 Creating a home that’s both beautifully designed and kind to the planet doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort—or your furry friends’ needs. In fact, with thoughtful choices, your living room can be stylish, sustainable, and pet-friendly all at once. Here are 5 inspiring living rooms that prove eco and animal-friendly design can be effortlessly chic. 1. Neutral Sanctuary with Natural Fibers Soft linen sofas, jute rugs, and reclaimed wood coffee tables create a calming, earthy space. The best part? Linen is naturally durable and gets better with wear—perfect for pets that like to snuggle in. Pet tip: Choose slipcovers for easy washing and stain resistance.  2. Modern Minimalism with a Conscience A low-clutter space featuring bamboo flooring, a wool-free vegan area rug, and a recycled glass coffee table shows how less can truly be more. Eco note: Bamboo is a rapidly renewable material and pet nails won’t easily scratch it.  3. Boho Chic with Reclaimed Character This living room features layered textures using vintage finds and ethically sourced decor. A vintage faux leather armchair and handwoven rug made from recycled cotton tie it together. Why it works: Pre-loved furniture = lower environmental impact and durability that’s stood the test of time. (Image credit: Future PLC)  4. Plant-Filled and Pet-Safe Indoor greenery breathes life into a space—but only if it’s safe for pets. This room features pet-safe plants like spider plants, calatheas, and Boston ferns in ceramic pots. Pro tip: Elevate pots with stands to protect them from curious paws.  5. Bright and Breezy Organic cotton throws, driftwood accents, and a vegan ultrasuede sofa bring a light, airy feel. The open layout and washable textiles make this a dream for both humans and pets. Sustainable touch: Curtains made from hemp are naturally anti-bacterial and biodegradable.  Your living room is more than a showcase—it's where you relax, play, and live. Designing with sustainability and your pets in mind doesn't mean compromising on aesthetics. It means creating a space that's kind, durable, and uniquely you. Want more eco-styling tips? Sign up for our newsletter for monthly inspiration on sustainable, animal-friendly living.
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 Shopping sustainably doesn't have to mean sacrificing style, convenience, or quality. Whether you're looking for clean beauty, eco-friendly tech, or artisan-made home goods, these ethical marketplaces make it easy to align your purchases with your values. 🌱🛍️ From fashion to food and zero-waste essentials, here are 10 standout online platforms helping you support both people and the planet — all from the comfort of your home. 1. Etsy – Handcrafted with Heart While not exclusively sustainable, Etsy is a global hub for handmade, vintage, and eco-conscious goods. By shopping here, you’re supporting independent artists and small businesses — many of whom are committed to ethical sourcing and mindful production.  2. The Detox Market – Clean Beauty, Inside and Out Looking for skincare and wellness products that are kind to your body and the environment? The Detox Market curates a collection of non-toxic, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly brands, making clean beauty easier to access than ever.  3. EarthHero – The Ultimate Eco Swap Shop EarthHero offers sustainable alternatives for nearly every part of your life — think compostable phone cases, zero-waste kitchen tools, ethical fashion, and beyond. Every product is vetted for impact, so you can shop with confidence.  4. Credo – Conscious Cosmetics that Perform Credo brings together high-performance beauty brands that are transparent about their ingredients, ethics, and sustainability practices. From recyclable packaging to refillable skincare, it’s a beauty lover’s dream with a conscience.  5. Thrive Market – Affordable, Organic Essentials Thrive Market is a membership-based marketplace for organic groceries and non-toxic household goods. With discounted prices and curated filters (like “vegan,” “gluten-free,” or “low-waste”), it’s a great resource for families looking to eat well and shop mindfully.  6. Ten Thousand Villages – Fair Trade from Around the World One of the pioneers in fair trade retail, Ten Thousand Villages connects consumers with handmade crafts and decor from artisans across the globe. Every purchase helps provide stable income and empower communities through ethical trade relationships.  7. Simple Switch – Values-Based Shopping Made Easy Simple Switch lets you shop based on what matters to you — from carbon-neutral shipping to BIPOC-owned businesses. It’s a one-stop ethical marketplace that brings transparency to the forefront of every purchase.  