CONTACT INFORMATION

Lili Wright
215-242-3149 phone
215-242-3181 fax
8009 Navajo Street 
Philadelphia, PA 19118
[email protected]

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Selected Projects

Shades of Green

The existing paneling in this library was a little too conventional for the exotic tastes of these clients. But a love of books and a desire to keep destruction to a minimum (for environmental as well as quality of life reasons), made keeping the builder-grade cabinets a given, but not a compromise.

Click to read more.

Shades of Green

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The existing paneling in this library was a little too conventional for the exotic tastes of these clients. But a love of books and a desire to keep destruction to a minimum (for environmental as well as quality of life reasons), made keeping the builder-grade cabinets a given, but not a compromise.

Knowing that the room could be transformed with strong color, Wright Design proposed a “lacquered” look for the cabinets. By layering non-toxic water-based glazes, alternating blues, green and golds, finished with a high gloss varnish, we were able to achieve a rich, saturated finish that reflects light rather than absorbing it. The copper tiles which were applied to the ceiling with low VOC adhesives also help distribute the limited natural light.

Richly textured eco-friendly fabrics combined with the use of fine antique furniture and rugs complete the sustainability story here. All to say that “green” can be accomplished in shades of green.

shades_of_green_img_1

Cool Kids Space

To create the experience of camping outdoors for three brothers under 11, Wright Design started with a palette of natural tones- sky blue for the ceiling and browns and greys for the pebble patterned, custom wool rug. Then we added a set of double bunk beds, made from reclaimed wood, painted with milk paint, and fashioned to resemble a tree.

Click to read more.

Cool Kids Space

Cool_Kids_space_img_0cool-kids-heading

To create the experience of camping outdoors for three brothers under 11, Wright Design started with a palette of natural tones-sky blue for the ceiling and browns and greys for the pebble patterned, custom wool rug. Then we added a set of double bunk beds, made from reclaimed wood, painted with milk paint, and fashioned to resemble a tree. Steps emerge from the central trunk and lead to the outstretched branches that form each bunk-each with it’s own cubby for books and holster which holds a LED flashlight for reading. We lined the walls behind the bunk with natural cork so that each child could personalize their own space with photos and artwork without marring the walls.

The beds are outfitted with organic cotton bedding and allergy free pillows. Windows are swaged with a eco-friendly mesh fabric that resembles netting, tossed over natural branches foraged from the woods. Black out blinds were added to improve sleeping conditions for long summer days.

Wright Design completed the space with a custom-built desk area that matches the bunk bends, chalkboards, felt floor pillows for sitting or lounging and a gizmo that shines stars onto the ceiling at night.

The boy’s added their own finishing touch to the space with the ultimate compliment: a sign for the door that reads, “No girls/ women allowed...!”

Green Features & Products:

  • Natura - low VOC latex wall paint by Benjamin Moore
  • Stark Wall covering- natural cork
  • Chalk board paint- non-toxic, low voc
  • Locally crafted custom natural wool carpet- Langhorn Carpet Mills
  • Reclaimed wood used for custom- made furniture
  • Milk paint for custom furniture
  • Organic cotton bedding
  • Reclaimed wood lamps
  • Wool felt stone floor pillows
  • Custom mirror for bathroom constructed from found driftwood
  • Natural branch coat rack
  • Natural branches harvested for use as curtain rods
  • Window treatment- Great Plains for Holly Hunt- eco textiles group

Normandy Farm Restoration

Getting rid of the cow in what would become the master bedroom was the first step. Then there was the matter of removing the small tree growing out of the dirt in the living room. That's how dilapidated the main house was when the owner started the project. Huge timber joists were restored one by one, and now articulate the ceilings in several rooms.

Click to read more.

Normandy Farm Restoration

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le-val-heading 

Le_Val_Roger_img_1 Nestled in a valley, amidst rolling hills dotted with apple trees and grazing cows, this 300 year-old farm estate in the Normandy region of France was just waiting for the right person to come along and restore it to it’s full magnificence. It took a committed new owner with a huge vision, hard work, some significant relationship building and a little touch of Wright Design to transform this collection of uninhabitable buildings into a spectacular country-side oasis. This full scale property restoration project, which included interior and exterior restoration to the buildings, as well as land restoration measures for the grounds, demonstrates the epitome of blending the best of old world techniques with new green technology... Not to mention a dream project for Wright Design!


