Keep ‘em Crossed

Next weekend we launch the new & hopefully improved Eco-modernism.com site. Navigation will be much more organized in terms of which way folks want to go when they arrive. Not to worry, the beloved blog will still be here, it will just look different.

Eco-modernism featured in N&O’s Home & Garden

A website remodel!

Sometime next month we will have a new and improved site. It’s going to be simpler and easier to find what you need from us, whether it’s

• kitchen / bath / closet design,
• our Ikea courier/assembly services, or
• thoughts on lightening your footprint in the kitchen & being a locavore.

Stay tuned, Keep Calm, and Carry On.

[where:27603] twitter: @ecomod

Eco-modernism has accepted an appointment to the board of advisors for Triangle Modernist Houses, a  pending 501c3 non-profit focused locally and nationally on the preservation of modernist houses.  TMH aims to protect  existing modernist houses as art & culture of 1950′s and 1960′s era design, and to promote the construction of new modernist houses in step with that of 2000′s.

Old and new

Our interpretation of new construction includes adaptation of existing spaces to contemporary livable homes as well as new ground up construction. It also embraces a responsible approach to the environment, with sensitivity to sustainable material use, minimalist style and an efficient spatial footprint.

Ecomod has been marrying modern and green since 2001 and is looking forward to partnering with TMH to keep our dwelling footprints light and simple.

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ecomod is on twitter. Follow if you want. Or not.

Firstly, if I didn’t already say it, Happy New Year!

2008 was a good first year for us: despite the economic atmosphere we managed to get our name out there & slowly but steadily build both our design & runner services for IKEA® products.

We’ve met some fantastic people on all fronts, both clients and associates (Hi Nick & Ray @ Modernash!). Who knew of the utter coolness that bonds IKEA® fans together?!

Secondly,  a big fat HAPPY 1st ANNIVERSARY to EcoMod!

Though we’d been working toward it for several months, Eco-modernism was officially born in January of 2008. We’re 1 year old! And going strong. In keeping with our flexibility as we grow and adapt to what folks want in the market, we’ll be making some changes to our website.

When we implement sometime next month, it will be much easier for you guys to see which way you want to go for our services. We’ve had a blast with the blog format as the home page, and it won’t go away entirely. We’ll still bring the eco-news goodness with RSS feed and linky love.

Onward into 2009 we forge. The calendar so far:

• January 24: Carolina Rollergirl Event! (we’re an official sponsor for the 2009 season:) Stop by for a useful freebie!
• February 14: EcoMod open house. Come see some IKEA® installations and get to know us!
• February 18: IKEA® Charlotte grand opening!
• February 20: 1st 2009 IKEA® run!
• April 4: We’re a sponsor for NCSU SOD 60th Anniversary Modern home Tour with Triangle Modernist Homes

Stay tuned! As always, feel free to give us a shout with any questions.

Clutter = Bad. Useful = good. Recycled Useful = better.

How about a recycled freebie that’s actually useful? We’re picky. We’d been looking for a promo item that could be smartly made and have a purpose. Something that didn’t just get tossed back into the waste stream. Badges and stickers weren’t up our alley. But then Ecopreneurist turned us on to these great retread jar openers – so you can remember us while you’re doing something useful! There’s a nice recycle reminder on the front and our logo on the back. Simple.

One for the kitchen, one for the shop

Beginning in late January, we’ll have these guys on hand, free to folks who order IKEA® goodies through our runner service, and at events like Carolina Rollergirls Bouts, and an open house event in February. These grips are made from 100% post consumer tires, and come in handy in a bunch of ways:

• hot plate
• peeling garlic
• loosening jar & bottle lids
• lightweight & they store flat

We can also mail them, so if you’re dying to get your hands on one, pop us a note.

Reduce • Re-Use • Recycle • Retread!

It’s your lucky day.

We’re happy to announce  our new Ikea® runner service to the Raleigh area. In the last couple of weeks, you may have noticed that little blue & yellow addition to the nav links at the upper right of our site. It takes you to our beta page explaining how the service works.

We’re calling it “beta” because we’re working out the kinks, so we’ll need some patience. We also need some local folks who are excited enough about Ikea® to help blaze our trail. So far we’ve had a lot of interest and have several orders already placed for our first run on Sept. 26!

2 reasons why

The first: We posted recently that we’d been doing some research on Ikea® products. There is a lot of negative scoop out there about Ikea® products, and we wanted to see how valid it really was. Here’s what we found:

• Negatives
  • particle board: this is the number one complaint: many of their products do use particle board, which has it’s own plusses and minuses. On the minus side, it is not as strong as plywood or solid wood. It is also vulnerable to degrading in moist environments.
  • assembly: not everyone has time or wants to put their own furniture or cabinets together.
  • getting it home: Ikea® shipping rates are expensive. We calculated out that delivery of a $330 bookcase would cost us $150 in shipping. If we went and got it ourselves, it would cost us a minimum of about $100 in gas. Not to mention time – basically a day out of your life, if not more. Our price for that would be about $67.
• Positives
  • particle board: it’s cheaper than plywood or solid wood. As long as it is properly sealed and / or veneered, moisture issues are minimized.
  • hardware: quality hardware products like Blum and Salice are used, so full extension drawer slides, soft closures on drawers, piston door stays are still options, like on more expensive cabinets.
  • affordable: this is the number one positive; no question about this one. It’s built in to the whole Ikea® concept. A big part of what makes it affordable is its flat pack shipping. Meaning assembly is required.
  • green: one trip to get it is greener than 20. It’s that simple. Assuming you already know what you want, the process is now simplified and relatively pain-free.
  • sustainability: Ikea® is actively working toward sustainability goals in manufacturing including supply chain management, managed forest product sourcing and reduction of VOC adhesives. They’ve always been efficient at shipping – flat packing takes less space. Less space costs less. they aren’t perfect, but they are working on it.
  • third party ratings: Consumer Reports findings indicate that Ikea® cabinet products are equal to most stock cabinet lines (even if the box is plywood), in terms of wear and tear, hardware quality and finish retention.

The second: We’re finding a ton of Ikea® fanatics in the triangle area, and decided that adding a runner service is the most environmentally responsible way to get it here. And it can be easier for the buyer than both direct shipping from the store and driving to get it yourself. For modern style lovers, you just can’t beat the price of Ikea®.

We’re removing the pain point and reducing the expense of getting it home. You get the Ikea® products you love, without the headache of the drive. Ecomod + Ikea®  + you = win win win!

What about kitchen & bath design?

We still do it. Both custom products and Ikea® products. It can be very confusing putting together an order from Ikea® for a whole kitchen. If you either don’t want to do it, or need a hand, we can do it for you. We can also look your plan over if you just want a fresh eye to spot any glaring errors.  Our hourly rates are reasonable, and better to be sure before you order.

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