CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Trend Alert: Mod Minimalist Florals

casasugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

For endless Summer style, it's hard to go wrong with florals — just ask Fab. But if fussy flowers aren't your thing, don't fret: The new trend isn't the technicolor florals you're familiar with. It involves bold, graphic, and slightly mod floral prints, often in one or two understated shades and nothing more.

Some of these textiles and home accents have a slightly Scandinavian flair, while others — like the Ikea Inger fabric ($5.99) — tend toward geometry. Check out my favorite finds below and tell me what you think about this trend.

Trend Alert: Feminine Nailhead Furniture

casasugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:45:00 -0700

Most people associate nailhead trim with overstuffed, leather chairs and smoky cigar bars. However, traditional masculine ideas of nailhead trim are giving way to more feminine forms. Pastels, pinks, toile, and patterns, combined with more curvy shapes, are reimagining the purpose of this accent.

To see some of the more feminine forms of nailhead trim,

Trend Alert: Wild Things

casasugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:30:53 -0700

Metropolitan Home has spotted a trend of animal-inspired home designs, evidenced by everything from a kangaroo-footed silver bowl to bird-feet candlesticks. While I don't think finding inspiration in wildlife is anything new — Hello, antlers! — I have been noticing a lot of furniture
shaped like animals and creatures themselves. I don't mean things that are embroidered or printed with owls and peacocks, but furnishings that resemble fauna three-dimensionally. It's no surprise, really: they were all here before we were. But, it's interesting to see how animals have manifested themselves in our living rooms (or at least designer showrooms). Take a peek at this slideshow to see the herd of wild furniture I've rounded up.
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Trend Alert: Natural Curiosities

casasugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 07:45:45 -0700

A while ago, I showed you home décor that followed in the fashion of The Book of Plants. To balance all of that flora with some fauna, today I have some décor ideas that seem influenced by Albert Seba's Cabinet of Natural Curiosities. Since his book sits right below The Book of Plants on my coffee table (it's a great distraction for kids at dinner parties), it seemed only reasonable to follow up on my first trend alert.

Seba's book is one of the 18th century's greatest natural history achievements and has been reproduced by Taschen for everyone's viewing enjoyment. It features an incredible (and often fantastical) collection of animals, plants, and insects from all around the world. Check out the widget below for some of my favorite Seba-inspired finds.

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Trend Alert: The Book of Plants

casasugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:45:09 -0700

I've been seeing a lot of designs lately that seem to be inspired by The Book of Plants, a gorgeous coffee-table book documenting flowers grown in a stunning, historical German garden. Whether it's in the way a lovely wall vase is displayed, or in the scientific-specific line drawings on a dish towel, there's no denying that The Book of Plants is germinating interest. Are you a fan of this botanical style, or is it too flower filled for your tastes?

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Trend Alert: Koi in the Pond and in the House

casasugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 07:00:19 -0700

Koi, those delightful finned swimmers you often see in aquatic gardens, are believed to have originated from Eastern Asia, and their ornamental cultivation was encouraged under the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Korean Silla Dynasty, and during the Japanese Edo Period. Koi, also called carp, are very closely related to goldfish. I've actually been longing to add a water feature to my garden, and would adore an addition of some koi into a pond (plus they'll eat insect larvae, another definite plus).

However, it seems as if koi aren't content to stay in the pond. These social climbers have been swimming upstream and into our homes, in the form of linens, wallpaper, rugs, and more. Take a look at the widget to get a glimpse of some of their fishy manifestations, and then leave a comment letting me know what you think of them.

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Trend Alert: Birch Trees Out of the Forest

casasugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:15:34 -0800

Even if you haven't been hiking in the woods lately, you still may have noticed that birch bark is everywhere. That's right, the tree recognized for its long, horizontal pores and papery thin plates is a growing trend in the shelter world these days. Natural birch bark has been used to fashion vases, lamps, and tables. Its distinct pattern has been printed on wallpaper, decals, curtains, stencils, and even rugs. And, both the texture and form of birch trees have been reinterpreted in polished aluminum. Two TeamSugar members, romaniagrl and ProperGray have also welcomed birch into their homes. Birch trees do have such a delicate appeal, so I am delighted to see them making their way into the home with a modern, not-so-rustic look. Want to get in on the trend? Check out the birch-y home furnishings below.

