Asparagus Interiors Inc.

My friend Jen, set me a link to a new site focused on green building initiatives for the kitchen and bath industry.

K+BB Green – a kitchen and bath business focused site designed to inform and educate both designers, architects and builders but also the residential consumer.

In addition to K+BB Green, I’m going to be keeping my eye on the REGREEN program. This initiative is a collaboration between ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and the USGBC (United States Green Building Council).

REGREEN, is a partnership between the ASID and USGBC to develop, “best practice guidelines and targeted educational resources for sustainable residential remodeling projects. This program will increase understanding of sustainable renovation project practices and benefits among homeowners, residents, design professionals, product suppliers and service providers to build both demand and industry capacity.”

REGREEN will issue its guidelines and manual in March 2008. Visit their website to learn more about where the initiative and its impact on residential design.

I’ve drank the Benjamin Moore “kool-aid” and love it.

This week I attended the Benjamin Moore Color Preview presentation of the ’08 Color Forecast, offered by JC Licht in Elmhurst.

The 08′ Color Forcast presentation was exciting and informative.

Key concepts presented to the design community:

• Modern Tranquility – includes values of white, grey, aqua, light mocha and green
• Organic Comfort – features an earthy palette of yellow greens, grey, mocha, and earthy tones of red and yellow
• Pure Opulence – offers a look into the jewel tones such as deep pink, grey, brick red, purple, brown and teal

Key color influences going into ’08 are – values of grey, white, deep brown and aqua blue as accents. Also look into the earthy colors with the green movement getting stronger and more mainstream

Aura was presented to the designers as a new and revolutionary paint line. Important features of Aura paint:

• One coat will do the job 2 coats max for darker colors
• Priming is not necessary
• Matte, Eggshell and Satin all offer the same durability
• Low VOC emissions and can be used toward obtaining LEED points
• Water based, cleans up easily, dries quickly
• All the colors in the Aura line work well with each other due to a common hue level

Aura is more expensive but savings in coverage and labor will make up the difference in the product cost. It’s well worth it. I’ve used it to paint all the rooms in our new home and highly recommend it.

Since I’ve had Poppy (4wks now), I’ve been into cleaning and buying more eco-friendly products. Often using everyday products found in the home.

I’m also into the Get Fresh with Sarah Snow Show. I recommend Tivo’ing the show on Discovery, she’s full of great eco-minded tips that appeal to me and many greenies alike.

Eco-minded cleaning products I’m down with:

• Baking Soda and water – Great for getting the stains out of tubs, sinks
• Baking Soda Dry – Gets the odor out of pet dander infused carpets
• Vinegar and water – Acts as a cleaning agent for windows, countertops, mirrors and takes off wallpaper
• Seventh Generation, Method and Ecos have all become new favorite products.

Now that I’m home with the girls and Maggie is getting more curious, It would be nice to replace what is toxic with the everyday.