Are There Budget Friendly Sustainable Products?

by Kate Maassen
October 22, 2024

Managing a home improvement or construction project can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to staying within budget, while trying to create a functional and beautiful space. While many people assume that eco-friendly options come with a high price tag, we’re here to dispel that myth. We pride ourselves on offering a broad range of… Read more »

Is Wool Carpet a Good Fit for Your Space?

by Kate Maassen
September 12, 2024

Imagine stepping into a room where the floor feels like a cozy embrace—soft, warm, and inviting. That’s the experience of having wool carpet underfoot. Beyond its luxurious feel, wool carpet is like the all-star of home flooring. It’s naturally hypoallergenic, helping to keep your air fresh and clean, while also being incredibly durable, easily bouncing… Read more »

Are There Healthier Insulation Alternatives?

by Kate Maassen
July 8, 2024

One area of sustainable building practices where we can make a significant difference is in home insulation. Traditional insulation materials like fiberglass and foam are effective but often come with a hefty environmental cost, both in their production and disposal. Fortunately, there are several eco-friendly alternatives. We have stocked UltraTouch Recycled Denim insulation since 2007… Read more »

So What Else Can I Put on My Walls?

by Kate Maassen
May 13, 2024

When it comes to transforming the ambiance of your living space, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements can be the walls. The walls of our homes play a crucial role in defining aesthetics and even contributing to indoor air quality. While there are some eco-conscious wallpaper brands out there that use recycled… Read more »

What’s So Great About Salvaged Materials?

by Kate Maassen
March 18, 2024

At Originate, we are deeply passionate about salvaged building materials because we believe in the power of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Salvaged materials represent a treasure trove of resources that would otherwise go to waste, contributing to landfill overflow and environmental degradation. By offering salvaged materials, we aim to give new life to these resources,… Read more »

How Do I Maintain My New Countertop?

by Kate Maassen
February 27, 2024

We’re often asked about the care and maintenance required for our unique countertop offerings, it’s a common misconception that these eco-friendly options demand more upkeep compared to traditional surfaces like granite or marble. While some of them do have specific maintenance needs, we’re here to reassure you: routine upkeep isn’t as intimidating as it might… Read more »

How are Recycled Materials Being Integrated into Unique Countertops?

by Kate Maassen
January 29, 2024

Countertops stand as both functional work surfaces and aesthetic focal points within our homes. With an increasing emphasis on sustainability, the integration of countertops made from recycled materials has emerged as a popular choice, offering a harmonious blend of eco-consciousness and elegance. Recycled content countertops, crafted from a diverse array of reused materials, are redefining… Read more »

Are There Sustainable Tile Options?

by Kate Maassen
December 7, 2023

Modern tile manufacturing can be unsustainable, but tile has been made for centuries and it wasn’t always resource intensive.  Certain companies are trying harder to use different techniques in their tile manufacturing that have a lower environmental footprint. From raw material extraction to kiln firing to shipping, tile manufacturing can be unsustainable. So how are… Read more »

What’s Different About Lime Plaster?

by Kate Maassen
November 11, 2023

Lime plaster is one of the earliest materials used for both interior and exterior wall finishes. Lime plaster has been used in various parts of the world for centuries, and its usage spans many regions and cultures. Lime plaster is made by mixing slaked lime, water, and aggregates like sand or marble dust. This simple… Read more »

What is American Clay?

by Kate Maassen
September 9, 2023

In an era where modern construction materials and minimalist designs have taken the forefront of interior design, there’s a captivating trend that echoes ancient techniques while offering a unique, organic aesthetic. American Clay Plaster finishes, a fusion of age-old craftsmanship and contemporary design sensibilities, have been making their mark in the world of interior design…. Read more »

Should You Consider Natural Plaster for Your Walls?

by Kate Maassen
July 26, 2023

Walls are put up to give structure, divide and create space, and provide a sanctuary from the outside. Walls are the canvas of our spaces and we often put a lot of time and energy in to making decisions on how they should look. This has been true since before the commercialization and wide use… Read more »

What Other Natural Paint Options Exist?

by Kate Maassen
June 27, 2023

In our quest for a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, we often overlook the impact of our living environment on our well-being. For many of us, our homes are our sanctuaries where we make mindful decisions about our surroundings. The choices we make regarding the items we incorporate into our homes can greatly influence our… Read more »

How do Mineral Paints Compare to Acrylic Paints ?


by Kate Maassen
June 5, 2023

Painting is usually one of the first things you do when you move in to a new space. It is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to change the aesthetic of a room. Some of us like cool spaces, some of us like warm spaces, and some like everything in between. It’s… Read more »

Why Does Reclaimed Wood Cost More?

by Jessica Peel Scott
May 11, 2023

Reclaimed wood seems like an obvious choice in your quest to be eco-friendly and to reuse and reduce waste, but when you check the price you may be in for a surprise.  Unlike thrift store clothing, previously used wood is often more expensive than new.  Buying reclaimed wood is more like shopping vintage in that… Read more »

What are Your Finish Choices for Wood Flooring?

by Jessica Peel Scott
April 10, 2023

When you start shopping for hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring the finish on top of the wood is an important consideration. For factory finishes, you find two popular categories. Deciding between the two not only is an aesthetic decision but is also a maintenance decision. Urethane, Polyurethane, LacquerThe first and most common wood flooring finish… Read more »

Solid Hardwood or Engineered Hardwood Comparison Guide

by Jessica Peel Scott
March 2, 2023

When looking for flooring for my own home I knew I liked the look of hardwood floors but had yet to learn the difference between engineered hardwood, and solid wood. Which flooring would last the longest, be comfortable and quiet, look the best, and stay within my budget? Wood flooring is a popular choice because… Read more »

Alternatives to Luxury Vinyl Plank

by Jessica Peel Scott
February 9, 2023

Luxury Vinyl Plank or LVP,  is a popular flooring choice because it is waterproof, easy to care for, DIY-friendly, and comes in a variety of designs and price points.  With its upsides comes one major downside, LVP is not eco-friendly.  The primary reason for this is the polyvinyl chloride, PVC, used in the vinyl wear… Read more »

Is cork flooring right for your home?

by Jessica Peel Scott
January 3, 2023

Cork flooring can be a beautiful addition to your home.  It is eco-friendly, easy to maintain, and has a great modern look. Let’s go over the details of cork flooring to help you decide if it is the right choice for you. If eco-friendly is a priority for you then cork is a great choice…. Read more »