The Casa Verde Design Studio in Minneapolis has a tagline that perfectly reflects both its philosophy and its design strategy—eco-luxe living. It's not just about being green; it's about being green and stylish at the same time. Designer Rosemary Merrill and principals Susan H. Brunn and Susan Jacobs are all passionate about green design and wanted a showroom that would allow consumers to see firsthand that sustainability doesn't mean sacrificing style.

To convey this idea, Merrill and the rest of the team chose products based on how well they marry beauty and green elements. "We took into consideration how much energy each product takes to produce, how it was developed and how it was sourced," said Merrill. "It's also important to look at how it will return back to the earth and how long it's going to last."

The layout of the showroom is wide open, but maintains a cozy feel, thanks to an abundance of built-in cabinetry, which includes a buffet and media center. A centrally located fireplace adds to the warm and inviting aura. "When people walk in, they say, 'I could live here,'" said Merrill. "It's almost like being in someone's home."

There are two working kitchens. The first is all white with a traditional design that includes inset cabinetry and custom glass doors, Energy Star appliances and soapstone countertops that were selected for their durability and the fact that they don't require yearly sealing, unlike granite and other natural stones.

But the most interesting green addition to the space is a thick eating ledge on the island that is made from Lyptus, a rapidly renewable wood resembling bamboo but offering characteristics similar to those of mahogany. "It's a hardwood, and it's just beautiful and so sustainable," said Merrill.

The second, more contemporary kitchen is built on a concrete block with walnut veneer cabinets and custom-painted glass that create a European look. The honed Calcutta marble countertops are only half the thickness of a standard stone countertop, which saves on resources.

To showcase its work with reclaimed wood, the showroom features a trestle dining table constructed using wood from an old cabin built by Finnish immigrants 150 years ago. It's made from a solid slab of wood with joinery that is taken from the cabin's beams.

But sustainable design is about more than materials. It's also about where those materials come from. And going local is always the best choice. Casa Verde partners with local cabinetmakers who create custom designs using Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood. The showroom also showcases and sells the work of local artists, as well as other environmentally friendly products such as linens made of natural flax.

The celebration of all things local is embodied even in the location of the Casa Verde showroom, which is not hidden away in a design center, but instead is part of a quaint, upscale neighborhood in downtown Minneapolis. "We're open to the public and people feel very welcome inside. We want to be part of the community," said Merrill. Casa Verde succeeds on every level, from its stunning designs to its support of local artisans and its commitment to products and materials that tread lightly on the earth. It truly is the place to go to discover designs that marry beauty and sustainability.


SOURCES

Designers: Rosemary Merrill, Susan H. Brunn and Susan Jacobs—Casa Verde Design, Minneapolis; www.casaverdedesign.com
Manufacturers: Cabinetry: Local cabinetmakers; Appliances: Sub-Zero, Wolf, Asko, Gaggenau; Plumbing fixtures: Dornbracht, TOTO USA, Apage, Julien; Surfaces: Northwestern Stone, PaperStone, Becker Concrete; Hardware: Rocky Mountain, Häfele, Turnstyle Designs; Tile: Ken Mason; Lighting: The Urban Electric Co., Niche Modern; Fan: Big Ass Fan Co.; Case goods and upholstery: Casa Verde Custom; Paint: Sherwin-Williams
Photography: © Karen Melvin