Torie Halbert, a finalist on HGTV’s Design Star, spoke with NFT about some of the latest green building trends in Texas and partnering with Nature’s Carpet. When designing for new custom homes, she specifies products including bamboo and reclaimed hardwood flooring, and sustainable wool carpet.

“In the last couple of years I have had an interest in trying to go green,” she said. “I started using eco-friendly flooring like bamboo and reclaimed hardwood from barns. I just recently began bringing in countertops made from recycled glass. And [last] month I used Nature’s Carpet in a makeover.”

Halbert is partnering with Nature’s Carpet to promote the company’s sustainable products. She is regularly featured on the show Great Day Houston as a room makeover specialist. Nature’s Carpet was featured in a recent episode of Great Day Houston’s HomeStories Makeover Contest, which provided one deserving family with an eco-friendly room makeover.

She noted that consumers are starting to request eco-friendly products more and more. “People used to think that eco-friendly products were boring, but when a company stays on trend with designs, tones and patterns, people like that, because they’re not giving up style and quality and still being environmentally conscious.”

For design in carpet, consumers are gravitating toward patterned looks. “People seem to be done with just the solid plus carpeting or a berber,” she explained.

She added that one of her favorite Nature’s Carpet products is from the Dark Green line. (Nature’s Carpet is available in Light Green, Medium Green and Dark Green lines, with various levels of sustainability.) The Dark Green line is made using 100 percent renewable resources with no chemical additives, as well as an all-natural rubber and jute backing system. For more information on Nature’s Carpet, visit www.naturescarpet.com. - Michael Chmielecki