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<channel>
	<title>Interior Design in New York City</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.nirmada.com/blog</link>
	<description>realizing your vision...</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:07:59 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Removable Wallpaper &#8211; Renters Rejoice!</title>
		<link>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2010/03/04/removable-wallpaper-renters-rejoice.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2010/03/04/removable-wallpaper-renters-rejoice.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:07:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kati</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Color]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Materials and Finishes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wallpapers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Easy Change Wallpaper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nina Campbell]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[osborne and little]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sherwin Williams]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nirmada.com/blog/?p=1178</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You apply the prepasted paper to your wall and when you want to take it down you simply grab the corners at the top of the strip and pull it down. The wall does not need to be repainted or anything.  They also have wallpaper with different textures that is designed to be painted on. That way you can paint any color you want and when you move you just take down the wallpaper.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Temporary Wallpaper<br />
My husband and I rent our apartment in NYC and I&#8217;m always looking for ways to change things up without the commitment. <a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/index.jsp" target="_blank">Sherwin Williams</a> carries a wallpaper called <a href="http://www.swdecorating.com/default.asp?fm=/easychange.asp|" target="_blank">Easy Change </a>that is a temporary wallpaper. I&#8217;ve been looking for something like this for a long time. The other benefit is that it&#8217;s NON VINYL &#8211; so none of those nasty <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volatile_organic_compound" target="_blank">VOC&#8217;s</a> to breathe in after installation.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/012109_wallpaper.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1181" title="012109_wallpaper" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/012109_wallpaper-300x69.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="69" /></a></p>
<p>Some selections are &#8220;paste the wall&#8221; while others are pre-pasted &#8211; and all are guaranteed to go up and come down effortlessly.</p>
<ul>
<li>Environmentally friendly non-vinyl wallcovering</li>
<li>Dimensionally stable &#8211; wallpaper won&#8217;t expand or contract, no more seam separations</li>
<li>Breathable &#8211; prevents moisture from being trapped</li>
<li>Fully washable</li>
<li>Remove simply by pulling off the wall &#8211; no special tools or solvents needed</li>
</ul>
<p>You apply the prepasted paper to your wall and when you want to take it down you simply grab the corners at the top of the strip and pull it down. The wall does not need to be repainted or anything.  They also have wallpaper with different textures that is designed to be painted on. That way you can paint any color you want and when you move you just take down the wallpaper.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/012109-_shrerwin.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1179" title="012109-_shrerwin" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/012109-_shrerwin-300x277.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="277" /></a></p>
<p>The bad part is that most of the patterns are horrible. Skip weeding through the junk and go straight to <a href="http://www.swdecorating.com/default.asp?fm=/easychange.asp|" target="_blank">Damasks and Prints</a>, or <a href="http://www.swdecorating.com/default.asp?fm=/easychange.asp|" target="_blank">Dahlia collection</a> for a few diamonds in the rough. Maybe we could convince <a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/" target="_blank">Osborne and Little </a>to get on the bandwagon with<a href="http://www.ninacampbell.com/" target="_blank"> Nina Campbell</a>?</p>
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		<title>Panton Chairs Grace the Olympic Closing Ceremonies</title>
		<link>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2010/02/28/panton-chairs-grace-the-olympic-closing-ceremonies.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2010/02/28/panton-chairs-grace-the-olympic-closing-ceremonies.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:15:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kati</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Around Town]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Color]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Furniture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[art]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cantilevered stacking chairs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green interior designer nyc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[manhattan interior designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city interior designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Interior Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[olympic closing ceremonies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[professional designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Verner Panton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vitra]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nirmada.com/blog/?p=1164</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The chair is the iconic cantilevered stacking chair (1960) by Verner Panton. I've had these chairs for over 10 years now, and have never gotten tired of them! This cantilevered chair was first single-material and single-form chair to be made and has been produced by Vitra through three decades of development in plastics technology.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sitting here sort of half watching the <a href="http://www.nbcolympics.com/" target="_blank">Olympic closing ceremonies</a>, I happened to notice one of my favorite chairs gracing the Olympic Stadium.</p>
<p>The chair is the<a href="http://www.dwr.com/product/outdoor/view-all/panton-chair.do" target="_blank"> iconic cantilevered stacking chair</a> (1960) by <a title="who is verner panton? " href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verner_Panton" target="_blank">Verner Panton</a>. I&#8217;ve had these chairs for over 10 years now, and have never gotten tired of them! This cantilevered chair was first single-material and single-form chair to be made and has been produced by <a href="http://www.vitra.com/" target="_blank">Vitra</a> through three decades of development in plastics technology.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/f_0481.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1165" title="f_0481" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/f_0481-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>This version consists of a single piece of strong, flexible polypropylene with integral color that will not fade over time. As striking as modern sculpture, this classic piece is appropriately durable and easy to clean in cafés or restaurants, and is comfortable enough to use as an occasional chair in an office or residence.</p>
