'A Green, Lean Rental'

Much of my decorating decisions do not take my landlord into account, or whether the future occupants would approve.

That’s because as a homeowner, I don't have to worry about this.

But for those that shuffle between a new address each year (like my girlfriend now with her Chelsea apartment), it’s one of many rental realities.

How can a renter keep their living space eco-friendly without breaking the terms on a lease?

It can’t all be about energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. Or can it? Here’s what I discovered during my search. Some results might surprise you:

Paint

Most paints contain some level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), deemed potential carcinogens that contribute to both indoor and outdoor air pollution. Natural paints - whether made of limestone, milk or clay do not contain any lead or VOCs. The result is color found in paint, primer, finish and sealer options for an environmentally conscious household.

Heating and Electricity

Yes, you’re right. For more energy efficient options you can look for Energy Star certified appliances like CFL (compact fluorescent light) and LED (light emitting diode) bulbs. The bulbs last longer and are more efficient than other lights.

But for other ways to reduce heating costs and conserve energy, don’t underestimate the power of window treatments.

Blackout curtains not only maintain privacy and block out noise, blackout curtains also help insulate the home during those colder months. Look for various styles like shades, grommet or tab top curtains in all your favorite color choices.

One of the greatest things about being a renter is that you’re already more green than the average home, because most renters share their utility costs with the rest in the building.

Get Clean

“Could you get Seventh Generation handwash or soap for the office,” my boss asked me while I was compiling a supply list for the office.

At the time, I hadn’t the slightest idea what Seventh Generation was.

Besides donating 10% of its profit to non-profit environmental and health groups, its line of products (dishwashing, baby, household cleaners, laundry, etc.) are non-toxic and made from recycled and/or organic materials.

Being green doesn’t mean you have to own your home, renters are welcome too.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of greenyourdecor; clayinteriors.com; decorinnovation.com; seventhgeneration.com

'Picture Perfect'

A picture is worth a thousand words.

For a picture by the legendary fashion photographer Irving Penn, it’s worth that and anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000 at a Christie’s auction.

The death of Mr. Penn two weeks ago, as he preferred to be called, signaled the end of a fashion era – having been to Vogue what photographer Richard Avedon was to Harper’s Bazaar.

Striving for perfection using minimalist forms, Penn’s photographs showed an appreciation for still life through his careful manipulation of light and shadow from a controlled studio space. Some of my favorites include that of his wife and muse, model Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn (above) in a sleek mantel coat or in a gown with large tufts of fabric by Balenciaga.

I spent a solid afternoon clicking my way through his other works: portraits of butchers, boxers and maids in a series titled ‘Petits Metiers’; the indigenous Indians of New Guinea; and a collection of nudes including Kate Moss. And I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to have a book of Mr. Penn’s photography or even a reproduction of one of his prints?’

I realized that if I was to decorate my wall or coffee table with some great Penn photographs, I would need to know a thing or two about some of the other top photographers of the 19th century.

1.Ansel Adams (1902-1984)

Billowing clouds over a Golden Gate Bay Bridge expanse. Vertiginous waterfalls at Yosemite National Park. A sunbathing white branch on a rocky Mono Lake shoreline. Adams (above) has captured the American West in all its grandeur, from the smallest flower to the highest mountain peak.

2.Edward Steichen (1879-1973)

Emotions run wild when looking at a photograph by Steichen (below), whose portraiture work was published in magazines like Vanity Fair and Vogue (a former Condenast employee). He reveled in Symbolism, playing with dark romanticism and dreamlike imagery in his New York City cityscapes and landscapes.

3.Robert Frank (1924-present)

Considered one of the influential photographers, Frank’s photographs ('Candy Cigarette' below) of post-war America are unlike any of his contemporaries in that there is always an element of irony and contrast. His work is remarked by the response of his audience, whose reaction he so eagerly seeks.

Want to more about the world's leading and/or up-and-coming photographers? Popular Photography Magazine can point you in the right direction.

Now that's picture perfect.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of www.liveinternet.ru/; www.flickr.com; archives.gov; andrewward.com; photography-collection.com