CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Good, Better, Best: Branch/Root Console Tables

casasugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:00:34 -0800

I've been noticing these branch-base console tables at a few of my usual design haunts, and thought perhaps it's a growing a trend. I'm really loving the organic, textural quality they bring to a room, especially considering that many homes are leaning towards a more pared-down, modern look these days.

Good: Shown above is the Ballard Designs Faux Bois Demilune Table ($699, reduced from $1,495). I certainly love its half-moon shape and how the table top looks like a slice off of an old tree stump. But as the name suggests, the base is actually made from a concrete-like resin over a sturdy metal frame, not genuine branches. That's a turn off to me, although the price is more affordable than others.

I have two more tables to show you, so

Good, Better, Best: Folding Dining Chairs

casasugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 05:30:00 -0700

Whether you live in a small studio or a house with an occasional surplus of dinner guests, folding dining chairs are a smart thing to have around. Just tuck them in the back of a closet, or send them to your attic or basement, and you'll have spare seating ready and waiting — not clogging up your floor plan. Don't get me wrong: I don't advocate picking up a set of those beige metal folding chairs you see at P.T.A. meetings across the country. There are plenty of handsome options for you, at varying price points. Here are three to get you folding.

Good: The Crate & Barrel Set of Four Folding Chairs ($89) has a basic yet elegant form with its slatted, solid wood seat and rich espresso stain. It may not be the most comfortable chair, but it's certainly handsome and practical. If you need to, you can toss on a cushion to make it easier on your seat. Oh, and did I mention you get four for 90 bucks?! Pretty rad.

There are two more folding chairs to strike your fancy, so

Good, Better, Best: Slipper Chairs

casasugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 06:15:02 -0700

If you're on the hunt for an accent chair to provide occasional additional seating, a slipper chair — a low-slung chair with a high back — is a great option. The classically clean lines of a traditional slipper chair design — basically two rectangles for the seat and back with no arms — make it versatile, complementing many interiors. Its low height and slightly sloped back give it more comfort than other accent chairs, and an intimate, relaxed look. I've come up with three slipper chair options, for those of you in the market for one.

Good: The Bed Bath & Beyond Trento Slipper Chair ($149.99) has nice, clean lines, and would work well as spare seating for guests. But its faux leather PVC upholstery is less than desirable, and its cushion doesn't seem to be the most comfortable.

There are two more great choices, so

Good, Better, Best: Wine Racks

casasugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:15:53 -0700

A friend asked me to find her a handsome wine rack for her bedroom because her recent grad roommates consistently drink any "booze" she leaves in the kitchen. Natch, I agreed. There are plenty of stylish wine racks, so I knew it wouldn't be a difficult task. There are lots of interesting modern ones these days, like the Harry Allen Pile Wine Rack ($65), Dennis Lin Cru Wine Rack ($150), and Crate & Barrel Shesham Wine Rack ($30), but when it comes to my own vino, I'm partial to simple, functional storage. To hear my picks for the good, better, and best wine racks,

Good, Better, Best: Mid-Century Tufted Sofas

casasugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:30:03 -0700

When it comes to rainy Friday nights, there's nothing better than curling up on the sofa with your shoes off. But when it comes to sofas, there's always a good, better, and a best. This go-round, I'm going to take a look at the trifecta of mid-century sofas, tufted, buttoned, clean-lined, and ready to make an appearance in a living room near you.

Good: Quite possibly named after everyone's favorite Mexican beer, the Macy's Corona Sofa ($899) conjures up all sorts of jokes about going South of the border. No, not really. But, it has the clean-lines, button-tufting, and tapered legs of the '60s sofas your parents lounged on while watching Dick van Dyke. The color choices aren't extensive but nothing to complain about either; it's available in pear, café noir, or stone. But, bummer: this three seater's fabric is an acrylic, polyester and nylon blend.

To see photos and hear about the other two,

Good, Better, Best: Handcrafted Pillows For Ring Bearers

casasugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:15:21 -0700

If you're including a ring bearer in your wedding, you're probably looking for a beautiful, classic pillow for him to transport the rings upon. While you can always find a satin-and-lace pillow at a bridal shop, why not make your pillow a little more unique? I've rounded up some hand-crafted pillows and one even more unique choice for your ring bearer in this Good, Better, Best.