<p>And in case you want your own gold medal this year -</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pantone-chair-mini-gold-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1175" title="pantone-chair-mini-gold-1" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pantone-chair-mini-gold-1-300x166.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="166" /></a></p>
<p>To commemorate the opening of the <a href="http://www.artknowledgenews.com/2009-11-28-00-18-21-tokyo-opera-city-art-gallery-shows-exhibition-by-danish-designer-verner-panton.html" target="_blank">Panton Chair exhibition at the Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery</a>, 500 limited edition miniature Panton Chairs were created. The iconic chair now comes in a new gold metallic mini version. The chair, a mini version of the real thing is 1/6th the size of the original chair. The chair is handmade and produced using the same manufacturing process like the original one. The elegant gold chairs are considered to be the crown jewels of this exhibition.</p>
<p>Champion style!</p>
<p><!--   BEGIN MIDDLE COLUMN LEFT   --> <!--   BEGIN ARTICLES   --> <!-- <rdf:RDF xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#"          xmlns:trackback="http://madskills.com/public/xml/rss/module/trackback/"          xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"> <rdf:Description     rdf:about="http://www.luxurylaunches.com/home_improvement/limited_edition_mini_panton_chairs_in_metallic_gold_are_stunning.php"     trackback:ping="http://67.228.94.226/~iphonela/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/44866"     dc:title="Limited Edition Mini Panton Chairs in metallic gold are stunning"     dc:identifier="http://www.luxurylaunches.com/home_improvement/limited_edition_mini_panton_chairs_in_metallic_gold_are_stunning.php"     dc:subject="Home Improvement"     dc:description=" To commemorate the opening of the Panton Chair exhibition at the Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, 500 limited edition miniature Panton Chairs have been created. The iconic chair by well known designer Verner Panton comes in a new gold metallic mini version. The chair, a mini version of the real thing is 1/6th the size of the original chair. The chair is handmade and produced using the same manufacturing process like the original one. The elegant gold chairs are..."     dc:creator="namrata"     dc:date="2009-11-03T03:53:22-04:00" /> </rdf:RDF> &#8211;></p>
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		<title>Help Rebuild Haiti</title>
		<link>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2010/01/20/help-rebuild-haiti.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2010/01/20/help-rebuild-haiti.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:14:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kati</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Architecture for Humanity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cameron Sinclair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[design like YOU give a damn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gensler]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green interior designer nyc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Haiti]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interior designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[manhattan interior designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york interior design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Interior Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[professional designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sustainable design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ten ways to get involved]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nirmada.com/blog/?p=1155</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[AFH has now mobilized in Haiti and we can directly help rebuild the lives of those misplaced by contributing to AFH and their cause. Please go to http://www.architectureforhumanity.org/donate and give generously.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Back a long time ago now in 2001, my friend <a href="http://www.architectureforhumanity.org/about/people#Cameron" target="_blank">Cameron Sinclair</a> left his corporate design job at <a href="http://www.gensler.com/" target="_blank">Gensler </a>to start <a href="http://www.architectureforhumanity.org/" target="_blank">Architecture  for Humanity</a> and to &#8220;design like he gave a damn&#8221;.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/haiti.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1156" title="haiti" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/haiti.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="167" /></a></p>
<p>Cameron had an interest in social, cultural and humanitarian design and felt that design should make a real difference in the world. Since 2001, tapping a network of more than 40,000 professionals willing to lend time and expertise to help those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services, AFH has brought design, construction and development services where they are most critically needed.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2010/01/20/help-rebuild-haiti.html"><em>Click here to view the embedded video.</em></a></p>
<p>AFH has now mobilized in Haiti and we can directly help rebuild the lives of those misplaced by contributing to AFH and their cause. Please go to <a href="http://www.architectureforhumanity.org/donate" target="_blank">http://www.architectureforhumanity.org/donate</a> and give generously. Also, if you&#8217;re a design professional and want to explore other ways you can contribute, check out <a href="http://www.architectureforhumanity.org/donate/10_ways_to_give" target="_blank">ten ways to get involved</a>, and <a href="http://designlikeyougiveadamn.architectureforhumanity.org/" target="_blank">design like YOU give a damn</a>!</p>
<h1 id="page-title"></h1>
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		<title>Our clients give (and are) the best gifts!</title>