Le_Val_Roger_img_2 THE INSIDE STORY...

Getting rid of the cow in what would become the master bedroom was the first step. Then there was the matter of removing the small tree growing out of the dirt in the living room. That’s how dilapidated the main house was when the owner started the project.

Huge timber joists were restored one by one, and now articulate the ceilings in several rooms. Local limestone, matching the original, was selected to complete missing walls, not just for it’s aesthetic appeal but for it’s natural ability to keep warmth in during the winter and heat out in the summer. Other features of this exquisitely finished interior include: custom paneling, cabinetry and floors, made from locally grown oak, finished with water-based, low VOC clear coats; custom and locally forged hardware and lanterns; reclaimed terra cotta tiles; high-efficiency windows, plumbing fixtures, appliances and lighting. And the piece de resistance... rooms full of French country antiques, demonstrating re-use a la Wright Design, naturally!

 

 

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LOCALLY FORGED

Every hinge, handle and latch of every door, window and cabinet was sensitively fabricated just as it would have been when the original house was built. Not unlike the relationships that were forged with local artisans, neighbors and friends over the course of this ongoing project.

19TH CENTURY IRON FIREPLACE PLAQUE

Adorned with a pair of lions, symbol of Normandy, this fireplace plaque not only adds beauty and interest to a cozy fire, it performs the important function of reflecting heat from the fireplace back into the room. Proving that energy efficiency is not a new idea!

RECLAIMED TERRA COTTA TILES

Some of the tile used for flooring in the kitchen and dining area came from the original house. The rest was salvaged from other manor houses in the area. It’s warm color compliments the oak of the cabinets. It’s a low-maintenance option, especially for a country house where mud is a given.

Le_Val_Roger_img_5OUTSIDE INFLUENCES

The time-ravaged buildings on the property, consisting of a main house, a “pressior” where apples were once pressed to make cider, and a little cabin overlooking a naturally-sourced pond, were all painstakingly reconstructed using natural and traditional building materials and techniques.

Over 400 native trees and shrubs were planted to replace those dying of old age and neglect. The hedgerows which originally defined the outer perimeters of the property were restored and a new hedge was added near the house to act as a windbreak, to prevent against erosion and to keep the cows and other picturesque, but plant damaging, creatures out of the garden. All this was no mean feat considering that it takes a pick-axe to break up the nutrient depleted, rocky soil, so common in this area.

Dragonflies, tadpoles and moorhens now grace the aquifer fed pond, which was enlarged and deepened to become a natural swimming pool. Filtered by cattails and other aquatic plants, it is a focal point for the property as well as a refreshing place to plunge on a hot summer day.

Restored to it’s full splendor and bustling with life, this property is an ongoing showcase of past meets present. Next project: wind turbines, solar panels and a vegetable garden.

 

 

Le_Val_Roger_img_4

ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS

Double-glazed insulated windows improve the already ingenious, albeit age-old, system of windows with operable shutters. Shutters not only provide an added layer of sun-protection during the heat of the summer, and draft protection in the winter, they also as function as a low-tech security system.

INDIGENOUS MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES

Stone, half timber, wattle and daub have been used in Normandy since the late 12th century. Natural, non-toxic, recyclable, renewable, locally derived and highly energy efficient, these are the greenest building materials you could hope to find in any day or age.

ENERGY SAVING BULBS

Locally fabricated, traditionally styled exterior light fixtures throughout the property have been fitted with energy efficient bulbs. They are just one several examples of combining the best of the old with the best of the new.

 


 

Point Lobos Spec House

The site for this spec house is a hillside overlooking the Monterey Bay, in Northern California. Wright Design was selected as a member of the design team to specify the interior finishes that would compliment and complete the architect's and client's vision.

Click to read more.

Point Lobos Spec House

 

case-study

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photo by Lou Sena

 

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The site for this spec house sits high on a hillside overlooking the Monterey Bay. The client/developer, keenly aware of the beauty of this place, wanted to build a house that captured the essence, textures and colors of this spectacular setting. Sensitive to the environment, the client also wanted the structure to have as light an impact on the surrounding area as possible. So the choice to go green was natural. Because this is prime real estate, the house was also going to have to appeal to a high end buyer.

