When it comes to real estate, the trailer park gets a bad rap. But some designers think that this forsaken corner of the market is worthy of reevaluation—and even resuscitation.

Less mobile, but more predictable in location are our beloved fine fare food carts like Thai Cart, the Gastro Cart, Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs and Pinche Tacos.

Comida: Rayme Rossello, who brought us Proto’s, Mateo and Radda, has a new project: a big pink truck dishing out Mexican feasts in neighborhoods around Boulder. Comida took to the road on May 17, and Rosello donates 1 percent of its sales to projects aimed at feeding the hungry. Find Comida at www.eatcomida.com.

The Denver Cupcake Truck: Cake Crumbs Bakery went mobile in April, delivering Denver’s dessert fiends their fix in the form of cupcakes with flavors like Rockin’ Red Velvet, Vanilla Party and Chocolate Lemon. Owner Denon Moore and her husband, Sean, offer incentives to Twitter followers, including parties and T-shirts. Find the cupcake truck at www.cake-crumbs.com.

The Biscuit Bus: May 1 saw the debut of the Biscuit Bus, the frisky vehicular counterpart to a breakfast joint inside the Atomic Cowboy. A limited line of morning offerings is available from the truck, including the Franklin, a mix of fried chicken, bacon, cheese and gravy, and the Jack Lee, which pairs bacon with grape jelly; it’s already become a consistant presence at the farmers’ markets in Cherry Creek and Stapleton. Find the Biscuit Bus at www.denbisco.com.

Steuben’s: Serves Steuben’s staples like “Steuby Snacks”, gravy fries, lobster roll and fried pork in cones plus cubanos, happy hour… Is “Pearl” still frequenting Civic Park? Get Twitter updates and Facebook. www.steubens.com/truck.htm.

StrEat Chefs: Chef Hosea Rosenburg was the executive chef at Jax Fish House in Boulder when he won Top Chef in its fifth season. Now he’s jumped on the mobile-dining trend, with plans to hawk global street food — everything from banh mi to grilled cheese — from a tricked-out Airstream trailer slated to hit the streets this month. Find StrEat Chefs at www.streatchefs.com.

Here in Denver, you can find eco-roofs on the building occupied by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Denver Botanic Gardens gift shop. Though actual green roofs are a little slow to catch on here, I am noticing more thriving rooftop gardens than ever, most commonly atop the old downtown buildings converted to lofts. Not only is it beautiful and heart-warming to witness the greening of our urban landscape, it’s also smart, practical and responsible. I encourage anyone interested to embark on more extensive research, but consider the following information (excerpted from an article by Kent Swanson) a primer on the subject.

Using the roof of a building as a green space has innumerable benefits, especially in urban areas where green spaces can be few and far between. First and mostly obviously, green roofs can dramatically improve the aesthetics of the urban landscape. Secondly, there are many environmental benefits to installing a green roof, including reduced ambient temperatures (and thus reduced air-conditioning use), improved air and water quality, less rainwater runoff, reduced noise pollution, and the creation of wildlife habitat.

Green roofs also have economic benefits, as they typically last longer than traditional roofs. Most commercially built green roofs in Germany these days include a warranty of up to 30 years. Green roofs can also help lessen the demand on municipal drainage systems, reducing the costs of maintenance and repairs. Furthermore, green roofs can serve as educational and recreational spaces.

A recent article in the New York Times stated that in cities where high temperatures get to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, some roofing materials can reach up to 175 degrees. Meanwhile, a layer of turf often stays below 77 degrees. The creation of green roofs can thus help to reduce the problem of the urban “heat island.” Plants naturally cool things off through a process called evapotranspiration, creating a cool and comfortable microclimate. The addition of trees to a green roof creates shade, complimenting the evaporative cooling effect. The reduced temperature on the roof translates to reduced temperatures inside the building, and less time with the air-conditioning turned on. By greening the roof of City Hall, city officials in Chicago aspire to reduce air-conditioning costs by about $4,000 a year.