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Trend Alert: Traditional Sweden, Reinterpreted

casasugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:00:18 -0800

Husmusen rounded up a handful of items with one large and underlying thread, old Swedish traditions. I can't read a word of Swedish, but the images speak loudly. These modern furnishings and accessories have taken a note from folkloric costume traditions including weaving, embroidery, and other needlework, colors, patterns, and symbols, which are all important to Swedish heritage.
A Dalecarlian horse takes a new, softer form in the shape of an enormous floor cushion by Skraddaregatan. Design student Moa Jantzes unites tradition and innovative design with a modern rocking chair. Contemporary mugs by Toyo form feature nostalgic cross-stitch patterns. Ubiquitous wooden footwear, worthy of being put on display, get a fashion-forward makeover by Åsa Westlund. And, an eco grocery bag is embellished with Kurbits, a decorative style of painting. Do you love it as much as I do?
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Trend Alert: Mercury Glass

casasugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:45:20 -0800

Mercury glass has been popping up all over — I've spotted it in both chic shelter magazine spreads and on decorating-savvy friends' mantels. And of course, I wrote about the gorgeous mercury glass used in the Haley Lamp. Mercury glass's silvery sheen adds instant refinement to a home, as well as a touch of glamour. Mercury glass, which was first made in the Czech Republic in the middle of the 19th century, was used as an economical substitute for silver. It's made by filling double-walled glass with a liquid-silver solution, and is often seen in home décor objects such as candlesticks, decanters, and vases.

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Trend Alert: Teardrops

casasugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:15:34 -0800

I've been seeing teardrops far and wide these days, and it's not because I've been particularly weepy. Nope. Designers have used the drippy shape to form all sorts of home décor products, including lamps, vases, tea sets, soaps, and more. The teardrop pattern has splashed its way into artwork, textiles, and ceramics as well. Unlike some other trends, this one is subtle, and something you won't grow weary of. Get your teardrops now; there may one day be a drought and you'll be sad you missed out.
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Trend Alert: Typography

casasugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 04:27:56 -0800

News flash! Typography is not a new phenomenon. It's an art that dates to ancient times that not even Gutenberg could patent. That said, I must add that it's having a renaissance in the shelter world in the era of Ikea, Top Design, and home design blogs. Letters, numbers, and punctuation are being tagged, screen-printed, embroidered, carved, sewn, and découpaged on every surface in our homes — and not necessarily in the form of expletives. You're probably thinking, "Words! Big whoop." Right? Well, in this case, the emphasis is not so much on what, if anything, is being spelled out. Without literal meaning, kerning, leading, ligatures, sans serifs, and serifs alike are being used to add interest to the stuff that homes are made of. Pillows, coasters, bird houses, dish clothes, doormats, bookends, and plates have all cut a slice of the typographical pie. To dip your skewer in the fondue of fonts, check out the widget below.

Trend Alert: Ombré

casasugar — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:05:04 -0800

If FabSugar's Trend Alert and these gradient tights aren't enough to convince you that ombré is back in full force, then I'll have to let you in on a little secret. The faded effect isn't just showing up on the runway,; it's having a run on the floor, on the tabletop, and even in bed! Some of this ombrécor is well-executed, like Kenzo's dinnerware, and others make me cringe a little. But it's here to stay for at least a little while, so let's hope for the best. To see some of the ombré home accents I've trend-spotted, click on the images below.

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Trend Alert: the Family Jewels

casasugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:00:24 -0800

I've been seeing ice everywhere these days, and it's not because the temperature is dropping below 32. There's a trend growing of jewels, gems, bling, ice, and what-have-you not on the ring finger but in home interiors. From the freezer shelf to the tabletop to the bath tub, jewel-shaped home accessories are popping up everywhere — and they've got nothing to do with the girl's best friend. Like most girls, I bet you never refuse bling when offered, so tell me if you take to the gems I've rounded up. Since you probably can't afford the my recent crave worthy Glam Rock Chandelier, you can gem-it-up with some of the home accessories below instead.