The architect chosen for the project was completely on board with the vision designed a house that nestled into the hillside with views out to the bay, taking full advantage of the passive solar opportunities that the orientation of the house provided. The house was designed on two levels with the lower part designed to look like the remnant of an old barn structure on tope of which a more contemporary structure was added. This was accomplished by specifying old reclaimed stone for the lower level and mostly glass for the upper level topped with a shed roof at an angle that mimicked the slope of the hillside. The garage was designed as a bermed structure with living roof.

Wright Design was privileged to be selected as a member of the design team to specify the interior finishes that would compliment and complete the architect’s and client’s vision. The materials were chosen and combined to play off the rustic-contemporary theme of the architecture and the palette was informed by the surrounding land, sea and sky. The intention was to create a rich but neutral interior that was dramatic enough for minimalist contemporary furnishings, sumptuous enough for period antiques and, most of all, appropriate for the natural setting.

Point_Lobos_Ridge_img_1Concrete was specified for the floors on the lower level in a light warm grey to help reflect natural daylight into the space. Upstairs, in the main living spaces, a uniform shade of warm grey-green slate tiles morph to random shaped slate as it transitions from interior flooring to the exterior patios. A chunky carmel stone was specified for the mantles and pigment imbedded plasters were specified for accent walls. Reclaimed barn wood was specified for built-in cabinets and beams. Rustic vertical planked interior doors, stained in a driftwood color, would be finished with elegant but rustic hardware. Energy Star rated appliances were specified as well as state of the art plumbing fixtures and hardware to create a pleasing contemporary foil to the otherwise rustic selections.

Stainless steel, concrete and pickled white oak cabinets were selected for the kitchen. Special features such as a built-in cabinet made from reclaimed wood, designed to look like a rustic piece of furniture, complete with hand blown glass panels and rustic hardware will give this house a sophisticated rustic yet contemporary look.


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master-bathroom 

 

A lightweight concrete with embedded abalone shells was selected for all the bathroom counters, reminiscent of the beaches below. The recycled glass mosaic tiles with a slight iridescent sheen selected for the showers suggest the gleaming Pacific. Reclaimed barn wood specified for the cabinetry in the baths has the look of driftwood and continues the beach theme for all the bathrooms. The master bath includes some special features such as antiqued mirrored glass panels for the barn wood closet doors. A reclaimed wood medallion embedded in the center or the concrete floor ties into the wood accents of the room and adds a touch of warmth and texture to the generous expanse of floor.

FEATURE

BENEFIT

Healthy Indoor Air Quality Low-VOC Paints and Finishes

No odors or harmful chemical that will off  gas and cause heath risks

High efficiency Vent Fan with heating element

Warms the space as it reduces moisture in the air

Concrete counter tops and flooring

A natural material consisting of stone,silica based cement and water. These floors are naturally durable and can be treated in a variety of decorative ways. Counter top materials contain natural materials and recycled material from industry ( up to 41%) creating a solid surface that is low impact on the environment

Recycled glass tiles

Decreases the use of raw materials and diverts material that would otherwise wind up in the landfill.

Maximize Natural Day Light

Reduces the need for artificial light, thus reducing energy consumption

Reclaimed wood

Decreases the use of raw materials and diverts material that would otherwise wind up in the landfill.  Plus it has an unbeatable and unduplicatable patina.

Low flow shower heads

Mindlessly reduces water consumption which is wise in a water challenged area like such as this

Dual flush toilets

An improvement over simple low flush toilets, these offer separate flushing features appropriate to the job.

Radiant floor heating

Healthy and cost effective option for silent, evenly distributed heat.
 

 

Legally Green

Natural materials artistically fashioned define this office makeover. An art furniture desk by Kent Townsend was the first item selected by the art-loving, eco-conscious attorney.

Click to read more.

Legally Green

Legally_green_img_0 Legally_green_img_1

legally-green-heading

Natural materials artistically fashioned define this office makeover. An art furniture desk by Kent Townsend was the first item selected by the art-loving, eco-conscious attorney. Made from exotic woods, the desk inspired the rest of the choices for the space, which include hand-made chairs by Wendell Castle, custom built credenza and side table as well as other pieces selected to complement the deco ambiance of this space.