		<link>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2009/12/23/our-clients-give-and-are-the-best-gifts.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2009/12/23/our-clients-give-and-are-the-best-gifts.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:10:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kati</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Around Town]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[art]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Art Academy of Cincinnati]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Art Museum of cincinnati]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Charley Harper Studio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green interior designer nyc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interior designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[manhattan interior designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mid-century modern]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Interior Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sustainable design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Todd Oldham]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nirmada.com/blog/?p=1144</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Yesterday I received the most wonderful gift in the mail from her from Charley Harper Studios. When this client and I began working together, we were shopping in the Todd Oldham for La-Z-Boy showroom here in Soho and fell in love with these quirky, colorful prints.  I've never been a big fan of La-Z-Boy, or Todd Oldham, but we immediately fell in love with these graphic masterpieces.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This time of year  I&#8217;m especially grateful for our wonderful clients, sales reps, colleagues and friends. Without them, well, we wouldn&#8217;t be here. I have one client in particular for whom  I&#8217;ve designed three apartments, her mother&#8217;s home, her uncle&#8217;s apartment buildings, and her niece&#8217;s room&#8230;.</p>
<p>Yesterday I received the most wonderful gift in the mail from her from <a href="http://www.charleyharperprints.com/" target="_blank">Charley Harper Studios</a>. When this client and I began working together, we were shopping in the <a href="http://www.toddoldham.com/furniture.html" target="_blank">Todd Oldham for La-Z-Boy</a> showroom here in Soho and fell in love with these quirky, colorful prints.  I&#8217;ve never been a big fan of La-Z-Boy, or Todd Oldham, but we were immediately drawn to these graphic masterpieces.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/collage2-fixed.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1145" title="collage2-fixed" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/collage2-fixed-300x166.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="166" /></a></p>
<p>Charley Harper passed away on Sunday, June 10, 2007. Charley was born in West Virginia in 1922.  He graduated from, and taught art at, the <a href="http://www.artacademy.edu/" target="_blank">Art Academy of Cincinnati</a> where he met wife, Edie, also an artist. The two married in 1947 after graduating.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Birdfeeders.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1146" title="Birdfeeders" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Birdfeeders-300x150.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="150" /></a></p>
<p>In the 1950&#8217;s Harper gained acclaim as a commercial illustrator with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Giant-Golden-Book-Biology-Introduction/dp/B0006AXCJK" target="_blank">&#8220;The Golden Book of Biology&#8221;</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Betty-Crockers-Dinner-Two-Cookbook/dp/0553206567" target="_blank">&#8220;Betty Crocker’s Dinner for Two cookbook.&#8221;</a> Over the ensuing two decades he contributed to the Ford Motor Company&#8217;s magazine, Ford Times. The response to this work was so positive, it led to his silkscreen print business reproducing those images. Charley&#8217;s paintings have appeared in nature-oriented magazines and on posters for many conservation-minded organizations, among them the National Park Service, Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Nature Center, Hamilton County (Ohio) Park District, the Michigan Audubon Society, and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania. Besides &#8220;The Golden Book of Biology&#8221; he has illustrated &#8220;The Animal Kingdom&#8221;, Birds &amp; Words&#8221;; and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beguiled-Wild-Art-Charley-Harper/dp/0962054372" target="_blank">&#8220;Beguiled by the Wild; The Art of Charley Harper.&#8221;</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Carribian-Cruisers.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1147" title="Carribian Cruisers" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Carribian-Cruisers-300x205.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="205" /></a></p>
<p>Charley has designed over 50 &#8220;bio&#8221; posters for non-profit conservation groups, nature centers and zoos, United States national parks and monuments, and international wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere preserves. One of the first federally commissioned posters was the ecology of Glacier Bay National Park in the 1960&#8217;s. He also designed interpretive displays for Everglades National Park. He had produced more than 100 limited-edition silk-screen prints.<br />
<a href="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Backyard-Birds_bep_v2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1148" title="Backyard Birds_bep_v2" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Backyard-Birds_bep_v2-218x300.jpg" alt="" width="218" height="300" /></a><br />
When once asked to describe his art style, Harper replied, &#8220;When I look at a wildlife or nature subject, I don’t see the feathers in the wings, I just count the wings. I see exciting shapes, color combinations, patterns, textures, fascinating behavior and endless possibilities for making interesting pictures. I regard the picture as an ecosystem in which all the elements are interrelated, interdependent, perfectly balanced, without trimming or unutilized parts; and herein lies the lure of painting; in a world of chaos, the picture is one small rectangle in which the artist can create an ordered universe.&#8221;</p>
<p>When I went to Cincinnati this summer for the <a href="http://www.asid.org/events/CLC/" target="_blank">ASID CLC,</a> I made a quick trip over to the <a href="http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Cincinnati Art Museum</a>, and perused through many of his prints which are for sale in the gift shop there.  For some reason,I didn&#8217;t purchase any&#8230;.maybe I sent something out there to the Universe?</p>
<p>I&#8217;m thinking this might become a Christmas tradition&#8230; Thank you, thank you!</p>
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		<title>Furniture off the Streets of New York &#8211; The Blu Dot Chair Experiment</title>
