Am I an Expert??

Am I an expert??  Good question... I never feel like an expert because there is so much I don't know, but I have learn so much the last 14 years! I find when searching for information on organic and eco-friendly living, the vast majority of information is focused on organic food and safe cleaning products. My focus has always been on fabric, flooring, and furniture - Over the years I tried to fill this gap because I love sharing and teaching what I know with others.  Here is a little information about me:

• 2000 - Started my interior design firm, Interiors by Samantha Cobos.
• 2008 - Re-branded my design firm to focus on Green Design and renamed it PURE Inspired Design.
• 2008 - Became a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) - This is a test and it is HARD! 
• 2009 - Started this blog!
• 2010 - Launched PURE Inspired Home, which provides Custom Organic Fabric and Eco-Friendly Upholstery.
• 2012 - Built our eco-friendly PURE Sol Beach House featuring our PURE Beach Collection.
• 2014 - Launched nest PURE, which provides organic and eco-friendly products that are all under $50.

I've learned an enormous amount through the years so maybe I am sort of an expert...  In the coming weeks and months I will share with you my knowledge and insights on organic and eco-friendly products which will help make your home not only healthy for your family but also modern, happy, and fun!

Living Green Roofs

I not only have a passion for interior design and eco-friendly furnishings, but I also love architecture, especial when combined with green, sustainable building practices. One aspect of green building that fascinates me is Living Green Roofs - they offer great benefits for urban environments and the people who live in them.

• Planting beds provide insulation and protection for the building's roof.
• Vegetation naturally cleans the air.
• Covering the roof with plants helps prevent climate change (traditional dark roofs cause heat island effect making the area hotter).
• Living roofs create micro climates for birds and insects.
• Gardens provide beauty and additional areas of leisure.

Diagram of a Living Green Roof

Impressive Living Green Roofs

New Eco-Friendly Furniture Arm Styles!

When looking at my standard furniture collection, I realized that I may need to appeal to the more traditional customer. I started exploring arm styles and added 2 new shapes that are more along the traditional lines - English and Sloped. The English arm is definitely more traditional - it is very refined and elegant. The Sloped arm is graceful and somewhat playful. In addition to the new arm styles, I introduced the Skirted versions of all my arms. I do like exposed wood legs, but I remembered loving a skirted sofa when my babies were little - I stashed toys, diaper bags, board games... under a lovely skirted sofa! Although these new styles are more traditional, they are still clean lined and reflect my PURE style.

We do a lot of CUSTOM work, so if you have a style in mind just let me know and we talk :)

Prefab Eco-Friendly Homes...

A few years ago I read the book "Terence Conran Small Spaces" - this was probably the beginning of my fascination with small, efficient spaces. Now combine that with my passion for the earth and what do you get.... Fabulous eco-friendly modular homes. I love the idea! Perfect sized home with all the eco-friendly materials already selected and ready to go... Now I wish I had a beautiful piece of land to plop in one of these wonderful homes!

Method Homes

Wee House

Blu Homes

Marmal Redziner Prefab

Eco-Friendly Living...

I know a lot about eco-friendly living... But I am not perfect and I have not implemented everything I know. It all takes time, energy, and determination. Small changes are easiest and quickly become part of your everyday living. I also find that great inspiring reading helps me to stay informed and on track. Here are some great books I found that will help you be more eco-friendly!

      

      

      

Welcome!

This is my first Blog! As I get ready to launch my new GREEN design studio "PURE Inspired Design", I have been continuing my endless research. I've been reading about the GREEN Economy and how it will not only create jobs but also save money and the world. It is a win win situation. President Obama is a strong supporter - but please call your Senator and tell them to pass Obama's green recovery plan - this is so important to our future so please act now.

Watch Van Jones opening statement from the Stimulus Hearing a few weeks ago. He is very inspiring.