Preferring non-toxic finishes and glues, natural rubber latex foam cushions, certified sustainable hardwoods and reclaimed woods, Chicago's Verde Design Studio starts with their name and makes it greener from there. Both starting from scratch and reclaiming and modernizing vintage furniture, the studio makes everything by hand, right there in Chicago. The current collection includes case goods, sofas (the "Gaylord" sofa is above), tables, chairs, rugs, wallcoverings and select vintage pieces, all with a sleek modern edge. Says designer Michele Fitzpatrick, "Just because something is renewable doesn't mean it's abundant," she says; as such, she avoids overused materials like the trendy, renewable-yet-not-abundant Macassar ebony wood. Verde also has plans to expand into the hospitality genre, with a new collection due out this summer. Stay tuned for more and hit the jump for more pics of their work. ::Verde Design Studio via ::Apartment Therapy: Chicago