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Your Favorite Recent Home Trend of 2007

casasugar — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 08:23:40 -0800

As part of our Best of 2007 polls, you chose stacked ball lamps as your favorite recent home trend this year. I certainly see where you're coming from on this one. Stacked ball lamps are elegant, sophisticated, and versatile. But this time, I have to part ways with you and name ikat as my favorite trend. If you've been following Casa, you know my love for ikat runs deep.
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Trend Alert: Equestrian Accents

casasugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:01:55 -0800

I think many of us may have had horsey obsessions growing up. I, for one, was hooked on Elizabeth Taylor in her role as Velvet Brown in the fabulous '40s film National Velvet. The good news is, we don't have to give up the horse love just because we've grown up. In fact, the design world has been inundated with equestrian-inspired accents and décor.

Lately, I've been seeing equestrian accents popping up on everything, from snaffle bit-enhanced purses to horsehead lamps. Check out my favorite home picks for this trend.

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Trend Alert: Nests

casasugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 08:28:10 -0800

Okay, I get it. You are definitely not a fan of the nest chandelier. However, that won't prevent me from trying to convince you that nests do have a place in your home's décor.

Check out the widget below for some ideas. I especially love the nest candelabra from VivaTerra. It would be the perfect lighting for a sweet, intimate dinner with your sweetie. What do you think? Do you like these other nest home items better than the nest chandelier?

Trend Alert: Suzani

casasugar — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 07:00:24 -0800

In its most general sense, the Uzbek word "suzani" means needlework. However, most suzani lovers associate the word with the intricate, beautiful, and colorful embroidery work made by women in the Central Asian country of Uzbekistan.

To hear more about the history (and future) of suzani textiles, as well as to see some great suzani products, just

Trend Alert: Branches, Branches Everywhere

casasugar — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:02:36 -0800

I've been loving the branches look for a while now, and only recently realized that I hadn't featured it in a trend alert. Since my mind's been on Fall, with its falling leaves and bare branches, I thought it was a great time to highlight some of my favorite finds with the branch trend. Are you enjoying this trend as much as I am, or are you starting to think it's a little played out?

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Trend Alert: Things to Skull Over

casasugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 05:39:01 -0700

Skulls might be coming back from the dead for the next couple days since it's time to celebrate Día de los Muertos, but they're also having a comeback in the underworld of home interiors. Everything from doormats and rugs to candles, lamps, and chandeliers have been morbidly stamped with or shaped like a skull. I think a touch of ghoulish humor chez toi is sexy, dangerous, and definitely a must. A lil' bit of bones never hurt anyone, right? Click the images below to see what I've dug up.

Trend Alert: Turned Wood Reborn

casasugar — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 10:00:30 -0700

Thanks to AT:NY, I've been turned on to the turned wood trend. You might be thinking that these shapes are a thing of the past—and you're right, they date back to at least 1300 BC. Curvy furniture legs and turned wood home accessories have been experiencing a renaissance in modern furniture shops as of late, though.
The classic wooden shape has been re-imagined with a modern twist, as well as in other materials like glass, cork, and aluminum. There are plenty of alternatives at various price ranges, and you can even DY a shapely legged coffee table if you're up to the challenge. Click the images below to see the good looking furniture pieces and accessories that I've turned up.

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Trend Alert: Non-Souvenir Matryoshka Dolls

casasugar — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 05:04:43 -0700

As a kid, I always hoped to have a generous relative vacation in Russia, so I'd wind up with a set of Matryoska nesting dolls to play with. I still think the dolls are cute, inventive, and entertaining, but would like to rid my home of airport souvenirs. So, I've been happy to see the Matryoshka imagery and shape creatively re-envisioned as home accents and other furnishings.

