Earth-friendly design elements might include the following:

• Flooring manufactured from materials like bamboo and cork, free of formaldehyde and other toxic fume emissions;
• Lava stone countertops and basalt stone display surfaces;
• Cabinets and shelving crafted from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified materials and held to the strictest production standards;
• Veneers made from materials found in sustainable forests;
• The use of ABC rather than PCB plastics, eliminating dangerous fluorocarbons and off gases;
• Low VOC paint on wall, ceiling and shelving surfaces;
• Incorporation of natural lighting whenever possible;
• The use of low-wattage fixtures placed for maximum efficiency and aesthetic balance where natural light is unavailable;
• Energy efficient appliances that reduce excessive electricity consumption;
• Accessories that encourage organization and efficiency, eliminating time-consuming outsourcing and clutter: pull out pant presses, laundry baskets, valet hooks, shoe shelves, drawers with inserts for jewelry and lingerie; and
• Wherever possible, the space maximized through use of existing elements (e.g. ceiling height) and/or unobtrusive add-ons (e.g. shoji screens, sliding doors, floating mirrors).
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