		<link>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2009/12/18/furniture-off-the-streets-of-new-york-the-blu-dot-chair-experiment.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2009/12/18/furniture-off-the-streets-of-new-york-the-blu-dot-chair-experiment.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:06:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kati</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Around Town]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Furniture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blu Dot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green interior designer nyc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Knoll Studio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mid-century modern]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york city interior designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york interior design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Interior Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Good Chair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sustainable design]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nirmada.com/blog/?p=1132</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It's  a question many New Yorkers pondered in a few weeks ago when 25 brand-new $129 Blu Dot chairs were dispersed throughout NYC. The company did the experiment to celebrate the year anniversary of their SoHo store. They thought, "What would happen if we left a bunch of Real Good Chairs all over New York, free for the taking? Who will grab them? Where will they go? How will they get there? What will their new homes look like?"]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>New York City is the only city I&#8217;ve lived in where the garbage is just put right on the street.  When I lived in  San Francisco,  the garbage men pulled the discreet truck in and carted away our cast offs. In DC, the basement was neatly organized with the weeks&#8217; waste which was conveniently hauled off every Tuesday. But in New York, there&#8217;s no hiding. The dump that is the sidewalk outside my crowded apartment building bi-weekly becomes a seething bevy of unwanted garbage, paper, plastic, and sometimes&#8230;..FURNITURE.</p>
<p>Okay, I must admit I have picked up a couple of street gems  since I moved here 8.5 years ago&#8230;And my amazing, perfect, mid-century Danish dresser was rescued from the basement of a 54th street apartment building&#8230;.but I&#8217;ve often wondered about other New Yorkers who furnish their homes with street-trash finds&#8230;</p>
<p>So I  had to share the latest marketing stint from <a href="http://www.bludot.com/" target="_blank">Blu Dot</a>-</p>
<p><strong>What would you do if you saw this chair abandoned on the  sidewalk? Keep walking? Or take it?&#8217;</strong></p>
<p><strong><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1137" title="design-news-blu-dot-chair-1" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/design-news-blu-dot-chair-1-300x244.jpg" alt="design-news-blu-dot-chair-1" width="300" height="244" /><br />
</strong></p>
<p>It&#8217;s  a question many New Yorkers pondered in a few weeks ago when 25 brand-new $129 Blu Dot chairs were dispersed throughout NYC. The company did the experiment to celebrate the year anniversary of their <a href="http://www.bludot.com/index.cfm?/blu_dot_info/store_locator" target="_blank">SoHo store</a>. They thought, &#8220;What would happen if we left a bunch of <a href="http://www.bludot.com/Browse_Products/Seating/product/Real_Good_chair" target="_blank">Real Good Chairs</a> all over New York, free for the taking? Who will grab them? Where will they go? How will they get there? What will their new homes look like?&#8221;</p>
<div id="attachment_1135" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1135" title="design-news-blu-dot-chair-3" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/design-news-blu-dot-chair-3-300x238.jpg" alt="would you take it home? " width="300" height="238" /><p class="wp-caption-text">would you take it home? </p></div>
<p>To answer these questions, they embedded GPS tracking devices on the chair and set up hidden cameras around each drop-off location. Then they waited and watched.</p>
<p>In one Brooklyn neighborhood, the chair lasted a mere ten seconds. But surprisingly in other areas, many people walked by without giving the chair a second thought. Others stopped and inspected it, but continued on their way. In Chinatown, the chair sat there for an hour and a half.</p>
<div id="attachment_1136" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1136" title="design-news-blu-dot-chair-2" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/design-news-blu-dot-chair-2-300x238.jpg" alt="look good in your Living Room? " width="300" height="238" /><p class="wp-caption-text">look good in your Living Room? </p></div>
<p>The chairs eventually went to 25 different homes and Blu Dot followed up with each new owner to find out what happened for their mini documentary. I laughed my way through the eight-minute video, admittedly embarrassed recalling the many times I&#8217;ve pondered such a heist &#8211; &#8220;is it a real <a href="http://www.eamesgallery.com/" target="_blank">Eames</a>?&#8221; &#8220;OK, it&#8217;s <a href="http://www.knoll.com/knoll_home.jsp" target="_blank">Knoll</a>, so would it be worth it to reupholster?&#8221;.  It&#8217;s he best PR stunt I&#8217;ve seen in years; and one I&#8217;m sure every New Yorker can relate to!</p>
<p>Watch the experiment:</p>
<p><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="400" height="225" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8201309&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="225" src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8201309&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/8201309">Blu Dot Real Good Experiment</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2537680">Real Good Chair</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
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		<title>Sustainable Furnishings Council &#8211; Our Commitment in &#8216;09</title>
		<link>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2009/12/16/sustainable-furnishings-council.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2009/12/16/sustainable-furnishings-council.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:41:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kati</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Eco Friendly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Architectural Digest Home Show]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[eco-ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green interior designer nyc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Cycle Analysis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[manhattan interior designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york interior design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Interior Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PEOPLE-PLANET-PROFITS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[professional designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sustainable design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sustainable Furnishings Council]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nirmada.com/blog/?p=1126</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Agree with the Sustainable Furniture Council’s beliefs and goals, and commit to supporting the organization in affecting positive change. We understand the importance of the triple bottom line profit assessment of PEOPLE-PLANET-PROFITS representing a healthy balance between social equity, environmental concerns and local economies.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This year we joined the <a href="http://www.sustainablefurnishings.org/" target="_blank">Sustainable Furnishings Council</a> after meeting them at the <a href="http://www.archdigesthomeshow.com/" target="_blank">Architectural Digest Home Show</a>. Today we got a holiday card from them and I thought it was so brilliant I had to share.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1127" title="SFC_Happy_Holidays__09" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/SFC_Happy_Holidays__09.jpg" alt="SFC_Happy_Holidays__09" width="375" height="500" /></p>
