It's Green Inside    I started using the name "it's Green inside" from one of my design school projects... Some thought it sounded to much like a plant shop, but I always figured folks who met me, would get it... not just that my name is Green, but my philosophy as well.
Jaqi Green	Hi, I'm Jaqi Green, Owner of Array of Elegance Interiors. With 30 years in the Design Industry under my belt, witnessing the changes both in the industry and our environment, my mission is to institute positive changes in design practices. I cherish the phrase, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", but when you need to... do the fixin with more Joy and Less Stress. Why gut your home and start from scratch? Show me what you've got, we’ll talk about what you want and together we'll make it great. Why get rid of items that still work, let's limit what goes into our landfills- The 3 R's have never been more important, Reuse-Renew-Recycle.  How about recovering that comfortable chair, or using a coat or 2 of no VOC paint on the cupboards or wood pieces that have seen better days. There are lots of ways to decorate “Green” and beautify your surroundings while having fun and feeling good about your choices. Please see the the More Joy ~ less stress agreement on Contact Us page, for more information on how we can work together. I am proud to be a member of the following organizations, Near South Planning Board, South Loop Referral Group and I am serving my second term on the Board of  South Loop Neighbors as Membership VP, and LoftWalk  Chair. I'm also an avid user of the Igo Car Sharing Program. Links to these organizations may be found on the Contact Us page.
For a glimpse into the world of recycled & renewable resource building materials, go to GreenDepot . You'll see everything from Recycled dry-wall, cement board, plastic lumber and glass tiles to bamboo and linoleum flooring, wheat board and soy based solvents. Any little change you plan on making in your home, consider all your options. Sometimes going "Green" may be a bit more expensive up front, but what it can save you on energy in the long haul may make the choice very appealing. We try so hard to maintain our health to feel good- when it's time to make changes in your home, consider a healthy approach there too. Use building materials that are environmentally safe such as low or no VOC paints, and provide more energy efficiency like recycled blue jean insulation to cut down on heating and cooling loss as well as adding a great sound barrier. All these new products are helping to preserve our resources. Four key areas to focus on for making your home more green... Exterior A home’s exterior is one of its most defining features. Choose siding material that repels harsh weather and does not require yearly repainting and waterproofing, and that optimizes or avoids the use of wood. When you re-side your home, it's time to wrap the house with new insulation as well. Visit Green Building's website to find out more about Building Green!	This Log Home high in AZ mountain tops was kept cozy with leather seating, large wool rugs, and lots of assorted lighting.
Kitchen Consider features that allow you to do more than just cook and eat, perhaps a small desk in an unused space. Install a recycling center into the cabinetry more convenient. Check out energy star appliances before making your next purchase. Bath Dual flush toilets save you on water, tank-less water heaters save energy by heating water as it's used which also means, no running out after the 1st or 2nd shower or fear of running the dishwasher at the same time. Recycled tiles and counter tops made from wine bottles, pickle jars and just about anything you can think of including MONEY, can add a little pop or a lot of drama. How about radiant heat in your floor? How nice to have toasty floors when getting out of bed or the shower. Since heat rises, you get to turn down the thermostat on your forced air system!	Window Treatments If you have thermal efficient windows, you are half way there regarding the benefits of window treatments. Though using window coverings is a huge factor in reducing heat / cold loss from your home, they provide many more benefits as well- just a few * Protection from sun fading your furniture and floors * Light control- from simply cutting glare, to full black-out for light sleepers and keeping light in at night * Privacy control If it IS time to replace your windows try double paned styles with argon gas . You'll see everything from Recycled dry-wall, cement board, plastic lumber and glass tiles to Bamboo flooring, wheat board and soy based solvents. Any little change you plan on making in your home, consider all your options. Sometimes going "Green" may be a bit more expensive up front, but what it can save you on energy in the long haul may make the choice very appealing.