Good: This Handmade Silk Pillow ($36) can be customized with the couple's initials. It's a perfect, understated pillow for a classic couple. You can also specify the ribbon color and embroidery stitch, or even send in your favorite ribbon or flowers to use on the pillow.

For two more choices,

Good, Better, Best: Wall-Mounted Nightstands

casasugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 05:30:41 -0700

For modernists and those of us short on space, a wall-mounted nightstand is a sleek and functional furnishing that gets the job done. And by job, I mean holds your cell phone, reading material, and maybe a bedside carafe . . . oh, and looks good. Of course, you could DIY a simple shelf held up by a bracket if you really wanted to be minimal, but it's nice to have a drawer/cabinet of some sort to hold your unmentionables and/or Bible. So, I've hand picked three wall-mounted nightstands to put you and yours to bed. All you have to do is get yourself off your mattress in the morning.

Good (left): Believe it or not, the Ikea MALM Bedside Table ($49.99) is affordable! It has one open shelf to give you easy access to your books, remote control, etc. and a drawer to hide those unsightly possessions of yours. But, although it's available in a variety of finishes, it is made of particleboard; you get what you pay for.

There are two other options, so

Good, Better, Best: Ball-Topped Wrought Iron Daybeds

casasugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:15:41 -0700

A sofa by day, and a guest bed by night, a daybed is a versatile space-saver. Traditional Victorian style wrought iron daybed frames were originally handmade well before metalworking machines became available. So unless you're shopping antique stores, most wrought iron daybeds you find will be reproductions. I use the word "wrought" broadly; it actually suggests that the metal was shaped by hand, which, again, you're unlikely to find shopping franchise retailers. But you can let that slide, right? Antique, handmade daybeds may be cherished collector's items but that doesn't mean reproductions are an eyesore; they're often quite handsome. I've rounded up a selection for you to give you an idea of what's out there at various price ranges. The three that I chose are nearly identical in shape, though they have different finishes, and most likely have a variance in quality as well. Oops, and they're also actually made of steel, which means they're lighter than their iron predecessors.

Good: You can't get much cheaper than the Ikea TROMSNES ($179) bed. A classic shape, there's nothing frugal-looking about it. But Ikea beds are not known to be the most stable, and Ikea's products often take several hours to set up. The white finish is cute for a beach cottage or a girl's bedroom, but I don't see this agreeing well with testosterone. Unlike my "Better" and "Best", this bed does not have the option of a trundle underneath.
There are two more options, so

Good, Better, Best: Round Nesting Tables

casasugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:00:46 -0700

I think nesting tables are pretty rad. They're interesting looking, they're space savers, and two or three tables for the price of one? What can compare? Round nesting tables are another thing; if, perhaps, your living room is full of trendy circles, why not play off of that and go for round nesting tables? The '60s Round Nesting Tables ($2,255) from 1st Dibs are a little pricey because they're antiques, but there are plenty of other options for you if you'd like some for yourself. I've rounded a few up for you at several price points. To see them,

Good, Better, Best: Farm Tables

casasugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:30:05 -0700

Nothing says "family" to me as much as family dinners do. I love gathering family and friends around the table to share a good meal. That's why I'm also partial to big farm tables. They allow room for a crowd and that extra relative who always shows up late for holiday dinners. So, before you plan your next big family shindig, consider one of these tables that I've rounded up at varying price points. See my favorites when you

Good, Better, Best: Glass Base Lamps

casasugar — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 06:45:37 -0700

Glass bases lighten the visual footprint a lamp has on your room, and they reflect light, creating a warm, radiating glow. I've been thinking of picking one up for my acrylic nesting tables, so the lamp shade will appear to float above my hardwood floors. They're also just chic, regardless of what table is topped by them. But, as always, home décor decisions are much mused over by me. So, see the three transparent glass-base lamps that are in the running when you

Good, Better, Best: Tripod Floor Lamps

casasugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 07:30:24 -0800

I've always been, admittedly, a little turned off by floor lamps. I think the overwhelming number of tacky torchiere lamps in college dorm rooms bruised me for life. But I do love the height that a floor lamp gives a room. In a space with bare walls, or lacking curtains, a floor lamp can immediately draw your eye away from a low-lying sofa or armchair and give visual balance to a room. So I'm delighted by the proliferation of handsome tripod floor lamps in the shelter world these days. There's something about them that's quite regal yet unassuming, and they meld seamlessly with any style of décor. To see my picks of the Good, Better, and Best tripod floor lamps around,

