Showing posts with label bad green design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bad green design. Show all posts

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Spring Green in DC


We loved Sweetgreen-

loved it! The Green concept wasn't just for show. Wind power, compostable packaging, bring back a bowl idea, bamboo seating, sustainable mission... The best part, though, was the wildflower lined menus that will sprout if you plant them!



We had their yogurt for dessert after going to Afterwords. I swear to you it was THE BEST frozen yogurt I have ever tasted...ever. It was tart and creamy, must have been those delicious little active live cultures. The toppings were perfect. 3 of any thing: fresh berries, nuts, choco chips, coconut, agave syrup, etc. I bought an extra serving, one with blueberries, mango and nuts for breakfast tomorrow. We have a cute little fridge/freezer in our room. I thought this was a brilliant idea...funny, I didn't get any other takers. Just you wait, they'll all want a bite tomorrow. It will be my AM case of brain freeze that will lure them in.

Design Note: The first thing that pops out when you walk into Sweetgreen is the color on the walls. The inexperienced home remodler type might be tempted to match this shade and paint his/her walls in the same paint color. DO NOT DO THIS! I beg you.

The reason the green works so well in this space is:

1. There is actually more white than green

2. The ceilings are huge and light is fantastic

3 The graphic wallpaper pattern eats up a lot of the impact of the color green

4. The wood tone balances the colors and the gaphic print.

If you love this green, accent with it. Use it for that one, two punch not coating your whole room. If you insist on painting all your walls this color, and you are not completely knocked over by the hypnotic, kryptonite like power of the paint, make sure that your wall art or furniture is large and can absorb some of the impact.

It has forces of good when used sparingly...pure evil when abused.

You have been warned. Enough said.

Final note: Our hotel has a great organic line of soaps and other body products. Love the look of the hole in the soap.


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Monday, February 2, 2009

Yes sir, Big Sur...grass is good!

I saw a house I completely fell in love with this weekend. I was watching a bit on water view homes on HGTV when this jewel popped on the screen. I had to towel off the drool. I wish I could find more pictures of the interiors. They were paired down, simple, clean, and pure. The Big Sur vista was the highlight and the drama.
One night! That's all I want, just one night in that beautiful abode.

The roof was insulated with natural grasses...they looked a little better in this NY TIMES article and photo than they did in their brown stage on the second to last photo. The entire house is literally hidden from view above! Love that. Just you and the ocean below, just you and the wild frontier...and gorgeous modern, but low-key finishes inside....ahhhh.


All the stones were chosen locally to fit the small of your back, the nape of your neck...the contours of your reclining form. The only thing missing is my giant tome of Kerouac's classics on the side of the hot tub.
I would turn into a stark raving mad recluse if I owned this property...and I mean that in a good way.

This is an example of good non-obstructive, Green design.
Obviously it's winter time, the grasses have gone a little dry but come springtime, the HILLS WILL SING! ...Probably.


And now time for something completely different....
This is an example of TERRIBLE Eye-gouging, hippie dippy, too much time on your hands to conjure acid -trip, wacked out green design. DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS ON YOUR HOME!