Asparagus Interiors Inc.

2 years ago, I saw the “Silent Stairway” series by John Leben in the Lake Effect Gallery in Holland MI.

This year, I went in and asked about it. They carry the series prints and I became intrigued by the majestic detail in the beach side staircases.

Based on the Western Michigan beach landscapes these staircases are described by the artist as, “The stairs, silent, brooding, except in summer months when footsteps, young and old echo up and down these old treads.”

_________________________

Ottawa Beach Historic District, Holland MI

This past holiday week, vacationing in Holland MI, I discovered more about the Ottawa Beach Historic District.  First strollering my daughter up a grassy beach sidewalk that lead to the boardwalks of century’s past.  The Ottawa Beach Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places.  A unique “resort” community nestled in the hill of Mout Pisgah.  There are no cars that pull up to the hillside homes, just connecting boardwalks that home owners cart their belongings to and from.  Creating a sense of a secret and off the beaten path community.  Families who’ve vacationed here for generations – relish in the history and nostalgia in their beach community.

• Historic District of Ottawa Beach (quote and images found at): www.historicottawabeach.com

“Located five miles west of Holland MI, Ottawa Beach is bound by Lake Macatawa (Black Lake), Lake Michigan and Mt. Pisgah. This resort community was platted and development began in 1886. Ottawa Beach is a unique combination of  forested dunes, Lake Macatawa shorelines and fine sand beaches.  Victorian cottages shelter a vibrant community where residents and visitors can relax with friends or explore the walks, dunes and waterways.”

Images: Hotel Ottawa | Upper Boardwalk

Pushing the season, aren’t I?  I know it’s still summer, but the design media is already starting to buzz about Fall’s trends.

Mansour Modern, just released a line of Vintage – Swedish rugs, like the Swedish Kilim style shown.  Strong graphics are making their way onto our floors and in bedspreads.

Other trends popping on the scene:

• Grey Leather and tucked detailing
• Animal busts in new materials
• Imports in ceramics, artwork and finishes
• Modern Lamps accenting traditional furniture
• Anything vintage and weathered is good!

NeoCon 2011, started out with keynote speaker Matt Petersen, President and CEO of Global Green USA.  Matt spoke of the work Global Green does in the US and throughout the world.   Global Green raises awareness for environmental influences that are changing our world and how they are working to address women’s issues, devastation from Hurricane Katrina and local efforts to improve sustainability home and abroad.

I hopped from showroom to showroom seeking products that address how we are working with new technologies, recognizing a common thread in sustainable products and muted tones this year.  Products focused on function and were heavy on purpose less on the splashy colors of the past.

A few products of note that caught my eye:

• Furniture models in the Davis showroom
• Paul Smith woven fabric at Maharam
• Collaborative seating for group meetings at Izzy, notice the rug made of recycled men’s ties – cool!
• Wood planks made in porcelain tile, by Stone Source
• Kids will thank Bretford for coming up with and integrated solution to – recharge your ipad and computer while studying in lounge - so smart.

Today, I’m and NCIDQ Certificate Holder.

After completing all three examinations, I’ve completed the biggest step toward becoming a certified Interior Design professional.

Why hire and NCIDQ certified professional?  According to NCIDQ:

“All NCIDQ Certificate holders have been educated, trained and examined to protect public health, safety and welfare. When you hire an NCIDQ Certificate holder, you hire a professional with proven knowledge, experience and proficiency in the latest interior design principles and practices, contract documents and administration and decision-making skills.”

Grill Plate – Styrofoam no more!

The remixed grill plate offered by Bauer Pottery Company is one of those eye catching products you fall in love with.  A bit of nostalgia… a lot of durability.  Fiesta colors and fun for the summer, check out the grill plate for your summer soirée.

Today, my daughter and I visited a new store in Glen Ellyn, Gather & Collect.

Vintage finds, eclectic mix, great prices – I loved it!

Shop owners Jessica and Julie were fun and thrilled to have people visit their store and swap stories about design | vintage and the latest finds.  It’s worth a stop, note their hours are Thursdays, Friday’s & Saturdays.

My fav’s: Vintage clutches, pillows and frames… it’s all fun at Gather & Collect.

Intriguing… isn’t it. All the little nook, crannies, building and landscapes Chicago has to offer.

What’s Out There Weekend Chicago – June 11th, Hosted at Room and Board Chicago

The Chicago Cultural Landscape Foundation, is offering “a series of free guided tours, highlighting the City’s remarkable heritage of historic designed landscapes.”

There’s so  much to learn and see right out our back yard.  Take the kids, take a stroller, go for a walk, learn about a historic site and embrace an era and it’s preservation.

Yard-ifacts… man-made objects for your yard giving it a sense of humor and a pop of color.

This week I’ve been hunting down garden objects to bring in the summer season.  I searched high and low for color, texture, shape and oddity.

I found brightly colored trellis, textured pots and a mixture of pattern and glazes at The Growing Place in Naperville, IL.  They offer thousands of varieties of trees, plants, flowers and a large selection of garden objects, pots and containers.  The best part of the Naperville location is the “secret garden” setting you feel like you’re walking through a special place.

The oversized chicken and wire human-oid sculptures are the whimsy I was looking for.  Tuck them away as a screen or peering over a patch of flowers will give these guys a bit of humor that every garden needs… a pop of interest.  Also found in Naperville, in a small garden shop behind City Hall on Water Street just off of Main Street.

Chilewich, floor / table / bags & trays – all interesting and functional pieces for the summer. Quiet patterns, subtle textures and pops of color.  This functional, durable and breathable fabric allows you to enjoy the carefree and easy to clean material with the performance you need.  A minimal and simple style that brings me to lunch on the veranda, a bit of beach and a lot of ease.

Asparagus Interiors can now source Chilewich for you!

This past weekend we visited Holland MI for the Tulip Time Festival and a MI getaway.

Holland is full of bright colors this spring – tulips, art, beach and people.

We visited Veldheer’s tulip farm, Second Chance Design, Grand Haven Beach and downtown Holland.  Tulip Time runs though May 14th.

• Veldheer’s Tulip Farm
• Second Chance Design – Mid Century furniture and housewares – Great find!