Lexington, KY - Good Green Kitchens
"More often than not, design is treated as if it were merely a question of style, function, and budget," author Jennifer Roberts mentions in the introduction to her book, "Good Green Kitchens." With this book, she hopes to add to that mix "global concerns such as demand for energy and natural resources."
Though the task may seem daunting, it is possible, with her suggestions, to begin small: water-saving faucets, energy-saving light bulbs or the simple use of a small toaster oven as opposed to the main cook oven. Small steps lead to larger ones and when remodeling or renovating come into play, going green may be easier.
In Roberts' terms green design is calculated on a sliding scale where "light" green design begins with the easy-to-do steps and progresses along to "dark" green with the more intense use of eco-friendly and energy efficient materials. Regardless of the shade of green you plan to shoot for, Roberts offers inspiration with over 150 photographs that show how beautiful green can be, and how to get there.
She offers resource lists for healthy products, manufacturers and retailers, and in separate chapters addresses the issues of flooring, storage, counter and wall surfaces, and the various appliances and accessories that combine to create an energy-efficient and functional kitchen.
From the optimal use of daylight to the most efficient use of lighting fixtures, her helpful guide is practical and informative. From small kitchens to more expansive ones, from pet projects to complete re-dos, from well known products like linoleum to the hot new ones like recycled glass countertops, "Good Green Kitchens" is an extensive guide to the creation of the dream eco-friendly and healthy kitchen - improving the space for both the individual and the planet.
New Garden Design
A generously sized book, "New Garden Design" offers over 200 photographs of garden designs that demonstrate the use of color, balance and depth, and shows the enticing appeal of an outside garden space.
From an urban setting to an isolated natural one, and using a variety of materials and accessories, Zahid Sardar provides the inspiration for gardens that can easily serve as sanctuary to those who experience or live with them. His chapter on the use of walls shows both natural and man-made materials and allows for the creation of a garden space in almost any outside environment.
Thirty-eight separate projects are shown. Far beyond the beautiful plantings alone, sculpture, fountains, water features, terraces and various art forms combine in designs that are both ecologically and spiritually soothing. The ideas come from many numerous sources - abstract, simplistic, rich with the colors and accents of a variety of culture; those incorporating vast water supplies and those best described as dry gardens.
With a true approach to gardening as an art, Sardar uses the work of award-winning photographer Marion Brenner to illustrate the vast ideas that spring from what individual spaces have to offer. Hillsides to cityscapes, Japanese and other Asian accents to weathered ocean effects, stone to metal and small to vast, the projects shown are an inspiration to create our own gardening paradises. The photography alone is breathtaking and worth the turning of every page.