Asparagus Interiors Inc.

New Year, New Projects, New Fabric.

I just recently ordered samples from Carnegie’s new line, Bright Side.

Bright Side is fun, bright and made of recycled material.  Noted on their site as, “Bright Side is woven from 100% post consumer polyester and finished with the MBDC Cradle to Cradle Certified “Nanotex Resist Stains” and antimony free 100% polyester barrier “Durablock”.

Consider reupholstering your pieces to something more durable and bright.

Seasons Greetings!  Our annual holiday e-card went out this weekend wishing you all a fun and festive holiday season.  This year has proven to be full of projects that were both inspiring and creative.  Pushing my ideas further and doing more with what we have.

Emphasis on heirloom objects, renewable resources and placing priority on focal points has challenged my designs to work with your important creative goals.

Working together with a shared vision and common goal helps us create great interiors!

Wishing you all happy holidays and a prosperous new year!  Best Wishes, – Liz Marusin

The “power of presentation” applies to so many facets of our lifes.  We are a visual society that craves stimulus and makes decisions based on appearances.

We visited Joy Yee Noodle shop in Naperville this past weekend with our daughters.  They were instantly swayed by the visual presentation of the noodle shop’s offerings.

Can chopsticks really suspend in the air? Can a fish really stand up on a plate?  These are the fascinating visual effects in their display widows.  The menu all in asian script and photos helps us figure out what looks good as we decipher what to order.

How can this translate to your interior design?

Presentation is everything so if you have a specific style, or are hosting a friend, party or your mom for tea.  Go ahead and make it special.  Take the time to consider how your interior design reflects who you are.

I ran across this Kroehler Chair offered online via Hindsvik.etsy.com. It got me thinking, how cool is this chair and can these mid-century models still be out there.

I came across a write up on the Kroehler Manufacturing Co’s past in Naperville on the Encyclopedia of Chicago.

Considering I live a stone’s throw from the building, I thought it be in my best interest to follow up on some local history.

Interesting facts from the article:

• 1902, Peter E. Kroehler bought the Naper ville Lounge Co.
• 1940s, Kroehler was the second-largest furniture maker in the United States.
• 1970s, closing its historic Naperville factory in 1978 and ending its operations in the area.

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.

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.

Renovating your kitchen.  Looking for a pop of color and considering new countertop options. Check out Vertrazzo Recycled Glass countertops made with 85% recycled glass.

They recently won the “first annual Green Log Home & Lifestyle Awards^TM in the countertop division. Judged most eco-friendly from a crowded field of surfacing options.”

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

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.

Looking to spice up your reading with classic novels and dress up your shelves with cloth covered books.

Look no further.  I was delighted to find the Penguin Classics series in new cloth bound covers offered by Amazon.com and featured in Real Simple magazine.  These beautiful archives are inspiring and beautiful.  I’m putting down the kindle and putting these on my wishlist.