Asparagus Interiors Inc.

This Cool Ride – Clean Choice show this past weekend was chilly, but proved to be a good event. I met some interesting people looking to make greener life style choices and professionals working on finding ways to make a more eco-friendly lifestyle accessible and a reality as we renovate and build our homes.  The vehicles at this show were fuel – energy efficient and encouraging.

I met with Ecohaus, Lee and Ghandour Architects and Builders, a local Naperville group working to build LEED Certified and energy efficient homes.

Also working with Ecohaus, Chicago Home Improvement Magazine. Publisher, Sherry Winchester Schultz, was at the event and provided excitement and interest in green building initiatives in the Chicagoland area.

With support for global warming solutions, our statement is featured on the homepage for the next two days.  Visit globalwarmingsolutions.org for more information.

Global Warming Solutions.org

Asparagus Interiors, Inc.

“I am a small business owner who is committed to providing sustainable interior design solutions to residential and commercial clients.  My professional and personal commitment to sustainability is the foundation for my support of federal climate change legislation. I urge the U.S. Senate to act on this important issue this year.”

- Elizabeth Marusin, Asparagus Interiors Inc. (Designer, Allied ASID)

It’s that time of year again.

This year’s birthday blog took me to Chicago’s Wicker Park and out for German in Peotone.

Mo and I wanted to go “off our beaten path” and headed over to Wicker Park. We stopped for Turkish coffee, then shopping at Renegade Handmade and Threadless Kids for tshirts.

The Bier Stube, in Peotone, is my favorite to place for birthday dinner.  German faire, music and beer garden can’t be beat for the fun and lively atmosphere.

Just returning from a week long vacation in Holland MI.  My girls loved the beach, we loved spending time with them.

We also can’t go on vacation these days without picking up a “design find.” This trip, I found two pillows made for Herman Miller with Maharam’s Hella Jongerius – Layers fabric at the Outlet/Company Store in Zeeland, MI.

With all the treasures we uncovered and treasured time, I’m glad to be home in Naperville, but nothing beats a week of summer sun in Michigan.

I never realized that I practiced a certain philosophy, but after reading “Slow is the New Fast,” by Stir magazine for Sherwin Williams, I realized that I’ve always suscribed to these philosophies.

Design to me is an evolotion a build, a layering.  Textures, colors, storyies, inspriation, culture and travel.  All things that we do in our lives reflected in our environments.

The slow movement was founded on “educating and lobby for organic farming, nutrition and the use of local ingredients. Over the years, the Slow Movement has expanded into the areas of travel, shopping and, more recently, design.”

The movements 6 principles are, “reveal, expand, reflect, engage, participate, and evolve.”  Consider how the economy has slowed and we begin to value what takes time not how quickly we can get it.

My dad made the red adirondack chairs for us, I painted them and together we’ve added relaxation to our weekend routine and a slower philosophy to live by.

Sounds lovely,  a night stay in a luxe hotel.  Even better a LEED rated building.  Green design and sustainble resources make the Hotel Felix a Silver.  Reported by Contract Magazine, “Located in Chicago, the Hotel Felix is the city’s first hotel designed to achieve LEED Silver certification.”

Looking for that punchy pop art kick this season.  Freshen up with some really light white or misty grey walls.  Then position some pop art for color.  Whaa – la, you’ve got a graphic kick start to some eye catching artwork.  Graphic artwork is easily recognizable and the solid silhouette is remarkably eye catching. Check out Naked Decor, for pillows, artwork, clocks and a ceramic line by designer Johnathan Adler.

I just started reading My French Life, by Vicki Archer.  A fab story about how she and her family purchase a second home in Provence and their story of renovation and adopting a love of France and the French lifestyle.

It brings back memories of my past visit to Versailles, Paris and Bordeaux.  What I didn’t know then, I’d love to revisit now.  The lavender bushes, bright vivid colors, detailed architecture and scrumptious eats along the way.  I’m hoping I can introduce a little “je ne sais quoi” into my spring style.

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.

Interested in modern pre-fab construction, but wonder what its really like inside.

Lost River Modern, a “modern pre-fab cabin” now offers a stay for the night, a weekend, or a week in one of their prefabs located in the mountains of West Virginia.

I kinda like the idea of trying the shoe on before I know it fits.