CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Top Design, Episode One: "Impress the Best"

casasugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700

If you've been reading my interviews, you know that I'm excited about this second season of Top Design, so I was pleased to tune in last night for the first episode. First off, I was surprised by the amount of star power in the contestant pool (well, for reality television at least), including one interior designer, Preston Lee, who I'd already featured on CasaSugar. Also in the mix was a Martha Stewart Living senior style editor (Eddie) and actor Ricky Schroder's wife (Andrea), among other talented contestants.

For the first challenge, the designers had to furnish an entire apartment in two days, with the designers divided into four teams, working on four loft space apartments for four-star clients.

To find out who the star clients were and to see photos from the episode,

Are You Tuning In to Top Design Tonight?

casasugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0700

After getting my Project Runway fix tonight, I'm settling in for another hour of reality fun. Top Design returns tonight for its second season, with head judge Jonathan Adler and host India Hicks, whom I recently interviewed. Are you going to tune in, too? Photos courtesy of Bravo

Are You Tuning In to Top Design Tonight?

Definitely! I've been waiting for this show to start.

Maybe, if I can't drag myself off the couch after Project Runway.

No, I'm not going to.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Coveted Crib: Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan's Pied-à-terre

casasugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:00:34 -0700

In honor of Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan's impending nuptials, I thought I'd give you a sneak peek at what their married life at home away from home looks like. USA Today recently interviewed them in their Shelter Island, New York home, which Doonan aptly described as, "a fully branded home." The space is in many ways the love child of a Jonathan Adler shop and a Barneys window display (Doonan is creative director) — bursting with energy, color, creativity, and Adler's inventory. To see for yourself, check out this slideshow, and read the article for more details. Source

Nice and New: Jonathan Adler Harlequin Pillow

casasugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:00:21 -0700

I've got to hand it to Jonathan Adler for bringing needlepoint back. The technique is no longer reserved for wasp-y belts or occupational therapy, but is now giving living rooms an ironic punch of whimsy and color. The Jonathan Adler Harlequin Pillow ($175) has a bright, graphic pattern based on a harlequin's traditional costume that will instantly liven up your living room sofa or chair. I'm too
straightedge to find his Drugs Pillow funny, but I'm all for harlequin's granny-chic aesthetic and oceanic-blue color palette. What do you think? I bet Adler's future husband likes it . . .

This Just In: Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan to Tie the Knot

casasugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:00:06 -0700

It's not every day that one of my favorite designers gets hitched, so I'm excited to tell you that designer Jonathan Adler and Barney's New York creative director (and author) Simon Doonan plan to legally tie the knot in mid-September in California, according to New York.
But their big day won't be your usual ostentatious celebrity wedding. In the New York article, Doonan was quoted saying, "I always thought we were married, so I don’t feel like celebrating the fact that the government’s allowing me to think I’m married. It’s more like paying a parking ticket. We’ll have a nice romantic dinner, him and me."

Apparently, it was Adler's mom and sister who really got the ball rolling on this wedlock. Doonan went on to say, "They’ve been incredibly supportive and kept an eye out on what was going on, and they said, ‘Oh, you guys should get married
in California.’ So it was them that sort of prompted us."

In case you're wondering where the cute couple is registered, you can stop looking, as they apparently are happy enough just to have each other. "We have enough tchotchkes at home for one lifetime," said Doonan. Well, I'd hope so, considering that Adler himself is a purveyor of tchotchkes! I for one love this wacky, creative duo, and am happy to see them making it official — even if it's just like paying a parking ticket.
Source

Love It or Hate It? Kiki Vase

casasugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:30:00 -0700

Described as "surprising, surreal, and sublime," the Kiki de Montparnasse Vase ($350) is definitely, um, lady friendly. Do you love?

Love It or Hate It? Kiki Vase

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Love It or Hate It? Jonathan Adler Midnight Cat Statue

casasugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:30:59 -0700

This funky little kitty statue ($98) from Jonathan Adler's Menagerie collection is decorated with a spotted geometric coat. Would you want it in your home?

Love It or Hate It? Jonathan Adler Midnight Cat Statue

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Nice and New: Jonathan Adler Giraffe Sconce

casasugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:00:51 -0700

I've always swooned over the Jonathan Adler Giraffe Lamp, and he's done it again with his new Giraffe Sconce ($195). Something about the little giraffe head used as a finial sticking out of the paper shade just makes my heart go pitter-patter. The sconce is available with the giraffe facing left or right, so you can buy two to frame a piece of artwork and have them looking at each other. I'd love to use them against some graphic or textured wallpaper. What do you think?

