CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

casasugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:15:24 -0800

. . . Would you have an elaborate fresco painted on your wall? Source

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

Definitely! I love this type of old-school glamour.

Maybe, if I had the right room to support such elaborate wall decoration!

No — it's beautiful but too colorful to live in/not my style.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Do You Shop For Home Items Abroad?

casasugar — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 05:30:03 -0800

Whenever I take a trip, I try to bring back some small object that will fit into my home's look but also remind me of the country that I visited. Do you do the same on trips abroad? Source

Do You Shop For Home Items Abroad?

Yes, I do.

I haven't yet, but I plan to!

No, I'm just there for the sights.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Do You Spend Time Outdoors at Thanksgiving?

casasugar — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 08:30:20 -0800

After Thanksgiving dinner, I love to take a steaming cup of coffee outside and sit in the backyard to reflect on the holiday. My family also often takes a stroll through our neighborhood to work off some of our holiday dinner. Do you spend any time in your backyard or neighborhood after Thanksgiving dinner? Source

Do You Spend Time Outdoors at Thanksgiving?

Yes, we spend time in our yard, on the deck, or on the porch.

We take an after-dinner walk.

We tend to stay inside.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Do You Let People Smoke in Your House?

casasugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:00:30 -0800

While I don't mind the smell of cigars quite as much as I do the smell of cigarettes, I'd still never allow either to be smoked in my house. The smell seems to invade every fabric-covered surface, and if someone smokes in a home long enough, the wood surfaces and walls will even absorb the scent. Sometimes, though, you have to make exceptions for a particularly stubborn relative with a passion for cigars. What's your policy?
Source

Do You Let People Smoke in Your House?

Yes, people can smoke in my house.

I will make an exception now and then, but it's unusual.

No way, I would never let someone smoke in my house.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Will There Be a Centerpiece on Your Thanksgiving Table?

casasugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:00:11 -0800

As much as I love a festive centerpiece, at my house, the Thanksgiving table is usually overflowing with dishes and a sizable turkey of course, leaving little room for decoration. So, tall taper candlesticks are a good ole standby with minimal footprint, which I like to liven up with cranberry garlands. How about you?
Source

Will There Be a Centerpiece on Your Thanksgiving Table?

Yep, I've got a festive centerpiece planned.

I'll keep it minimal with candles or a vase.

No, I'm just sticking with the bird.

Do You Have an Exposed Brick Wall?

casasugar — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:30:18 -0800

I love the rugged, unfinished quality of an exposed brick wall (and I don't mean just around a fireplace). It offers a casual vibe to a room that, as beautiful as they may be, crown moldings and wainscoting just can't give you. An exposed brick wall also makes your accessories (candlesticks, vases) look all the more glamorous in comparison! And hey, Eli Stone looks pretty good in front of one, doesn't he?Photo copyright 2008 ABC, Inc.

Do You Have an Exposed Brick Wall?

Yep, I have at least one!

No, not in my house.

I used to have one.

Do You Decorate Home Accessories For the Holidays?

casasugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:45:09 -0800

Whether you have a trio of ceramic squirrels or a pre-fab deer head like this one, many of you have told me that you have some sort of fauna object in your house. If you have a wooden deer head above your mantel or a small outdoor statue of a frog or bird in your garden, do you decorate them for the holidays?

Do You Decorate Home Accessories For the Holidays?

I've been known to do this. Sometimes it's just some string lights, but I think it's cute!

I haven't yet, but now I might. That scarf on the deer is too cute.

No way, this is too whimsical and silly for me.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Would You Want to Live in This Apartment?

casasugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:45:51 -0800

San Francisco artist Megan Wilson has spent five years turning her Nob Hill apartment from a white-walled boring rental into a psychedelic fantasia of color and pattern. Unfortunately, her very cool home art project has been suspended, as her landlord is kicking her out. Under the Ellis Act, he has evicted all of the occupants of the building so he can change its use. While this is a tragedy for Wilson as well as her artistic apartment (you can read the whole story here), my question remains: would you like to live in an apartment painted this way? Source

Would You Want to Live in This Apartment?

Definitely. It's so unique and colorful. You couldn't be sad in this apartment.

Maybe, if it was a sublet.

