Asparagus Interiors Inc.

ECO by Consentino, a solid-surface counter top made of 75% recycled content composed of post-industrial or post-consumer materials and is bound by an environmentally friendly resin.

ECO is made from recycled content such as glass, mirror, ceramic, and porcelain (ie: tubs, toilets, skinks).

It’s resin allows the product to be:

• Stain, scratch and scorch resistant
• Non-porous, does not require sealers
• Available in 10 designer colors and two textures (Leatherâ„¢ and polished)
• Available in 63”x 128” slab and standard size tiles
• Building teams can gain points toward LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for a building project with ECO surfacing

Thanks to Jennifer Wilkinson over at Old Mill Kitchen Design for the design source.

Looking for a solid surface countertop that’s a renewable resource?  Consider 3form’s Chroma line.

According to 3form’s site, it’s “engineered to be resurfaced and re-colored again and again, preventing the material from entering the waste stream.”

• Durable – solid and sturdy for a variety of horizontal or vertical applications
• Formable – can be shaped to accommodate radius curves
• Renewable – surface can be renewed after years of use
• Structural – thick and stable for engineered load bearing applications
• Translucent – amazing clarity for unrivaled light transmission

Available in a 1/2″, 1″ and 2″ h.

I’ve been looking for local sources for green cabinetry.  I found el: environmental language, based in Barrington, IL.

EL designs cabinetry made of sustainable resources from bamboo to FSC certified wood resources.  They integrate metal and Tagua nut inlays to add detail and designs.  Inlays have always been associated with fine furniture and founded in the marquetry techniques of master craftsman.

Designer and founder Jill Salisbury was interviewed by Chicago Home and Garden magazine.  She discussed her passion for sustainable design and process in creating fine furniture, cabinets and interior solutions.

I really digging this featured artwork – posted by Design Milk on Twitter.

It’s made by Print Pattern Paper, and is really cute, kitschy and when grouped in 3′s great for a bathroom, kitchen or bedroom.

I’m looking to jazz up my indoor patio, might be the sweet tweet, I’m looking for.

Artwork printed on organic canvas.

With all the new construction and modern architecture these days.  Simple forms, straight lines, minimal architectural details… the corners of our rooms go unadorned.

Try adding some texture and height with a screen, planted bamboo or willow sticks.  Add a back light and wah-la you have a dramatic corner.

Terra Furnishings – Wavy Bamboo Screen

This week I found “Partners for Clean Choice” in Naperville.  I contacted Kate Shrank, president of the organization.  She has encouraged me to participate in their October event, “Cool Ride, Clean Choice.”

The group is described on their site as, ” a not for profit corporation, facilitating high impact local campaigns by working with corporations, local businesses, municipal, faith based, and civic leaders, to educate consumers about the many benefits and choices of clean vehicles and other mainstream consumer products on the market today.”

I’m planning to volunteer my time and participate in the event to promote a greener lifestyle and home design concepts.

Go no further than your child’s watercolor craft kit.

Pair these bright colors in small doses with a neutral in a bathroom, bedroom or kitchen.  These colors can easily translate into vases, pillows, or repaint that old side table with a little spring boost.

Grotto Cellars offers reclaimed Napa Valley wine barrel wood that’s been recreated into countertops and flooring.

What a cool way to add a bit of penache to your basement bar.  The Cooperage line (shown) is made from the top of the barrel and includes winery stamps and details amongst the planks.

So fun in a kitchen niche or wine cellar.

I heard the birds the other morning… I know spring is on it’s way.

In this weeks Chicago Tribune, the House and Home section featured a “goods” section dedicated to birds.

Ashes & Milk, a Chicago based online art gallery offered a Needle Nose bird teacup by, Helen Beard.  Her creations are hand thrown and painted porcelain.

Her swimmer cup reminds me of a favorite Seurat painting, Bathing At Asnieres.

Remember the white cabinet finish with a mocha glaze … craze…
Introducing a new trend in glazing – Charcoal Glaze.

With the new color palettes going more natural and linen-esque, we’re seeing more natural colors such as jute, subtle lavender, light grey.  These colors are translating in furniture.

Simes Studios – fine decor painting specializing in murals and architectural detals submitted their cabinet and furniture update detailing the 2 step process in achieving the charcoal glaze.

“Charcoal Glaze — a dark pewter wash to be applied over a wood surface or floor respecting and highlighting the grain with subtle silver accents. This finish works equally well in a contemporary or traditional setting. TWO STEPS over sealed wood.”

Wisteria – Furniture company also offers their own take on the Charcoal Glaze. 

Their bird chest is a “reproduction of a Eastern European country chest” and “crafted in pine with three spacious drawers, and hand painted with colorful birds, twining vines, and spring flowers.”