Asparagus Interiors

Last night was the final week of our European Floral Design class at College of Dupage.

The landscape design is intended to mimic plants in their natural environment, like scooping up a section of the earth and putting it on display.

The arrangement has groupings of flowers above a bed of moss. The twigs and berries add texture to the vibrant flowers. I enjoyed this style of arranging and hope to continue working on this concept.

Looking for a sustainable custom cabinetry manufacturer, local to Chicago?

I’m working on a project with Green With NV . I designed 5 custom cabinetry pieces to be manufactured using sustainably harvested woods using environmentally constructed materials and methods.

According to the site and team of employees their products feature:

• Solid wood used is harvested from forests that practice sustainable methods.
• Panels used to construct cabinet boxes are low or no formaldehyde, preventing toxic off gassing in your home.
• Finishes and adhesives are low VOC and water based.
• These products minimize environmental damage from solvents evaporating during manufacturing.
• They also eliminate toxic chemical off gassing in your home after installation.

I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product.

It’s time to dress up the front stoop.  Why not use Dogwood sticks?  Sticks add color, height and dimension to a planter.

I introduced natural grasses, succulents and varied heights using the sticks w/ a punch of color in the vessel.  I may add red when they come in season.

Try dressing up your front stoop, it’s welcoming and homey.

Today I received an Earth Day greeting from my sister that I did not expect.

Greeting read:

Happy Earth Day!

• Reduce (my weight)
• Reuse (my socks)
• Recycle (my cans)

Aside from the quirky play on the triple R’s, there is a deeper message.  Reducing our intake and purchase locally sourced products and materials, reusing items that don’t necessarily need to be replaced every season, and recycling those readily available items all contribute to living a greener lifestyle.  Go Bridget! Yeah.

It’s Spring Time!  What better way to enjoy the spring with tulips.

This weeks arrangement is comprised of a large glass bowl, complimentary colors, contrasting shapes and a metal element.

The key to this design.  Creating a focal point with the yellow tulips.  Adding interest with the metal wire, reinforces the circular movement and "bending" the tulip just slightly to wrap around the circumference of the bowl.

The contrast of the square block of foam to the round container adds an edge and contrasts the flow of the design.

Simple yet elegant.  That’s what I like most about this design.

I’ve decided it’s time to add an animal presence to the house. Besides our Lab Westerly, I’m thinking a little more fanciful, a Bestiary!

Long ago we gave a set of bull antlers to my sister as a white elephant gift. I’m thinking it’s time to go one step further and revive that animal spirit. Complimenting the deep orange on our fireplace wall a white bull may take charge of our living room with vengance.

Stray Dog Designs created Ferdinand . A serious yet spirited bull bust. He’d go great next to the fireplace, and constructed in white, may softens his tough demeanor.

This Tuesday, Maureen and I kicked off our European Floral Design class by focusing on accentuating the "vertical lines" of the composition.

Goals for the arrangement:

- Accentuate the vertical lines with complimentary colors
(purple and yellow)
- Add a realistic approach w/ a moss covered base
- Create "plant like" groupings of flowers
- Incorporate a bird for interest and to draw the eye to a
definitive location

It’s becoming clear to me that all levels of design whether it be fine arts, interiors, floral, fashion, etc. all focus on the same principals. Pattern, color, texture, and space all play into creating a well composed design.

I’ve also become inspired by the simple gesture of giving flowers and how they add joy and life to a space.