The nesting dolls have inspired the imaginative designs of pillowcases, quilts, plates, dish cloths, piggy banks, chairs, and even vodka bottles! Possibly my favorite Matryoshka-inspired design is the Unasukin, an adorably cute little collectable Japanese doll that helps you make decisions by responding to your questions with a nod or shake of the head. Nod your head to the traditional Russian design by getting your hands on one of the products below.

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Trend Alert: Circles

casasugar — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:17:44 -0700

Crop circles. Social circles. Coming full circle. Circle of life. Circle of friends. Circles are certainly not a new concept to anyone, but there are some exceptional new designs which incorporate them in the world of interiors. The circle is represented in both shapes and patterns. It is flat or textured. It is light and airy, or heavy and imposing. It comes in all sizes and colors, and often in metallics. It's on your wall, your floor, your table, your bed, and maybe you're even sitting on it. Regardless of where it is, it's certainly a trend in home decor, so get your hands on one—don't be a square.

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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.

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Trend Alert: Ikat

casasugar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:30:45 -0700

Ikat fabric has a rich history in the textile world, dating back centuries. This year, though, ikat is The Trend in fashion. Designers like Balenciaga, Armani Privé, Jenni Kayne, and Bruce Spring have all been taking notes from Asia’s ancient heritage, bringing ikat to ready-to-wear.

Fashion houses aren’t the only ones with their finger on the fabric; home décor designers are also taking a fresh perspective on the “It” material. Thanks to designers like Thibaut and ABC Carpet & Home heiress, Madeline Weinrib, who have made the traditional fabric work in more modern homes, we’re all itching for ikat. The great thing about this pattern is that it’s available in all types of products: fabrics, wallpapers, carpet, even trays! It’s also a classic, and never goes out of style. That is, until the next “It” fabric comes along.

Trend Alert: Pretty Cool Peacocks

casasugar — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 06:00:49 -0700

If you had told me a year ago that I'd suddenly be coveting peacock-embellished accessories for my home, I'd have thought you were crazy. But that's because I would have been imagining fussy old-lady types of peacock motifs and not these very chic versions showing up everywhere right now.

Rather than render peacock feathers in a realistic style, these pretty cool peacock accents offer modern interpretations on the magnificent plumage, with simple silhouettes and elegant yet understated color combinations. I love the edgy green-and-black design on these Peacock Feather Tea Towels ($11.95, above left), while the Shine Home Palisade Lantern ($795, above right) is romantic but unstuffy. To check out some of the products I've trend-spotted, click on the photos below.

Trend Alert: Black and White Elegance

casasugar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 06:00:07 -0700

From black-and-white ball gowns to checkerboard floor tiles, this classic color combination just oozes simple sophistication. Add a few feminine flourishes, curves, and floral patterns, and you've got a major home-decorating trend for fall and winter.

These furniture pieces and home accents are unfussy but just ornate enough to look elegant and not the slightest bit masculine. They're also very versatile, since the black-and-white palette makes even more traditional-looking pieces fit right into a modern room. For examples of the trend, click on the photos below.

Trend Alert: Chalkboards

casasugar — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 06:00:05 -0700

It's back-to-school season, and even if you haven't been a student in ages, now is the ideal time to get out the chalk. From chalkboard paint to write-on vases, chalk-worthy surfaces are showing up on all sorts of home accents for both kids' rooms and adult decor.

Not only do I love the retro schoolhouse vibe of these products, but they are also a practical way to write yourself reminders, label (and re-label) boxes, or just keep the kids occupied. And while some of the chalkboard surfaces I've found are clearly toys, others — including this VivaTerra Barn Wood and Chalkboard Bin — just have a youthful spirit. For more on the chalkboard trend, just click on the photos below.

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.

Trend Alert: Updated Ornate Chandeliers

casasugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:00:00 -0700

If you think ornate chandeliers look best hanging in your grandmother's house, then allow me to shed some light on a hot trend. Lately, an endless array of modern home stores and edgy designers are giving the old-fashioned chandelier a modern update. Depending on the look, these fixtures work just as well in traditional decor as they do in modern homes.