8. Uncommon Goods – Unique Gifts with a Purpose This isn’t just another gift shop. Uncommon Goods features imaginative, often handmade items created by independent makers using sustainable materials. It’s your go-to for thoughtful, feel-good gifting.  9. Back Market – Greener Tech Solutions Why buy new when you can buy smart? Back Market specializes in certified refurbished electronics — like phones, laptops, and tablets — that are quality-tested and backed by warranty. A major win for your wallet and the planet.  10. Goodee – Design That Does Good Goodee merges style with sustainability, spotlighting home and lifestyle products made by ethical brands and artisans. Their collections are beautifully curated and rooted in responsible sourcing, transparency, and social impact.  Sustainable shopping isn’t about perfection — it’s about making better choices, one purchase at a time. These marketplaces show that ethical living can be modern, convenient, and even stylish. So whether you’re refreshing your skincare routine or upgrading your workspace, consider choosing platforms that reflect the kind of world you want to live in. 🌍💛  If clutter has taken hold of your home, you’re definitely not alone. Most of us hold on to things we no longer need or struggle to stay on top of the chaos of daily life. But here’s the good news: identifying the root causes of clutter can help you clear it—for good. Let’s explore six common reasons clutter creeps into our lives, and more importantly, what you can do about each one. 1. Life Circumstances Have Shifted Whether you’ve welcomed a new puppy, moved into a new home, started a demanding job, or experienced illness or injury—major life changes can quickly turn even the most organized spaces upside down. This type of clutter is often temporary. Once the dog starts sleeping through the night or the moving boxes are finally unpacked, things tend to settle. But in the meantime, if the mess feels overwhelming and you lack time or energy, don’t hesitate to ask for help. A friend, family member, or professional organizer can be a game-changer in these transitional seasons. 2. Lack of Habits That Support Tidiness Sometimes clutter results from simple habit lapses—like not putting away jackets, shoes, or makeup after use. Thankfully, habits can be changed with a bit of intention. A helpful strategy is using the habit loop, a concept from The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. It’s made up of three parts:
 3. No Systems for Managing Everyday Items Without dedicated systems, everyday items can easily pile up—creating clutter and frustration. Let’s take a look at a few hotspots:
4. Too Many Items for One Job Ever open a drawer and find 15 pens, 6 spatulas, or 20 coffee mugs? It happens to the best of us. This type of clutter is easy to tackle: simply reduce your inventory to what fits your storage space and what you truly use. The next time you’re tempted to buy a new notepad or water bottle, ask yourself: Do I already have something that serves this purpose? Mindful consumption helps prevent repeat clutter.  5. Decision Avoidance
Sometimes we avoid making choices about our stuff—so we stash things in the garage, basement, or spare closet to “deal with later.” But these hidden piles can become a mental burden. Set aside time to finally address those out-of-sight boxes. Invite a friend over or work with a professional to help you sort and make decisions with confidence. Once done, you’ll feel lighter and more in control of your space. 6. Health Challenges Get in the Way When health issues arise—whether physical, emotional, or mental—our ability to manage clutter can be affected. Appointments, fatigue, or mobility limitations may leave little time or energy for organization. In these cases, support is essential. Ask a loved one to lend a hand once a week or bring in a trusted professional. And if clutter feels truly overwhelming or reaches hoarding levels, know that deeper issues may be at play. Compassionate help from a mental health professional can make all the difference. You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Tackle Clutter AloneClutter is part of life. But with awareness, small shifts, and the right support, it doesn’t have to define your space. If you’re feeling stuck, we highly recommend working with someone who brings clarity, calm, and joy into the organizing process. We love partnering with Nicole from Tidy Lifestyle. Her thoughtful, heart-led approach to home organization can help transform your space—and your mindset. 👉 Follow Nicole on Instagram @nicolesparksjoy for daily tips and inspiration. Here’s to creating a home that feels light, functional, and full of peace.  We love working in the beautiful SF Bay area with such wonderful eco-conscious clients! And we are often asked for exterior advice so decided to put together some ideas you can implement now, no time like the present right?
