Announcing...Kristin Drohan Upholstery

 

As an interior designer, I’ve found it difficult to acquire eco-friendly upholstery that isn’t 30-50% more expensive and sometimes more “green-washed” than green.  I decided to take matters into my own hands.  For the past several years, I’ve had a small company fabricating my upholstery pieces in Hickory, NC.  Most have been my personal custom designs.  Together, we have collaborated to produce a new, sustainable product line.  The Kristin Drohan Collection will launch in August and initially feature six pieces:

·       a sofa/sectional group that can be configured into numerous combinations

·       a host dining chair that is a modern take on a Wing Back chair with a lower arm to fit under the dining table apron

·       a chaise

·       an upholstered headboard

·       a fully upholstered bed

·       a modern Klismos barstool

·       a funky ottoman

We have taken deliberate steps to create a line that is durable, incredibly comfortable, sustainable, and most importantly, not any more costly than a non-green counterpart.  We are using sustainable American hardwoods derived from managed forests in the U.S. for the frames.  The cushions are soy based and the cotton batting is from 100% recycled material.  The metal components are from 75% recycled steel including the 8-way hand tied coils.  We are also offering water-based stain finishes with low VOCs.  The most exciting aspect is the upholstery fabrics.  I’ve searched for durable, washable fabrics and have found some really great options.  The first is Sensuede.  As you can see from the picture below it comes in a myriad of colors.  This is the only luxury faux suede made entirely from high-purity recycled polyester in the world’s first commercial chemical-recycling process.  It is not made with harmful solvents.  Sensuede is spill proof, and can be machine washed.  Most spills bead up and can be blotted away.  Lastly, it exceeds 100,000 double rubs in the Cotton Duck Method abrasion test.  This is the most expensive of the upholstery options, but it isn’t anymore than a quality leather.

I’ve found another company that produces a heavy-duty linen with  20,000 Wyzenbeck double rubs.  Linen is both an environmentally friendly and economical choice.

 

Finally, I found an interesting material option for bed and headboards that I originally pursued using for barstools and dining chairs.  The material is called Silverado, treated with Agion.  It is a fabric that looks remarkably like leather but is PVC free polyurethane treated with the patented technology, Agion.  Agion is an antimicrobial that actively targets microbes and bacteria on the protected surface of the upholstery and is Cradle to Cradle certified.  I originally had children in mind, but found the material is very versatile and would be an excellent option to use on the beds in additional to the barstool and dining chair.  It exceeds 400,000 Wyzenbeck double rubs and can be washed with a mild soap solution. The prototypes are currently in production and should be ready for sale in August on my website www.boulevardinteriordesign.com .  Pricing to the trade will also be available. I can’t wait to share this complete high style collection with you.

 

Sensuede comes in 130 colors

Linen with custom print options ( I'm using this on the barstool prototype)

Silverado with Agion

 

 1st Generation Charles Headboard the new prototype will have be tufted as an addtional feature

Andrew Sectional shown in the Theater Group

 

Comments

[JJ Francis]

Looks interesting. How do people rate how green items are--is there standards?

[Kristin]

That is a very good question. Currently, there isn't one governing body issuing eco labels. There are a few reputable sources like Cradle to Cradle and The Sustainable Furnishings Council. The process is really being vetted online by bloggers and "green experts". This line qualifies for membership through The Sustainable Furnishings Council. Right now we are researching which might be the best eco label for this line. We will have one going forward.

[Paula Grace]

I cannot wait to start using your line. Thank you so much for paying attention to every detail. It's true, green furnishings are priced higher on average than its non-green counterpart. FINALLY ~ Great looking, durable furnishings that are green and priced right.

[Daly Essentials]

congrats on starting this new line!! I'm so impressed with how consciencious you're being to actually be green rather than make a product that just sounds like it's green!

[Cheryl Drohan]

You are truly amazing!

You have also already solved my living room issue when I replace my couch/sectional. Gotta love you.

Keep up the beautiful work.

[used cars harlan]

Congrats on this new green line!

[Julia @ Hooked on Houses]

Wow! This is so exciting. Congratulations, Kristin! I'm really impressed.

[Carla Davis]

Wow Kristin! This fabulous news! I hope to have the opportunity to offer your new line to my clients here in Northern Virginia.

[Bree]

Hello again,

I am a student studying Textile Design in Melbourne, Australia. The aim of the research project is to look into upholstery fabrics, with environmentally sustainable properties. I would be interested in finding out more about this linen, which you have said is "environmentally friendly". I am not looking to purchase fabric, i just want information about the linen product and it's environmental manufacturing procedures and specifications. If you could provide me with this information, it would be highly useful.

with thanks, Bree

[Kristin]

Hey Bree, the only company I'm aware of that sells organic linen is Pickering International www.picknatural.com. Linen is a more eco friendly choice without being organic. Another source for your research is www.treehugger.com. You'll get some great info for your project from this website. Good Luck with your research.

[Shamima Sultana]

Very nice idea...