Designer Spotlight: Bjørn Wiinblad

casasugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 07:00:37 -0700

If you're wondering where Jonathan Adler got his inspiration for his Utopia series, or where Tord Boontje got his taste for saturated colors and fanciful flora, look no further than Danish artist and designer Bjørn Wiinblad. This midcentury ceramic artist set up his own studio in 1952, and continued to reproduce his designs through the 1990s.
Much of his work is inspired by the fairy tales of fellow Dane Hans Christian Andersen, who wrote such well-known stories as The Little Mermaid and The Princess and the Pea. Starting in the 1950s, he produced silver, glass, furniture, and ceramic designs for Rosenthal Porzellan AG, and also designed posters, costume and stage designs, tapestries, and textiles for hotels and restaurants across the world. His work is particularly popular in Japan.

To see more images of his work, and to find out whether or not his work is a good investment,

This Just In: India Hicks to Host Top Design

casasugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:00:07 -0700

I just heard from BuzzSugar, that "Top Design will return in the Fall with new host India Hicks," and Todd Oldham will stick around to mentor the designers, as well as all the judges from the first season, including Kelly Wearstler, Jonathan Adler, and editor in chief of Elle Decor, Margaret Russell. If you're not familiar with India Hicks, she is the daughter of "famed interior decorator, David Hicks, and Lady Pamela Hicks," as well as the god-daughter of Prince Charles. But, Hicks is not without a keen eye for design and notable skillset herself, she is a celebrated fashion model and design aficionado, and has published interior design books on island living. Possibly not coincidental, India Hicks' breezy Bahamas home was just featured in Domino. For more details, go here.
Source

Steal of the Day: Jonathan Adler Needlepoint Card Pillows

casasugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:00:55 -0700

If playing cards only triggers thoughts of your gambling debt, or reminds you of your grandmother's (or mother's — like mine) bridge group that meets every Tuesday and Thursday, I'd have to say, sadly, they've been tainted. Why? Because, have you noticed how aesthetically pleasing the design of the classic card deck is? There's so much graphic goodness in the Queen of Hearts and Ace of Spades — and it should be appreciated at face value. Clearly, Jonathan Adler knows where it's at; the hip-ocity of his Queen and Ace Pillows ($115.50, reduced from $165) kick that image of mom and her gal pals at their round table out of my mind with blunt force. If only they matched my décor . . .

Nice and New: Jonathan Adler's Druggist Collection

casasugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:15:43 -0700

Billing himself as "your 24-hour pot dealer," Jonathan Adler gets cheeky with his new collection of pottery, Druggist ($24-$55). Billed as "An Apothecary of Emotion" his collection features translucent porcelain pieces that are first thrown on the wheel. Afterwards, the trompe-l'oeil chains and names of the emotions are added.

Modeled after old apothecary jars and finished with an unglazed matte finish, these pieces are fun and slightly sinister at the same time — especially the mug that declares "love" on one side and "hate" on the other. Still, I would love to have a few of these pieces. I think the apothecary jars especially would be great vessels for all of the cotton balls and q-tips needed for your nightly ablutions. Oh, and they wouldn't look bad on that French Apothecary Chest either.

Love It or Hate It? Surrealist Collage Pillow

casasugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 04:16:48 -0800

Taking inspiration from the surrealist penchant for the juxtaposition of unlikely objects, the Jonathan Adler Collage Pillow ($95) claims to "take surrealism from bleak to chic." Are you gaga over its Dada roots, or do you say ta-ta?

Love It or Hate It? Surrealist Collage Pillow

Love It

Hate it

Undecided

Crave Worthy: Jonathan Adler Drysdale Chair

casasugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:00:27 -0800

I can't believe that I've never noticed the Jonathan Adler Drysdale Chair ($1,595) before; it's so me. Button tufting, check! Turned legs, check! Throw in white wood and pale-blue upholstery and you've swept me off my feet. The regal, oversize back of the chair is oddly, but fittingly, proportioned to its small legs. I also love how the back legs are so simple; it brings attention to the chair's wonderful turned front legs. And, this is a strange analogy, but do the slightly splayed back legs remind you of an athletic wheelchair, or is it just me? Regardless, I'd kill to have this knockout in my living room.

Steal of the Day: Jonathan Adler Banana Tray

casasugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:03:28 -0800

You better sit down for this. I am literally buzzing over the latest Steal of the Day. The Jonathan Adler Banana Tray ($5, reduced from $75) is 93 percent off! Not only is the tray unusually cheap, but it's super cute. Use it as a serving tray, a decorative caddy for your bureau, or hang it on your wall in your kitchen to add fruity kitsch. Oh, and buy back ups: Your friends will go crazy when they hear about this steal.

Sale Alert: Jonathan Adler Holiday Sale

casasugar — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 05:00:45 -0800

Jonathan Adler is holding his "Spend More, Save More" sale at his web shop now through December 31. When you:

Spend $150, you'll save $20.
Spend $250, you'll save save $40.
Spend $350, you'll save save $60.
Spend $450, you'll save save $80.
Spend $550, you'll save save $100.