<p>To become part of this wonderful organization as a designer we had to pledge to:</p>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Agree with the Sustainable Furniture Council’s beliefs and goals, and commit to supporting the organization in affecting positive change. We understand the importance of the<a href="http://www.sustainablefurnishings.org/glossary/term/71" target="_blank"> triple bottom line </a>profit assessment of PEOPLE-PLANET-PROFITS representing a healthy balance between social equity, environmental concerns and local economies.</li>
<li>Seek continual improvement in our products, practices and operations, and commit to the SFC’s Core Values.</li>
<li>Seek<a href="http://www.fscus.org/" target="_blank"> legally-logged</a> wood from vendors who have a verifiable chain of custody</li>
<li>Reduce unsustainable raw resources and known toxic substances in all phases of our business</li>
<li>Recycle in our operations, purchase recycled content and create recyclable products</li>
<li>Reduce and reuse packing/packaging materials and reduce transportation needs</li>
<li>Recognize <a href="http://www.sustainablefurnishings.org/glossary/term/48" target="_blank">Life Cycle Analysis</a> as the best measure of a product’s environmental impact</li>
<li>Educate our customers on sustainability and supply them with meaningful certifications</li>
<li>Partner with our employees in making choices for sustainability, including personal and company energy reductions, paying a Living Wage, and maintaining high safety standards</li>
<li>Contribute to the economic and environmental health of our local and global communities</li>
</ul>
<p>This confirms our commitment to advancing <a href="http://www.sustainablefurnishings.org/glossary/4#letters" target="_blank">sustainable practices</a> throughout the home furnishings industry.</div>
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		<title>Pantone Selects 2010 Color of the Year</title>
		<link>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2009/12/14/pantone-selects-2010-color-of-the-year.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2009/12/14/pantone-selects-2010-color-of-the-year.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 04:32:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kati</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Color]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green interior designer nyc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Knoll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leatrice Eiseman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[manhattan interior designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york interior design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Interior Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pantone Color Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pantone Color of the Year]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pantone Color of the Year 2010]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[professional designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saarinen WOmb Chair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sustainable design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Turquoise]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nirmada.com/blog/?p=1118</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, selected the luminous color based on its juxtaposition of tranquil blue notes and energizing green tones. In the essence of color therapy, the hue should evoke soothing, serene emotions, while restoring vigor, zest, and motivation.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Right on the heels of my Caribbean inspired post, fresh out of the <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?ca=34&amp;pg=19926" target="_blank">Pantone color guide</a> is 2010’s color of the year, <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/Pantone.aspx?pg=20705&amp;ca=4" target="_blank">number 15-5519 Turquoise</a>.</p>
<p>The global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, selected the luminous color based on its juxtaposition of tranquil blue notes and energizing green tones. In the essence of color therapy, the hue should evoke soothing, serene emotions, while restoring vigor, zest, and motivation.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1119" title="pantone-turquoise-2010-240a-120909" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/pantone-turquoise-2010-240a-120909-198x300.jpg" alt="pantone-turquoise-2010-240a-120909" width="198" height="300" /></p>
<p>We are happy to note that one of our current projects includes an entire Living Room bathed in this beautiful hue.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1120" title="livingfinal" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/livingfinal-300x182.jpg" alt="livingfinal" width="300" height="182" /></p>
<p>We also recently purchased a<a href="http://www.knoll.com/products/product.jsp?prod_id=585" target="_blank"> Saarinen Womb Chair</a> for a client  in the intense, yet pleasing color:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1122" title="SH078-614" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/SH078-614-300x225.jpg" alt="SH078-614" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.colorexpert.com/" target="_blank">Leatrice Eiseman</a>, executive director of the <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/index.aspx" target="_blank">Pantone Color Institute</a> says, &#8220;In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color. It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many—taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.” (from www.InteriorDesgin.net)</p>
<p>A universally flattering color with warm and cool undertones, Turquoise complements neutrals, reds, deep blues, greens, and yellows, making it exceptionally easy to translate to fashion and interiors.</p>
<p>A sign of things to come?</p>
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		<title>Estimating a Renovation Budget in NYC Part 2 &#8211; Office Fit-Out</title>
