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.

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.

Thinking about installing bamboo, but confused about durability and available sources?

I turned to Green Operations Magazine, article “8 Questions to ask when purchasing bamboo flooring,” by Ann Knight of Teragren.

Important notes to consider:

• When was the bamboo harvested?  After 6 years bamboo reaches maturity and offers it’s hardest fibers.  Harvest any younger and your getting a softer less durable product.
• Is bamboo coming from a reputable manufacturer?  Quality control is more consistent with a manufacturer with tighter standards of growth, harvest and production.
• How eco-friendly is bamboo?  Was it manufactured with Low VOC adhesives and sustainably harvested?
• Harder than Red Oak, what does that mean? Janka Hardness Test, is the means in which wood species are tested for hardness.  Harder than Red Oak, is softer than Maple and almost as hard as White Oak and other like species.

My recommendation, use a reputable manufacturer.  Going for cheap doesn’t mean you will get a good product or a company that will back defects in product.  Younger bamboo can dent, scratch and gray as it may not have had time to mature and harden.

Do your research and consider this sustainable product as an investment in your home.

Note: Image sourced from Teragren.com

A few reputable firms offering bamboo flooring: Teragren and Eco Timber

Ever wanted grasscloth wallpaper in a bathroom or hallway, but worried about it’s durability?

Color & Design have come up with an “Alternative Substrate.”  According to their site, “This eco-friendly wallcovering is lightweight, breathable, recyclable, Greenguard certified and can be effectively used with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.”  It looks like grasscloth and comes in a variety of colors.  Giving you the look and feel without breaking down… hello foyer!

Spring offering by Heath Ceramics, “Ocean Pacific, a three-color pattern created by two glazes,” its a sunnyside accent to the spring season.  The new collection is available April 1st.  Ahh it’s lovely.

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.

This weekend we stopped off for a quick peak at Haeger Potteries, in Dundee, IL.

Haeger Pottery has been around since 1871, with an emphasis on clean lines and timeless designs.  Royal Haeger ceramic artware is their line of well crafted timless pieces.  They also offer ceramics in the Frank Lloyd Wright collection.

It’s worth a trip to get a glimpse of family history, innovation and local industry still at work.

If you are learning about pottery or interested in a specific style or era check out: Art Pottery Blog

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.

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.

Check out this month’s feature article in Chicago Home Improvement, “The Fab Floor.”

I was asked by author Kathy Kidwell, to contribute my take on what makes flooring interesting and insight into flooring trends.

I was quoted by Kidwell stating, “A well-designed floor should work cohesively with the room, incorporating the floor finish as another plane to work with,” says Elizabeth Marusin, designer with the Naperville-based Asparagus Interiors Inc. “Color, texture and pattern all play into how the floor grounds a space. A well-designed room strikes a balance between the vertical plane and the floor, making the room work as a whole.”

The article posted below can also be found in hard copy at local design stores throughout Chicago in February.

• Chicago Home Improvement Feb-2010 / The Fab Floor / Cover Page
• Chicago Home Improvement Feb-2010 / The Fab Floor / Page 9
• Chicago Home Improvement Feb-2010 / The Fab Floor / Page 11
• Chicago Home Improvement Feb-2010 / The Fab Floor / Page 12
• Chicago Home Improvement Feb-2010 / The Fab Floor / Page 13