The shagreen textured eco-friendly wall covering provides a subtle but sophisticated backdrop for the client’s contemporary paintings and his collection of awards and family photos, which were reframed and arranged into a full-wall collage. Also incorporated from the clients existing collection, illustrating an example of re-use, was a large oriental rug which Wright Design used to ground the space.

 

Because keeping things out of landfills is an inherently green concept, we decided to keep an existing, but not very attractive, built-in cabinet by transforming rather than trashing it. With the magic of a little high gloss, low VOC paint paint, mirror for the back and the addition of glass shelves, Wright Design was able to convert the drab wood piece from an eyesore into a focal point for the room.

Another great feature of the roomy office is a pair of large windows which bring almost too much natural light into the space. To cut afternoon glare, the windows were finished with adjustable roman shades. Radiator covers were added to create a tad more surface area and to balance the space visually. The result is a functional work space which gives fair representation to the more elegant possibilities of green design.

Pennsylvania Farmhouse

A complete green restoration of this charming Kennett Square farmhouse was already well underway when Wright Design came on board to help with some finishing touches.

Click to read more.

Pennsylvania Farmhouse

 

Green of A Different Color

We love how the serene landscape is carried indoors with light-filled rooms and how bold colors add subtle flair to green interior design. A farm-like setting provides the ideal backdrop for this family’s eco-friendly ideals.

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As Irene Jennings drives up to her home, two retired, blanket-wrapped horses look her way, and the family’s two large dogs, saved from the animal shelter, run past the frozen vegetable garden to greet her.

Once inside, Jennings, six cats and two children, both under age four, find warmth by the wood stove that makes the kitchen almost balmy. In the living room the pellet stove is also burning, while a geothermal system pumps heat to the rooms upstairs.

The two-story dwelling underwent a number of renovations before newlyweds Irene and Elliot Jennings purchased it in 2005. But it was the Jennings who abandoned traditional sources of energy and imprinted their own sense of style shortly after moving in.

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“We loved the neighborhood and we loved the feel of the house,” says Irene Jennings. “We knew we wanted to buy it as soon as we pulled in the driveway. It has such great character.”

Indeed, Jennings has given it great character, her remodeling decisions dictated by her love of vibrant colors, desire for natural lighting and an environmentally conscious lifestyle.

She began applying her finishing touches the same way she researched almost every purchase or hire: with a click of her mouse. In fact, the Internet is where she discovered green interior designer LiLi Wright.

Wright, who lives in Philadelphia, is a third-generation designer with over 20 years in the interior design field. She segued into creating green interiors about twelve years ago after developing an illness caused by some of the materials she used to finish walls and furniture. Since her shift in focus, she’s been winning awards and changing lives in unison.

“Irene exemplifies what green living is at its best,” says Wright. “For her, it’s a whole quality of life. She gets it.”

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It is true, and Jennings “got it” a while ago.

“You start learning about the harmful chemicals you use daily,” says Jennings. “Then you hear more about the other stuff you do without considering how it hurts the environment. Suddenly you stop and think: What am I doing?” It was the accrual of these moments of awareness which coalesced into a desire to live more responsibly.

Wright approaches interior design with this whole-life philosophy in mind.

In achieving Jennings’ objective to go as green as possible, Wright integrated natural fibers into the design, like bamboo that can be made into everything from shades to fine fabrics.

If material wasn’t available in a color or pattern that appealed to Jennings, Wright offered her client the next best thing: samples from mills that use green technology. They even took into consideration purchasing furniture or textiles made within a 50-mile radius. After all, buying locally underscores green living at its best.

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Many interior spaces came together by blending existing, upgraded furnishings with restored family heirlooms. By playing up her love of textured fabrics and standout patterns, Jennings’ recovered pieces added dollops of detail into the décor.

Still, if additional seating was required, Wright and Jennings hunted for sofas or chairs made with frames constructed of lumber certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and cushions stuffed with eco-fill, like soy-based polyfoam.

“Irene is super green, but not hysterical green,” Wright says. “She does the best she can with what she has, and she does it to the max.”

Ultimately comfort, heath and sustainability rule this roost with a blend of old and new. And Jennings’ taste for pop-out colors adds fresh style not limited by the goals she and Wright set at the onset of the project.

“You need to find your comfort zone when approaching green design,” Wright says. “Learn the rules before you break them, and know your options before narrowing down the playing field.”

