Zoetic Green
By Dana Raine
Sustainability in design seems
to be popular these days. But
when we make a choice to help
the planet, the end result so often
ends up saying granola. However,
sustainability can be stylish. The
local interior design firm Zoetic
Green is proof. Located in
Marblehead, Massachusetts (and
coming soon to
Boston’s South
End), Zoetic Green was started by
former financial executive Christine
Ferguson. Ferguson left her desk
job in 2006 to explore a passion
for interior design. She enrolled
in the New England School of Art and Design, and in 2010 she
earned a master’s degree in interior design. In the spring of that
same year, Zoetic Green was born.
As a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Accredited Professional), Christine Ferguson is all about creating
beautiful spaces that are good for the earth, which is where the
name of the firm comes into play. Zoetic means ‘of or pertaining
to life,’ and green refers to the sustainability of her designs.
Ferguson explained, “I chose that word [zoetic] because I believe
green interior design encompasses all parts of life.” She created
Zoetic Green in the hopes of making the world of green design
accessible to the masses. Her goal is to “design a complete
indoor environment that is healthy for its inhabitants while
having minimum impact on the planet.” While the average green
designer might stop at the planet-friendly elements, Ferguson
believes “that designing green doesn’t mean sacrificing style
and beauty.”
Zoetic Green lives up to that standard, creating interiors with all of
the style and beauty of any other design. Ferguson is interested
in sustainable living, but she is also an artist at heart. Drawing
inspiration from all parts of her life, including travels, magazines,
architecture, and even her clients, she is able to design chic
spaces that have become her trademark. Ferguson stated that a
Ecological Design Created by Christine Ferguson
lot of her inspiration comes from simply “walking down the street
and keeping [her] eyes open.”
How is she able to combine green and trendy? Ferguson
described her process: “I always design with style in mind, then
find the green solutions to fit my vision.” As sustainable living
gains popularity, she has discovered it is becoming easier to find
green products to fit into any design concept. Although the task
is still not an easy one, Ferguson is determined to take the time
to find the right pieces for each design project.
Just as Ferguson begins with the look and then finds sustainable
products to fit it, her clients come to her for the look they want
and end up learning about sustainability. Most of Ferguson’s
clients are drawn to her stylish interior design. By working with
Zoetic Green, they are able to have their style and be green,
too. Speaking of her clients, Ferguson explained, “It’s been an
added bonus when I can educate them about [green design].”
However, she believes this will not always be the case. She
continued, “I think that’s slowly changing as information about
the benefits of green design and healthy indoor environments
spreads.” Instead of clients seeking her design services, with the
icing being sustainability, soon she hopes to see clients seeking
her out because of her green practices.
Zoetic Green is committed to helping its clients make green
choices throughout the design process. One way the company
incorporates sustainability into homes is by using materials that
don’t off-gas. These include no-voc paint and solid wood instead
of engineered wood. Ferguson also uses carpet or carpet tiles
made from recycled and recyclable materials. Carpet tiles are
environmentally friendly because they can be easily cleaned or
replaced without cleaning or replacing a whole carpet area. This
is one simple way to do something good for the earth, without
sacrificing style. Ferguson has many other green tricks up her
sleeve that she uses to help save the planet, while solving her
clients’ design dilemmas.
Its Boston area base is a source of inspiration for Zoetic Green.
Historical buildings abound in Boston, and Ferguson uses the history to direct her designs. She has transformed many
historical homes into stylish, sustainable sanctuaries, while
maintaining the historical integrity of the space. Boston is also
full of urban spaces, which allows for a more modern design
approach. Ferguson is aware of the differences, stating, “You
can’t design an antique farmhouse the same way you would
an industrial loft.” She is sensitive to the character of whatever
space she is working in. Being in Boston gives Zoetic Green the
opportunity to work with historical homes, modern apartments,
and everything in between.
Zoetic Green works on all kinds of projects. From color and
furniture consultation to complete home renovation, Ferguson
at Zoetic Green has the skills to turn your space into a chic
sanctuary, while adding green elements. She even offers
e-design, a way to redesign your space no matter where you
are! Even if it is not design help you are looking for, Zoetic
Green has a plethora of green lifestyle suggestions to offer its
clients. There is simply no excuse not to live in green luxury.
Christine Ferguson at Zoetic Green is a leader in green interior
design. She has the expertise and artistic flair to help anyone
take a space to the next level, both in style and in sustainability.
To get started on your next project, whether big or small, visit
www.zoeticgreen.com. You won’t be disappointed! |
