Eco-Green is Gorgeous: A Personal Tour of the CharityWorks GreenHouse

The CharityWorks Greenhouse proves that Green is the new Gorgeous, in so many ways. I'm sure the following statement will seem archaic in 10 years, but unless someone told you this was eco-conscious green design you wouldn't know. I would like to thank Annette Hannon of Annette Hannon Interior Design for giving me a personal 2 hour tour and for spending as much time providing insights into all the rooms as much as her own. Annette's beautiful petite suite is only 115 square feet and it envelopes you in a sense of calm refinement. A central feature is the custom built-in bed and bookcases that completely conceal the fact that the window placement is off-center. A pitched ceiling was changed to 10 feet to also deemphasize the small footprint. The mattress, from a Virginia based firm, is organic, eco-smart and vegan friendly. I think this type of mattress would be especially interesting to parents seeking a healthy sleeping environment for their children.
Annette is well know for her attention to details. Notice the micro-pleats along the top of the valance, they mirror those on the bolsters (first pic). The curtains are made from sustainable linen from Pollack Associates that exceed LEED requirements and the pillows were fabricated by Bella Studios.
Another element of green design is the use of furniture that already exists - in this case a Swedish antique chair and desk. The walls are painted with Farrow & Ball paint, which exceeds all European environmental standards, and then finished over with a naturally eco-friendly Milk Paint from PA to create a crackle finish.
At first glance, the walls appear to be wallpapered but they are coverd in an Elizabeth Eakins fabric that is woven in CT and utilizes natural vegetable dyes. A rose pink gimp ribbon trims out the walls - one more detail that makes a lovely impact.
Doesn't this vignette make you want to settle in and write some letters? - check out this vintage stationary!. The bracelet is vintage too, found at the Big DC Flea.
Annette also designed this very pretty bathroom with the found sea shell mirror. The walls are painted in Farrow & Ball Pink Ground and the photos to the left are by photographer, Angie Seckinger.
Annette had the patterned roman shade interlined in pink fabric which creates a lovely effect with the sunlight.
The shower is tiled with recyled glass and the shower curtains with valance are custom embroidered in her own design. The towels are bamboo and vintage linen.

The stone floors were sealed in a water based finish as opposed to a higher VOC product.

I will be featuring more elements of the Charity Works GreenHouse in future posts. Hopefully just enough to convince you not to miss out on this must-see showhouse! Located in McLean, VA, it is open now until October 30th - click here to buy tickets and for additional info.

More good news - the money raised from this Showhouse will benefit the Friendship Public Charter School, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, and the McLean Project for the Arts. Go here to read more about these worthy charities - (I will be posting more about each charity in subsequents post on the showhouse)