All of the new chandeliers follow traditional forms but offer clever variations on the theme: I especially love this printed Nicolette Brunklaus Ceiling Lamp Chandelier ($395, above left). Other designers are mixing it up with unlikely materials, including rubber and acrylic, or bold color, as with this Design Within Reach Murano Glass Chandelier ($2,900, above right). For the rest of my finds, click on the photos below.

Trend Alert: Reimagined Hunting Trophies

casasugar — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:00:33 -0700

I'm willing to bet that most of you don't decorate with hunting trophies — those stuffed deer heads and mounted antlers typically found in lodges. I, for one, would never dream of hanging a deer head in my house. But I love that so many modern designers are reinterpreting the iconic look with antler-adorned accents.

From super-high end antler chandeliers — like the famed $1,500 fixture from The Future Perfect — to cheeky $10 wall plaques, there's a piece of hunting-inspired home decor to suit almost every style. Check out some of my favorite finds by clicking on the photos belows, and please, tell me what you think of this off-kilter look.

Trend Alert: Mirror, Mirror Off the Wall

casasugar — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 05:56:26 -0700

Until recently, mirrored-front furniture always made me think of the '80s. But lately, I've noticed a spate of off-the-wall mirror pieces — including end tables and dressers — that evoke everything from geometric art deco design to delicate, feminine boudoirs.

I never thought I'd find myself drawn to mirrored furniture, but now I'm appreciating even the more '80s-leaning items, like this pair of Gump's Mirrored Stacking Tables ($295). Check out some of my other finds below by clicking on the photos and let me know what you think.

Trend Alert: LED Candles

casasugar — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 09:51:52 -0700

Though you can by a pack of a gazillion tea lights at Ikea for like $3, votive candles come with their fair share of problems. Sure, they're cheap, but they have to be replaced constantly, creating waste, and of course there's that whole fire-hazard thing to consider.

Ever since I first stumbled upon the fabulous SunJar ($55), I've been intrigued by these LED candles showing up everywhere. The windproof lights flicker like real candles, so concealed behind glass, they create an effect similar to flame without the hassles. Some of them can even be "blown out." And because LED bulbs last forever, they're actually quite energy efficient. Check out the LED candles I've found by clicking on the photos below and let me know what you think.

Trend Alert: Yummy Candles

casasugar — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:39:08 -0700

First there were scented candles that smelled like food, and now I'm finding all sorts of cute candles that look good enough to eat.

My salivating began with this Point a la Ligne Macaroon Candle Set ($15), which is currently (and tragically) out of stock. But I've managed to find a smorgasbord of other yummy candles — from fruits and cookies to martinis and olives — that should satisfy any decorating taste.

Trend Alert: Garden Gnomes Come Inside

casasugar — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 06:00:22 -0700

Ah, garden gnomes. What's not to love about these enduringly kitschy lawn ornaments? Thanks to a renewed pop-culture presence in Travelocity ads and the movie Amelie, garden gnomes have made a comeback in recent years, and in this latest movement, they're coming indoors as a part of playful home decor.

Even the snooty side of design is getting into gnomes: Check out this Philipe Starck for Kartell Gnome Stool ($321). There are even more fun finds below; just click on the photos to view.

Trend Alert: Light and Airy Canopy Beds

casasugar — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 09:30:05 -0700

As a kid, I always fantasized about having a canopy bed, and ever since I spotted the Creme Fresh Celeste Bed, I've discovered that there are plenty of canopy beds for grown-ups too. But these dreamy canopies aren't the imposing four-posters of old. The big trend is in light and airy canopy beds made from sleek metal, slender wood, and sculpted wrought iron for a look that's both romantic and modern.

These bed frames, like the Room & Board Architecture Queen Bed ($899) above, would look lovely draped in sheer fabrics or just left unadorned. Click on the photos below to see my favorite canopy beds.

Trend Alert: Wine With Everything

casasugar — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:30:34 -0700

Drinking wine is more popular than ever, and now the oenophile trend is extending to home decor as well. Lately, I've noticed the iconic stemmed wine-glass shape is showing up in clever serving pieces — such as this Jansen + Co. Ming Oil and Vinegar Set ($2 — as well as candle holders, light fixtures, and one very cool doorbell. To see my wine with everything finds, just click on the photos below.

