Asparagus Interiors

Why of course, I spotted a refreshing sense of design at Lincoln Park Zoo this weekend.

In addition to the animal prints of Zebra, Tiger and Leopard, the beautiful “Endangered Species Carousel,” sent me reflecting on the carousels of my youth at the House on the Rock in WI, and of those we spotted in Paris. The intricate details, majestic patterns, an surreal animals so ornate and vibrant in color.

How does this apply to interiors? As we move into the Spring season the annual awakening occurs and a refreshing of our interior environment comes to light. I’m thinking of hand printed papers to hang, wall coverings, lighting and window treatments. The “accessories” for the room that can change without structural impact.

Like the carousel, I’m loving the jewel tones this season. Vibrant orange, lime green, turquoise and yellow in a moderate saturation level. Layering colors and pattern add depth to the design elements and using the same hue levels keeps the palette constant and not one color jarring.

Some inspiring items for Spring:

Cole and Son Wallpaper - Cow Parsley

Shine Home - Drake Table Lamp

Stray Dog - Bird Stool

Paper Source - Red Paisley Print

(Thanks to my friends at Croncast for the carousel photo.)

This week, I’ve been inspired by the craft of woodworking both personally and through readings.

I’ve stumbled upon the work of the late George Nakashima.

Known throughout the fine furniture and artistic community as a craftsman that that is inspired by and embraces nature. Nakashima and now his daughter Mira, carefully select trees and used the uniquely natural features to design furniture pieces such as tables and chairs. His story and process are worth reading and shed light on how we can pursue and cherish artwork from local craftsman.

As I work with clients and design my home, I’m pushing myself to make selections that are not found in the everyday big box store. Let’s look at what our craftsman are offering and how their art can be integrated into the design of our everyday lives.

A little tribute to my parents, whom with my mother’s artwork and my fathers woodworking crafted us up a “real fish” for our basement bar. I’m challenging myself to start looking to the next level of artistic creation and figure out a way to become part of a “process.”

Lately, I’ve been flower crazed. Spring is on it’s way, our new daughter Poppy has arrived and our fish also named Flower is thriving in her little tank with pink rocks.

I’m thinking of taking a class with my sister Maureen in the art of “European Floral Design,”at College of DuPage.

I personally believe that flowers and plants add life to a space. With out them, there’s no balance, no life, no greenery.

Simple flower arrangements add an understated elegance. A clear glass vase with a handful of tulips or daffodils are fresh and clean. Calalily stems wrapped up in a tall glass vessel are exquisite and simple.

We’re contemplating event decorating as an extension of our design offerings. I look forward to the blending of interior design using natural materials and fresh flora.