When we ask designers about a project’s biggest challenge, responses usually range from budget constraints to site-specific quirks (too small, too large, too dark, too bright, etc). Event designer David Stark’s answer, though, is one we haven’t heard before, until now that is. But these are extraordinary times.
“Honestly, considering that the project was conceived, built, and opened within the entirety of the pandemic, our real challenges were surprisingly few,” he says of the 2,715-square-foot gardening center he and his team at David Stark Design & Production created for Greendigs, a new direct-to-consumer e-commerce site for houseplants. “We definitely had limitations on some material and furniture availabilities due to pandemic-induced production delays, but we found wonderful solutions to those challenges each step of the way.”
From start to finish, the project took five months. “Frankly, the fact that the project happened at all during this wild time is truly meaningful to us, a wonderful parallel to the process of plants growing and thriving. This project is a symbol of hope and optimism.”
Let’s take a tour of Greendigs’ new digs, a flexible space for gardeners of all levels to shop, learn, and play.
Photography courtesy of Greendigs.
![Greendig\2\17;s Columbus, Ohio, brick and mortar space is designed to be equal parts retail store, education center, and gardening inspiration destination. True to its name, the \2,7\15-square-foot studio features a green color scheme. The trompe l\2\17;oeil floor is composed of CNC-engraved panels of wood hand-painted to look like tiles.](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/greendigs-store-studio-columbus-david-stark6-733x1099.jpg)
![Anchoring (and centering) the space is a square wrap-around bar where customers can go to pay for their purchases, ask for help, even pull up a seat to enjoy a beverage. What inspired the design? \2\20;We kept gravitating towards kitchens that are modern but are grounded in tradition,\2\2\1; says David. \2\20;What’s that old adage? \2\16;No matter where I serve my guests, it seems they like my kitchen best.\2\17; ”](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/greendigs-store-studio-columbus-david-stark-733x489.jpg)
![\2\20;A central potting station was the key hub that Greendigs desired,\2\2\1; says David. \2\20;Additionally, a health and wellness lounge, a DIY area, a wash station, and a content creation studio. And of course, places for plants—lots and lots of plants!\2\2\1;](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/greendigs-store-studio-columbus-david-stark1-733x489.jpg)
![A display wall designed with signature whimsy by David\2\17;s team.](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/greendigs-store-studio-columbus-david-stark3-733x1099.jpg)
![An inspired propagation station.](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/greendigs-store-studio-columbus-david-stark2-733x489.jpg)
![David in front of a display of some the products sold at Greendigs.](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/greendigs-store-studio-columbus-david-stark5-733x489.jpg)
N.B.: Greendigs’ Living Design Experience is located at 1285 Grandview Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. It will be open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays, 11 AM to 7 PM (hours may change). Face masks are required for entry and the number of guests inside at any one time will be limited to maintain COVID safety protocols.
For more shops we admire, see:
- Philadelphia Story: Terrain’s New Shop on the Main Line
- Shopper’s Diary: Leaf Shop Végétal in Paris
- Ridiculously Charming, Even for the Cotswolds: The Nursery at Miserden
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