PA_Farmhouse_img_4

With Jennings’ insights also fueling the construction projects, it was important for her to integrate as many natural alternatives into renovations as the budget would allow.

Priorities included non-toxic finishes on floors and walls to create a healthy environment for her newborn and pets, and conserving energy through wood-burning stoves, solar panels and a geothermal heat pump. She also looked for recycled and reclaimed products for floors, built-ins and fixtures.

Jennings was her own green advisor, scrutinizing options and haggling with providers to get the materials she wanted. In fact, her Internet-savvy searches led her to a solar installation grant that paid forty percent of the installation fee needed for the solar photovoltaic system now resting on the rooftop.

Working with architect Kelly Brown of Red Clay Associates, it took six months to complete an addition for a master bedroom and another bathroom upstairs. Walls were torn down in the kitchen to expose woodland views and provide an open floor plan. French doors increased natural lighting as well as gave access to the new deck made of low-maintenance, sustainable Trex composite (a combination of wood and plastic fibers).

PA_Farmhouse_img_5

Even though the outdoors is just a step away with a 20-acre preserve brushing the edge of her 10-acre property and a branch of the Red Clay Creek winding past a cottage-style chicken coop (a wedding present), staying inside this home is a welcome option.

With no shortage of color, Jennings proves that going green is a philosophy that can be expressed in any style.

“For Irene, going green wasn’t granola or bohemian,’” Wright says. “She breaks any preconceived ideas of what green looks like, with a youthful, hip attitude toward design.”

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Green elements and lifestyle choices:

  • Non-toxic varnishes and sealants and low VOC paint
  • Geothermal heating and cooling system
  • Solar energy panels installed on the roof (to sell back to the grid)
  • Wood-burning stoves
  • All the latest energy-efficient appliances, except AGA stove that does, however, help heat the kitchen
  • Dual flush toilets
  • Reclaimed wood for floors and kitchen cabinets (Jennings says, “Be sure you know the actual origin.”)
  • Recycled composite (Trex) for deck

• Chemical-free cleaning products: - Sun & Earth (http://www.sunandearth.com/ProductsPage.aspx) laundry detergent - Seventh Generation (http://www.seventhgeneration.com/) -Vinegar for floors

  • Organic or natural foods bought mostly at Harvest Market (http://www.harvestmarketnaturalfoods.com/) , DE
  • Blue Jean insulation (Made of scrap and waste material from the manufacturing process of blue jeans and other cotton based textiles.)
  • Marmoleum flooring (Made with 100% natural ingredients: linseed oil, cork, limestone, tree rosin and natural minerals.)
  • Recycled glass tile
  • Recycled cabinets in kitchen for use in mud room
  • Antique lighting throughout
  • Green fabrics for chairs and sofa
  • Green mattresses and linens
  • Refurbished heirlooms
  • No purchases from companies not practicing green technology
Resources

Red Clay Associates (http://redclayassociates.com/default.aspx)

Wright Designs (http://www.wright-design.net/)

Wanex Electric (http://www.wanex.com/energy_gallery.html)

Solar Development Fund (http://www.trfund.com/sdf/solarpv/)

Lee Furniture (http://www.leeindustries.com/) (DE)

Galbraith & Paul Fabrics (http://www.galbraithandpaul.com/textiles.php) (Philadelphia)

Stark Carpets (http://www.starkcarpet.com/default92105.htm) (Philadelphia)

New Moon Rugs (http://www.newmooncarpets.com/home.html) (Delaware)

Marjam Supply (http://www.marjam.com/) (for Blue Jean insulation, DE & PA)

Shone Lumber (http://www.shonelumber.com/) (For Trex, DE) ShareThis (javascript:void(0))

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Twisters Wellness

Given that wellness is the goal of this yoga/fitness center, it made sense to carry the concept into the design of the space. In a place where the emphasis is on breathing, the owners of these innovative fitness centers wanted to make sure that the indoor air quality of their newest facility, post build-out, would be healthy and revitalizing.

Click to read more.

Twisters Wellness

Twisters_img_0 twisters-wellness-heading

Given that wellness is the goal of this yoga/fitness center, it made sense to carry the concept into the design of the space. In a place where the emphasis is on breathing, the owners of these innovative fitness centers wanted to make sure that the indoor air quality of their newest facility, post build-out, would be healthy and revitalizing.

