Having a beautiful home and respecting the environment don’t have to be mutually exclusive. At least that’s the philosophy Maryland interior designer Laura Hodges hews to when she creates dream spaces for clients or sells customers eco-friendly pillows, locally made pottery and art in Domain, her airy Catonsville showroom. “We design for beauty, functionality and wellness, so that means making sure materials are responsibly sourced and nontoxic,” says Hodges, who works with clients from DC to Baltimore and uses elements like low-VOC paint and fair-trade textiles. “If you can source locally made, sustainable pieces and vintage goods, then you’re supporting [area] artists and businesses while creating a [lovely] and healthy home.” And she has a few earth-friendly finds to share. 710 Frederick Road, Catonsville, Md., laurahodgesstudio.com
“This tote bag made from recycled Ethiopian leather is both beautiful and sustainable.” $128, by ENAT at Salt & Sundry, Union Market, 1625 14th St. NW, shopsaltandsundry.com
“I love the tailored fit and sexy profile of these mules, and the dusty pink is perfect for spring.” Mona mules, $625, by Marion Parke at Hu’s Shoes, 3005 M St. NW, husonline.com
“I love the clean lines, unique silhouette and textural feel of this pottery that Maryland artisan Annie Parker and I designed together. There’s a wonderful juxtaposition of the unglazed, textured base and the smooth, glazed top.” $49-$79, by Ann Margaret Ceramics at Domain
“Good design should be beautiful, functional and sustainable, like these responsibly sourced wood stools.” Walnut stools, $1,134 each, by Eames at Design Within Reach, 3338 M St. NW, dwr.com
“When I design interior spaces, I love to bring in elements that create a sense of calm, like fragrant diffusers from Jo Malone London.” Pomegranate Noir diffuser, $98, Jo Malone London, CityCenterDC, 998 I St. NW, jomalone.com
“This chic, modern lounge chair is a perfect example of great design that’s also environmentally sustainable.” Strike chair, $1,050-$1,995, Resource Furniture, 3340 Cady’s Alley NW, resourcefurniture.com
“This merino wool scarf is a great weight for all seasons, and I love that purchases ship with reusable bags and contribute to educational programs for young girls.” $94, by Bloom & Give at Proper Topper, 1350 Connecticut Ave. NW; 3322 Wisconsin Ave. NW; propertopper.com
“These beautiful fair-trade throw pillows are handmade in Ethiopia. I would use them to add color and texture to a neutral space or layer them with other [bright] textiles for a more collected and eclectic feel.” $185 each, by Bolé Road at Doma
Photography by: Tara Hope P hotography