In large cities, some reports suggest that an average of 75% of rainwater becomes runoff. As this water washes off of roofs and streets, it picks up contaminants which eventually make it to rivers and lakes. The large quantities of water also stress the storm water infrastructure of cities. With the addition of a green roof, more of this water is put to beneficial use. A report by Temple University claims that 75% of the water applied to an extensive green roof is used by the plants and soil. The remaining 25% is released gradually as runoff. This gradual flow is much easier to control and contain than the rapid runoff produced by large rainstorms. With the addition of rain barrels or rainwater storage systems, runoff can be all but eliminated.

Of course, more plants mean cleaner air, due to the fact that plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. Plants can also trap dust particles. They also help to reduce another form of pollution as they absorb the noise from a busy urban landscape. Additional green spaces create habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, helping to mitigate the environmental impact of growing urban areas.

If you live in the big city, you can probably imagine even more benefits to installing green roofs. More gardens mean happier and friendlier people, as urban dwellers will have more opportunities to gaze at beautiful flowers and trees. Maybe you can take your children to visit these unusual urban gardens to learn more about plants and gardening. Perhaps people will have reduced stress levels due to the presence of more green spaces. Some professionals working on green roof technology even claim that if enough cities install a substantial number of green roofs, over time it can help us significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels through energy conservation.

The rise in the number of green roofing projects throughout the world is a promising sign that we have learned the importance of replacing the green spaces lost to our rapidly urbanizing society. More and more governments are requiring green spaces in new construction projects, and even much maligned corporations such as Target are contributing to improving urban landscapes by installing green roofs. With modern technology and inventiveness, green roofs can become a real solution to many of the environmental problems that we are facing today.

It is my hope as well that more individuals will start to explore the possibilities of adding green roofing technologies to their own homes. This way, we can all play a role in helping the environment and improving the urban landscape.

Green Roof Information and Resources

• Denver Post: http://www.denverpost.com/grow/ci_8974048
• Denver Botanical Gardens: http://www.botanicgardens.org/content/green-roof
• Green Muze: http://www.greenmuze.com/animals/companions/2332-green-roof-dog-houses-.html
• Natural Life magazine article on green roofs: http://www.life.ca/nl/87/roof.html
• Temple University proposal for a green roof project: http://www.temple.edu/env-stud/seniorsem/section3C.htm
• History of Turf Roofs: http://www.sustainable-communities.agsci.ubc.ca/thesis/kp-3.pdf
• Heat Island Group: http://eetd.lbl.gov/heatisland/
• Burpee Natural History Museum: http://www.burpee.org/green_home.htm
• Chicago’s Green Roofs: Click Here

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In my conversation with Kody, we acknowledged the understandable trepidation among homeowners in pioneering the movement here in Denver. Would they look strange, would there be logistical or long-term problems, would it end up costing more…? True, there are many considerations to be made and thus the need for experienced installers like Kody. The more cautious of pioneers may opt to try it first on patio shelters, carriage houses, alley garages, workspaces and sheds.

Or how about testing the waters with the kids’ fort, dog’s house or bird house?

Here are some lovely 1960’s wallpaper cards I found on Etsy:

Inke wildlife repurposed paper. Darn fun!

More delightful vintage cut-outs by Inke Heiland:

Eco-friendly Palace Paper’s hand-drawn and silk-screened on natural papers using water-based ink:

Evidence exists that the Chinese hand painted landscapes and birds on rice paper as early as 200 B.C. However, it wasn’t until the 16th Century that these oriental prints were imported  to Europe. Some of the delay was caused by the predominance of hanging textiles over walls. During this period, the affluent homes were built of stone, so the practicality of textile hangings was used to keep down the cold and dampness of these castles. Wallpaper was soon to become the ‘poor man’s tapestry,’ an imitation of the expensive textiles used in royal households.

The demand for wallpaper grew rapidly and by 1599 a recognized guild, known as the Dominotiers’ was established in France. The Dominotiers were also responsible for introducing the process of using wood blocks with the design cut into the surface to be used for printing.

