, bamboo floors are a must. Not only are they eco-friendly, they provide a simple, neutral palette to complement the rest of the room. Bamboo floors are simple to maintain and clean, making it easy to wipe up any messes from snacks or drinks spilled during a movie. Bamboo flooring is also durable and lasts longer than many other types of hardwood flooring, even withstanding furniture scratches.

Comfortable seating

One of the most important elements of a home entertainment area is comfort. If you’re going to be sitting there watching a two-hour movie, you don’t want to have to worry about whether or not you and your guests are comfortable. Choose furniture that fits well in the space, matches the room’s style and offers a relaxing place to sit for a long period of time.

There are a lot of ways to live eco-friendly, whether it’s preserving water, shutting off the lights or recycling. But the materials you’re using in your interior design could also be making an impact on the environment.

Bamboo is an often overlooked material when it comes to designing everything from libraries and coffee shops to restaurants and homes. It’s one of the world’s fastest-growing plants, taking just three to six years to grow large enough to harvest – mere minutes compared to hardwoods, which can take 120 years to grow to their full size. This durable and versatile material also doesn’t require the use of pesticides, which means less chemical pollution and cleaner air. It’s a much more sustainable product than hardwood and can be used in a wide variety of areas, whether it’s a home or place of business:

Bathroom backsplash

Use bamboo as a backsplash in your bathroom. It’s not only terrific for the environment, it adds both texture and beauty to your bathroom, providing a spa-like atmosphere. This material also complements glass and stainless steel materials particularly well.

Kitchen island

Every chef needs a place to clean, cook and prepare food, which is why a kitchen island is crucial. Consider using bamboo for the countertop for a great natural look and feel that will add more space to your kitchen. Most bamboo is not treated with chemicals, which makes it a safe surface upon which to prepare food. Some oils can be used to prolong the life of the bamboo, like mineral or tung oil. Bamboo is also naturally antibacterial, which makes it a great choice for use in the kitchen.

Flooring

Bamboo offers a multitude of benefits, whether you’re looking for flooring for your kitchen, bathroom or coffee house. They’re easy to clean and maintain, don’t promote dust or harbor dust mites (making them friendly to allergy sufferers), and they’re a less pricey alternative to hardwood. They’re also, of course, extremely environmentally friendly and made with safe materials for a healthy home or business.

Paneling

Whether you’re searching for new paneling in your home or your place of business, bamboo is a top contender. Not only is it visually appealing, but San Francisco-based designer and manufacturer of eco-friendly bamboo products Smith & Fong has come out with a new collection that is perfect for reducing noise. The PlybooSound bamboo A7 panel has a natural elegance to it along with beautiful mixed shades of brown and is equipped with sound-proofing technology to greatly reduce any ambient noise.

As technology and innovation continue to develop at a rapid pace, they are having an impact on everything from communications to what we eat and how we produce that food to architectural design and building.

Advancements in architectural design and sustainable building have been especially impressive of late. You can go to any major city or, in some cases smaller urban and rural settings, and see examples of buildings and styles that you may never have imagined, with those buildings incorporating environmentally friendly elements that didn’t even exist a few years ago.

Seattle project shows path forward

The GreenFire Campus, an 18-unit apartment building that was recently completed in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, is just one example of how architects and developers are working together to forge new ways of constructing cleaner, more efficient buildings.

The most noticeable aspect of the design is its remarkable amount of green space. Between the apartment building and the nearby commercial building there is almost as much greenery as there is developed property, and each apartment unit has its own planting bed where residents can grow vegetables, according to a report from Seattle’s NPR outlet 88.5 KPLU.

That kind of mix of nature and human design is just one of the exciting ways architects are driving the green revolution, and the GreenFire Campus is the kind of project that could have an impact well beyond the Pacific Northwest.

Architects who are changing the way people think about design

Across the globe, architects are experimenting with different designs, innovative materials like bamboo plywood, ways of using natural light and even flooring types as part of the innovation process.

Eddie Jones, a master architect, recently spoke to architecture students at the University of South Florida, as reported by The Oracle, USF’s student newspaper. He talked about how he uses techniques like rammed-dirt, a natural material that provides more effective building insulation than most manufactured materials, to help manage building temperature. He also used rainwater harvesting in a project at the University of Arizona to irrigate the land around the site.

Danish architects Mateusz Mastalski and Ole Robin Storjohann have come up with their own novel idea that could radically change urban living. They have proposed building small apartments in the unused spaces between buildings.

Models and conceptualizations of what these living spaces would look like, provided by Sourceable.com, show an apartment lifestyle not very different from the one experienced by most people who live in large cities. In this case, it’s just a matter of trying to take advantage of wasted space in places where legroom is at a premium.