CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Guess What's Hiding Here?

casasugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 05:30:46 -0700

One AT:LA reader concealed something not-so-pretty with this stylish modern console table and landing strip in his loft. Can you guess what is hiding there?

Love It or Hate It? Umbra U+ Collection Balloona Stool

casasugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:00:26 -0700

The Umbra U+ Collection Balloona Stool ($200) might be a clown's dream furniture, but just because you can wrap a stool in deflated balloons, doesn't mean you should. On the other hand, it's got that contemporary art thing going, and has a very unexpected look. What do you think?

Love It or Hate It? Umbra U+ Collection Balloona Stool

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Crave Worthy: Thonet Bentwood Settee

casasugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:00:33 -0700

I can't resist bentwood furniture, a style pioneered by German manufacturer Michael Thonet in the 1800s, even in its more modern interpretations. Try as I might, I never cease to be surprised swept off my feet by the timeless creations. Bentwood café chairs seem to be ubiquitous these days, and I never tire of them, but it is refreshing to see bentwood in another shape, such as the Thonet Bentwood Settee ($1494). The design is a licensed reproduction of an original Thonet, and is built by hand at one of the original Thonet factories located in Eastern Europe. With a cane seat and a slender, curved, walnut or
beechwood frame, it's simply sophisticated, without a stitch of trend appeal. What more could you ask for?

Midday Muse: Cushioned Louis Ghost Chairs on Gossip Girl

casasugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:00:38 -0700

Tuning into "The Dark Night" episode of Gossip Girl, I couldn't help but notice that the set of Philipe Starck Louis Ghost Chairs in Blair Waldorf's dining room weren't naked as usual. The polycarbonate chairs had been dressed up with silk shantung chair pads, giving them less of a transparent look. Personally, I think the chair pads detract from Starck's vision for the chair: a modern reinterpretation of the Louis XIV chair, which is upholstered. But, from a purely aesthetic perspective, they don't look half bad here in Blair's home. And, seeing as the gossip girl lives in a quite traditional abode (unlike Chuck Bass's bachelor pad), I think the chair pads make the very modern chairs more appropriate for the setting. What do you think? Oh also: did anyone notice how there's only wallpaper on one half of the room? Weird!

Nice and New: Selected Works by Tony Duquette From Baker

casasugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:00:00 -0700

American artist and designer Tony Duquette has been known since the '40s for his exuberant signature style, designing costumes for Camelot and various Fred Astaire musicals as well as interiors of the homes of the rich and famous. But until now, his home designs and furniture pieces were only available to those who commissioned them before his death in 1999. Furniture company Baker has now brought Duquette's work to the masses (kind of) by releasing a 19-piece collection of reproductions of his designs, which are available to purchase from Baker dealers by all who can afford to. The furniture, lighting, and accessory pieces aren't exactly penny candy, though. The Palmer Chair shown here will cost you $3,850, and the Paris Snowflake Screen is $22,848. So, it looks like I won't be taking any Duquette home with me until I win the lottery. Until that day, I'll just hope that West Elm or Target can make a more affordable knock-off.

Cool Idea: Drawer Planters

casasugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:30:55 -0700

I talk often about various forms of recycling and upcycling, and I've seen plenty of ingenious ideas for reusing what might seem useless. But sometimes you needn't change a thing about a household item to give it a new purpose. Sometimes all it takes is a little dirt. That's surely the case with these old drawers that were effortlessly transformed into planters with some soil and seeds. If you want to try this on your own, though, I'd recommend drilling holes in the drawer bases for drainage. And to think: I spent all that time building my own garden box! Ohh, hindsight.
Source

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

Crave Worthy: Sunflower Zebra Chair

casasugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:30:16 -0700

While I do think the zebra trend is pretty played out at this point, and I'm certainly not keen on animal hide rugs, I find myself pleasantly surprised by the Horchow Sunflower Zebra Chair ($2,199). Not only does the winged accent chair look super comfortable and have great lines, but it's incredibly cheerful in its sunny zebra pattern. And you know how I love nailhead trim. Despite the bold pattern, the chair integrates well with more traditional pieces, such as the Persian rug shown here. But, it would also really be the center of attention in a minimal, modern interior. You like?