Good, Better, Best: Triptych Mirrors

casasugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:00:19 -0800

A while ago, I fell in love with Sfgirlbybay's folding vanity mirror (seen here and here), which I suspect she may have picked up at a flea market. I have since been on the hunt for a triptych vanity mirror, but I've not yet made the final splurge. I've come across several options that fit the bill and that I have mixed feelings about, because a part of me is still holding out for an antique one. I think all three are wonderful choices, if you can afford them. It often surprises me how expensive mirrors can be, though. To see the three choices I've come up with,

Good, Better, Best: Cool Menorahs

casasugar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:45:56 -0800

Yes, the menorah might have been around since Moses. But that doesn't mean it can't be 21st century cool. I've rounded up several cool menorahs that'll make even the gentiles want to celebrate Hanukkah. Who says your house can't be stylish eight days straight?

Good: This Fred Flare Menorah Cork ($12) is a menorah that acts as a cork and fits securely into a wine bottle or any sturdy bottle to keep your booze fresh during the holidays. Might as well put your menorah to work, right?

There are two other cooler than thou menorahs to come, so

Good, Better, Best: Square Lacquer Trays

casasugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:10:26 -0800

Since I'm on the hunt for the perfect lacquer tray to set atop my Nelson Platform Bench (coffee table), I thought I'd share with you my top picks, in case you're in the market too. I was originally hoping for two white-square lacquer trays, but now I'm thinking that a little color couldn't hurt. Here are the ones in the running:

Good: West Elm's Square Trays ($19–$24) are colorful "catch-alls for jewels, watches, pencils, and whatnots." They currently come in red, antique gold, and a black-graffiti print, but I've seem them for sale in other colors during different seasons. I love the perfect square shape and round handles, but I'd have to hold out for something that goes with my color scheme.

Better:
These Two Tone Lacquer Serving Tray ($44.50) comes in orange, white, red, aqua, or copper with a brown trim, or fuschia or blue with a green trim. They're very similar in shape to West Elm's but have a better color selection.

Best: These wooden Lacquer Trays (price unlisted) were designed by Todd Oldham for La-Z-Boy. I love the varying sizes and the cool green color tones. They would go perfectly in my living room. That is, if I could track them down.
*Unfortunately, these trays were recently removed from La-Z-Boy's site, so if any of you can find them, be sure to comment about where I can get my hands on them.

Good, Better, Best: Not Your Average Umbrella Stand

casasugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:27:22 -0800

Unless you're a character in The Notebook, or Rupert Holmes, most of you don't like getting caught in the rain. And personally, what I find worse, is bringing that soggy drip into my house. I wouldn't mind it though, if I were the proud owner of one of these fly umbrella stands. Better yet, this Stand Umbrella ($60) has three little feet that allow it to stand on its own, so it doesn't even require a stand!

Good: This Aki Umbrella Stand ($150), designed by former jazz drummer
Rodolfo Bonetto, is simple, minimalist, and comes in a handful of iridescent and solid colors. It's a sharp alternative to the bulky umbrella stands we see in foyers across the country. That is, if your guests can recognize what it is when they arrive wet.

To see two other picks for not-your-average umbrella stands,

Good, Better, Best: Magazine Rack Coffee Tables

casasugar — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:08:27 -0800

It's always nice to have a 2-in-1. Shampoo+Conditioner. Boyfriend/Roommate. The possibilities are endless, and they certainly come in handy when you're trying to save space. One place in the home which easily collects clutter is the coffee table, so I was ecstatic to see some great magazine rack/coffee table combos out there.

Good:
This Magtable Coffee Table ($158 ) has been around the block a few times lately in the blog world. And you know why? Because it's a cheap catch, and it has slots for all of your monthly subscriptions, even the ones you've been hording since last year.

Two even sweeter magracktables follow, so

Good, Better, Best: Red Cross Medicine Cabinets

casasugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 09:10:03 -0700

We've all got bathroom essentials to store that may not necessarily be for all eyes to see (you know what I mean), and of course we've got to have a healthy supply of first aid supplies. There's no reason, though, to throw them in a messy drawer, or let them pile up on the bathroom counter. With these red cross medicine cabinets, you can bring a little bit of pharmacy chic into your home without compromising your counterspace, and you don't have to be Swiss to own one.

