CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

How Would You . . .

casasugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:00:15 -0800

This ornate pair of cypress wood Chinese Window Panels ($3,750) originally had an architectural (yet decorative) purpose in 19th century China. But, their greek key pattern, which is very popular these days, certainly gives the screen a sort of à la mode flair. I'd love to see them used in a home's interior, rather than its structure, and I'm wondering what ideas you have for them. I'm thinking they'd look quite unique used as a great headboard, coffee-table top, mirror frame, or even a hanging pot rack. The possibilities are endless. What are your thoughts? Tell me by commenting below!

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

casasugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:00:54 -0700

. . . would you decorate your mantel with this Rare 1940s Balloon Mold ($3,800) from an old American toy factory?

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

Absolutely — it's so unique and fun!

Maybe — if I had an industrial look going on.

No way — that is simply not display-worthy.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

How Would You . . .

casasugar — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:30:13 -0700

This adorable Jeu de Quilles (Bowling) Set ($575), designed to look like toy soldiers, is from 1940s France. With only nine pins left, it's probably a bit difficult to play a genuine bowling game. So, I'd like you to think outside of the alley and tell me how you'd use the set in your home as décor or a furnishing. If you're handy or know a good carpenter, you could certainly transform them into a playful and interesting furniture piece, by perhaps using the pins as legs for a table or arms for a shelf. Or, you might even hang them from the ceiling as a chandelier. I'd love to use them as small fence posts, or pedestals for outdoor candles. Tell me how you'd use them in your home by commenting below!

Ask Casa: Claude Lalanne Sheep Sculptures

casasugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 06:15:03 -0700

Hi Casa,
You featured some imitation Claude Lalanne sheep sculptures in June. I have been looking for these for 10 years, since they were featured in an issue of House & Garden in September 1998! Can you let me know where I can purchase them?Thanks!
Stily

To hear my response to Stily,

What You're Wanting Revealed: A Room For This Vase

casasugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:00:59 -0700

Since I first posted this challenge, my love for the Charles Catteau Deer Vase ($3,900) has only grown. Created in 1925 in Belgium, its brilliant colors and crackled surface are decorated with four deer. Its unusual appearance is just begging for a room to be decorated around it, don't you think? For this last What You're Wanting, I wanted to know how you'd decorate a room to complement this vase.

Cocochic designed a chic, subdued bedroom for the vase. She writes, "The ivory color of the vase is echoed in the linens with blues on the bed and in the art work. A deep purple throw and deep woods add dimension to the room. With glass and metal side tables and metal lamps with black shade, the room has a bit of glamour. I would put the vase on the dresser with some white orchids in it."

Congrats to Cocochic, who wins the CasaSugar schwag of her choice for her cool look!

For another cool look,

How Would You . . .

casasugar — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:30:04 -0700

This set of four, brass-studded, Leather Bound Trunks ($15,000) likely once served as travel storage for a sophisticated lady on a worldly voyage like Angelina Jolie in Changeling. But, as these How Would Yous tend to go, I'm not interested in offering up suitcases to you. I want to know how you'd use these elegant antique suitcases in your home as décor. Would you use one as a coffee table? Stack them beside a reading chair as a side table? Turn them into planters? Hang them on the wall? Turn them into pet beds? Paint them? Fill them with old love letters? I know you can come up with a creative use for these ancient beauties. Tell me by commenting below!

What You're Wanting: A Room For This Vase

casasugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:00:49 -0700

I am absolutely in love with this Charles Catteau Deer Vase ($3,900). Created in 1925 in Belgium, its brilliant colors and crackled surface are decorated with four deer. Its unusual appearance is just begging for a room to be decorated around it, don't you think?
For this week's What You're Wanting, I want to know how you'd decorate a room to complement this vase. Would you use blues? What room would you choose? What type of textiles and furniture would work with this unique vase? Add all the finds to your ShopStyle Living stylebook, and create a look tagged with the phrase deer vase. Private message me if you have any questions. Oh, and as extra incentive, I'll give some Sugar schwag away to my favorite look!
Source

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

casasugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:00:17 -0700

. . . would you set this pair of Mongolian shaggy lamb x-based stools ($9,500), designed by influential interior decorator Dorothy Draper, in your living room?

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

Absolutely — they're fantastic and a wonderful example of her work!

Maybe — if I were going with a furry, neo-baroque theme.

No way! Those are absolutely ridiculous.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

How Would You . . .

casasugar — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 08:30:00 -0700

This Wrought Iron Gate ($650) from Italy in the 1900s has clearly seen better days, and might detract from your home's curb appeal if you set it in front of your lawn. But despite its wear and tear, its slightly bent out of shape fleur-de-lys spires, missing pieces, and rusted exterior give it a visually interesting and much-loved architectural quality. So, for this challenge, I'd like you to tell me how you'd use it in (or outside of) your home, other than as a gate. Would you hang it up as wall décor? Would you lean it against a wall as a sculpture? Would you turn it into a dining table, using an iron base and a glass top? Would you paint it? Would you use it as a headboard? Hang lights from it as a chandelier? Tell me by commenting below!

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

casasugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:00:27 -0700

. . . Would you spend $10,000 on this Gerrit Rietveld Low Crate Table? And yes, it's made from crates . . . .

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

Absolutely! It's a classic of modern furniture design.

Maybe, if I could resell it for a profit.

No way. It. Is. Made. From. Crates. What's the point?

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.