From now until June 16, visitors to Woodlawn in Alexandria, Virginia, will discover All American House, the first show house in a planned series that will explore the history and future of design in America by pairing young designers with historic properties. This year, design students from George Washington University and UNC at Greensboro were selected by jury to create 21st-century rooms in the 18th-century residence—which used to be part of historic Mount Vernon—while Corcoran College of Art and Design students have virtually re-imagined the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Pope-Leighey house (pictured above), located on the same grounds as Woodlawn. The students’ concept work is on display in one of Woodlawn’s rooms.
The All American House is sponsored by MADE: In America, a non-profit organization promoting American commerce and industry in a global economy. It showcases furniture by MADE: In America companies including Century, Duralee, Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, Hickory Chair, Keith Fritz and Niermann Weeks; McLean designer Barbara Hawthorn and New York designer Alexa Hampton advised the competitors. woodlawnpopeleighey.org/events
ROYAL TREATMENT
Architectural Ceramics’ latest collection, Crag Castle, is a large-format porcelain tile that comes in six-by-36-inch planks. Made from recycled materials and manufactured through environmentally responsible means, the tiles (shown on wall) are so named because they resemble the look of natural rocks—or crags—on the outside of a castle. architecturalceramics.com
FRIENDLY FABRIC
When sisters Patty Grossman and Leigh Anne Van Dusen founded O Ecotextiles in 2004, they wanted to prove it’s possible to produce luxurious fabrics using non-toxic, ethical and sustainable methods. Their latest collection, Rigaudon, is Global Organic Textile Standard-certified, meaning that no freshwater source is polluted during fabric production. Rigaudon is 55 percent organic linen and 45 percent organic cotton. oecotextiles.com
SUSTAINABLE SEATING
CR Laine’s upholstered seating collection boasts frames made of sustainably harvested hardwoods, coil springs made from 50-percent recycled metal, low-VOC glues and 80 percent regenerated fibers recycled from plastic water bottles. Available through Classic Interiors in Ellicott City, the collection is covered with reclaimed cotton fabric that comes in three neutral colors. classicinteriorsonline.com
HANDLE WITH CARE
To make its cork tiles, Globus Cork does not cut down any trees; instead, the company harvests the bark from cork oak trees every nine years, leaving the forest undamaged. It also recycles waste from the wine cork manufacturing process in its tiles. Adhesives, stains and finishes are water-based. Globus Cork tiles are available in more than 20 sizes and a variety of custom designs and colors. corkfloor.com
CONCRETE COOL
SureCrete Design Products now offers Xtreme Series Terrazzo recycled concrete, which contains recycled glass, stone and other post-consumer recycled materials. Because it’s non-porous, this surface repels microbial growth, resulting in better indoor air quality. SureCrete Terrazzo is more durable and lighter than other concretes, and comes in a range of colors. surecretedesign.com
BATTERY NOT INCLUDED
Created by inventor and entrepreneur Mark Bedol, the diminutive Squirt Alarm clock from Bedol Water Clocks runs entirely on waterpower—no batteries necessary. Metallic plates inside the clock turn H2O ions into a current that creates power. Bedol water clocks come in five different colors. bedol.com
RAINFOREST RETURN
Unearthed Paints’ Hard Wax Oil is a toxin-free finish for interior woods, cork and stone. Created sustainably from linseed oil, carnauba wax and a derivative of pine tree sap, Hard Wax Oil enhances the natural color and beauty of a surface. For every square foot of Unearthed Paints products sold, this family-owned company purchases a square foot of Paraguayan rainforest and donates it back to the indigenous people. unearthedpaints.com
NEMO TILES
Nemo Tiles has been offering unique flooring options for nearly 100 years. The company’s latest lines, Twill, Claystone and Crossover, include 40-percent recycled ceramic material. Crossover offers the look of sandstone in five color varieties; Twill (pictured) is slightly textured, reminiscent of hand-woven linen, and comes in five colors; Claystone comes in four earthy, veined patterns. nemotile.com