Asparagus Interiors Inc.

I ran across this photo on Etsy by, Byrdie Graphics Shop. The repurposed tub features an upholstered seat with painted under coat and silver feet.  Byrdie Shop added their “Birdie on a branch” graphic for that added detail.

Cool find, cool graphic.

This week, I was lucky enough to be interviewed by Chicago Tribune reporter, Kari Richardson.  The article, “Designers & architects can save you money,” covered how hiring a professional to design your home renovation project can help prevent expensive home-improvement errors.

The article mentioned:

“Cindy Grier of Naperville was looking for that kind of expertise when she hired designer Elizabeth Marusin of Asparagus Interiors Inc. to assist with a kitchen and family room remodeling project.

“I don’t know how to do this kind of thing,” said Grier, who had lived in her home for 20 years with few updates before undertaking the project. “I really needed someone to help me.”

Marusin, who prides herself on her knowledge of green products, helped Grier and her husband repurpose a pair of built-in bookcases by repainting them and adding IceStone shelves for plants, a material made of recycled glass and concrete. Marusin also helped the couple save money by working their existing appliances and artwork into the space plan she developed.

Vintage lamps are so cool when you really find a unique piece.  After dusting them off, try taking your lamp to a shade store and have it fitted for the right size.

Yesterday, I took my old man sailor down to Lamps & Shades Ltd. in Glen Ellyn. They fitted my lamp with an unexpected shape and finial that topped off the piece.  They also cary vintage pieces, like the green napoleonesque vase shape lamp I fell in love with.

Try going to a local retailer for a lamp shade, their expertise and eye for detail helps you select the right shape for your lamp.

Thinking about installing bamboo, but confused about durability and available sources?

I turned to Green Operations Magazine, article “8 Questions to ask when purchasing bamboo flooring,” by Ann Knight of Teragren.

Important notes to consider:

• When was the bamboo harvested?  After 6 years bamboo reaches maturity and offers it’s hardest fibers.  Harvest any younger and your getting a softer less durable product.
• Is bamboo coming from a reputable manufacturer?  Quality control is more consistent with a manufacturer with tighter standards of growth, harvest and production.
• How eco-friendly is bamboo?  Was it manufactured with Low VOC adhesives and sustainably harvested?
• Harder than Red Oak, what does that mean? Janka Hardness Test, is the means in which wood species are tested for hardness.  Harder than Red Oak, is softer than Maple and almost as hard as White Oak and other like species.

My recommendation, use a reputable manufacturer.  Going for cheap doesn’t mean you will get a good product or a company that will back defects in product.  Younger bamboo can dent, scratch and gray as it may not have had time to mature and harden.

Do your research and consider this sustainable product as an investment in your home.

Note: Image sourced from Teragren.com

A few reputable firms offering bamboo flooring: Teragren and Eco Timber

Ever wanted grasscloth wallpaper in a bathroom or hallway, but worried about it’s durability?

Color & Design have come up with an “Alternative Substrate.”  According to their site, “This eco-friendly wallcovering is lightweight, breathable, recyclable, Greenguard certified and can be effectively used with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.”  It looks like grasscloth and comes in a variety of colors.  Giving you the look and feel without breaking down… hello foyer!

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.