Even with a modest budget, Wright Design was able to create a setting that met the criteria of being practical, non-toxic and conducive to the wide range of activities. Since the rooms are largely bare or furnished with equipment, Wright Design used color as the primary design element.

Not only did we select colors that we thought would be suitable to each activity, but we used color in a way that it could be used as an element of continuity between the two existing facilities and any future facilities of this growing business. Yoga rooms, with their honey toned floors and golden walls feel warm and inviting. Pilates and retail areas are treated with a watery blue-green for a fresh invigorating effect. The spinning rooms are a dark and moody blue to enhance concentration. The colors for gym and weight rooms on the lower level, which were inspired by the photographs of river rocks that adorn the walls, suggest strength and stability.

Flooring for each area was selected based on what was suitable for each activity. Since visitors here spend a lot of time on the floor, Wright Design recommended the “greenest” materials available within the budget. The result is a space that integrates all the principles of the both the owner’s and Wright Design holistic approach to business.

Green Products & Recommendations:

  • Duration - low VOC latex wall paint by Sherwin Williams- Greensure label*
  • Forbo- Marmoleum ( TM ) Floor Covering
  • Forbo -Cork Board for reception and retail area
  • Innovations- Innvironments wall coverings-
  • Voc-free adhesives and floor finishes
  • Full spectrum fluorescent lighting
  • Non-Toxic cleaning and personal hygiene products
  • Hemp shower curtains for locker room shower stalls
  • Eco surfaces- Ecostone rubber flooring
  • Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood and formaldehyde-free particle board/wheat board for built-in reception desk.
  • Wilsonart- laminate surfacing
  • Shaw carpet- recycled content collection

    • Couture Salon Goes Green

    Click to read more.

    Couture Salon Goes Green

     Couture_salon_goes_green_img_0 

    It looks blue, what makes this space green?

    Couture_salon_goes_green_img_1

     

    Couture_salon_goes_green_img_2 

    HEALTHY BY DESIGN

    Why would a couture salon want to go green?

    Well for one, Owner Ericka Engelman felt that it was the right thing to do for the environment. But there were other practical reasons as well...her employees and customers! Occupation of the new space happened as soon as the build out was complete and Ericka didn’t want her employees and customers to be subjected to off-gassing fumes from the construction materials. The results are as beautiful as they are healthy and eco-friendly. Not only has Ericka has created a workplace that is consistent with her values, her employees and clients alike will continue to benefit from Ericka’s uncompromising commitment to good design!


     

    FEATURE

    BENEFIT

    Healthy Indoor Air Quality Low-VOC Paints and Finishes

    No odors or harmful chemical that will off gas and cause heath risks

    Natural Renewable Materials:

    Free of toxins and petrochemicals, these materials create an aesthetically superior look...naturally.

    Cork Flooring

    A rapidly renewable resource, made mostly from recycled industrial materials.

    Eucalyptus Flooring

    A fast growing tree harvested from sustainably managed forests.

    Natural Stone

    Using existing materials reduces waste that would otherwise go to the land-fill and reduces the need for quarrying new materials.

    Pre-finished floating floor system

    Pre-finishing allows any fumes to dissipate before installation and the floating floor system eliminates need for toxic glues.

     Antiques and furniture made from recycled materials

    Creates a rich and elegant environment while keeping waste out of landfills.

     Flexible floor plan

    Allows more to be done with less and allows for an exciting artisan client interaction.

    Natural fabrics

    A healthier choice for the people making the fabrics, the artisans creating your garments and the environment.

    Natural Day Light

    Reduces need for artificial lighting which saves energy and thus money.

    Feng Shui, Space Planning

    Creates a harmonious working and shopping environment.


    OBGYN Clinic Goes Green

    Click to read more.

    OBGYN Clinic Goes Green

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    obgyn-clinic-heading

    Why wouldn’t a clinic dedicated to women’s health choose to remodel their offices with healthy and environmentally sound materials?

    Sensitive to the fact that women in their first trimester are particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins, the doctors in charge of this office redesign asked Wright Design to recommend products that would not compromise the health of their patients and office staff.

    So Wright Design proposed a new floor plan to improve flow through the space, a color scheme that would create a soothing atmosphere for patients and medical staffers alike, as well as a materials list to accomplish the whole plan using sustainable and healthy materials.