Before and After: A Vintage Chair Makeover

casasugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:00:00 -0700

TeamSugar member Sgdish had a plain vanilla, and stained, vintage armchair with a great frame that was just begging for a makeover. She decided to "be bold and choose two different coordinating fabrics" for reupholstery, but used the same fabric for the chair's trim as on its backside. The results are truly impressive and inspiring. To see the transformation,

Sale Alert: Jayson Home & Garden Fall Upholstery Sale

casasugar — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 05:30:17 -0700

If the Anthropologie Upholstery Sale didn't strike your fancy, perhaps Jayson Home & Garden's Fall Upholstery Sale will. Now through Oct. 13, the retailer is cutting prices by 20 percent on all in-stock and special order upholstery pieces. Pretty rad, right? Unfortunately, some of the pieces will still cost you an arm and a leg. But if you've been holding out for that special something, maybe this sale will push you over the edge. Here's what I wouldn't mind taking home from the sale:
Source

Get the Look: Mad Men — Helen Bishop's Living Room

casasugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:17:00 -0700

AMC's Mad Men hits the mark on so many levels, from its spot-on, witty dialogue to its vintage geekery and sexy '60s looks. I, of course, am all atwitter over the awesome interiors.

The next room I'll break down is Helen Bishop's living room. Helen, neighbor to the Drapers, is the (scandalous!) single mom in the show. It's fairly casual, since it's mainly used for entertaining her son and watching TV. I love the individual elements of the room, and I've created some updated takes on the original look.

The Sofa: For a slight update, I chose solid color sofas with slightly cleaner lines than Helen's sofa, but which maintain the same period authenticity.

For the rest of this look,

Crave Worthy: Antique Ebonized and Turquoise Silk Chairs

casasugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:00:01 -0700

I love a good plush seat, but sometimes I can't help but sacrifice comfort for good looks. And, that time is now. The Antique Ebonized and Turquoise Silk Chairs ($1,300 for pair) from Paris Hotel Boutique don't look one bit comfortable, but they're just so ravishing. I think it's the juxtaposition of the contemporary turquoise Dupioni silk with the 1900s ebonized and gilt design. I imagine the chairs were originally upholstered in a fussy floral, but the lack of pattern here really lets the chairs' beautiful shape shine. I'd set them at the heads of a dining table, paired with some basic black Louis XV chairs, or station one in a quiet hallway to provide a pop of color.

Love It or Hate It? Felicitous Fish Chair

casasugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:00:19 -0700

Known for its colorful, busy, hand-painted designs, MacKenzie-Childs isn't what I would call my personal style. However, I can endure it in small measure, such as one of the company's small ceramic plates. But I find the Felicitous Fish Chair ($1,850) — which is upholstered in striped silk, embellished with a grosgrain ribbon button and copper leaf, stain, and hand-painted accents, and uses two polka-dot fish as its backrest — a little over the top. What do you think?

Love It or Hate It? Felicitous Fish Chair

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Found It! Matthew Williamson's Chair

casasugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 04:30:46 -0700

In the latest issue of Domino, readers got a tour of British designer Matthew Williamson's vibrant and enchanted Hampstead, London, cottage. Williamson didn't execute one stitch of reservation when it came to designing his digs, filling his home top to bottom with finds from all ages and places, and infusing it with a surplus of color. One of my favorite furnishings of his is a high back, woven rattan leaf chair sitting in the corner of his dining room. Williamson admitted that he wasn't sure if the chair was Mexican or Indian, but loved it enough not to care. Turns out, it's neither!
To see where I found this wacky and wonderful chair,

How Would You . . .

casasugar — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:15:57 -0700

This Solid Aluminum Work Desk ($1,450) was used by the US military in the 1950s. But I doubt many of you are interested in furnishing military offices. An unusual furnishing, the surface facing the desk has a row of four hooks and 20 clips, and several small cubby holes to store odds and ends, which I would assume were used in some sort of ultra-efficient military organization system. It also has three drawers with shiny red handles. Personally, I don't think I'd get much work done staring at a big shiny aluminum wall (I prefer a window, thank you), but I do like the industrial look of it. This desk might come in handy in other areas of the home, though. I'd love to use it in the kitchen as a cutting board surface, storing utensils in the drawers, and clipping recipes to the backsplash and hanging my tea towels on the hooks. Or, I might use it to add personality and function to my hallway, hanging my hats on the hooks, clipping reminder notes for myself there, setting my shoes on the lower shelf, and stashing bills in the drawers. How about you? How would you use this desk in your home? Would you use it in the office? In the kitchen? Foyer? Would you paint it or leave it as is? Would you leave the casters on? Would use it in your garden work shed or some other area? Tell me by commenting below!

