Asparagus Interiors Inc.

After the time spent at interior design school, I made my girls a quick graham cracker A-Frame gingerbread house. I’m also stumbling across little holiday houses like those at My House Party.

Some online sources for handcrafted holiday ideas:

• http://www.etsy.com
• http://www.modishblog.com
• http://www.designspongeonline.com/
• http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago

Keep your eyes open this holiday for creative ideas that inspire.

Over the weekend I attended my second Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago.  It’s a must on my list for all things creative and accessible.  It’s so refreshing to see craft be cool and interesting and modern and alive.

I’ll always attend this show and recommend it to anyone.  This year I saw lots of vendors from last year but also new artists and some that I took a double look at.

Here were my picks for fun finds at Renegade:

• Circa Ceramics – always a must.  Quirky and fun ceramic goods with a modern feel.
• Moira K Lime – Jewelery Designer. Delicate Forms. Organic Designs. Mixed Media.  I purchased a ring and absolutely love wearing it.  Great find.
• Jacqui Cheng Studio – Clothing designer.  Great lines, custom fit.  Wish I had picked up the scooter skirt, I do love the Joan dress.
• Tartella – Letterpress – Beautiful craftsmanship, bright colors, attention to detail.  Kitchen-ey Fun.  I picked up a cork print that was letterpress design with bright fuchsia screen printed.  I’m excited to frame it w/ double thick white mat.
• Loosetooth – Quirky and fun.  I picked up a cool ornament that screams 1950′s quirk.
• Shimmer Studio – Fun, clean lined graphics. Letterpress paper.
• Feltwerker – Recycled wool felt and eco-frieldy accessories.

Farrow & Ball, have for years now offered Low to No-VOC paints and eco-friendly wallpaper.  Not just for designers, consider Farrow & Ball for depth of color and high quality.

According to their site, Farrow & Ball’s line up includes, “More than 90% of our paint range is eco-friendly reflecting our strong commitment to the environment. The same is true of our wallpaper, nobody else uses real paints and traditional printing methods to create eco-friendly papers of such exceptional texture and beauty.”

NeoCon World’s Trade Fair 2009, was as much fun and inspiring as I expected.  A bustling of energy – packed with innovative commercial design solutions.  Hallways and showrooms packed with design industry afficianatos, exhibitors, and enthusiasts.

Throughout the day I jotted down trends, concepts and designs, I noticed as standouts and the emerging design concepts.

• Colors: Yellow, Gray, Orange, Deep Purple, Lime, Deep Blue
• Fabric: Saturated / Muted Colors of Orange, Blue, Purple, Gray, Tan, Geometric Shapes
• Carpet: Metallic Accents, Natural Fibers, Geometric Shapes
• Products: Recycled Content in Carpet, Fabric and Furniture
• Furniture: Low privacy screens, floating cubicle components, open office, emphasizing the horizontal line,
• Furniture: Incorporated Resin Screens and Accents – fewer fabric privacy walls
• Furniture: Individual Collaboration Boards and Pin Up Panels
• Furniture Finish: White Wash Birch, Natural Walnut, White Veneer, Dark Wood Accents
• Overall: Emphasis on collaboration in small groups and intimate work spaces for the individual

Visit my photo blog for more picture of NeoCon 2009.

I’ve been researching wool rugs these days and stumbled upon the Thomas Paul collection.  Each rug is so graphicly enticing.  I’m taken in by the starck contrast and modern appeal.  A collection worth checking out.

I love the new Shire chair by Modernica and the special addition Bikini model.  Modernica offers the traditional fiber glass Eames style chairs, but now with a new twist of the french legs.  So tres chic!

It’s so exciting for me to see a modern mix up with a little bit of french flair.  I’m thinking the Shire would make great a new desk chair.

Love Mid-Century design?  Check out this new light by Rejuvenation.  It’s customizable and the 3 cylinders can be colors (mid-century colors that is)!  Try this pendant in a corner nook just above a chair or desk.  So 1950′ stylie.

Hansen, offers an eco-friendly solution to modular kitchen cabinet design.  Hansen Blocks are constructed of FSC Certified wood with a natural oil or soap finish.

The freestanding modules can include a sink unit, storage, shelving and freestanding island for flexibility. Designed by the Danish architect Knud Kapper. Hansen is hand built with solid wood construction.

Thanks to Susan Serra, The Kitchen Designer, for the heads up.

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.