1. Start Small with BIG intentions! Often people doing their own projects bite off more than they can chew. It’s great to have a big master plan in mind and laid out, but start small. Try not to do it all at once. Because once you get started, you will see how physically draining it can be to do work in your yard. Come up with a step by step plan and a list of top priority things to get done before you start. 2. Think about your lawn Do you need to have that much grass in your backyard? Traditional lawns require a lot of water and maintenance. You don’t have to get rid of all of it, but maybe turning a part of it into a succulent garden or adding garden beds for delicious home grown fruits, herbs, and veggies would be a great way to use the space and reduce the lawn space. Adding a garden also invites many different friendly creatures to also come enjoy your space. There are also many artificial turf options that look real too! 3. Consider your Climate Before you start planting plants and your garden, consider the area you live in. A quick google search will tell you what type of planting zone you’re in and the type of plants that would thrive in your area. This helps with the plants overall health and shows you what is most eco-conscious to have in the area. That helps with creating a space your local fauna would enjoy and keep the amount of watering it will need to a reasonable level. 4. Welcome the Wildlife! A beautiful sustainable garden is a great meeting place for your local birds, beads, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife. May we suggest even setting up a beautiful bench or seating spot for you to watch and enjoy witnessing the miracles of life! 5. Water Features A small water feature is an incredible source of freshwater for local wildlife. The amount of water that is needed is minimal but the benefits to the local wildlife can be immeasurable especially during incredibly hot summers that California has. 6. Optimized watering Having an expert come in and create a well thought out plan for your sprinkler or watering system can save you a lot of water and make your plants very happy. Also going back to point number four, make attempts to pick drought resistant plants or plants that need less water to thrive. 7. Choose environmentally friendly hardscape materials Be conscious of what you are choosing when it comes to the patio bricks and fencing when you’re designing your backyard. When picking pavers, you want something that water can go through and seep back into the ground to help replenish our ground water sources. You can also use reclaimed woods or recycled deck material to create something sustainable and long lasting. 8. Reuse Materials As we mentioned in the point above, using reclaimed materials or reusing materials from your previous yard is not only ecologically responsible but can be financially beneficial as well. Old concrete can be broken up and used as stepping stones, wood chips can make great mulch. Old decking or planter wood can be used to create things like bird houses. Get creative! 9. Compost waste While designing your backyard, scope out a good spot for a compost site. Participating in compost will give you the most incredible soil for you to use for any of your plating endeavors and it is really incredible to watch happen. Would you consider doing any of these things in your backyard? Let us know in the comments below, And if you need help creating the backyard of your dreams contact us through our website to schedule an appointment today!  Not everyone has the space for a large kitchen but that doesn't mean you can’t create something stylish and functional. We put together a list of 5 things that every small kitchen should have and are worth investing in. 1. Invisible or No Show Hardware.
When you have a small space, any added details can make your space feel smaller and also, we all know how it feels to run into a cabinet handle that sticks out too far. Our solution is implementing handleless cabinets that either have push to open or handles that are inlaid into the cabinetry (or this one that is very minimal). 1.Open Shelving
Sometimes in tight spaces, one can feel a bit claustrophobic and dark. Removing some of the upper cabinets from your space can not only open the space up but give you really cool styling opportunities. Open shelves are a great way to display decorative dishware and give a bit of a homestead feel. If you’re concerned about losing storage, consider implementing storage in other areas like imbedding it in your kitchen island or getting storage racks or freestanding pantry. Design tip: Painting your open shelves the same color as your walls helps keep the space feeling open. 3. Patterns
The TD team LOVES patterns. We love finding beautiful, unique ways to bring them into a space. Many would assume a small place wouldn’t be a good place to bring in a bold pattern but we disagree. If your space is very small, bringing something bold like a pattern will make the area a big statement filled with personality. Put in a unique floor or backsplash tile, paint the wall or cabinet a bold complimentary color and see how it brings a whole new life to your small kitchen! 4. Corner Storage
With small spaces comes less storage and in a kitchen you are going to want as much storage as you can get, This is where things like corner storage come into play. Whether it be lower corner cabinets such as a blind corner cabinet ( AKA Lazy Susan) or upper corner shelving; all of it can help add storage to your small space. 5. Stylish Appliances
If you have a small kitchen, as we have stated every inch counts. Get appliances that make a statement. Invest in beautiful countertop appliances or spend a bit more to get a stove or fridge that makes more of a statement than your average large appliance.