The development of a repeating pattern was introduced by a Frenchman, Jean Papillon, in 1675. He is said to be the real inventor of wallpaper as we know it today, by advancing our technique to match a repeat on all sides, while still utilizing the wooden blocks…

(edited article from– http://wallpaperhistory.com/VintageWallpaperGuide/)

The bold bright hues don’t have to exist only outside the front door. Invite them in and see how they enliven your space.

Bold color moves can accentuate mid-century flair. The furnishings here would still work wonderfully against a more subdued palette, but the use and placement of brights on the walls and trim make it all the more fun.

Be inspired by these other beautifully brazen choices:

A strong color doesn’t have to dominate. Try a bright as an accent to counterbalance heavier hues or “pop” as they say:

The second part of the secret is: color is the most cost-effective way to enhance or transform your environment. Color is palpable. It’s presence can be subtle yet undeniable. Color can be utilized to invoke any vibe, it can make furnishings and art look better and draw out experiences amongst those whose cones and rods it stimulates. When you feel that your box isn’t suiting you, the simplest and most impacting step toward reconciliation is painting. I know a lot of people who can’t afford to fly away for vacations these days. Instead, they’re resorting to enjoying what’s locally available like horseback riding, hiking, fine dining, taking classes and redecorating. Funny how misfortune and fortune are really two sides of the same coin.

And here’s a another secret: rebellion is a good way to get out of a rut. If you find yourself stuck and uninspired, consider something you wouldn’t normally do. My benign and effective suggestion is to try a striking hue–a POW! color. Taking a walk on the bright side is something many of my clients tend to shy from but shouldn’t. Albeit, there is good reason for their trepidation as I so often see POW! colors executed haphazardly subsequently infecting others with stiff hesitation toward bold color moves. But then, if you decide to embark on something new and bold like sky-diving, I do recommend trying it with a professional (a sky-diving professional).

This brings me to my last secret which is: I am a professional (of color and decor). This is less a secret and more a reminder to those who have the courage to make a color leap that I can help to ensure its success. As a side benefit, by utilizing my passion for color and decor to assist others in the enhancement of their spaces, I can avoid moving any more than necessary.

-Brandy Gee, your color and decor expert

Colors are divided into four categories:

* Warm
* Cool
* Neutral
* Black

Warm Color Psychology

Warm colors include the red, orange, and yellow sections of the color spectrum.

They will make a large room appear smaller and cozy and they elicit feelings of happiness, comfort and relaxation. However, intense shades tend to be stimulating and exciting and can result in the buildup of too much energy – not what you need for smooth nap times!

Red
While reds add a sense of warmth they can be over stimulating. If you want the warmth of red in your baby’s room try toning it down from a bright, vivid red to a more earthy terracotta tone. Also avoid using it on all the walls. Maybe use it on a focus wall and balance it out with a more neutral shade in the rest of the room.

Bright, bold red has been associated with headaches and aggression. However, it is a great accent color. Use it to add a burst of energy and fun to a neutral palette.

Orange
Orange is less intense than red and still very warm. Only the most intense of oranges will result in over stimulation while the softer tones will create a place of homely comfort and vitality.

Orange rooms can tend to feel cramped though, so make sure there is an abundance of light before using this color.

Yellow
Yellow is a bright, sunny color promoting feelings of happiness. It’s great for brightening a dim room. However, bold yellows are associated with increased intellectual and muscle activity and if over used can be disturbing – babies have been found to cry more in yellow rooms.

Therefore, bold yellows should be kept to a minimum and used only as an accent color to add sparkle to your nursery design. Soft yellows are calming, however, and are a lovely sunny choice for your nursery.

Cool Color Psychology

Cool colors include the blue and green sections of the color spectrum.

Lighter shades will make a small room appear spacious and airy and they are calming and soothing. However, darker shades tend to be depressing and cold so be careful when introducing these.

Blue
Blue is a wonderful color for promotion of baby rest times – a key component to a new mom’s sanity! It slows down the human nervous system and produces a calming effect that prepares the body for sleep.