Cool Idea: Play in Public

casasugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:00:07 -0700

We may not remember rocking away in bouncy seats as infants, but I'm sure we all remember playing on swing sets as kids. In either case, was it ever not fun? I think not. So, why are Trix just for kids? And why should play be relegated just to playgrounds and backyards? I think adults should get a piece of the fun and games, and play should be accepted in public, and apparently so does British industrial design student Bruno Taylor.The renegade playground builder has decided that it's about time we bring play back into public space. He has created a project which incorporates incidental play in the public realm, including a public bench that bounces, for all to use, and the installation of swings into existing bus stops. Is that rad or what? To see a video of Taylor's swing being installed guerrilla-style into a bus stop,

Before and After: A Fresh Secretary Desk

casasugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:00:08 -0700

Christiana Coop of Ferm Living recently shared a DIY project of hers on her blog Clever Spaces, finding yet another use for Ferm's gorgeous wallpaper. She decided to update a Target Secretary Desk ($144.99) by priming and painting it white, and wallpapering the interior with the Ferm Wild Flower (Green) Wallpaper ($115). By measuring the inside sections of the desk first, and then using an adhesive spray to keep them down, the project was pretty breezy. And, to keep the paper intact as the desk is used, Coop sprayed it with a protective coating. To see the impressive results,

Nice and New: Crate and Barrel Taka Trunk

casasugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I've always loved the look of an antique trunk used as a coffee table, and the fact that they can double as storage for your odds and ends. But, when you're entertaining and your coffee table is spotted with wine glasses and hors d'oeuvre trays, it's a hassle to have to sacrifice your tabletop space if you want access to anything that lies in the storage trunk. So, when I came across the Taka Trunk ($499) at Crate and Barrel, I was delighted to learn that I could have it both ways. The refashioned steamer trunk, made of sustainable plantation-grown shesham wood, is equipped with two generous storage areas, a secret central compartment, removable dividers to store wine or CDs, and a small front drawer to hold your remotes and other small clutter. And, particularly winning, its lid support arms fold out, so you can have tabletop space and still have access to your collection of board games or "bar" inside. I also just adore its nubby round feet and handsome iron hardware. It's this sort of piece that makes me favor traditionalism on occasion, and nearly convinces me to stop loving more modern pieces like the Louis Ghost chair. Just nearly.

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

casasugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:00:17 -0700

. . . would you set this pair of Mongolian shaggy lamb x-based stools ($9,500), designed by influential interior decorator Dorothy Draper, in your living room?

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

Absolutely — they're fantastic and a wonderful example of her work!

Maybe — if I were going with a furry, neo-baroque theme.

No way! Those are absolutely ridiculous.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Casa Verde: Droog Rag Chair

casasugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:00:08 -0700

The next time you find yourself in the need of new furniture, you can refrain from opening your mailbox in search of a shelter catalog or from typing a URL into your browser. That's right, you might already have the materials needed for "new" furniture sitting in your home . . . or your hamper. That is, according to Droog. The Droog Rag Chair ($5,500) is made from layers of 15 bags of unique, upcycled rags. And, if you like, they can be your own rags; you have the option of recycling your own rags to be included in the design. Now you have a use for that free Capital One T-shirt you got when you signed up for a credit card at a festival booth . . .

Etsy Find: Ottoman Empire

casasugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Etsy seller Spruce Home, a design studio based in Austin, TX, has upholstered this ornate, wooden-based ottoman in Amy Butler's Nigella Primrose fabric, giving it a vibrant, modern update. The Ottoman Empire ($425) stands 14 inches high with a 30-inch diameter, the perfect size to use as a round coffee table, or set with a tray or some shelter books on top. Not only do I adore the aqua and cool green fabric used, but it looks like it'd be super comfortable used as a stool, foot rest, or even a dog bed! If this ottoman isn't for you, Spruce has a handful of other beautifully upholstered pieces available in their shop. Need a cane back chair? A striped sofa? A set of modular Herman Miller chairs? See what else they've got in store when you

Cool Idea: Steps Side Table

casasugar — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:41:41 -0700

In Rimrock Ranch, a home near Palm Springs designed by architect Lloyd Russell, which was recently featured in the LA Times, spare modern architecture lends an urban style to the cowboy roots of the desert. Here, the steps to a kitchen set between two suites have a dual purpose. The wood planks were extended to serve as a side table for the rustic couch beside the staircase, relieving the need for additional furnishings. Rather than cluttering up the room, this clever idea keeps things minimal, and the attention on the bold desert display of antlers on the wall. Of course, it's convenient that there happens to be a couch next to the stairs, but would you like these stairs in your home if it made sense architecturally?
Source