Good:

This HEAL's Cross Design Medicine Cabinet ($91) keeps your essentials under lock and key, and out of the hands of small children. It's wall mountable, so you can view all of your goodies at eye level, and it comes in iconic red & white or cool aqua.

Two even better medicine cabinets follow, so

Good, Better, Best: Cool Cuckoo Clocks

casasugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:30:37 -0700

One of my best friends had a cuckoo clock growing up, and I just thought it was the coolest thing ever. But as an adult, I've never been into the whole German-kitsch look, so I was never particularly interested in bringing a cuckoo clock into my life.

But right now, it seems, everyone wants to put a cute, modern spin on the iconic design. Combining surprising colors and materials with the traditional cuckoo clock silhouette, these products would add a playful touch to your decor. Here are a few finds to suit three difference price points.

Good: Who'd have thought that the discount-store behemoth could create such a stylish clock? This Wal-Mart Retro Cuckoo Clock ($14.8 has lacy detailing that echoes older designs, but it doesn't have a cuckoo sound.

Two even better cuckoo clocks, so

Good, Better, Best: Green Mattresses

casasugar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:28:42 -0700

While green home products are often more expensive than regular products, they're also better for you. There's a lot of offgassing that happens with regular mattresses, which can cause respiratory problems and illness. Considering that your face is breathing in those fumes for seven or eight hours a night, you might want to pony up a few more benjamins for a greener variety in your next mattress purchase.

Good: My sister's been sleeping on an Ikea Sultan Erfjord ($999, queen) for the past few months, and says the bed is "resiliant, but conforms to my body. It didn't have that new mattress smell, either, so I knew it wasn't offgassing much." This green mattress can be found in an easily accessible box store, and it's constructed from natural and synthetic latex, silk, eco-cotton and wool wadding.

Two even nicer green mattresses follow, so

Good, Better, Best: Office Wall Organizers

casasugar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:45:13 -0700

I prefer to keep my desk looking clutter-free — though as my office-mates will attest, I don't always succeed. Still, I love the idea of a smart-looking wall organizer that takes my supplies off the desk but keeps them well within reach.

But the main reason I want one of these organizers is because I've found so many stylish ones; here are three different looks at three different price points.

Good: The Mio Grid Wall Pocket ($66, via Apartment Therapy: Green) is sassy, sleek, and sustainable. It's made from 100 percent recycled felt with brightly-colored accents.

Two even better wall organizers for your office, so

Good, Better, Best: Contemporary Computer Armoires

casasugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 14:09:45 -0700

Yesterday, I showed you three classical computer armoires that let you set up a home office anywhere. But for those of you with edgier tastes, I decided to round up three more office armoires with a more modern vibe.

Good: Though the Ikea Cyril Computer Cabinet ($199) isn't as roomy as some others I've found, I love the smart design and minimalist look.

Two even better contemporary computer armoires, so

Good, Better, Best: Classical Computer Armoires

casasugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:30:33 -0700

Not all of us have the luxury of a separate home office. And for anyone who works in a multi-purpose room — such as a living room or guest room — a computer armoire is a great buy.

These workstations are large enough to contain all of your tech needs, and the elegant doors let you hide your clutter when the desk isn't in use. So for this Good, Better, Best, I've rounded up some classically styled computer armoires at three different price points.

Good: When the doors are shut, this Hampton Computer Armoire in White ($500) just looks like a cabinet. But inside are thoughtful touches like a keyboard tray, corkboard, and a dry-erase board.

Two even better classical computer armoires, so

Good, Better, Best: Adult Piggy Banks

casasugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 09:15:07 -0700

I was listening to NPR yesterday, and there was a story about how one in four Brits fail to save money for the future. This problem certainly isn't limited to the U.K., and when it comes to putting cash away for a rainy day, every little bit helps.

So here's an idea: Pick up a special adult piggy bank to encourage your own penny pinching. I've found three little pigs that will suit anyone's financial planning.

Good: For a minor investment, you can get an Urban Outfitters Mini Piggy Bank for just $8. The metallic finish lends a hip update to your childhood version.

Two even better piggy banks, so

Good, Better, Best: Glass Display Jars

casasugar — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 10:47:50 -0700

Glass canisters are an elegant and versatile addition to just about any room. You can use them to store anything from sugar and flour to drinking straws and cotton balls. Or you can fill them with something purely decorative — like seashells, beads, and found objects — and use the jars as accent pieces. There are hundreds of styles out there, but here are three great glass display jars I've found at three different price points.

