Asparagus Interiors Inc.

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.

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.

More than just clocks, Howard Miller offers a new line of casegoods in collaboration with designer Ty Pennington.

Fully customizable casegoods such as media center, storage, wine bar and entry way units that are fully customizable and meet a more modern style.  Clean lines and up-to-date finishes make this suite of furniture to appealing to an emerging audience of good quality furniture buyers.

Just as good as ever, Howard Miller, has introduced the ol’clock with modern appeal.  Made in Zeeland, MI and manufactured in the USA, these items are keepsakes and functional artwork.

Dorchester Wall Clock, I source Howard Miller thru FCA Design Center, Naperville.

Looking for and “eco-friendly” counter top solution that’s more affordable than recycled glass, requires no maintenance like quartz and is made of recycled material.  Try Eco by Consentino.  New on the market in 2009, check out the article in Interiors Design magazine.

I was just looking up an article on the Dwell website covering Jens Risom, and found the Bertie Box.

Like the not so serious Risom Side Chair, I like the style of the Bertie box.  How much fun would this chair be for a kid to read on, an accent in a hallway, or coffee nook with small side table.

Blik just sent out a “Welcome Back” email as they have revised their website and their wall decal offerings.

With the latest designer / retailer parings, the collaboration with Mina Javid couldn’t be more fun.

Keeping it simple, clean and two dimensional always captures the eye and makes the unexpected stand out.

Details to notice: 1) Wall sticker goes to the floor “over the base board” for a more realistic look. 2) Scale of the object is proportional and realistic. 3) Depth of color is solid and will set off any background color.

Like the designs, check out Mina Javid’s clean interiors with a mid-century nod to Heath Ceramics and what looks to be solid walnut custom furniture.

The art scene in the summer is always sure to offer new inspiration.  If you live in the Chicago burbs, consider the Geneva Arts Fair this weekend (7/25-7/26).  The quaint 3rd street strip is lined with artists displaying their fine art.  I’ve found this art fair to be one of my favorites.

While your there be sure to stop by Cocoa Bean for fine pasteries and coffee.  Check out Sentimental Gardens and Debra’s new blog 5th and State.  Take home some awesome pretzel rolls from Hahn’s Bakery, just off 3rd.

***As a side note, check out my new silk scarf designs.  I’m hoping to make more for the upcoming Partners for Clean Choice – Auto and Home Life Show, Naperville, IL.

I love San Francisco for so many reasons, but their choice for enhancing public transit shelters with the 3form product has so many forward thinking pluses+++

According to 3form, “The winning concept, by Lundberg Design, called for photo-voltaic cells and recycled polycarbonate material. The transit shelters consisted of an industrial structure with a bold, iconic roof design element.”

Also stated by San Francisco’s Mayor Gavin Newsom, “Transit shelters that use photovoltaics, LEDS, and WiFi are going to be standard in the future and I’m proud that San Francisco is once again acting like the pace car for other cities by trying and implementing these technologies.”

Read More About It Here

Wondering how to hang your artwork?  There is no “right way,” but there are rules of thumb.

I recently completed framing these pieces and wanted to try new ways to install them.  I considered laying the owls on the mantle, no need to hang for a “laid back” look.

A collage grouping made an unexpected layout with similar frames, I held the dimensions between the two prints the same leaving a gap from the large and small prints.

Consider laying out on the floor before you get started and refer to websites such as, Better Homes and Gardens, for ideas.

FOUND IT:  Willow Branch Garden Screen, with diamond pattern at The Growing Place.

INSTALLED IT: Hanging from the ceiling.  Suspended about 10″ below the ceiling the screen creates a drop ceiling effect.  Giving  a lofty elevated look and the diamond pattern will add interested above our reading nook.

CONSIDER OTHER OBJECTS: Design elements don’t have to come from a typical retail outlet.  Consider nature, antiques, look at your space and consider alternatives.  It’s fun, easy and UNEXPECTED.