Weird Furniture: Mint Stool

casasugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:00:31 -0700

I detest halitosis as much as the next person, but since when does that mean I should have to sit on my breath freshener of choice? Just because you can turn any round product into the seat of a stool doesn't mean you should. I think I have to go separate ways with "art engineer" Lee J. Rowland and his Sweet Seats Mint Stool (inquire for price) on this one. That is, unless I were trying to furnish the corporate offices of Breathsavers. I'm sorry . . . am I being harsh? Tell me what you think of this mint-inspired stool.

Steal of the Day: Anthropologie Spindle Wingback Chair

casasugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:30:02 -0700

I've had the Anthropologie Spindle Wingback Chair ($1,300, reduced from $2,500) burned into my mind ever since it first made its debut. Actually, I'd come across the spindle/turned wood print in Ilse Crawford's portfolio and emailed her personally to find out where I could get my hands on the fabric. In case you're not familiar, Ilse is the founding editor of Elle Decoration and also a very talented interior designer.

It turns out that she herself designed the print for Christopher Farr Cloth. Anthropologie snatched it up to upholster this classic Queen Anne Chair, which looks scrumptiously comfortable: the ultimate reading chair. The price of the chair has been reduced $1,200 since I
first fell for it. But, although it still makes my heart go pitter-patter, it's probably more economical to reupholster a thrifted wingback chair in the fabric myself. Sigh.

Less or More: Modern Leather Chairs

casasugar — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 05:00:32 -0700

For the next installment of this game, take a look at each of these modern leather chairs and see if you can answer my questions about them.

Crave Worthy: Cherner Armchair

casasugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:00:31 -0700

Designed in 1958 by Norman Cherner, the Cherner Armchair ($949) has a dramatic and elegant sloping shape, achieved by molding plywood, that sweeps me off my feet, literally and figuratively. Made of solid beech, it's built to last. This particular chair is a reproduction of the 1958 design, manufactured to the exact original specs by Cherner Chair, a company run by Norman Cherner's sons. Some of you purists might demand the 1958 original, if you're to shell out nearly a grand on a chair, but to me it's of no consequence . . . so long as I can share a lifetime with one of my many true loves. Everlasting love. Sigh.

Nice and New: VivaTerra Suzani Bench

casasugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:15:11 -0700

The suzani trend has been going on for probably a year now, and somehow I've yet to tire of it. VivaTerra has just introduced a Suzani Bench ($395-895) that is truly stunning and also eco-friendly. Made from 100 percent organic cotton and sustainable sheesham wood, and colored with eco-friendly dyes, it's one addition to your home that won't incite remorse. Available in two sizes, the elegant embroidered benches can serve as seating or a coffee table, used with a tray. At this point, I've seen the suzani trend played out in all sorts of products, often mimicking the textile's pattern rather than the embroidery itself, so it's refreshing to see such well-executed needlework.

Crave Worthy: Modern Cellar Skylight Wine Credenza

casasugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:45:00 -0700

I'm a big fan of any piece of furniture that serves my drinking habit . . . and I don't mean a Tower of Power. I'm speaking more along the lines of a bar cart, but something about them sort of screams bachelor pad to me. So, when I came across a handsome credenza that doubled discreetly as a wine rack, I really had a reason to pop the cork. The Modern Cellar Skylight Wine Credenza (inquire for price) stores wine, stemware, plateware, and serving accessories: nearly all the necessities for a sophisticated dinner party (add friends and food, and blend). Hand rubbed with a walnut oil finish, made of one-pieced sides and top, it's truly beautiful, and will take on a wonderful patina as it ages. And, its sliver of glass on the top reveals your beloved wine collection. Just make sure to store your two buck Chuck on its lower level . . .

Weird Furniture: 1960s Female Form Fiberglass Chair

casasugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

What is it with men and designing female-shaped furniture? At first, I thought it was kind of funny. But really, the sex-centric furniture is just everywhere these days; it's getting kind of ridiculous. Exhibit A is the 1960s Female Form Fiberglass Chair ($10,500), a chair that proliferates the animal-hide trend, and takes the classic Louis XV chair to a "sensual" level — kind of like a dirty version of Philippe Starck's Louis Ghost Chair. I must say I'm a little confused by the back of this chair though; this lady looks to be double-jointed. What do you think? Funny or misogynistic?

