Greenhaven Home :: A Smarter Way of Living

Susan Chambers, a native Atlantan, is intrigued by fine design wherever it is found, whether in the historical architecture of a small southern court house, like the one in Newnan, Georgia or a modern example, such as the TWELVE Hotel in Atlantic Station.  Armed with an engineering degree from Georgia Tech and pursing a degree in Interior Design, Susan focuses on design that is continually evolving while also applying timeless design principles and elements to interiors.  Her natural creativity, communications skills and love of learning about design have allowed Susan to hone her ability to listen to clients and find design solutions that clients love.

Green design became a passion for Susan when she started a recycling program in her home and realized how much waste is generated in an average American household.  Designers have an ethical responsibility to create designs that are sustainable, supporting rather than depleting natural resources, allowing users of their design to have a low impact on the environment.

Whenever possible, Susan incorporates green products into her design including products made with post consumer recycled materials, FSC (Forest Stewardship Certified) or  reclaimed wood products, products made from 100% organic cotton, silk or wool using eco-friendly and organic dyes and furniture assembled with water-based glues.

The creatively organized Command Center keeps the family running smoothly.  Located conveniently off the mud room which leads to the garage, this room is the key to keeping kitchen counters uncluttered of mail, permission slips, birthday invitations and shopping lists.  The hickory and oak Amish bench, handcrafted by an artisan in Jasper, Georgia provides a sitting space for sorting unopened mail after one enters the home from the garage.  The throw pillows on the bench are hand-knitted from 100% certified organic cotton and dyed with eco-friendly, azo-free dyes.

The cell phone charger is crafted from bamboo, a fast growing and renewable resource.  Wall mounted in-boxes, made from durable mesh steel, sort mail and other  information for each family member.  Attached clipboards are made from paper containing 100% recycled fiber and printed with nontoxic soy-based ink.

The rail system equipped with hanging, rolled mesh steel cups and shelves holds environmentally responsible supplies including stapleless stapler, recycled sticky notes, recycled paper clips and almond scented glue sticks which are non-toxic, non-solvent, and acid free.  The pencils are naturally beautiful graphite pencils made from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified California-incense cedar.

The seedling-green ceiling and crème-colored walls are finished with a waterborne-based paint that uses waterborne colorants offering premium coating with low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compound).  Room illumination is provided by a Savannah style burnished chestnut light fixture equipped with two 13 watt Energy Star Compliant compact florescent lamps.