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San Francisco Eco-Chic

In San Francisco's Mission District, Sunset built an Idea House like no other: urban, urbane, and very, very green.

This living room follows LEED principles.
Thomas J. Story

Eco Design Goes Glam

In deserts, mountains, and suburbs over the past 10 years, Sunset magazine has build Idea House projects ranging from big homes to small cottages. But 2007's San Francisco Idea House represents the first built in a completely urban setting -- and it's the first to stringently follow LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) principles. Check out this beautiful home for some inspiring green tips for your own home.

This is an image of the living area.
Thomas J. Story

Idea to Steal #1

Use wood above and below.
FSC-certified Santa Mara tropical hardwood on the ceiling warms the large, open room; on the floor, it visually divides the space.

A wall of blue tile in the backyard area
 Thomas J. Story

Idea to Steal #2

Define outdoor spaces.
A wall of blue tile from Heath Ceramics sets the mood for the garden dining area, making the backyard feel more like a room.

A bright green island.
Thomas J. Story

Idea to Steal #3

Add unexpected color.
A cheerful hue on island cabinetry keeps the sophisticated kitchen from feeling austere and links to other elements in the space.
The kitchen's "wood" cabinetry is actually a digital image of exotic wood laminated between two sheets of glass.


Thomas J. Story

Idea to Steal #4

Mix tile types.
Evoking rippling water, aqua glass tiles frame a wall of sculptural ceramic tiles in rich blue, giving the space an artful focal point.

Brightly colored tile form a backsplash in this bath.
Thomas J. Story

Idea to Steal #5

Tile the tub.
A circular motif in a mix of sizes and colors extends from the back wall to the tub face, creating a floor-to-ceiling mosaic.
Tile by Pratt & Larson.

Pink and orange stripes decorate a storage unit
Thomas J. Story

Idea to Steal #6

Create a wall of nooks.
Vertical pink and orange stripes dress up a wall of built-in cabinets, turning a massive storage space into a charming decorative element.

A fabric design decorates the corner of this room.
Thomas J. Story

Idea to Steal #7

Cover a wall with fabric.
The bedroom wall art if a digital image transferred onto fabric, then stretched into place with a tiny metal frame. Wall covered by Planet Profil.


A view of the backyard.
 Thomas J. Story

Idea to Steal #8

Add a raised platform.
A bridge of composite Trex decking, made from sawdust and plastic bags, allows room for a water feature without sacrificing ground space.


This garden grows up.
Thomas J. Story

Idea to Steal #9

Plant vertically.
Get more from a small garden by going up. This planting tower captures rainfall and dew and creates a bed for succulents and strawberries.

Printed From:
http://www.myhomeideas.com/idea-houses/sunset/sunset-green-idea-house-10000001713214/