Sofa so good

Residential Architect, March, 2005 by Nigel F. Maynard

Your newly completed house may be green, but what about the furniture? Fear not! New York City-based Q Collection offers an inspiring line of fine furniture and accessories made primarily of environmentally-friendly materials.

Founded by Anthony Cochran and Jesse Johnson, the 2-year-old company manufactures 22 case goods and upholstered pieces and offers 50 fabric styles and a variety of accessories. Pieces feature Forest Stewardship Council-certified woods, zero-VOC water-based paints, nontoxic polishes and stains, and formaldehyde-free water-based glues. The company also recycles vintage vases into lamps.

"There was nothing that existed in the marketplace that took into consideration health and the environment and good design," says Cochran, who, as creative director, designs many of the pieces. Products fit, more or less, into the murky middle of the style spectrum, appropriate for both traditional interiors and urban lofts.

Cochran says his architect clients favor such pieces as the Charles coffee table, Tod Hunter sofa (shown), and the Cale & Brady cocktail table. For more information visit www.qcollection.com.