Green Is The New Black

Or so that’s what I hear. Heard, to be exact, last night on the Red, Hot, & Green special on HGTV. I’d like to take this moment to point out that I did list this show as an “Offbeat Hot” last week. Turns out I was right. This show was very cool.

I felt that the show didn’t cover too much in terms of new green ideas per say. There were very few ideas discussed that were new to me, and probably fewer that would be new to the average green builder. What was cool and unique about this show is they highlighted the stylistic trends going on in green decorating. In terms of enticing folks to go green the show packed in a wallop of tips.

Hemp countertops, reclaimed wood and recycled furniture, low VOC paint, sunflower seed boarding, tree branches as curtain rods, and a shower that I was seriously drooling over. I’ve been thinking about this shower all day and I’ve come to the conclusion that before I die I will have one. It was a river rock shower — which many of us have seen before.

Here’s a picture of typical river rocks.

But the folks who built this particular green home had found greens and clear blues and just an overall stunning array of colored stones. Plus they had a great light slate colored grout. I tried in vein to find a picture of this shower to post — but no luck. If anyone knows of a source it’d be cool to let me know.

Another key point the show pointed out was that you have many choices when it comes to the style of green home you might choose.

Here’s one, and…

Here’s another; worried about rain anyone?

I like this one. This house is very cool. It makes up just one house in a neighborhood called Armory Park del Sol in Tucson. After my three year (or so) stint in New Mexico’s blazing summer conditions, I’m the last person to suggest you pack it up and move to the desert. But this neighborhood is so neat. The website gives some information about their homes:

“The solar features of our homes include photovoltaic electric power generating systems and solar water heaters with on-demand water heater backup systems.”

Plus just moving in, makes you eligible for Tuscon Electric Sun Share rebates and tax credits.

They also offer zero energy homes:

“Zero Energy Homes combine energy-efficient construction, equipment, lighting and appliances with commercially available renewable energy systems to provide homeowners with annual net-zero energy consumption.

With its reduced energy needs and solar energy systems, a Zero Energy Home (ZEH) can return as much energy as it takes from the utility company on an annual basis.”

Here’s another view of the neighborhood:

Or you could plunk down a terrifying amount of green to live in these New York located eco friendly condo digs, at the The Visionaire.

The Visionaire website is gorgeous — go take a look. But it does look pricey.

All in all, Red, Hot, and Green did get me thinking about what kind of green style I like and to what level I’d take green in my own home. Didn’t see it? No problem, it’ll be on again on July 1 at 5pm ET/PT.

For those who did see it, what did you think of the show? Discuss. Or you can always just leave a friendly tip about how I can get a river rock shower for a smashing good price.