No way, it's too busy for my eyes.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Love It or Hate It? Carved Frame Sofa

casasugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:30:55 -0800

I love the carved maple frame and nailhead trim on this Carved Frame Sofa ($5,999), but its leather upholstery kind of turns me off. What's your take?

Love It or Hate It? Carved Frame Sofa

Love it

Hate it

Undecided

Do You Dress Your Table?

casasugar — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:30:13 -0800

Since I inherited a dining table from my mother-in-law that I could never afford otherwise (thank you Linda!), I try to be extra careful with it by using coasters, tablecloths, and place mats before anything gets set down on its burnished wood surface. Which doesn't prevent accidents entirely: Last week I put a pizza box down on the table for a moment, and its surface fogged up for 10 minutes! Luckily, there was no permanent damage, but I was worried! Source

Do You Dress Your Table?

Yes, and I do it in part to preserve my table's surface.

Only for guests or special dinners.

No, I never do.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Do You Have Stainless Steel Appliances?

casasugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:00:51 -0800

Back in the '70s, avocado was the color of choice for kitchen appliances. Thankfully, we've moved on to a more neutral shade. In her new home that she shares with her boyfriend, Su Casa member Lovely_1 has stainless steel appliances. How about you? Source

Do You Have Stainless Steel Appliances?

Yes, and I love them.

Yes, but I'm not a fan.

No, but I wish I did.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Do You Grow Herbs Indoors in the Winter?

casasugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:15:35 -0800

When I lived in the snowy Midwest, I always kept a kitchen window herb garden during the Winter, and also grew alfalfa sprouts in a jar. Having something green in such a snowy part of the year kept my spirits up, and also added flavor to my cooking. Do you grow herbs or other edibles indoors in the Winter? Source

Do You Grow Herbs Indoors in the Winter?

Yes, I love to have a little something green in chilly seasons.

Sometimes, but not this year.

No, I haven't tried an indoor herb garden before.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

How Often Do You Have Fresh Flowers in Your Home?

casasugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:00:12 -0800

One of the advantages of living in the Bay Area is that I can count on blooming trees or bushes year-round. Even if it's just a humble single flower in a bud vase, I can add life to a room without spending a penny. Do you try to have fresh flowers in your house, too?

How Often Do You Have Fresh Flowers in Your Home?

I have fresh flowers nearly every day.

Once a week for me.

Once a month.

Rarely.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Have You Built a Fire Yet This Fall?

casasugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 07:00:19 -0800

It's just starting to get chilly here in San Francisco, so it's about time to start putting my fireplace to work. I love the ambient lighting of a good ole fire, so I usually look forward to those cold Winter nights spent curled up by the fire. Have you built a fire yet this season?Source

Have You Built a Fire Yet This Fall?

Yes!

Nope, not yet.

I don't have a fireplace, waaaa!

Maybe tonight!

Are You Hosting Family This Thanksgiving?

casasugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:30:10 -0800

Whether you're putting up a sibling or two or an entire extended family, hosting family during the holidays can be both rewarding and overwhelming. Are you welcoming family this Thanksgiving? Source

Are You Hosting Family This Thanksgiving?

Yes indeed, I'll be overrun with relatives!

I have friends and/or family coming for dinner, but no overnight guests.

I'll be the guest at a family member's house!

No Thanksgiving festivities for me, thanks.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Love It or Hate It? Jeweled Skulls

casasugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:30:26 -0800

Although I've covered blingy skulls before, I had to share these handcrafted bejeweled skulls by artist Amy Sarkasian with you. I love the colorful baubles affixed to the skull's surface. Are you a fan? Source

Love It or Hate It? Jeweled Skulls

Love it

Hate it

Undecided

Are You Shopping Local This Holiday Season?

casasugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:00:28 -0800

Folks in New Orleans are making a pledge to shop local this holiday season, in order to boost the city's economy. With so many great products just a click away on our browser, it's tempting to shop online from the comfort of our homes. But most cities also have something for everyone on your holiday shopping list, in addition to unique products made by local vendors.

Are You Shopping Local This Holiday Season?

Yep, I'm making the pledge too!

I'm doing a little of both.

No, I'll probably buy everything online, or elsewhere.