As mentioned above, dark blues can be cold and depressing and can zap your baby’s energy leaving him listless. However, used sparingly as accent colors in your baby’s room, dark blues can have a very striking effect.

Green
Green is a calm, tranquil color promoting feelings of peace and well-being. It is also a refreshing color that can lend vibrancy to an otherwise dim room.

Green can result in a complacent feeling, however, and is best counter-balanced with hot shades of red and orange to inject some energy into the room.

Neutral Color Psychology

Neutral colors include brown, beige, cream, ivory and white.

Neutral shades have a warm, relaxing, grounding effect. They enhance the size of the room, unify and tone down bolder colors and go with anything.

Neutral shades are an excellent choice for your baby room making a wonderful anchor for splashes of other bright, fun colors.

Black Color Psychology

Black has a modern, sophisticated connotation and is great for adding a sense of style. However, it is a draining, depressing color as it sucks light and energy from a room. Therefore, it should be used sparingly in your baby nursery.

(source: http://www.creative-baby-nursery-rooms.com/color-psychology.html)

Primaries
We love it when nothing matches but everything goes, like in this room, which mixes primary colors in a variety of shades and patterns.

Color Block
Can’t decide on a shade? Pick a few of your favorites and create a color-block wall mural. How-to: Pencil in your grid with a level, then section off squares with tape. Be sure to press the edges of the tape to make sure the paint doesn’t blend. Extra added bonus: This scheme is so versatile, you don’t have to be settled on bedding and accessories before painting.

Pinky
You’re having a girl, and you do love pink. Here’s a way to make pink unexpected: Pair it with a rusty orange for a retro-chic feel.

Not-so-Boyish Blue
Blue’s definitely not just for boys. Pick a beautifully vibrant shade — like this azure, then add pink accents and sweet accessories to girl it up.

Instant Sunshine
Take a classic nursery color like yellow and dial up the intensity. Pair it with a vibrant hot pink and you’ve got a room that will make you smile on even your most sleep-deprived mornings.

Pretty Pulls
If you’re not sure the whole sunshine-yellow walls thing is for you, try a low-commitment way to toy with color. These multicolored drawer pulls and bright kid art add some cheer to the walls and dresser — and can easily be undone if you change your mind.

(source: adapted from “Color in the Nursery” by Alisa Stoudt, www.parents.com)

Experimenting with this concept is simple. Try using the colors covered here in your wardrobe and surroundings to influence your chi. To subdue rage or calm anger, apply the colors black or green. Light green and purple can help to lift a depressed mood. When you you feel a headache coming on, bring in green or pink. For stomach pains use yellow or red. White, black, baby blue or light green may ease hypertension. In working with obesity, fill your world with white. If you’re feeling trapped by the external circumstances in your life, try green as it represents growth, expansion and upward movement. Bluewill help to enhance communication skills as it evokes calmness and peace. Indigo strengthens intuition and encourages objectivity in challenging situations. It helps to relieve emotional and mental turmoil by facilitating openness to new insights. The lighter shades of pink induces relaxation and calmness while the darker hues of this color enhance optimism and confidence in oneself. Yellow helps to strengthen attention and alertness as well as memory improvement. Yellow can also assist you decision making as it encourages discermenment. Orange leads to mental clarity practical problem solving. Orange can help to balance disrupted chi after a period of stress or a shock and allows you to let go of the past. Red stimulates and increases chi, boosts self esteem, stimulates energy and vibrancy. Long considered a lucky and auspicious color, red also banishes insecurities and stimulates enthusiasm. However, those with high blood pressure should avoid this color and instead resort to using black, white or lighter shades of blue and green as alternatives. The color white symbolizes purity, clarity and openness and to address eating disorders. You may use this color when you feel the need to let go of mental and emotional clutter from your psyche. White signifies new beginnings and unbias attitude.

Source: adapted from article by Rossi Davis, from http://www.ehow.com/how_4901491_use-color-wellbeing.html