We were delighted to get a sneak peek at FLOR's new Spring 2012 collection - stylish and in perfect keeping with our philosphy at Pure Green, FLOR's modular rugs are green and gorgeous. Read More

I have always wanted a greenhouse... imagine pushing the door open on a cold day to your own private world, a wave of humidity rushing to greet you, the smell of damp earth permeating the air, all surrounded in lush greenery. Imagine a little desk in the corner where you could write in your journal or read a book. Ahhh. Perhaps it's that dream that made me sit up and take notice when I came across these modular greenhouse/garden sheds by avan.to architects in Helsinki. A perfect backyard escape that has set me dreaming all over again... Read More

esterday we shared beautiful images from Coriander Girl's wedding, which took place over the summer of 2011 - today we're offering a deeper glimpse at the girl behind it all - Alison Westlake, as part of our Best of 2011 series. The feature originally appeared in Issue 5 (our re-launch issue featuring our brand spanking new look courtesy of our fabulous Design Director Anile Prakash) and will always hold a special place in our hearts. Alison is something of a kindred spirit and we were thrilled to bits to announce yesterday that she will be working with Pure Green on a new column that we can't wait to share with you!! You are going to LOVE her. Until then, indulge in these beautiful shots of Alison and her shop, located in Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood on Queen West. Read More

While we know it's not full wedding season yet, we just couldn't resist sharing these photos - the wedding of Alison Westlake, the inspiring and fantastic woman behind Coriander Girl (a floral studio in Toronto) and dear friend of Pure Green. First, many of you may be planning your own special day and while the ideas are still floating around we thought you could use a little inspiration. Second, the photos are just plain gorgeous, shot by the talented duo Joseph + Jaime. Third, we loved how Alison and Tyler plucked and gathered inspiration from the natural surroundings - wildflowers abound and Alison's wonderfully carefree nature shines through in every detail - she truly is an inspiration to any bride (as is evident by her wildly successful floral shop which is truly like no other!). And lastly, because we wanted to announce that Alison will be contributing to Pure Green Magazine!! Beginning with our next issue Alison will be adding her own very special touch and we can't wait!! Honestly, just hop on over to Alison's blog to see why we're so excited - she will definitely make you smile! Read More

By now you know we are HUGE fans of Jessica Helgerson and her design team. Time after time, without fail, each design flawlessly communicates balance: whitespace vs. colour, wood vs. painted elements, warm vs. cool, textured vs. smooth, and on... and on. We also love that Jessica's projects are nearly always remodels, improving existing structures rather than tearing down and building new. Its an inherently green principle that's also more accessible too. In this particular space we love the warm oak floors against the white walls and the introduction of colour which give this space tons of personality yet maintains a sense of openness and calm. Also, the colour is introduced in the form of fabrics and accessories within the more neutral permanent fixtures, something that's easily changed for a fresh look, minimizing waste and extra costs. Natural light plays an important role too, accentuating the wood tones and airy feel. Read More

When I saw this I had to share... for so many reasons. Growing up the piano played a really big part in our family. We had a banged up sorry old thing until we inherited my grandmother's very fine specimen. Us kids made the weekly trek to the piano teacher, hammering out chords and struggling with sheet music until we played something that sounded possibly like music. As time has passed I'm so very sorry to say that my piano skills have waned until they are nearly non-existent, but I've never forgotten the sensation. The calm that comes over you when you finally master something (especially that darned left hand!!) and the music flows freely. I can picture myself doing it - see the notes, feel the keys, hear the music. As my career evolves free time becomes more rare and the stress of daily life leaves me yearning for a little escape. To completely lose yourself in something is so rare these days and I would love nothing more than to be carried away on the tune of something soft and beautiful. Read More

2011 had some really great moments of which fabulous photo shoots and meeting wonderful people were definitely the highlight. I've decided to revisit some of those great moments, beginning with Daniel and Valeria's home near St. Catherine, Ontario (this home originally appeared in Issue 3 of Pure Green, albeit it was prior to our redesign). You probably know Daniel and Valeria from their popular vintage webshop Hindsvik, and the crux of the matter is that these two are dynamos at creating interesting vignettes with vintage items. I had to pick up my jaw after stepping over the threshold of their tiny home - the modest exterior doesn't prepare you for the wonderment inside. Truly, what these two have accomplished on a very small budget is incredible. They are also masters of upcycling (you know us - this is our favourite pastime!!), evidence of which can be seen everywhere in their home. Enjoy these beautiful shots! Read More

Today we want to take time to introduce you to a new friend of ours: PUBLIC Bike, an advertising partner here on the Pure Green site. Their attention to good design mixed with great function is the backbone of the company, and honestly what else would you expect from a company conceived by Rob Forbes, the very same gent who founded Design Within Reach, many a design maven's mecca. But for us at Pure Green, PUBLIC's vision plays just as big a part in our admiration - no where in the world does the automobile play a role so big as here in North America. While blessed with the luxury of wide open spaces, it does justify the necessity of motor vehicles to get us from point a to point b. And yet, even in urban spaces too often we grab the keys instead, whether it's habit, convenience, weather... the reality is that the bicycle plays a relatively minor role compared to other places in the world. PUBLIC wants to help us rethink that, perhaps with the enticement of a beautifully designed product (modelled after the classic 1960s and 1970s Parisian "mite" bicycle but with modern engineering), but also with the idea that our urban spaces need to be reclaimed for biking and walking Read More

We're starting a new year. Yep, it's 2012. Every year we get to start fresh, make new plans, change, feel inspired and feel hopeful. These shots of the Ross Sea in Antarctic were taken by John Weller, an oceans conservationist. Touted as one of the last intact marine eco systems on the planet, these photos celebrate the raw beauty and untouched wonder. So go ahead and feel it.... wonder. And maybe let it inspire you as well to make a few extra green efforts this year... because well this is the time for resolutions. Read More

Things have been a little quiet around the PGM blog this week - buried among many good intentions was the realization that I just needed a break. The holidays were a blur - mixed with family visiting from abroad, activities all over the place and a smattering of toddlers running amok, it's been, well, hectic. While still at work these past few days I did manage to sneak a day off, and I plan to do so over the weekend too - more than a year after I'd begun hearing about the Hunger Games I finally dove into the trilogy myself in the hopes of distraction and relaxation. And let me tell you... it worked! I'm hopelessly lost and don't plan on coming up for air until the final 100 pages remaining in book three are safely behind me. As 2011 comes to an end I look forward to next week (hello 2012!) with eagerness - we have big plans, BIG BIG plans over here at Pure Green and I'm so looking forward to keeping you updated. Read More