    The plan was implemented in stages to keep disruption of the offices to a minimum. Because the actual build-out of the space was done by contractors who were selected by the hospital and unfamiliar with some of the “green” materials that were suggested, the Wright Design team had the privilege of introducing the open-minded installation contractors to new options.

    Phase one of the installation was a success and the office team has their list of items that they can add as their budget allows. This includes a custom designed bench island for the waiting area; new chairs, or as an alternative, new fabric for the old waiting room chairs, a kid’s table for little visitors. We also specified a new bulletin board with pockets for patient information and artwork to complete the welcoming and relaxing theme of the new office space.

    Green Features & Products

    • Duration - low VOC latex wall paint by Sherwin Williams- Greensure label*
    • Forbo- Marmoleum ( TM ) Floor Covering
    • Forbo -Cork Board
    • Environments Wall Covering- Innovations Allegory Rush
    • Voc-free adhesives
    • Reuse of existing window shades
    • Recover existing waiting room chairs with Design Tex -recycled content fabric
    • Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood and formaldehyde-free particle board/wheat board for built-in cabinets.
    • Wilsonart- laminate surfacing
    • Interface Carpet Tiles- Box Garden Collection- recycled content

    Urban Infill Mixed Use

    Click to read more.

    Urban Infill Mixed Use

    case-study 

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    urban-infill-main 

     

     

     

    Currently in progress, this project will be the first green building in the city of Seaside, CA. Designed to fit on a triangular shaped parcel that sat vacant for years, this project is a perfect example of what’s possible when creativity and consciousness are combined. There have been planning department issues and other obstacles to overcome but the the developer aided by a dedicated design team (of which Wright Design is a part), have persevered. The result will be a mixed-use building combining 6 residential units above and a flexible build-to-suit retail space below. Interior finishes will be clean, green, healthy and contemporary with surfaces like concrete, bamboo, FSC wood and energy star appliances. Wright Design will also incorporate elements recommended by the feng shui expert who was consulted to suggest opportunities for optimizing the health and prosperity of the future owners. The design team will follow LEED guidelines to ensure the highest LEED rating possible when the project is finished. I’m shooting for Platinum!

    urban_infill_mixed_use_img_1

    STATE OF THE ART

    USGBC LEED PRODUCT CHECKLIST

    CLEAN AND CONTEMPORARY

    Features such as this environmentally friendly open fireplace are being proposed. This flue-less unit is fueled by a renewable energy (denatured ethanol). It burns clean and is virtually maintenance free, perfect for hip spaces like these.

    USGBC’s LEED, (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the industry recognized, voluntary standard that defines high performance green buildings—which are healthier, more environmentally responsible and more profitable structures.

    Features such as concrete, bamboo, low VOC paints, energy star rated appliances and high performance lighting and plumbing fixtures will make these residential units healthy, cost effective to maintain and a joy to live in...naturally!

    Water Water

    Click to read more.

    Water Water

    case-study
     

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    No stranger to green technology, this client has been a key player in promoting solar energy in the community. The young family lives in a solar powered house in the heart of the pristine Monterey Peninsula, so it was not surprising that this family wanted green solutions for other aspects of their living space.

    At a workshop given by Wright Design, the client was introduced to a clay paint that was offered as a low-VOC alternative to conventional wall paints. The shade of yellow was just what she had in mind for her dining room so she ordered the paint and requested a consultation with Wright Design to discuss some of her other ideas and concerns the couple had about their space.

    During the walk thru we discussed issues such as lighting, mold (a very common concern in this coastal area), as well as color choices and paint options for some of the other rooms. Almost as an afterthought the client asked me if I had any info on water softeners that might help them address the issue they were having with the very hard municipal water, which was reeking havoc on their appliances and pipes. I told them that I had been researching that very thing and would be happy to share the information I had.

    Within weeks the whole house system water system was installed, the new colors were up on the walls and the happy clients were enjoying the benefits of Wright Design. Non-toxic remedies were used for remove the surface mold that was the result of condensation forming on the windows and clean, healthy drinking water was flowing from every tap. Now, not only does the family get to enjoy the benefits of bathing in pure water, but the laundry gets cleaner and the dishes sparkle and there is no more worry about corrosion to the pipes and appliances caused by salts.

