Color me green with envy

Both West Elm and Crate and Barrel are featuring a palette rich in green for spring. They're catalogues are also packed with wood products. It's a trend, we definitely think is inspired by the environmental movement, so chalk it up to Al Gore. We love it for spring, as green is a pick-me-up color that is fitting for the season of new life. We also love all things wood, especially West Elm's bowls, which are perfect for fruit in the kitchen or keys by the door. Check out their site, for inspiration and start thinking green.

I spy ikat

If you've been keeping up with fashion at all you know that ikat is the big print for spring. What is ikat? It's a way of dying or embroidering fabric that results in a patterned, sometimes tie-dyed look. It's popular in Eastern Europe, think Uzbekistan, and also parts of Africa, Asia and South America. You definitely don't want to dress head-to-toe in the pattern, but this Urban Outfitters scarf is a great, subtle way to incorporate the look into your wardrobe. If you're looking for something for your home, you can get a one-of-a-kind throw to put over a sofa or to hang on your wall. It's a great way to add a splash of color and culture to a room.

Model design

I love the idea of finding creative ways to hang photos and jewelry, because it seems a shame when they're tucked away in a box somewhere. This dress model from Pottery Barn Teen is perfect for the bedroom or a walk-in closet. You can pin photos to it or use it to hang jewelry. It's a bit of an investment at $199, but everyone will ask where you got the idea. Just don't tell anyone where it's from!

Pure & Green heaven

While browsing in Williams-Sonoma this past weekend I came across the company's new earth-friendly homekeeping line, the Pure & Natural Collection. Formulated with essential oils, and made with no toxins, ammonia, phosphate, chlorine or parabens, this is among the cleanest cleaning products I've ever seen. But that's not what draws me; it's the intoxicating scents that actually seem to belong in any kitchen. They are all absolutely amazing, and I may just buy up the whole line. I love them all, but ranking from my favorite down:

1. Meyer Lemon Parsley — For clarity and balance choose the soft tones of Meyer lemon, orange and grapefruit with the earth notes of parsley and basil
2. Olive Oil Coriander — Olives, well known for strength and well-being, bring this to life along with cedar, musk, amber and, of course, coriander (cilantro)
3. Herbes De Provence Sweet Orange — Revitalize with herbal freshness of mint, basil, bay leaf, clove and lavender, plus hints of citrus and eucalyptus
4. Ruby Grapefruit Ylang Ylang — Stimulates and energizes with notes of peach, melon and apple along with grapefruit and a bit of sweetness from ylang ylang
5. Lavender Juniper Rose — Create calm and relaxation in your kitchen with lavender, plus hints of rose, geranium, jasmine, pine, juniper and sandalwood
6. Asian Plum Mandarin — Decrease stress with plum, orange and bergamot, as well as ylang ylang, marigold and rose