		<link>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2009/12/11/estimating-a-renovation-budget-in-nyc-part-2-office-fit-out.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2009/12/11/estimating-a-renovation-budget-in-nyc-part-2-office-fit-out.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 12 Dec 2009 04:28:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kati</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[High Rise Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Renovation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[office renovation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tenant fit-out costs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green interior designer nyc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[manhattan interior designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york interior design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Interior Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[open spaces]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[professional designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sustainable design]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nirmada.com/blog/?p=1108</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In hopes of avoiding the last minute scramble to try and make the virtually impossible happen for a client, I wanted to provide a post on basic tenant fit-out costs in NYC. We want our potential clients to be armed with the proper information to plan wisely, from both a timing and a budget standpoint.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The past few days I&#8217;ve been working with a potential client who is leasing some prime office space here in Manhattan on Madison Ave. They thought they could pretty much use the space the as-is, but as I asked them more questions, I saw that we would have to make at least some minor modifications to the space. They also were planning to move in on January 1st&#8230;.</p>
<p>In hopes of avoiding the last minute scramble to try and make the virtually impossible happen for a client, I wanted to provide a post on basic tenant fit-out costs in NYC. We want our potential clients to be armed with the proper information to plan wisely, from both a timing and a budget standpoint.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1109" title="Picture6" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Picture6-300x206.jpg" alt="Picture6" width="300" height="206" /></p>
<p><strong>1- How much space do we need to lease to accommodate our needs?</strong><br />
Estimating your initial space requirements is never an exact science, and square foot measurement can vary considerably from one space to the next. It is wise to have <a href="http://nirmada.com/" target="_blank">Nirmada</a> perform a“test-fit” of your space prior to signing your lease. The “test fit” includes generic programming to ensure the space you’re leasing accommodates your needs. This program will carry through the entire process and you do not want to limit your choices too early, particularly in the site selection process.<br />
More often than not, it is necessary to make changes to the existing layout of a piece of space to suit your particular business.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1110" title="Picture5" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Picture5-300x216.jpg" alt="Picture5" width="300" height="216" /></p>
<p><strong>Some general guidelines based on office size:</strong></p>
<p>10,000 Square Feet and Under</p>
<p>Most tenants leasing under 10,000 sq. ft. generally try to make do with the space as they find it. These tenants make decisions regarding which space to choose out of a desire to avoid the construction process which can involve time and expense. For spaces under 10,000 square feet this might be appropriate, particularly if you need space quickly. Since the construction process alone can take one month to design and at least two to three months to build-out, smaller tenants do not have time to wait for the space to be completed, nor have the money to pay rent on two locations while one is being built.  Beware of contractors who will tell you &#8220;two-to-three weeks&#8221;.   Be sure to factor in planning, construction drawing, permitting and filing stages and landlord approval. Add these times together and two-to-three weeks easily becomes three months.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1111" title="Picture1" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Picture1-300x208.jpg" alt="Picture1" width="300" height="208" /></p>
<p>If you work in an open plan environment there is a good possibility that you will find space that will roughly approximate your needs. Some construction items are more important than others while some space may appear perfect if a few walls are moved, it can often become a more costly process. Sometimes even small modifications to space can be unusually costly. Moving a wall can have a domino effect on related costs. Purely cosmetic changes, such as painting and installing new carpet have fewer hidden costs.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1112" title="Picture7" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Picture7-300x202.jpg" alt="Picture7" width="300" height="202" /></p>
<p><strong>10,000 to 25,000 Square Feet</strong></p>
<p>If your space requirement is in the 10,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet range, it will be more difficult to find spaces that match your requirements as is. It&#8217;s a good idea to work with us to &#8220;test fit&#8221; your potential space to make sure it can work for you, with as few modifications as possible.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1113" title="Picture4" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Picture4-300x198.jpg" alt="Picture4" width="300" height="198" /></p>
<p><strong>25,000 Square Feet and Above</strong></p>
<p>If your requirement is over 25,000 square feet, it is likely you will be involved in a construction process, which from start to finish will take at least four to six months. For projects over 25,000 square feet, it is imperative you work closely with your designer from the beginning to help guide you through the construction process. The designer act as the owner representative with regard to construction issues.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1114" title="Picture3" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Picture3-300x194.jpg" alt="Picture3" width="300" height="194" /></p>
<p><strong>Can I avoid construction and save money?</strong></p>
<p>If you plan on using an existing space and think that you can cost effectively make a few alterations, <strong>THINK AGAIN!</strong></p>
<p>Realize that as you plan to alter space by moving walls that your flexibility can be severely limited by the existing ceiling configuration. As we start to review the space, we begin to see  every office has electrical outlets, a vent, and a light. To the extent that you move walls, you may be creating offices that need ventilation, electricity and lighting and currently have none. At first you may think that it will be easy just to put electrical lighting and ventilation in an office. It is not. The cost to redo a number of offices often meets or exceeds the cost to tear down that space and start over. <strong>Regardless of what anyone tells you it is not possible to build office space from scratch at less than $50 per square foot (very plain finishes), and more likely it will cost $70 per square foot.</strong></p>
