Casa Verde is a relatively new face in the local design scene. Opening in November 2008, Casa Verde is the invention of Rosemary Merrill, Susan Brunn, and Susan Jacobs. While focusing on sustainable kitchen and bath design, the designers use the showroom to show that sustainable design can still have a luxurious look by using local resources, eco-friendly materials, and energy-efficient appliances. The showroom located at W 50th St and Bryant Avenue also sells furniture that is under a Casa Verde label that is manufactured in Chicago. The showroom is also a great place to pick up artwork, linens, and other kitchen furnishings. My favorite piece of furniture of the entire showroom was this chair:
Walking into the showroom, the first impression is how light and airy everything in. One’s attention is immediately drawn to the giant ceiling fan, from the manufacturer appropriately named, Big Ass Fans. When rotating, the fan pushes air not just under the fan, but it also quietly covers the space around the fan, up to 20,000 square feet. The fans provide a very industrial feeling to a room, but they can take on different looks after applying a coat of your favorite Benjamin Moore paint color.
Using kitchen and bath vignettes that feature cabinetry by Minnesota craftsmen provides an opportunity to show some local pride to the space. The design team shows an array of contemporary to classic contemporary styles.
One particularly gorgeous vignette includes a farm style table made entirely out of wood that was reclaimed from a 150 year old Finnish cabin. To see the transformation from the original pieces of wood on the cabin to the rich red hue of the table is stunning.
The showroom is open at 911 W 50th Street in Minneapolis from 10am to 6pm Monday-Friday and 10am to 4 pm on Saturday. Take some time to stop by whether for inspiration, or to talk with the friendly staff about how to think about starting your next kitchen or bath remodeling project.
All images from the Casa Verde website