Now more than ever, businesses are really honing into ways to reduce their carbon footprint. We are all most familiar separating our trash–paper from the plastic and glass, but there was so much more to learn at last weekend’s 2013 Green Business Conference and Expo. Ikea, one of their headline sponsors, so graciously asked me to design the “Sustainability Interview Lounge” where media interviews took place and other conference attendees got a chance to take a load off between sessions. Below is the furniture concept. Designed by Erika Ward Interiors, Made by Ikea.

And here was the final result. Of course we designers are known for changing our minds at a moments notice, hence the chair substitution. I used the Mellby Chair in the Eldris black/white cover on a recent commercial project and it was a hit. I figure we repeat it here. It worked like a charm!

All of the items shown below can be found at your local IKEA. This sheepskin and the black and white EIVOR throw are two of my favorite styling pieces from IKEA. The sheepskin adds great texture and practically invites you to take a seat and cozy up. The black and white throw lends a graphic punch to any setting and plays well with other colors and patterns. Next, add fruit and fresh flowers to bring your vignette to life! During one of the video interviews, an interviewee bit into one of the apples during the recording. Talk about tantalizing…

Did you know that IKEA sells ridiculously affordable fabrics? I bought two patterns and had these attractive throw pillows made. Using custom details like this provides further opportunities to personalize your retail purchases.

Here I am with Deidra Cunningham, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for IKEA, hamming it up for the camera.

Ikea also sponsored the Green Design Challenge where two contestants were given the assignment of creating an office space and accessorizing it with functional and sustainable products. Jessica Ferguson of Signature Piecez and Kodak Boi both produced phenomenal spaces but there could only be one winner.

Jessica was the lucky winner and will have a chance to share her creative knowledge in an upcoming workshop at IKEA. Jessica will also receive marketing and promotion with the brand valued at $15,000!

Many thanks to IKEA for the partnership and for being a brand that helps to forward causes that are important to our environment! We had a ball. My face says it all!