When Chris McCloud says he can’t design without green, he’s talking about more than color. He’s referring to his efforts to incorporate sustainable elements into his projects. The Narberth interior designer is head of Design 6 (design-6.com), which focuses on residential and commercial spaces. His first green project was Arcadia Boutique (pictured below), an eco-fashion shop in Philadelphia. “Getting to know sustainable design and building materials was an eye-opening experience, and it inspired me to go green in my own home and business,” says McCloud.
Personal decorating style: Eco-chic, modern and organic. I like to incorporate elements from nature into my designs to create a warm, rustic feeling with a modern sensibility. I’m into simple elegance, clean lines and open spaces.
Favorite room in his house: We’ve recently turned our attic into a master “en suite,” with a large master bath. My wife tells me the room reminds her of a spa we visited in Napa Valley. We used eco-friendly paper-stone countertops (made of post-consumer recycled paper) and earth-friendly tile.
Designer who inspires him: Two come to mind: Hector Guimard, who designed the metro stations in Paris, and Victor Horta, who took Art Nouveau to a new level and incorporated organic elements into his designs in extremely unique ways. The genius of these designers lies in their ability to convey a natural aesthetic without using literal translations.
Design advice he loves to give: You don’t have to sacrifice style or budget to go green. There are fabulous and socially responsible design products out there—you just have to know where to look.
Favorite design trend of the moment: I like to use recycled and vintage items in design. Everything old can be new again, and using found materials can offer a truly unique look. In my design of Arcadia Boutique, I used old walking sticks as the hang bars for the clothing.
