Knack with yak
Shokay is a new company producing housewares and accessories from yak down, which is similar in texture to cashmere or alpaca. It was started by Ventures in Development, a nonprofit organization that provides weaving work for nomadic craftspeople in China’s Qinghai province. The company is the brainchild of Marie So and Carol Chyau, two Harvard students who took a break from studying development in 2006 to travel through China. Read more about the company and shop for products at .
Lofty looks
You don’t have to live in the city to aspire to urban style. Architecture and design writer Bridget Vranckx’s new book, “150 Best Loft Ideas” (Harper Design, $29.95), is a stout reference book full of design ideas. It features color photography of some of the world’s most interesting and savvy loft spaces and includes a look at layouts, color schemes and custom furnishings. The result is a compilation that expresses the diversity of current loft trends and provides decorating inspiration.
Spring forward
“Design Inspirations for Spring” is the topic of a free workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Ann Sacks showroom at 545 S. Broadway. The event is designed to help do-it-yourselfers explore the endless tile-design possibilities in their homes. Call Sonya at 720-205-7056 to reserve a spot or send an e-mail to sonya.cazenave @annsacks.com.
Artful organics
Arhaus Furniture, the Cleveland-based home store specializing in styles that range from classic to contemporary, recently released a line of upholstery made from organic cotton, which is sustainable, renewable and biodegradable. “For fiber to be considered organic, it must be raised and harvested in accordance” with strict standards, says Gary Babcock, vice president of merchandising and design. “The addition of organic cotton — 60 styles in all — to our furniture lines is just another step we’ve taken to help protect the Earth’s valuable resources.” Arhaus’ 12,000-square-foot Colorado store is located at 171 Clayton Lane in Cherry Creek North. 303-394-1001, .
