Casa Verde opening The Twin Cities home green scene expands Nov. 24 when Casa Verde Eco-Luxe Living opens at 911 50th St. W. in Minneapolis.
The venture emphasizes furniture and fixtures that, while not all 100 percent green, were chosen for their sustainability features, said co-owner Rosemary Merrill. Merrill, a designer, and partners Susan Brunn and Susan Jacobs, have integrated retail offerings with kitchen and bath vignettes featuring cabinetry by Minnesota craftsmen, energy-efficient appliances and sustainable materials. Furnishings include a Casa Verde label manufactured in Chicago and pieces designed by Mexico-based Casamidy. Among other retail offerings in the 2,800-square-foot store: Libeco Belgian linens, Swans Island hand-wovens, Q Collection textiles, gift items and works by Minnesota artists Sarah Wieben and Eric Cornett and potters Maren Kloppmann and Monica Rudquist.
Merrill said she is in the process of hiring a design staff; Brunn will oversee marketing and Jacobs product development. Casa Verde said it also plans a community education mission through seminars and expert-led discussions. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. or by appointment. A website, www.casaverde design.com, is under construction; 612-353-4401.
KIM YEAGER
Notes Karastan said it has initiated a custom rug program; customers can choose color, style, bindings and size; the company will custom-dye swatches from which the final selection is made. Prices start at $499 for a 6- by 9-foot area rug and range to $2,199 for a 9- by 12-foot version, depending on style, size and binding. Find dealers at www.karastan.com; contact karastan@rsvpcomm.com for details, which will be available on the site at the end of this month.