Just enter the promotion code holidaylicious at checkout to receive the discount.
Source

Nice and New: Jonathan Adler Green Marrakesh Rug

casasugar — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:03:06 -0700

I'm pretty open about my love for Jonathan Adler, but for some time I've been disappointed with the lack of new inventory in his stores or online shop. I'm happy to report that there is now a plethora of fab new items on his web site. I'm green with envy over this hand-tufted Marrakesh Rug ($895), and think the pattern would be purdy perfect in my pad. If green isn't your color, he's also got a few other Moroccan style rugs in some nice browns, grays, and yellows to choose from.

Trend Alert: Pears

casasugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 09:30:03 -0700

Maybe it's just because pears are in season here in sunny California, or because I'm still drooling over YumSugar's bubbly pear cupcakes, but I can't seem to get pears off my mind lately. They seem to be everywhere I look these days, and I'm loving it.

Did you know that there are 30 different species of pears in the world? Well, there are, and there are even more home décor items related to the crisp fruit out there right now. From trays and casseroles to handmade pillows, sophisticated pear interpretations are popping up in every category of the shelter market. I'm not talking about Art 101 style still-life paintings of apples and pears organized nicely in a bowl, but updated, modern silhouettes of the fruit as well shabby-chic renditions.

I've trend-spotted more pear finds than would be sane to buy, so click the images below and let me know which is your fruit-bearing fave.

Source, Source, Source and Source

Midday Muse: Oh My Mod

casasugar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 12:07:06 -0700

My decorating taste is very eclectic, but understated mod design is one of my old reliables. The highlights of this room, photographed by Hulya Kolabas, include Jonathan Adler pottery, hip green walls, and a divine mid-century modern dresser.

via Desire to Inspire

Trend Alert: Key Patterns

casasugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 09:30:55 -0700

Though it has its origins in ancient Greece, the key pattern is a very modern-looking motif, and the decoration is particularly ubiquitous at this very moment. Jonathan Adler is rather obsessed with the pattern, using it to add a chic vibe to rugs and other accents, such as the Greek Key Crewel Pillow ($58, above left).

It seems you guys like this look too: CiaoBella recently found these sleek window shades with a key pattern, and Ginasugar bookmarked West Elm's wall art version ($29 to $99, above right). There are seemingly hundreds of examples in stores right now, so to see my favorites, click on the photos below.

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

Designer Spotlight: Jonathan Adler

casasugar — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 06:00:47 -0700

I've already featured some fabulous designs by the lovable Jonathan Adler, so I figure it's about time I gave him a proper introduction on the site. Lately, he's best-known as the judge with the flamboyant neckties on Bravo's Top Design, but Adler has been a bold presence in the design world since 1994, when he sold his first batch of pottery to Barneys.

Adler soon expanded beyond ceramics into an array of assorted homewares — including lamps, furniture, rugs, and quirky accent pieces. His goods are sold online and at eight boutiques nationwide.

To get an idea for what Adler is all about, look no further than the brand's bold manifesto, which includes such dicta as "We believe that your home should make you happy," "minimalism is a bummer," and "colors can't clash." You can also see some of my favorite Adler designs by clicking on the photos below.

Midday Muse: Welcome to the Parker

casasugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:00:43 -0700

Are you guys watching the new Bravo show, "Welcome to the Parker"? After stumbling on this photo of the hotel's Jonathan Adler-designed interior, I think I should check it out if only for the eye candy.

Nice and New: C. Jere for Jonathan Adler

casasugar — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 07:24:32 -0700

I love the work of wonderfully quirky home guru Jonathan Adler, who you may know from Bravo's Top Design. So when the designer shares one of his obsessions, I pay attention. Case in point: These fantastically funky metal wall sculptures by C. Jeré.

Apparently, Adler has long been smitten with C. Jere, a prominent line from the 1960s and '70s, so he commissioned the brand to re-release four iconic pieces. I love the glitzy but slightly weathered look of these 3-D brass adornments, in particular the prickly Urchin Sculpture ($995) and the disco-fabulous Sunburst Sculpture ($1,100). Which one is your favorite?

Get the Look: Haight-Ashbury Hip

casasugar — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 05:00:19 -0700

This year marks the 40th anniversary of San Francisco's legendary Summer of Love, giving Bay Area locals an excuse to indulge our lingering hippie tendencies — and that, of course, includes decorating.

Retro '60s-inspired furniture is everywhere these days — almost TOO everywhere — but I'm partial to the regal but rough-edged flower power of SF circa 1967. This fun and funky look, which I'm calling Haight-Ashbury Hip, is at once exotic and laid-back, recalling the lush, psychedelic artwork of rock posters (for inspiration, check out the highlights from the era in this coffee table book, The Art of Rock). To learn how to get the look in your living room,