Down-to-Earth Design Online

Ti, Al, and Cu are all excellent options for siding. These natural elements are nontoxic (you probably ate some copper in your cereal this morning) and easily recycled. But for us, copper takes the cake because of its chameleonic qualities and 200-to-300-year life span. While the investment clearly pays off, it's still a more expensive option than vinyl, but family-run Zappone supports DIY customers with an installation guide for their interlocking system, which will cut down on cost if you're willing to sweat.

The clean lines and warm finish make the Evans table a good fit for trads, mods, and those who can’t make up their minds. The family-run metal fabricator Bell Manufacturing makes the steel bases; the process of machining, grinding, hand-welding, and painting takes about a day to complete. Room & Board then assembles the tops and bases.

The American Modern Daybed (2008) is inpired by George Nelson’s iconic design for a daybed that he created in 1948. Nelson’s work – whether designing clocks, lamps or furniture – expressed his desire to “do much more with much less.” Still true to Nelson’s straightforward design aesthetic, we’ve made updates to take advantage of today’s manufacturing techniques. This Daybed stands on a simple maple frame, which is crafted out of solid FSC-certified wood. A precursor to the modern platform bed, it is made with slats that permit air circulation through the cushion, and the back cushions are removable to create a larger surface for sleeping. Made with removable covers for cleaning, the cushions are upholstered in fabric by Maharam, a family-run business that’s been producing textiles for more than 100 years. Made in U.S.A.