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What You're Wanting, Revealed: An Outdoor Dining Room For Adrian's Castle

casasugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:00:54 -0800

For the latest what you're wanting, I asked you how you'd furnish, accessorize, and style an outdoor dining room for Adrian Brody and Spanish girlfriend Elsa Pataky's stone castle-like house in upstate New York. The house is stunning, so I'm sure a basic picnic in the grass would still be glamorous, but AudreyStar really took the challenge and ran with it. So she wins the Sugar swag of her choice as a reward! Not only did she choose colors and materials that created a cohesive space, but she thought about all of the details of what a great outdoor space should have, including everything from lounge seating to festive napkin rings. To see her look,

Cool Idea: Kartell/Philippe Starck Topiary Garden

casasugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:00:21 -0700

As part of Milan Design Week 2008, Kartell installed seven 13-foot-tall topiary sculptures depicting a selection of its best known outdoor products at the Triennale Garden in Milan. The super-sized shrubs included a giant Dr. No chair, Victoria Ghost chair, Bubble Club chair, La Boheme stool, and Mr. Impossible chair, all designed by Philippe Starck. Starck announced in March that he will retire in two years, so this foray into the garden serves as a bit of send-off. And, since Starck has expressed shame for driving consumerism and materiality, this is certainly a step in the right direction for him. To see more images of the garden,

Midday Muse: Indoor Furniture Outdoors

casasugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:00:29 -0700

CitizenSugar recently wrote about a Nebraska town that passed a law banning indoor furniture from being used outside, likely initiated by town members who were up in arms about a large population of college students picking up the habit. Personally, I think in some cases using indoor furniture outdoors can be a favorable, aesthetically-pleasing design choice, and I've even suggested it before. But, obviously, unless it's weatherproofed, upholstery will not stay in fine form for long when used outdoors. Ratty vintage couches run rampant in the homes of college students and can make the neighborhood look untidy, so much like the Gray Ghost's opposition to graffiti in New Orleans, I can understand why townspeople would be disapprove. But, personally, I don't think it should be up to my neighbors to choose how I decorate my home, especially if I can't afford to buy genuine outdoor furniture. What are your thoughts on this? Are you against indoor furniture outdoors? Do you think it can add personal style or a relaxed vibe? Are there any types of indoor furniture that you like to see or actually use outdoors? Would you be bothered by this law if were it enacted in your town? Tell me by commenting below!
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Steal of the Day: CB2's Buena Park Chair

casasugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:45:25 -0700

Major steal alert: The CB2 Buena Park Chair has been massively marked down. Originally $169, this adorably modern version of a Luxembourg gardens chair is now only $39.95. I don't know how it can be this cheap, but I'm not about to start arguing about it. Instead, I'm going to order a couple of these posthaste, before you Casa readers snap up the rest of the stock. The Buena Park Chair comes with a weather-resistant polyester cushion, and its powder-coated black metal frame is rustproof. Perfect for your endless Summer reading, or for watching the leaves turn on Fall days.

Midday Muse: Cue Your Color

casasugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:00:02 -0700

On beautiful Summer days, it's always convenient to have a furnished outdoor lounge area for entertaining, or just taking an escape of your own. If you have such a space, and you're anything like yours truly, you feel the urge to decorate the space just as you would the interior of your home. But, a part of me feels like the last thing I should be doing during my carefree endless Summer is worrying about coordinating colors and themes, etc. So, my suggestion to y'all is to take a cue from what's already there. I love how the owners of this home decided to coordinate their lounge space with the light-blue color of their home's exterior walls. With a simple blue, purple, and white striped rug, a set of white furniture, and some cool blue napkins, the space looks composed yet effortless.
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Su Casa: A Beach Backyard to Die For

casasugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Su Casa member Scolls1583 recently snapped some photos at a friend's beach house party in Boston, and was so impressed she decided to share! She says that the host basically built his backyard area "from the ground up . . . put in a pool, built a bar, and decorated with great furniture." I'm certainly wowed by this home; it looks like the perfect place to entertain during an endless Summer. Aside from the obvious coveted Summer features (pool and beach), he's set up plenty of comfortable seating for all of his guests, what looks like a firepit or grill (in foreground), a volleyball net (not shown), and a beer pong table. Can anyone say PARTY?! If you're interested in posting pictures of superb pads like this, make sure to join my Su Casa group!

Endless Summer: Create a Enclosed Outdoor Retreat

casasugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:30:11 -0700

As we all know, Summer, like its counterparts, is an ephemeral season. Just as you've kicked the blisters on your new gladiator sandals, it seems like the leaves have already begun to change, and you catch yourself eyeing Fall's new collection of boots. But, it is possible to enjoy the Summer despite the fact that you know its fading fast. Aside from hopping on a plane to your favorite equatorial locale, you can have an endless Summer by extending the time you spend outdoors. You can do so by creating an enclosed outdoor retreat for yourself. Start by setting up a canopied tent, or hang sheets or curtains between trees to DIY one (keep them in place by hooking them to a stake in the ground); they'll shield you from the breeze. Then, set some outdoor furniture inside your tent. Make it cozy by setting outdoor cushions on the floor with a a Summer quilt and some throws. Fill in the corners of your retreat with potted plants, including fragrant herbs or flowers. Set an outdoor heater inside to keep you warm when the temperatures really get low, and use candles to create calm, romantic lighting. Bring out a tray to serve food and keep candles from being knocked over. Pick up a couple of rocks from your yard and use them as paperweights for any reading materials or wrappers you bring out. Enjoy Summer while it lasts!
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How-To: Cleaning Outdoor Furniture

casasugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:45:11 -0700

Outdoor furniture is built to withstand the elements, but it does require a little cleaning every now and then. To give your home Summer style, you've got to make sure your furniture is free of stains, mildew, mold, and any discolorations. Luckily, it's not so hard.

To find out how to clean your outdoor furniture,

Sale Alert: Restoration Hardware Outdoor Sale

casasugar — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:03:07 -0700

If you're in the market for some classically-designed, well-made outdoor furniture, check out Restoration Hardware, whose outdoor sale is only making these pieces more tempting.

There's a variety of items to choose from, including barbecue accessories, gorgeous outdoor pillows, and sectional outdoor furniture. To sweeten the deal, any purchases over $750 will be interest- and payment-free for a year. Take a look at the widget for some of my favorite finds.

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Crave Worthy: Kokoon Free Standing Hammock

casasugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:30:44 -0700

If you're too lazy to DIY a hammock and have got money to burn, the Kokoon Free Standing Hammock ($10,620) might be right up your alley. The luxe outdoor furnishing will bring Summer Style to your terrace or lawn, and serve as a private escape from whatever ails you this month, especially if you add its optional set of curtains. You might want to have someone check in on you every once in a while: I don't know that I'd ever want to leave it. And, when it's not in use it'll just look good in your yard; I love its x-shaped base . . . as much, if not more than those x-base tables and stools I've written about.