Asparagus Interiors Inc.

Visit your local art show and notice what’s vibrant this year.  You might be surprised to see it’s artists from your town who are pushing the limits and honing their craft to create beautiful art.

This weekend at the Geneva Art Fair, I purchased a watercolor from D. L Brown Watercolors of Warrenville, IL.  Right in my backyard, Don Brown captures small town nostalgia in watercolors with vibrant colors that mimic the storefronts and porcelain signs of the past.  The wierd thing was he drew a sign from a storefront in Le Claire IA, I pass by all the time.  Had to have it, a little piece of home.

John Caruso of Caruso Photo, captures light hearted images that tweak my smile every time I pass his booth.  I’ve started collecting photographs for a wall above my dresser.  Most are fun little images that help kick start my day.  All framed in white, it’s the little things that are fun in life.

Industrial can be pretty… and vintage and rugged and what’s happening today in design.  Reconsider re-purposed, eclectic touches in fixtures from the industrial era.

Hudson Goods offers a mix of vintage fixtures and furniture.  Pair the metal flower pendant with a 40 W Squirrel Cage Tungsten Filament bulb from Rejuvenation Hardware and you have a really cool industrial fixture.

You may have appliances in stainless, but mixing your hardware with a vintage fixture can keep the space interesting and not so out of the box adding character to your space.

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.

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.

Looking for a pop of color at the breakfast table?
Anyone interested in Mid-Century designs is sure to come across Russel Wright and the American Modern pottery line.  It’s style is so iconic and still available thru the Bauer Pottery Company.

Mary and Russel Wright’s, “Guide to Easier Living,” was written at a time when residential architecture was moving in a more modern style.  A clean – no fuss – philosophy on the mid-century style.  A must read if you’ve ever wondered why the simplistic style emerged in the 50’s and 60’s.

Just the right mix.  Cavern Wallpaper’s blog on “Respecting Dorthy Draper” discusses her knack for mixing patterns and strong colors to create the right mix and balance.

Her style, strong and bold represents what can be possible by taking chances and living in the moment.  Why not, what do you have to loose?

It may be over the top for some, but adding a little Draper style will give your space the individuality you’ve been looking for.

Local Chicago artist, Mimi Damrauer of Mimi Designs, is having their home studio sale this month.

• Saturday, January 23       4-9pm
• Sunday, January 24         10-4pm

A textile artist, Mimi has designed for Crate and Barrel and can usually be seen at local art fairs in the summer around Chicago.  It’s artwork for your walls and floors.

Orginal textile collage created by Chicago based fiber artist Mimi Damrauer. The art pieces are made from Mimi’s hand-dyed and painted cottons, which are hand cut and machine sewn. All works are originals.

I’ve been hearing the term “mash-up” quite regularly these days.  Music mash up, style mash up… basically taking 2 styles and blending them together.

My coffee table mash up consists of 2 styles, modern and cottage.  I stumbled on two furniture companies that I think could “mash-up” quite nicely together.

Yellow coffee table made by, Furniturea with their “rural modern” style, is made in Maine and marries that cottage, mid-century, arts and crafts style nicely.  With a wide range of colors this mix is fun.

The aqua side table, “Grace”, is made by Maine Cottage of wicker construction also made in Maine.  The company notes, “we borrow from some of the great wicker design ideas of the mid 20th century to create the vintage appeal and unique character found in older summer homes, inns and resorts.”

Mashing up styles, with like valued colors and textures makes for a fun mix.

If you love the french antique vibe over at Les Tissus Colbert, check out State Street Salvage in Geneva, IL.

A new venture for Kevin Hanley and Steven Peterson, focused on reclaimed industrial furniture that has been hand crafted and retooled for residential applications.   The companies collaborate on projects offering a renewed appreciation for old world furniture.  It makes the trip out to Geneva so worth it.

It’s December 1st and the holiday season has just begun.

In the spirit of all things festive and fun, I’ve listed a couple of holiday finds that are sure to bring out the cheeky cheery fun we all love.

• Ornament: Loosetooth Design
• Free Download – Advent Calendar and Monthly Planner: Mimbo
• Linen Fabric, Creative Gifts and Annual Linen Calendar: Lotta Jansdotter