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,

Steal of the Day: Pottery Barn Emerson Chair

casasugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

If you ever fell in lust with Hans Wegner's Wishbone Chair ($599) — a beloved design from 1949 that never ceases to be stylish — but couldn't afford its high price tag, your time is now. Pottery Barn has created a successful knock-off (sans a wishbone-shaped backrest) and lucky for you, it's on sale! The Pottery Barn Emerson Chair ($169-$199, reduced from $249-$289) claims to be inspired by "the look of classic Chippendale style," which is a big load of b.s. Even if Wegner's chair was "inspired by classical portraits of Danish merchants sitting in Ming chairs," I think Pottery Barn should own up and pay Wegner credit where credit is due — right? Still, this slight sequestering of information won't keep me from loving Pottery Barn's version; I'm a sucker for its slender, curved form, natural-fiber seat, and washed gray tone.

Open House: What Piece of Furniture Means the Most?

casasugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:30:00 -0700

At my house, I like to trace my personal history through my furniture. There's the table that was made by a friend, the toy box my grandfather carved when I was a little girl, the chair I found on the side of my street after dinner with a friend. Everyone has some small or big piece of furniture in their home that holds a secret history. What's your favorite? Tell me by commenting below.

Source

Steal of the Day: Champagne Wire Cage Stool

casasugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:00:29 -0700

I like bubbly. I like bubbly pear cupcakes. I like a lot of things that have to do with champagne . . . even the Napa Style Champagne Wire Cage Stool ($98, reduced from $288). A stool shaped like a champagne cap? Yes, it's a little kitschy, but it works. I wouldn't go so far as to pick up the coordinating bright orange faux cork stool (yuck!), but I think the wire cage stool is attractive on its own. The stool's design origins aren't completely obvious at first glance either, which is a plus. In other words, you needn't live in Napa Valley to own it. What do you think? Am I totally off-base?

Nice and New: Convertible Compact Desk

casasugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

If you want a home office as stylish as you are, it's best to start with a smart desk. If you're negotiating tight spaces, there's no need to bring home a big chunky desk; there are plenty of small ones out there. Crate & Barrel has just come out with its Convertible Compact Desk ($499), which is a clever home-office solution that converts from a 30-inch cabinet to a 55-inch full-size desk by sliding out its top panel (and desk's legs). The cabinet itself has removable dividers to store small odds and ends, storage for a laptop, cord cutouts for all of your wires, as well as a larger storage drawer and a filing cabinet drawer. Now, if only someone could do your work for you . . .

Crave Worthy: Casablanca Six Drawer Chest

casasugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:00:54 -0700

If I had the dough, I'd buy the Cottage & Bungalow Casablanca Six Drawer Chest ($3,440) based on its name alone; you know I'm a fan of anything with Moroccan roots, and 1940s romances get me every time. But thanks to this chest's good looks, that wouldn't be necessary. Despite its hardware-less minimalism, it's stunning and truly eye-catching. I love its clean lines, plaque-like imprints, and unfussy, cerused oak. If the pennies added up in my bank account, I'd buy this beauty in heartbeat . . . and then write my own romance about it.

How Sharp Is Your French Décor Vocabulary (A-D)?

casasugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:15:18 -0700

The French have been significant purveyors of style in the world of fashion as well as interior design. And, just as we've incorporated their furnishings into our homes and corsets onto our figures, we've also welcomed les mots français into our vocabulary. Take this quiz to test your French décor vocabulary!

Question 1

1 of 10

An armoire is a _________ cabinet.

Love It or Hate It? Toilet Backrest Radiator

casasugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:00:04 -0700

This design by Italian design firm Why Flou is meant to be not only a backrest for your toilet but also a radiator, making your bathroom not only warm but also fun! What do you think?Source

Love It or Hate It? Toilet Backrest Radiator

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Steal of the Day: Titanium Garden Seat

casasugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:00:38 -0700

Garden stools have been trendy for a couple years now, but I never understood why they were priced so high for what is basically a ceramic drum — see here and here. They're cute though, and versatile, as they can serve as seating or a small side table. If you feel the same, and haven't yet made the splurge, maybe the Ballard Designs Titanium Garden Seat ($89, reduced from $149) will appeal to you. I like its bead detailing
and Chinoiserie-style cutouts. Its price tag also won't break the bank, and its polished titanium finish doesn't have the tiresome cutesy kitsch of some of its brightly colored counterparts. Yay for sale items!

