Today marks the first of our month-long series on sustainable style. The series is brought to you by Cromwell & Cruthers, an eco-friendly, 100 percent natural shaving oil.
It’s easy, these days, to be cynical about the fate of the world; indeed, the environmental apocalypse may be coming soon. Until it arrives, however, you’ll need something to sit on. Delay the end of the world in comfort with Canada’s finest eco-friendly furniture makers.
G. Romano
After 48 years in business, G. Romano – a proud member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council – continues to hand-build furniture in Montreal.
Eco-piece: The Dublin sectional, from the Verde collection, has a soy foam core and is upholstered with recycled cotton and bamboo.
Gus* Design Group
Inspired by simple forms and honest materials, Gus’s furnishings evoke mid-century modernism. But they’ve also got a modern touch: Materials like FSC-certified wood take 21st century concerns into account.
Eco-piece: The Spencer sofa (pictured above), with indented cushions, stainless steel base, and rectangular side arms, would fit right in at a Mies van der Rohe retrospective.
608 Design
An industrial designer by training, 608 Design’s Evan Bare uses software to conceptualize his furnishings. Nothing gets built until he’s considered the ergonomics, efficiency and durability.
Eco-piece: The Cubert chair comes with removable storage boxes that are made with urea-free particle board; it can also be upholstered in recycled polyester or cotton-hemp.
Propellor Design
The threesome behind Vancouver-based Propellor Design are all trained sculptors (they met at Emily Carr University). Inspired by nature, the group eschews marble for 100 percent recycled, recyclable, or sustainable materials.
Eco-piece: The Dram chandelier repurposes 120 disused tumblers and drinking glasses into a feverishly colourful hanging light.
Photo courtesy of Gus Modern.
