Cool Hunting

It's rare, but sometimes brand as curator actually works. Such is the case with Lexus' first Hybrid Living Suite (part of their larger Hybrid Living initiative) at the Fairmont San Francisco, a room designed with eco-friendly materials, which we had the recent opportunity to check out first-hand thanks to Lexus and the Fairmont. Their lifestyle marketing efforts succeeds where others don't by leading the way in the burgeoning field of eco-luxury with style and attention to detail. In a word, it's good. (See more images after the jump.)

Designed by L.A.-based interior designer Kelly LaPlante, who specializes in organic interiors, the look of the 10th floor corner suite takes its inspiration from the sweeping views of the San Francisco bay visible from all three rooms. Pale yellows, tans and light blues draw on the colors of the bay and hills, a design choice most directly expressed by matching the hues of Benjamin Moore's low-VOC, self-priming Aura paint to the landscape.

The centerpiece of the living room, a custom coffee table that LaPlante designed using leather reclaimed from Lexus prototypes (pictured left), is also probably the cleverest interpretation of the theme. We also like the classic elegance of the LaPlante-designed sofas and pillows by the Q Collection that feature non-toxic wood, finishes, adhesives and fabrics. From the wool rugs dyed with vegetable dyes (available through Monarch Interiors) to organic Coyuchi bedding, every square inch of the suite has been reinvented with an eco-consciouness. We especially appreciate that the designers recognized that a complete makeover was unnecessary, leaving many of the original furnishings, including most of the bathroom, drapes, headboard and lamps, intact rather than illogically tossing them in a landfill.

Last but not least, what would any hotel room be without a fluffy white robe to luxuriate in? The Hybrid Living Suite's Nandina robe, made from 75% bamboo and 25% cotton, is simply the silkiest, most sumptuous item of lounge wear we've come across, perfectly embodying the eco-values and luxuriousness that is largely the point.

To top off the experience, a stay in the eco-suite ($869 nightly) comes with complimentary use of a Lexus LS 600h L, the new V8 hybrid. Call 415-772-5147 to book. The second such suite, also designed by LaPlante, is due to open later this spring at the Fairmont's D.C. location.