Do you have any other small space kitchen tips and tricks? Let us know in the comments!  image via pexels Investing in a rental property is a major decision and one that has the potential to generate a lot of income. But before you can start reaping the rewards, you need to check a few boxes first—like making sure your property is appealing to renters. Designing a rental property that appeals to potential tenants doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With a bit of planning and intelligent decision-making, you can make your investment property the most luring spot in the area without breaking the bank. Thomas Designs has listed a few tried-and-true tips to get you started: Choose the Right LocationThe location of your rental property is one of the most important factors in determining its success. You’ll want to choose an area that is safe, convenient, and desirable. Proximity to public transportation, schools, and businesses are all crucial to consider. If you’re not sure whether a particular location is worth investing in, consult with a real estate professional who can help you evaluate the area and make an informed decision. Form an LLCIf you’re serious about renting out your investment property, then it’s time to form an LLC. This will help protect your personal assets in case of any legal issues that may arise. You might want to talk to an attorney or accountant who can help you set up your LLC and answer any questions you may have. Another option is to use an online formation service, which is less expensive and can save you a great deal of stress. Make Common RepairsBefore you start showing your property to potential renters, make sure all common repairs have been made. This includes things like fixing leaks, repairing cracks in the walls or ceiling, replacing broken door knobs or light fixtures, etc. These small repairs can make a big difference in how your property is perceived by potential tenants. Here are some other repairs to handle if necessary: ● Clogged toilets ● Broken appliances ● Rodent or insect infestation ● Faulty HVAC ● Broken water heater Keep It CleanOnce your repairs are complete, it’s time for a deep clean. Go room to room, cleaning every surface from the ceiling to the floor. If necessary, budget for a professional cleaning service—you want your investment property to sparkle! In addition to regular cleanings, keep up with other maintenance tasks like mowing the lawn, trimming bushes and trees, and removing leaves and debris from gutters. A well-maintained property will be more appealing to potential tenants than one that appears neglected. Consider Design Trends and AmenitiesWhen designing your rental property, factor in current design trends and amenities that will grab the attention of your target market. For example, many people now prefer open-concept floor plans, so if your property has smaller rooms or an outdated layout, now might be an ideal time for a renovation. Other features to consider include in-unit laundry facilities, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, and granite countertops. You don’t have to implement all of these changes at once—just pick one or two that will make the biggest impact and go from there. And work with an experienced design company like Thomas Designs; we’ll transform your space without harming the environment! Wrapping UpBy following these tips, you can make your investment property more attractive to potential renters without draining your bank account. Keep in mind that location is key when choosing where to invest. You’ll also want to set up an LLC for added legal protection, make essential repairs, maintain your property, and choose updates or renovations that align with the current design trends. You might be surprised at the difference a little planning and strategic design choices can make for your investment property and goals!
Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our eco-friendly design services? Visit EcoThomasDesigns.com today!  Organizing can be a daunting task partly due to how time consuming it can be. We all know what it is like to start on a big project and then get caught up in looking through old photos and papers for hours on end reminiscing instead of organizing. Sometimes the best way to build up to big projects is to gain some confidence on the little ones. So we decided to put together a list of organization projects that will boost your confidence and help streamline your life. 1. Food Container Storage This is probably one of our most frustrating drawers or cupboards in our kitchen. Tupperware containers always seem to be spilling out or missing lids. Take a few minutes to go through them and match them to their tops and recycle the ones that are worn and missing their mates. There are some nifty gadgets that can help store your lids and you can stack the containers within themselves to make it an easier space to keep well organized. 2. Fridge OrganizationThis is an important one because it also has health implications. Consuming expired products can be bad for your health and taking a few minutes to go through a well organized fridge can be an often forgotten chore. Doing this ensures all your food in your fridge is safe to eat and also gives you more room for more yummy treats! 3. Sock Drawer Oddly enough, the sock drawer is one of our favorite places to keep organized. Nothing beats being able to open up the drawer and pull out a matching pair of socks in a flash. Take all your socks out, match them to their pairs and take account of the ones that are in need of being recycled or turned into cleaning rags. We have even seen some use their old socks as swiffer pads! Genius! 4. Dish TowelsIf you’re like us and prefer to use dish towels over paper towels then this could be a great quick organization moment for you. Go through your towels and see if there are some ratty enough ones that need to be demoted to bathroom or car cleaning rags. We like to keep a basket of them folded in a kitchen cabinet. 5. MagazinesDo you have magazine subscriptions and a ton of old magazines and have no idea what to do with them? A few ideas are, make a magazine library of the ones you want to keep and then for the ones you don’t want to keep, collect and call local schools or art programs and see if they are looking for donations. You can even get crafty yourself and make a mood board or upcycle them into a fun project. 6. Shower Products We’re all guilty of using up a bottle of something and forgetting to toss it. After all we ARE human ;-) Take some time to toss out old bottles or use this handy tool to scrap out what is left to use up every drop! We are sure it will make your shower experience even more luxurious! Our team enjoys thinking of new ways to streamline the home and feel like we’ve scored even more when it’s a quick and simple fix! We hope this inspires you. Let us know which one you're going to do first or if you have any other quick organization task that you want to share.
