Asparagus Interiors Inc.

Check out this month’s feature article in Chicago Home Improvement, “The Fab Floor.”

I was asked by author Kathy Kidwell, to contribute my take on what makes flooring interesting and insight into flooring trends.

I was quoted by Kidwell stating, “A well-designed floor should work cohesively with the room, incorporating the floor finish as another plane to work with,” says Elizabeth Marusin, designer with the Naperville-based Asparagus Interiors Inc. “Color, texture and pattern all play into how the floor grounds a space. A well-designed room strikes a balance between the vertical plane and the floor, making the room work as a whole.”

The article posted below can also be found in hard copy at local design stores throughout Chicago in February.

• Chicago Home Improvement Feb-2010 / The Fab Floor / Cover Page
• Chicago Home Improvement Feb-2010 / The Fab Floor / Page 9
• Chicago Home Improvement Feb-2010 / The Fab Floor / Page 11
• Chicago Home Improvement Feb-2010 / The Fab Floor / Page 12
• Chicago Home Improvement Feb-2010 / The Fab Floor / Page 13

Just the right mix.  Cavern Wallpaper’s blog on “Respecting Dorthy Draper” discusses her knack for mixing patterns and strong colors to create the right mix and balance.

Her style, strong and bold represents what can be possible by taking chances and living in the moment.  Why not, what do you have to loose?

It may be over the top for some, but adding a little Draper style will give your space the individuality you’ve been looking for.

Local Chicago artist, Mimi Damrauer of Mimi Designs, is having their home studio sale this month.

• Saturday, January 23       4-9pm
• Sunday, January 24         10-4pm

A textile artist, Mimi has designed for Crate and Barrel and can usually be seen at local art fairs in the summer around Chicago.  It’s artwork for your walls and floors.

Orginal textile collage created by Chicago based fiber artist Mimi Damrauer. The art pieces are made from Mimi’s hand-dyed and painted cottons, which are hand cut and machine sewn. All works are originals.

I’ve been hearing the term “mash-up” quite regularly these days.  Music mash up, style mash up… basically taking 2 styles and blending them together.

My coffee table mash up consists of 2 styles, modern and cottage.  I stumbled on two furniture companies that I think could “mash-up” quite nicely together.

Yellow coffee table made by, Furniturea with their “rural modern” style, is made in Maine and marries that cottage, mid-century, arts and crafts style nicely.  With a wide range of colors this mix is fun.

The aqua side table, “Grace”, is made by Maine Cottage of wicker construction also made in Maine.  The company notes, “we borrow from some of the great wicker design ideas of the mid 20th century to create the vintage appeal and unique character found in older summer homes, inns and resorts.”

Mashing up styles, with like valued colors and textures makes for a fun mix.

New Year, New Projects, New Fabric.

I just recently ordered samples from Carnegie’s new line, Bright Side.

Bright Side is fun, bright and made of recycled material.  Noted on their site as, “Bright Side is woven from 100% post consumer polyester and finished with the MBDC Cradle to Cradle Certified “Nanotex Resist Stains” and antimony free 100% polyester barrier “Durablock”.

Consider reupholstering your pieces to something more durable and bright.

Seasons Greetings!  Our annual holiday e-card went out this weekend wishing you all a fun and festive holiday season.  This year has proven to be full of projects that were both inspiring and creative.  Pushing my ideas further and doing more with what we have.

Emphasis on heirloom objects, renewable resources and placing priority on focal points has challenged my designs to work with your important creative goals.

Working together with a shared vision and common goal helps us create great interiors!

Wishing you all happy holidays and a prosperous new year!  Best Wishes, – Liz Marusin

The “power of presentation” applies to so many facets of our lifes.  We are a visual society that craves stimulus and makes decisions based on appearances.

We visited Joy Yee Noodle shop in Naperville this past weekend with our daughters.  They were instantly swayed by the visual presentation of the noodle shop’s offerings.

Can chopsticks really suspend in the air? Can a fish really stand up on a plate?  These are the fascinating visual effects in their display widows.  The menu all in asian script and photos helps us figure out what looks good as we decipher what to order.

How can this translate to your interior design?

Presentation is everything so if you have a specific style, or are hosting a friend, party or your mom for tea.  Go ahead and make it special.  Take the time to consider how your interior design reflects who you are.

I ran across this Kroehler Chair offered online via Hindsvik.etsy.com. It got me thinking, how cool is this chair and can these mid-century models still be out there.

I came across a write up on the Kroehler Manufacturing Co’s past in Naperville on the Encyclopedia of Chicago.

Considering I live a stone’s throw from the building, I thought it be in my best interest to follow up on some local history.

Interesting facts from the article:

• 1902, Peter E. Kroehler bought the Naper ville Lounge Co.
• 1940s, Kroehler was the second-largest furniture maker in the United States.
• 1970s, closing its historic Naperville factory in 1978 and ending its operations in the area.

If you love the french antique vibe over at Les Tissus Colbert, check out State Street Salvage in Geneva, IL.

A new venture for Kevin Hanley and Steven Peterson, focused on reclaimed industrial furniture that has been hand crafted and retooled for residential applications.   The companies collaborate on projects offering a renewed appreciation for old world furniture.  It makes the trip out to Geneva so worth it.

After the time spent at interior design school, I made my girls a quick graham cracker A-Frame gingerbread house. I’m also stumbling across little holiday houses like those at My House Party.

Some online sources for handcrafted holiday ideas:

• http://www.etsy.com
• http://www.modishblog.com
• http://www.designspongeonline.com/
• http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago

Keep your eyes open this holiday for creative ideas that inspire.