<p>Also important to know is that the process of packing more people into an existing space has the effect of running up costs. One of our clients budgeted improvements for 70 employees but needed to pack over 90 people into the same 14,000 square foot floor required expenditures for more electrical outlets and increased cooling.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1115" title="Picture2" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Picture2-300x136.jpg" alt="Picture2" width="300" height="136" /></p>
<p>Altering a space configuration by moving walls is not impossible, just bear in mind the related costs and that (obviously) exterior walls, walls which partition space from elevator shafts, building core elements or water pipes cannot be moved.</p>
<p>Note: it is important that prior to signing a lease you <a href="http://nirmada.com/contact.asp" target="_blank">contact us</a> to help you assess the costs of reuse.</p>
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		<title>Savant Loft Soho &#8211; Intergrated Home Systems</title>
		<link>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2009/12/10/savant-loft-soho-intergrated-home-systems.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2009/12/10/savant-loft-soho-intergrated-home-systems.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:54:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kati</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Around Town]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Office Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Our Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Suppliers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home theater system]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iphone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LED technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[manhattan interior designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new york interior design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Interior Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ROSIE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Savant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Savant loft pre-opening party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sustainable design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TrueImage Control™]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nirmada.com/blog/?p=1089</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You can control the lighting, Tv and stereo, the mood, and quite possibly even the smell of the room with the ease of a touch screen. The screen can be linked to your television, or as in the photo above, your coffee table!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Last week I was invited to attend the <a href="http://www.savantav.com/home.php" target="_blank">Savant</a> loft pre-opening party and private tour in Soho.  The Prince Street loft was tricked out with the latest and greatest home technology systems, combined in a sophisticated setting with a view of the <a href="http://www.prada.com/">Prada Store</a> across the street.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1090" title="show test-2" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/show-test-2-300x200.jpg" alt="show test-2" width="300" height="200" /></p>
<p>Savant combines familiar technologies such as the <a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iphone</a> with state of the art systems, to allow the home-owner to intuitively control the lighting, audio, acoustic, visual and even sensual aspects of the living environment. Using <a href="http://www.savantav.com/products.php?navigationitem=6&amp;item=0" target="_blank">TrueImage Control™</a>,</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1092" title="TrueImage_Control" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/TrueImage_Control-300x192.png" alt="TrueImage_Control" width="300" height="192" /></p>
<p>a photograph of your room is displayed on a monitor, which corresponds to a different part of the room. You can control the lighting, Tv and stereo, the mood, and quite possibly even the smell of the room with the ease of a touch screen. The screen can be linked to your television, or as in the photo above, your coffee table!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1091" title="show test-1" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/show-test-1-300x201.jpg" alt="show test-1" width="300" height="201" /></p>
<p>The latest in <a href="http://www.philipslumileds.com/technology/" target="_blank">LED technology</a> can also be incorporated into the system, as displayed  in the colored lights above. The lights can be animated and change color as programmed.</p>
<p>When you&#8217;re not watching TV, your TV becomes a piece of art, with the <a href="http://www.savantav.com/products.php?navigationitem=5&amp;art=0" target="_blank">digital art library</a> Savant offers for its systems. An expansive and wide-range of animated 3D digital artwork is offered with their <a href="http://www.savantav.com/products.php?navigationitem=0" target="_blank">ROSIE</a> products. Each work of art offers a distinct experience designed by world-class artists.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1093" title="fishcrowd_350x350" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/fishcrowd_350x350.png" alt="fishcrowd_350x350" width="151" height="100" /></p>
<p>The home theater system is probaly the most impressive. Imagine watching DVD&#8217;s in this room:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1102" title="Home theater" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Home-theater-300x204.jpg" alt="Home theater" width="300" height="204" /></p>
<p>Again, the LED&#8217;s adjust to the appropriate light levels and the screen is  projection, but crystal clear.  Surround sound fills the room, all controlled by a  <a href="http://www.savantav.com/products.php?navigationitem=1&amp;subnavigationitem=1&amp;item=0" target="_blank">&#8220;puck&#8221; remote</a>:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1099" title="newremote" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/newremote.png" alt="newremote" width="300" height="195" /></p>
<p>The best part about an integrated system is that it&#8217;s truly GREEN. Having control over your environment allows you to efficiently use energy only when necessary. Invest up front, see your energy bills go down, and your fun go up. We are looking forward to integrating this system into an upcoming project in Tribeca.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Does carpet go to Heaven?</title>
		<link>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2009/12/07/does-carpet-go-to-heaven.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.nirmada.com/blog/2009/12/07/does-carpet-go-to-heaven.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:23:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kati</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Eco Friendly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Green]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nirmada.com/blog/?p=1072</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How much carpet goes to landfill?