Would You Use Alphabet Blocks as Drawer Pulls?

casasugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 06:15:51 -0800

I spotted this photo on AT:SF, and I think it's such a clever, cute idea. AT:SF recommends using alphabet blocks as drawer pulls in a child's room, though I think it would be fun to spell out a cheeky word or phrase on an adult's dresser, too. Source

Would You Use Alphabet Blocks as Drawer Pulls?

I love it, it's very fun.

I'd use it for a child's dresser for sure.

It's a little too whimsical for my tastes.

I'm not a fan.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Do You Have Crown or Baseboard Molding in Your Home?

casasugar — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 05:30:55 -0800

Source

Do You Have Crown or Baseboard Molding in Your Home?

Yes, it's an old house, so it was a built-in perk!

I put some in, actually.

No, but I wish I had it.

No, I don't care for it.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Love It or Hate It? Lion Statue

casasugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:00:42 -0800

This Terra Cotta Lion ($449.99) is an interpretation of a 17th century Indonesian design, and can be used both inside and out. It definitely would create an unexpected element in a room, but I can't imagine looking at this guy when I first open my eyes in the morning, can you?

Love It or Hate It? Lion Statue

Love It

Hate it

Undecided

Is Pet Hair a Problem in Your Home?

casasugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:00:04 -0800

If you share a house with a dog or cat, you're likely dealing with some unwelcome side effects: pet hair on rugs and furniture, as well as dust bunnies in corners. Do you have this problem? If so, what do you do to counter it? Source

Is Pet Hair a Problem in Your Home?

Pet hair is everywhere! My beasts are quite the shedders . . .

It's not too bad, luckily.

I don't have pets, so I don't have to deal with it.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Do You Have a Patterned Sofa?

casasugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:15:10 -0800

Patterned sofas had their heyday in the '60s and '70s, and now retailers like Anthropologie are championing them again. Here in the apartment of actress Krysten Ritter, shot by photographer Todd Selby, a vintage sofa mixed with mid-century furnishings and artwork looks of the moment, not dated. But, there's a certain practicality that comes with solid colored sofas, especially considering the prices of reupholstery.Source

Do You Have a Patterned Sofa?

Yes, I have a patterned sofa.

I have both patterned and solid.

My sofa has a subtle pattern.

I have a solid colored sofa.

Do You Snuggle Up on the Sofa?

casasugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:00:18 -0800

Now that the temperatures have dipped, I've added a few lap blankets and afghans to the living room. They sit in a pretty crate next to the sofa, and are the first thing I reach for when I crack open a book or watch a DVD. Do you snuggle up with blankets on the sofa, too? Source

Do You Snuggle Up on the Sofa?

Definitely. I love to curl up with my favorite lap blanket. It's so cozy!

Sometimes, but my house is pretty warm and cozy as is.

It's still too hot in my city to cozy up with blankets!

No, I'm not a blanket fan.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Does Interior Design Take Priority at Your Coffee Shop?

casasugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:01:55 -0800

According to the Herald Tribune, in addition to its new/old logo, Starbucks is undergoing a design overhaul of its interiors. The java monopolist has brought back designer/architect Arthur Rubinfeld to his old post to change things up. Rubinfeld has presented a new design, which may include, "energy-efficient lighting, new furniture using reclaimed materials, and modular merchandising racks, [as well as] new paintings that evoke the company's coffee heritage." I'm sure Starbucks knows what it's doing, so I don't doubt the changes will be beneficial. I'm curious, though, whether a coffee shop's design influences whether or not you'll order a latte. Does design influence your preferences out of the home? Source

Does Interior Design Take Priority at Your Coffee Shop?

Yes, interior design is important to me wherever I go.

If I'm on the go, I couldn't care less. But, if I want to drink my coffee and stay a while, design matters.

No, so long as the food, drinks, and service meet my standards, design doesn't have an influence.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Rain, Sleet, or Snow?

casasugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:15:32 -0800

In the San Francisco Bay Area, November means a return to rain. I've been enjoying the weekend showers, myself, as they give me an excuse to stay inside and complete half-finished DIY projects. I also have friends in the Northeast and Midwest who've already experienced some early snow showers. How's the sky look in your neck of the woods, and are you happy about the change in weather? Source

Would You Hire Someone to Coordinate Tunes With Your House?

casasugar — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 05:30:50 -0800

The New York Times article "Does This Song Match My Sofa?" reports on homeowners who hire DJs to make custom mixes that coordinate with different rooms of their homes. One music stylist said, “Our clients are the type who send people all over the world to find the perfect spoon, or doorknob or type of marble. . . . My job is to find the perfect music.” Hiroko Masuike for The New York Times

Would You Hire Someone to Coordinate Tunes With Your House?