Trend Alert: Starburst Mirrors

casasugar — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 06:00:00 -0700

Whether they're earthy gold, modern silver, gilded, or glam, I simply cannot get enough of these starburst mirrors. Designed to echo shining stars and rays of sun — and, of course, to reflect light — this style of mirror has been around for a while, but lately, the look is showing up everywhere. I love the slightly retro and very celebratory vibe these could add to any wall. To see some of my favorite finds, click on the photos below.

Trend Alert: Tetris-Inspired Bookshelves

casasugar — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 05:15:24 -0700

Bookcases are boring. At least, that's how you feel after checking out these wild and wacky bookshelves I've been spotting lately. Using staggered shelving, hexagonal shapes, and other geometric designs, these Tetris-inspired pieces let you store your paperbacks in style.

I particularly love the robust Balance Oak Tall Shelving by Conran and this environmentalky friendly Brave Space Tetrad Bamboo Shelf ($1000) at right. Check out my other Tetris-inspired finds by clicking on each photo below.

Trend Alert: Taking Root

casasugar — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 08:30:52 -0700

When a design fad is derived from nature, it's more likely to stick around, and chances are high that today's tree root-inspired finds could easily become instant classics.

At once trendy and timeless, these furniture pieces and home accents are taken straight out of the woods. Some are faux bois, while others are made from natural materials. Regardless, the subtle vibe is as comforting as curling up a tree branch during a childhood summer.

Trend Alert: Owl Design Wisdom

casasugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:15:00 -0700

Owls may seem like a rather random design trend, but actually, the wise motif goes back several decades, if not more. Way back in 1965, mid-century modern designer George Nelson created this playful Omar the Owl Clock ($130), and the design was re-released by Vitra in 2004.

Now, owl motifs are finding their way onto all sorts of home decor, particularly accent pieces like trays and throw pillows. I think these products strike a nice balance between whimsy and wisdom. Here are some of my wise ol' owl finds.

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Trend Alert: Coral Fixation

casasugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 05:00:21 -0700

No longer relegated to scuba-diving and seaside dwellings, coral is coming into its own as a high-end design motif. It's not often I find myself ooh-ing and ahh-ing over ocean-inspired home design, but lately, I've been drawn to everything from traditional red coral-shaped candlesticks to these ultra-modern Inhabit Coral Pillows ($60 to $6. Whether you live by the sea or buried in a city, these hip coral-adorned pieces are just perfect for Summer. Just click on the photos to view each product below.

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Trend Alert: Pale Yellow and Gray

casasugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 05:15:55 -0700

I love the color combination of pale yellow and gray, which showed up first on the Spring fashion runways before surfacing in the cheap and chic clothing offerings from Delia's and H&M. Even Kate Hudson was spotted in the chic color combo. Now, the subtle but unexpected pairing is coming to your humble abode. Here are four products that play expertly with the gray and pale yellow palette.

This Anthropologie Palm Frond Shower Curtain ($8 would be a great way to add a touch of bright citrine color to a white bathroom.

Three more, so

Trend Alert: Not Your Grandma's Lace

casasugar — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 04:55:12 -0700

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a lace kind of gal, but I can't help but crave this modern lacy look that's showing up everywhere from Summer fashion to sun-shading umbrellas. Anything but delicate and dainty, these bold designs use twists on traditional lace designs — including cut-outs and graphic elements — for a funky and feminine look. Here are six fabulously un-grandma lace creations I've found.

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Trend Alert: Crazy for Cupcakes

casasugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:05:14 -0700

In case you hadn't noticed, people are totally crazy for cupcakes right now: eating them, wearing them, and constructing them into wedding cakes.

But what most tempts my sweet tooth are all of the adorable cupcake-motif home items available, from subtle cake-shaped votive candle holders to pillows that look good enough to eat. Here are some of my favorite accessories to add some sugary style to your home.

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