 It is estimated 5 billion pounds of carpet was sent to the landfill in 2003. The previous year, The Carpet America Recovery Effort was formed and the numbers have been decreasing every since. But there is still a lot of work to do to truly eliminate this global dilemma. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As I was walking home last week from a lovely presentation at <a href="http://www.starkcarpet.com/homeMain.cfm" target="_blank">Stark carpet,</a> I noticed a bunch of carpet rolled up and slated for the garbage pick-up outside my apartment building.  I have to say I truly cringe when I see this on the streets or in the dumpsters of Manhattan, which is more often than I&#8217;d like to acknowledge.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1082" title="recycle-carpet-1" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/recycle-carpet-1.jpg" alt="recycle-carpet-1" width="300" height="300" /></p>
<p>Does the old carpet go to Heaven?  You may or may not realize that carpet doesn&#8217;t die&#8230;.it goes to landfill where it stays for thousands of years&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1081" title="CarpetLandfill_big" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/CarpetLandfill_big2-200x300.jpg" alt="CarpetLandfill_big" width="200" height="300" /></p>
<p>How much carpet goes to landfill?</p>
<p>It is estimated <strong>5 billion pounds</strong> of carpet was sent to the landfill in 2003. The previous year, The <a href="http://www.carpetrecovery.org/waste.php" target="_blank">Carpet America Recovery Effort</a> was formed and the numbers have been decreasing every since. But there is still a lot of work to do to truly eliminate this global dilemma.</p>
<p>Carpet is hard to recycle.</p>
<p>A carpet is really a system, which is an assembly of parts. Each part has a role to play in the manufacture and performance of the carpet. A carpet is basically two components: the face fiber and backing system.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1084" title="img_art_perf" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/img_art_perf-300x143.gif" alt="img_art_perf" width="300" height="143" /></p>
<p id="bodyText_nobullet" align="left">The face fiber is the most valuable part of the carpet for recycling. To recycle we must be able to identify and separate based on face fiber type.  Each face fiber has completely different properties, which is why they must be separated. Face fiber typically makes up approximately ½ of the weight of the carpet but this can vary with construction.</p>
<p id="bodyText_nobullet" align="left"><em>Backing Systems</em>: There are several types of backing systems used in the US today. The two most common are latex and polyvinylchloride (PVC). PVC backed carpets are easier to recycle today but are also more expensive and are used primarily in commercial settings. Latex backed carpets are what most people see in their homes. There are also additional layers in the backing system, which are typically polypropylene. Calcium carbonate is also employed as inert filler.</p>
<p align="left">A carpet is a complex system with many components of different chemical composition. In order to recycle carpet it may be necessary to separate these components. Each step in the identification, separation, shredding and handling sequence adds another cost in the process of recycling old carpets.</p>
<p align="left">So it does cost money.  But so does sending carpet to landfill.  Discarded carpet is becoming a multi-million dollar property liability. Landfill charges will likely double every 5 years or so now. For landfill costs alone, one company has calculated their cost to exceed $4 million over 10 years.</p>
<p align="left">Currently, the average cost of carpet reclamation is  between 5 cents to 25 cents per pound of old carpet to recycle (carpet typically weighs about 4-5 pounds per square yard). The cost will depend on the kind of carpet you have, how it was installed and your geographic location.</p>
<p align="left">
<p align="left">For information on how you can recycle your old carpet, from your home or office <a href="http://nirmada.com/contact.asp" target="_blank">contact us </a>or go to <a href="http://www.carpetrecovery.org/waste.php" target="_blank">http://www.carpetrecovery.org/waste.php</a> and find your state or area. You will be guided to the closest reclamation center near you. New York City residents and companies may recycle their old carpet through <a href="http://www.carpetcycle.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Carpet Cycle</a>.</p>
<p align="left"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1085" title="by 2012" src="http://www.nirmada.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/by-2012.jpg" alt="by 2012" width="144" height="127" /></p>
<p align="left"><span><strong>2012 Goals for Carpet Recovery</strong><br />
The Carpet America Recovery Effort is dedicated to <strong>40 percent landfill diversion </strong>by the year 2012, with a goal of recycling 20 to 25 percent of carpet waste.  With all of us on board, this goal is more than achievable.<br />
</span></p>
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