The sustainability movement has rocked the design world, and I have to admit it has been fun shaking things up a little. For me, the criteria for styling and designing are no longer about the pure aesthetic value of a space. With concerns about our environment increasing, the design world is focused on its carbon footprint and the eco-value of our choices: what is available to us that doesn't tear down our environment, but instead builds it back up again.

I'm continually seeking out creative ways to use sustainable materials in my projects and designs, and I've learned that "green" means so much more than "hemp-based." Bamboo materials are some of my favorites; their beautiful texture and vivid colors are a welcome addition to many of my designs -- both in interior spaces and on the tabletop.

Surprisingly sustainable
Designing is about giving a space an identity; the style of a home, its signature pieces and its accents should invite us to discover an alluring story. When you think about living in a more sustainable way, you might think that means shopping for green-based products. However, setting your table with your mother's china is another way to live everyday life more sustainably.

"Reuse, reduce, recycle." I'm a huge fan of the former and find that a few well-chosen secondhand items can capture a huge amount of personality and warmth. I love to design with pieces that have a story of their own. The basis of any of my designs is to create a space that inspires people to come together or connect with their space in a meaningful way. You can literally bring relationships to the table by using your grandmother's silver. You would probably be surprised at what you can dig up in your garage or the back of your storage closet that will not only evoke emotion and bring forward memories past, but will also allow you to consume less and, in the end, protect the environment by adding less to our landfills.

Sometimes your antique treasure may need a little "TLC" before it becomes that statement piece for your space. I find that most of the battle wounds that secondhand pieces acquire can be fixed rather easily with a little time -- and repairing them can be a fun family project, too. Some of my favorite furnishings and accessories are a little worn, which allows them to help create a more comfortable atmosphere.

So, the next time you want to freshen up your living space, strive to create sustainable arrangements that make the old new again. You'll find that caring for your home in an eco-conscious way doesn't just look fabulous, but makes you feel even better when your project is complete.

Find more green housekeeping tips for kitchen, bathroom and windows. Go to Beyond Bleach: Green Housekeeping 101