Asparagus Interiors Inc.
Spring offering by Heath Ceramics, “Ocean Pacific, a three-color pattern created by two glazes,” its a sunnyside accent to the spring season. The new collection is available April 1st. Ahh it’s lovely.
I recently purchased two vintage chairs made by Richard Honquest, of Barrington, IL.
Admittedly, I knew little about the maker, but with a push from a friend I went for it.
After taking off the skirts on the chairs, I quickly realized these chairs were of great quality and made with attention to detail. The layers of upholstery material, spring system and stitching detail add to a valued piece.
According to the Honquest website, “Richard Honquest founded Honquest Furniture for Living in a former general store in Addison, Illinois in 1960. In 1976, we opened the first showroom in the renovated Ice House Mall in Barrington.”
I think my chairs were from the earlier days. As the wool fabric is very retro 70’s.
This weekend we stopped off for a quick peak at Haeger Potteries, in Dundee, IL.
Haeger Pottery has been around since 1871, with an emphasis on clean lines and timeless designs. Royal Haeger ceramic artware is their line of well crafted timless pieces. They also offer ceramics in the Frank Lloyd Wright collection.
It’s worth a trip to get a glimpse of family history, innovation and local industry still at work.
If you are learning about pottery or interested in a specific style or era check out: Art Pottery Blog
Looking for a pop of color at the breakfast table?
Anyone interested in Mid-Century designs is sure to come across Russel Wright and the American Modern pottery line. It’s style is so iconic and still available thru the Bauer Pottery Company.
Mary and Russel Wright’s, “Guide to Easier Living,” was written at a time when residential architecture was moving in a more modern style. A clean – no fuss – philosophy on the mid-century style. A must read if you’ve ever wondered why the simplistic style emerged in the 50’s and 60’s.
More than just clocks, Howard Miller offers a new line of casegoods in collaboration with designer Ty Pennington.
Fully customizable casegoods such as media center, storage, wine bar and entry way units that are fully customizable and meet a more modern style. Clean lines and up-to-date finishes make this suite of furniture to appealing to an emerging audience of good quality furniture buyers.
Just as good as ever, Howard Miller, has introduced the ol’clock with modern appeal. Made in Zeeland, MI and manufactured in the USA, these items are keepsakes and functional artwork.
Dorchester Wall Clock, I source Howard Miller thru FCA Design Center, Naperville.
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.
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.
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.