Good: I love the simple and slightly retro feel of these two Montana Glass Jars with Lids ($14.99 and $19.99) in the kitchen or bathroom.

Two even better glass display jars, so

Good, Better, Best: Retro-Cool Table Fans

casasugar — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:47:49 -0700

There's something so old-fashioned about cooling off with a portable fan, so why not get one with a cool retro look? With the heat wave that's now scorching several states — not to mention back-to-school shopping for dorm dwellers — I've rounded up three stylish vintage-looking fans for tight budgets and total splurges.

Good: I love the dark chrome finish on this Aloha Credenza Fan in Polished Nickel ($19.99), and you can't beat the price.

Two even better fans, so

Good, Better, Best: Island-Inspired Ceiling Fans

casasugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:25:38 -0700

When CasaSugar reader Sumnboutme bookmarked a gorgeous ceiling fan as part of the seaside cottage Casa Craving challenge, I was inspired to go on the hunt for two more island-inspired ceiling fans to round out a Good, Better, Best. These easy, breezy fans would work well with Caribbean-style decor or minimalist, natural elements.

Good: I love the angled blades on this light and airy Hampton Bay 4-Blade Fan with Bahama Beige Finish ($199).

Two even better islander ceiling fans, so

Good, Better, Best: Elegant Fire Pits

casasugar — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 13:25:11 -0700

It's already August, but that doesn't mean you have to stop entertaining in the backyard. All you need to transition from hot Summer days to cooling-off nights is a good outdoor fire pit. These have become incredibly popular in recent years, but some of them are a bit too tacky and down-home looking for my taste. Here, I've rounded up three sleek and elegant fire pits to fit any budget.

Good: The Frontgate 40" Copper Fire Pit ($299) keeps things simple and traditional, with a broad shallow bowl for firewood and a wrought-iron stand.

For two even better options,

Good, Better, Best: Ottoman Storage Cubes

casasugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 11:30:49 -0700

It's hard to underestimate the utility of a good storage ottoman: You can put up your feet, use it as an extra seat, and store your junk inside when guests appear. I particularly like the cute cube-shaped varieties, since they also don't take up much room. Here are three great storage ottomans to suit your budget.

Good: The hip, mod pattern on this Urban Outfitters Teardrop Storage Ottoman (on sale for $39.99) distracts from its utilitarian double-life. The padded lid slides off for storage.

Two even better storage ottomans, so

Good, Better, Best: Modern Patio Umbrellas

casasugar — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:48:03 -0700

As outdoor dining goes more and more upscale, patio umbrellas are also getting a high-design upgrade. Forget the floral-patterned parasols of your youth. Now, it's easy to find sophisticated sun shades that will make any patio look sleeker and chicer. Here are my picks for modern patio umbrellas to suit frugal and frivolous budgets.

Good: With its aluminum pole and elegant taupe shade, the 9-foot Hampton Bay Dana Point Market Umbrella ($111.75) will give your outdoor table a modern makeover without breaking the bank.

For two even better picks,

Good, Better, Best: Portable Grills

casasugar — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 09:30:43 -0700

Warm weather really makes me want to get out of the kitchen, so thank goodness for portable grills that let me take my kitchen with me. When it comes to barbecuing outdoors, your choices range from cheap and disposable to expensive and luxurious, and all three of these grills cook up very tasty meat.

Good: When my friends and I gathered recently for a picnic in the park, one Weber grill devotee admitted that the sausages cooked on this Grill-N-Go Disposable Charcoal Grill ($8.99) tasted just as good as his. Plus, this version is lightweight and cleans up in a snap.

For two even better portable grills,

Good, Better, Best: Outdoor Party Coolers

casasugar — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 06:00:02 -0700

Whether you're lounging solo by the pool or hosting a massive backyard bash, warm beer is not going to be well received. These outdoor party coolers will keep massive quantities of beverages very cold, and they're way more stylish than your typical foam-core Igloo. Here are three choices to suit three different budgets.

Good: You'll have the essentials covered with this insulated Coleman Stainless Steel Party Cooler ($169.99), which sits pretty on a chic stand and doubles as a drink dispenser.

For two even better versions,