Photo by domino digital studio
eco-friendly plaster, paint & wallpaper
Three chic, good-for-the-earth ways to dress up drywall.
- plaster
American Clay Plaster
The name may conjure adobe huts, but this easy-to-apply plaster (you really can do it yourself) transforms bland surfaces into warm, deep-hued magnificence. Its blend of pure clays and natural, nontoxic pigments can be tinted any color and is available in three beautiful finishes: marblelike Porcelina, reclaimed seashell-based Marittimo, and Loma, which can be a polished matte or have a more rustic texture, depending on how it's applied. Use the plaster anywhere inside the house, even bathrooms (the clay is mold-resistant).
- the greatest paints* (and why)
Aura
So potent, Benjamin Moore's new product requires only one coat!Auro
All-natural Auro is ideal for allergy sufferers, but anyone will warm to the pretty neutrals.Eco Spec
A superb all-around paint. The sweetish-smelling semigloss and eggshell finishes provide a highly durable, washable surface—ideal for a kid's room. The only drawback: no dark, saturated tints (which have a higher VOC content). Color chips are available through Benjamin Moore retailers.Estate Emulsion
Has a chalky matte finish and comes in amazing colors.Harmony
It's great to see a big guy go eco, and this line is wonderfully affordable.Horizon
Designers swear by Beyond Pale, a white that gleams any time of day.Olympic
Superbright colors—Turquoise Mist, for example, recalls the walls in Albert Hadley's sitting room. Look for the cans marked "low odor".Safecoat
Good consistency and application, but the paint separates in the can (eco paints have different binding agents than regular ones). It's not a huge deal; you'll just have to mix it more often. Zero VOCs means it's especially gentle for those with chemical sensitivities, but the pastel shades are a bit hospital-y. Samples (from $3) available through sampledepartment.comSydney Harbor
Every color is a winner.Yolo
The best earth tones.- *Unlike conventional paints, which emit toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), these picks are all virtually VOC-free.
- cute wallpaper
- Lim & Handtryck
Gustavian patterns produced using historic wooden and brass roller techniques and natural distemper. "Fagelsio Gammelgard" Classic Revivals, Inc. (617) 574-9030 for information.
- Phillip Jeffries Ltd.
Amazing handcrafted wall coverings, like this breathable arrowroot-grass cloth that resists mildew and has a subtle shine. Phillip Jeffries (800) 576-5455 for information
Woodson & Rummerfield
These L.A. interior design partners print their pop-y patterns on recycled paper with vegetable-dye inks.
- Woodson & Rummerfield: "Chrysanthemum"
We also love this striking, antique-y wallpaper manufactured from recycled paper and with a biodegradable backing. 