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    CLAY PAINTS

    WHOLE HOUSE WATER SYSTEM

    Clay Paints are made from naturally occurring clays and come in a range of natural earth tones and textures. They create a warm ambiance and constitute a functional wall treatment that respires with your environment. They economically simulate real clay plasters and are extremely low-odor during application. Clay Paints can be applied to most interior surfaces including previously painted surfaces in sound condition, gypsum board (drywall), various plasters, and masonry.

    The Whole House Water System chosen by the client uses NO Salt, NO chemicals or magnets and is maintenance free. Plus it doesn’t produce water with a slippery slimy feel that some other systems do. The standard home system selected, is designed for small to medium sized homes up to 4000 square feet with 1 to four bathrooms. It can last a family of five, 15 to 18 years.

    This system which can be installed inside or outside, uses high grade Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)to filter the water. It completely reduces the objectionable taste, odors and effects of chlorine while adding nothing to the water.

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    Wright Colors Las Vegas

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    Wright Colors Las Vegas

    case-study 

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    The first thing the client wanted to do was get rid of the stark white walls. The rest of the transformation to this bachelor condo will happen over time and will include replacing the carpeting with natural stone tiles, refacing kitchen cabinets, and upgrading light fixtures among other KEY things like getting furniture!

    In the mean time, the client wanted an inspiring backdrop to keep him motivated. The color scheme for the space was inspired by the Red Rock Canyon’s dramatic natural palette. We intensified the red to create a dramatic accent for the space as a nod to the saucy sunsets and sassy nightlife that vegas has to offer.

    To give the space a more finished look, we brought the ceiling color onto the top six inches of the wall, creating the illusion of crown molding.

    Paints used were low VOC, of course, so the client won’t have to tolerate the fumes from fresh paint on top of the other VOC’s that are already present in the space due to the fact that this condo is new and definitely NOT green. But, c’est la vie, we haven’t gotten everyone on the green bandwagon YET. So, in the mean time we will continue to work with what we’ve got and green Las Vegas one condo at a time!

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    EARLY MORNING SKY

    CANYON RED

    ROCKS AND SAND

    We selected a soothing color for the bedroom that would look great with the plum and lavender colored bedding the client has his eye on. A platform bed, a pair of small side tables and some art on the walls will complete the space.

    The stepped wall will function almost like a decorative screen and will create a dramatic background for the steel and glass TV stand. A few potted plants to soften the edges and this corner will become a focal point for the space.

    Here we chose complimentary neutrals to create just enough contrast without overwhelming the space. Furnishings, accessories and artwork will add the splashes of color needed to balance the bold red on the opposite walls.

    Yard Sale Chic

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    Yard Sale Chic

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    There is no greater thrill than finding a find at a yard sale. This lamp base caught my eye from across the street. Though it was late in the day at this mostly picked over sale, others had passed it by—perhaps because it had no shade and no harp. I was not daunted. Assured that the lamp was in working order, I emptied my can of quarters to complete my transaction and went straight to a local lighting store to find a shade. I knew if I didn’t go that day, the lamp would make it’s way to a spot in the garage and sit there...possibly forever.

    Shopping for a lamp shade, is like shopping for a hat. It’s helpful to know the occasion, or in this case, destination of the lamp as the choice of shade will have a significant impact on the scale and look of the lamp. Not having a place for this lamp in mind, I decided to select something that would look classic and balanced in any setting. So after trying on several suitable options I decided to splurge on this little beige silk number. I knew I would be fitting it with a CFL compact florescent bulb) so I wanted the shade to produce a warm golden glow.

    Now for the piece de resistance. The flair of the shade combined with the neguro-nuri style finish on the lamp suggested asian to me, so I went for the calligraphic finial as the final touch. Et voila!

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    SOMETHING OLD!

    SOMETHING NEW!

    REDUCE-RECYCLE -REUSE

    The classic silhouette of this lamp base give it a timeless look-which is key to sustainability. By changing the shade you can completely change the look of this lamp which makes it easily adaptable to any setting from old world to contemporary. Timeless style is Wright Design.

    If every household in the U.S. replaced one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), it would prevent enough pollution to equal removing one million cars from the road.

    Reusing items --by repairing them, donating them to charity and community groups, or selling them --also reduces waste. Reusing products, when possible, is even better than recycling because the item does not need to be reprocessed before it can be used again.