If I had the money, I definitely would.

Maybe, but it seems a little silly to me.

No way. My musical taste is good enough, thank you very much.

Other — I'll tell you in the comments.

Where Do You Store Your Halloween Gear?

casasugar — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 08:30:09 -0700

Now that Halloween is over, you've got to put your crazy costumes somewhere. Depending on your getup, you may be able to recycle it, but many of you may need to make room in your closet. And of course, some of you may not even be getting your trick-or-treat on this year. Where do your costumes go?Source

Where Do You Store Your Halloween Gear?

I toss 'em.

I recycle 'em.

I donate 'em.

In the closet with the rest of my wardrobe.

In the attic or basement.

In a separate closet.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Would You Turn Your Basement Into a Tiki Bar?

casasugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:00:56 -0700

Homeowners Alan Smart and Michael Uhlenkott recently shared their home with LA Times readers. This tiki bar, which is located in their basement, took four months to complete. Would you put one in your home? Source

Would You Turn Your Basement Into a Tiki Bar?

Definitely! It would be perfect for hosting my friends.

Maybe, but I need to study up on my tiki bar recipes.

No way, I don't like tiki bars.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Are You Offended by This House's Paint Color?

casasugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:00:16 -0700

Some communities have ordinances against certain paint colors, and others wish they did after the fact. I personally think that anyone who owns a house should be able to paint it as they please. Some of these New Jersey residents, however, would disagree with me.

Get Flash to see this player.

Source

Are You Offended by This House's Paint Color?

I love it!

It's not my choice, but it's their right to paint it like that!

It wouldn't bother me.

I absolutely hate it.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

How Do You Store Your Shoes?

casasugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 05:30:38 -0700

If you're sitting pretty like Blair Waldorf, your designer stilettos are neatly stacked in your custom closet. But, if you're more like Yours Truly, your ballet flats are piled up like Legos and plastic trucks in a kid's toy box.Source

How Do You Store Your Shoes?

Neatly on my custom closet shelves!

In individual boxes.

Piled on the floor (à la Leaning Tower of Pisa).

Stashed all over the house.

On an overdoor/hanging compartment bag.

On a floor shoe rack.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments!

How Much Laundry Do You Wash Each Week?

casasugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 07:00:25 -0700

If you have a partner or children, your laundry tends to pile up quickly! Efficiency experts recommend that families with lots of laundry get in the habit of doing two loads of laundry each day; one load can be popped in before work in the morning, and another in the evening. While I'm glad I don't have to do that much laundry, I estimate that we run five loads a week. What about you? Source

How Much Laundry Do You Wash Each Week?

Fewer than five loads

Five to 10 loads

Ten to 15 loads

Fifteen to 20 loads

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Would You Use Black Toilet Paper?

casasugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:00:32 -0700

The concept of "designer toilet paper" is a kind of akin to a Swarovski-encrusted nose hair trimmer; you just can't make nasal weed-wacking look glamorous. So, I would never venture to kid myself by buying Black Toilet Paper ($12). But, I do think if you were going to go all out hosting a Halloween party, it might then be acceptable.

Would You Use Black Toilet Paper?

Yes, it's totally unexpected and fun!

Maybe, but only as a gag or for Halloween.

No, that's just dumb and wasteful.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Do You Have a Folding Screen?

casasugar — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 05:30:57 -0700

In eighth-century Japan, folding screens, or byōbu, were traditionally used to prevent the wind from blowing into rooms. By the 18th century, folding screens had taken on a new purpose. Since homes were better-insulated, the screens were used as dressing room partitions or simply for decorative purposes.Folding screens became iconic in the Golden Age of Hollywood when coy actresses in black-and-white films would hide behind them, draping their glamorous ensembles over the screens. You might not be starring in a blockbuster film, but a folding screen could be of great use to you if you're in need of a room partition or if you've got junk to conceal. As you can see, they come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Take your pick. Source

Do You Have a Folding Screen?

Yes, I have one!

I want one now!

No, I don't have one.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.