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San Francisco interior designer and green living writer, Sophie Azouaou, recently lead a seminar at the Las Vegas Summer Market on trends in high rise design.  It was very special event this year, as the International Market Centers (IMC) held its first Las Vegas Market as a combined entity.

IMC is now the world’s largest operator of showroom space for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries with its acquisition of several buildings in High Point, N.C. This unites Las Vegas and many of the High Point home furnishings showrooms under one ownership group.

Sophie Azouaou

While attendees sipped award winning R&B Cellars wine and nibbled on Vital Choice Seafood Organic Trail Mix, sponsores from San Francisco were acknowledged as Green experts in their fields.

Here are Sophie’s DO’s at a glance:

• Specific small scale furniture to deal with space limitations in High Rises
• Energy efficient window coverings such as Roller Shades, or Honey Comb shades that are Green assured. Finding Greener alternatives in the shades themselves by opting for organic fabrics.
• Energy efficient appliances: HE washers and dishwashers
• Efficient water usage via low flush toilets, showerheads and faucets
• Indoor air: purifying plants recommended, to complement the décor and purify the air, Low VOC Paint (Volatile Organic Compounds) and organic wall papers  (Mod Green Pod) to avoid toxic gas exposure
• Floors: recycled leather tiles, reclaimed floors or slip resistant recycled glass tiles
• Furniture: sustainable Alder, Bamboo, Rattan or Wicker
• Glass tops: lead free for end, coffee, or DR tables
• Mattresses: 100% wool or soybean based to avoid allergies, asthma. Organic mattress covers reommended for a healthier sleep environment
• Rugs: in natural fibers such as Abaca, Jute, paper, Seagrass or 100% wool to reduce allergies, asthma and chemical exposure via toxic dyes
• Seat fillers and cushioning: Latex or Bio- hybrid foam instead of standard foam
• Upholstery: vegetable leather and natural textiles

Sophie Azouaou with Margaret Casey

All attendees were treated to beautiful samples provided by Earth Friendly Products, Grand Somar Lands’ End, Instone Granite and Marble, Living Tree Community Foods, Shear Miracles By Robyn,100% Pure, SophiSticate Interiors, Suki Skincare and Vital Choice Seafood and Organics.

The seminar was well received. Attendees learned that they did not need to sacrifice comfort and design to lead a Greener and healthier life. They left motivated by the new Green High Rise trends unveiled to them.