Reminder: Don't overwhelm yourself and be in a rush to do it all at once–Remember slow and steady gets you to the same destination. 😊 Everyone has heard of spring cleaning and it’s always nice to get your house clean, but have you ever heard of spring organizing? Spring organizing is where you deeply reset your home to make sure that you have what you need but also let go of the things that are not serving you or your family. Reducing clutter, getting rid of expired products, and implementing efficient systems can bring a lot of peace and satisfaction. The TD team has put together a spring organization checklist you can print off and use as a guide while going through your home.  We recommend sending this list to all your friends and neighbors. Set a date for a “garage sale” so people have a deadline and go exchange goods! This is a great way to see your things go to loving homes as well as create a stronger community in your area. Spring organizing is worth it ;-)
 Living Rooms are a special space because they are large enough for everyone to get together and spend quality time. A space to do exactly what it is named after— LIVE! This room in your home should have all the key elements to a great time but we think the top priority should be comfort! We made a list of the best ways to cultivate a comfortable and “livable” living room. 1. Seating – Diversify One sofa is hardly ever enough when it comes to the ultimate hangout area but often most spaces only have room for one. So what would we do in this situation? Add a lounge chair paired with a cozy blanket or some thick soft floor pillows perfect for those who can’t be confined to a seat. It creates dimension within the room and multiple comfort options for visitors. 2. Fireplace– Gather roundFireplaces have been the gathering place for families for as long as humans have been around. It’s a cozy place to relax and spend quality time together working on projects or chatting. Not every home comes with a traditional fireplace but that doesn’t mean it's not possible to add one without busting the budget. Electric fireplaces are a great alternative. If you do have a traditional fireplace, does it need a bit of an upgrade? Cosmetic fireplace changes are a great project to really change up the vibe of a room.
4. Surfaces, Surfaces, Surfaces
5. Get The Lighting Right There are so many different things we do in our living room that require all different types of lighting. Perhaps a task lamp next to the sofa is perfect for reading or working on a project, but a soft lit table lamp in a different area is better for a cozy hangout session with our family or friends. Getting the lighting right is an overlooked step in creating a cozy setting. Some of these subtleties can be a challenge and we’re alway here to help with a lighting plan.  6. Entry WaysHow do you get in and out of your living room? Is it a big open floor plan or a small arch? How open or closed off you are to the rest of the house can have a major impact on the intimacy of the space. Perhaps installing barn doors to shut you in a bit more or tearing down a wall to open it up is exactly what your space needs. We are passionate about creating your dream home and the only way to help is getting to know you and your family, identifying your needs, and creating a plan to get you there. Would you ever consider any of these suggestions to increase the comfort levels of your living room? Let us know in the comments~
 A common question asked while working with clients is – how will this affect my home's resale value? The true answer is, it’s your home and unless you’re trying to immediately flip it on the market, you shouldn’t let resale value dictate your taste. Things always come in and out of trend but that’s not to say there aren’t some great home improvements that you can feel confident in and will probably end up adding value and that’s what we will be talking about here. 1. Custom Cabinetry. Having something custom built for your home to perfectly fit your space and your needs is something that will always be unique and a future selling point. Storage never goes out of style!
5. Home Office
In the times we currently live, having a home office is nearly a must have. You don’t have to devote an entire room to an office if you don’t have the space, but carving out an area where a desk and maybe some built-in shelves can be is a game changer for many. This is a great area to invest in custom builds tailor made for your home. At the end of the day, your home is for you and your family to live in and putting your specific needs and taste should be your first priority! Would you ever consider any of these improvements for your home? Let us know in the comments and if you live in the bay area and need assistance, contact us for a consultation today!
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