Modern Babies & Children
High Style in Shades of Green


Mary, Bauer, co-owner of Bratt Decor, a high-end Baltimore nursery and children's furniture store, believes living and buying green will one day be something that comes naturally.

"I think it will just be a way of life. I don't think it's going to be remarkable anymore," shares Bauer, who is passionate about marrying high style with eco-friendly choices.

"That's always been our philosophy to do things as responsibly as possible," she says noting that in recent years "I think people in general want to be more responsible and want to do things in a greener way." She reports that about one in five clients specifically request organic products. thats compared to zero just a few years ago."

Client interest is driving Bratt Decor to take its organic offerings to the next level, expanding from bedding and onesies to an organic mattress line, expected to debut in early 2008. "There's some research that shows organic mattresses cut down on allergies for children," says Bauer.

The emphasis on offering environmentally friendly products can also be seen in the furniture. "All of our wood comes from sustainable forests. That's the biggest thing that furniture manufacturers can do to be green is to make sure you're getting your wood from actual wood farms as opposed to harvesting them." Non-toxic paints and stains are used.

She also points out that Bratt Decor furniture, whether iron or wood, is sustainable in that it cuts down on over consumption. Many of the cribs transform into toddler beds and then day beds. Changing tables morph into bureaus. the book shelves, dressers, and night tales are designed to hold court in a child's room and if junior doesn't object, just may see him or her through to the college years.

Written by: Rebecca Klein

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