Pretty Little Green Things

I try to stay up on trends and activity in the design world, but sometimes I’m totally oblivious to my surroundings.  This could not have been more apparent when I happened upon the stunning Linhardt Design Gallery that’s less than two blocks from my apartment.  See what I mean about oblivious?  I was wandering around my neighborhood with a friend when we popped in and literally tried on every ring and bracelet there.  It wasn’t until we started chatting with Lisa Linhart, the lovely owner & creator of these beautiful baubles that I figured out that both her jewelry and store were totally eco-friendly.

The store was designed by Linda & John Meyers of the amazing design firm Wary Meyers.  Their Tossed & Found book is an inspiration for cool reuse projects and ideas (more on them later).  For the store, all materials were reused in some fashion or another.  The floor boards & display case wood was reclaimed from various Maine locations including an old schoolhouse, church and barn.  Up in the front of the store is a vintage anvil used for display, around which they planted morning glories that bloom and grow all year long and adding a nice touch of greenery.  The counter at the back of the store was made entirely from salvaged materials found in the East Village.  And one of my favorite touches is the giant pendant lamps, made by bolting together two plastic garden planters and adding energy efficient lighting.  The whole store is the perfect combination of smart and beautiful.

If you know the area, the store used to be a used furniture store called A Repeat Performance.  I definitely remember the store, although I can’t say I actually ever stepped foot in it – too cluttered for my taste.  Linhardt is such a welcome change.

Beautiful, no?  Even though the wood is distressed the white walls and fun pendants really give the store a fresh look.

Here’s the view looking towards the entrance.

And the desk that I told you was made out of salvaged materials found in the East Village – from the drywall down to the 2×4′s.  And that painting?  John Meyers painted it.  He’s not only a talented designer but an amazing artist.

Close up of those pendants.  Next chance I get, I’m totally going to try this idea out!

You can see the morning glories just peeking up out of the space surrounding the vintage anvil.  I love the creative display here.  I can just imagine that it stops a lot of window shoppers.

Another great idea – Linda made a jewelers apron out of old denim pieces.  Not only practical but totally fashionable!

Not to be outdone by her store, Lisa’s chic jewelry is eco-friendly too: from recycled metals, conflict free diamonds, organic and salvaged materials, to fair-trade practices and a commitment to social programs, she’s covered all the sustainable bases.  And if you can’t find what you’re looking for in the store, she also has a custom program, which is great for engagement and wedding rings.

I think the Mokume process of mixing two or more metals together into this gorgeous pattern might just be my favorite.  I’m going to have to start saving up now!

This hand-cut malachite ring is a very close second.

There are plenty more styles online and in the store, so pop on over to Linhardt and take a look for yourself!

Photos from Wary Meyers and Linhardt

I try to stay up on trends and activity in the design world, but sometimes I’m totally oblivious to my surroundings.  This could not have been more apparent when I happened upon the stunning Linhardt Design Gallery that’s less than two blocks from my apartment.  See what I mean about oblivious?  I was wandering around my neighborhood with a friend when we popped in and literally tried on every ring and bracelet there.  It wasn’t until we started chatting with Lisa Linhart, the lovely owner & creator of these beautiful baubles that I figured out that both her jewelry and store were totally eco-friendly.

The store was designed by Linda & John Meyers of the amazing design firm Wary Meyers.  Their Tossed & Found book is an inspiration for cool reuse projects and ideas (more on them later).  For the store, all materials were reused in some fashion or another.  The floor boards & display case wood was reclaimed from various Maine locations including an old schoolhouse, church and barn.  Up in the front of the store is a vintage anvil used for display, around which they planted morning glories that bloom and grow all year long and adding a nice touch of greenery.  The counter at the back of the store was made entirely from salvaged materials found in the East Village.  And one of my favorite touches is the giant pendant lamps, made by bolting together two plastic garden planters and adding energy efficient lighting.  The whole store is the perfect combination of smart and beautiful.

If you know the area, the store used to be a used furniture store called A Repeat Performance.  I definitely remember the store, although I can’t say I actually ever stepped foot in it – too cluttered for my taste.  Linhardt is such a welcome change.

Beautiful, no?  Even though the wood is distressed the white walls and fun pendants really give the store a fresh look.

Here’s the view looking towards the entrance.

And the desk that I told you was made out of salvaged materials found in the East Village – from the drywall down to the 2×4′s.  And that painting?  John Meyers painted it.  He’s not only a talented designer but an amazing artist.

Close up of those pendants.  Next chance I get, I’m totally going to try this idea out!

You can see the morning glories just peeking up out of the space surrounding the vintage anvil.  I love the creative display here.  I can just imagine that it stops a lot of window shoppers.

Another great idea – Linda made a jewelers apron out of old denim pieces.  Not only practical but totally fashionable!

Not to be outdone by her store, Lisa’s chic jewelry is eco-friendly too: from recycled metals, conflict free diamonds, organic and salvaged materials, to fair-trade practices and a commitment to social programs, she’s covered all the sustainable bases.  And if you can’t find what you’re looking for in the store, she also has a custom program, which is great for engagement and wedding rings.

I think the Mokume process of mixing two or more metals together into this gorgeous pattern might just be my favorite.  I’m going to have to start saving up now!

This hand-cut malachite ring is a very close second.

There are plenty more styles online and in the store, so pop on over to Linhardt and take a look for yourself!

Photos from Wary Meyers and Linhardt