Ask Casa: Decorate My New Orleans Living Room!

casasugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 07:45:46 -0700

Hi CasaSugar,
I need your help! I just moved into a one-bedroom in New Orleans, and will be living on my own for the first time. My bedroom is furnished but in my living room, I have a television and TV stand, and that's it. So, I'm basically starting from scratch! Can you offer me some suggestions for my living room?
My style is classy, urban, girlie, and colorful, but not outrageously so. I want comfortable, welcoming furniture, not like "sleek" or anything. And, I want it to look mature! I like dark wood, and maybe dulled blues, greens, reds, or yellows for fabrics, so the space has color but isn't too bright. I also want to get cool New Orleans artwork for walls, so maybe if the color of some of my furniture can bring out some of those colors, that'd be nice. I'd also like a pull-out couch for guests. My budget: as cheap as I can get for good quality furniture; I am a recent grad, after all. Do you have any thoughts? Anything would help!
Thanks,
Brooke

To hear my thoughts and see my suggestions,

Steal of the Day: Pottery Barn Rhys Media Tower

casasugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:00:21 -0700

Unless you're a discriminating minimalist, you probably collect a lot of crap (or good things). Books, DVDs, bowls, frames, souvenirs, knickknacks — it all adds up. And then, we need a place to put our consumerism on display. To ease the buyer's remorse, it helps to have a storage unit that comes at a highly discounted price. That's where the Pottery Barn Rhys Media Tower ($199) comes in. At $500 off, it's a superb steal. It also doesn't hurt that it's classic, with clean lines in basic black. It's also sturdy, made of solid mahogany, and versatile with four shelves, three of which are adjustable.

How-To: Cleaning Outdoor Furniture

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

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

To find out how to clean your outdoor furniture,

Before and After: Television Cabinet

casasugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:30:24 -0700

TeamSugar member Citygal has been on a roll lately getting her studio into shape. Her latest project was using a bit of paint to transform a cheap, veneered cabinet left in her digs by a previous tenant into something unique that looks a far cry from its big-box retailer beginnings. The cabinet was the perfect size for her television, and just the right amount of storage for her DVD collection, but she knew it needed a facelift. She chose to paint the exterior white to brighten up the room, and the interior a dark cranberry color to give it depth — a smart move for a shoe box New York City apartment. To see the inspiring results,

Less or More: Adjustable Bar Tables

casasugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:00:45 -0700

For the next installment of this game, take a look at each of these extending tables and see if you can answer my questions about them.

Steal of the Day: Casablanca Side Table

casasugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:15:37 -0700

You know I've had Morocco on my mind lately, and that I'm always on the lookout for a good bargain. So, it's no wonder that The Company Store Casablanca Side Table ($53) jumped off the page at me. I have a sneaking suspicion that the low price of this table could be explained by MDF material (that info is conveniently left out). But regardless, I love its Moroccan-inspired look and rivet trim; it reminded me instantly of the pricey Cottage and Bungalow Moroccan Side Table. There's also a matching mirror and console table for sale if you're not on the lookout for a side table.

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

Midday Muse: Luggage Furniture

casasugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:00:46 -0700

We've all heard the expression, "living out of a suitcase." And, until now, it's been associated with temporary, not ideal living situations — "slumming it." But, Marie Claire Maison has envisioned tes valises in a whole new form. Here, inspired by traditional hard-case trunks (think Joe Versus the Volcano), two wooden shelves painted fluorescent yellow were installed in a metal suitcase to store Summer attire, like a mini closet. Need seating, not storage? A wheeled nylon bag makes a pouf when placed around a coffee table, if you fill it with clothes or packaging bubbles to keep it soft. Got a basic military trunk? Drill holes into its base, and add casters: an instant coffee table that you can easily move about on your terrace! A carry-on bag makes a giant vanity box when you add mirrors to its top with velcro, and hang jewelry from a kilt safety pin. Or, canvas sailor duffel bags make back pillows for your a low-lying sofa when stuffed. Think outside of the suitcase!
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Weird Furniture: Paperback Chair

casasugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 06:15:59 -0700

When you were deciding what you were wanting for your reading nook, you probably hadn't considered a chair made of paperback books. Myopic Books, a neighborhood bookstore in Providence, RI, did though. On display in their shop is this wacky chair made by artist David Karoff. With the exception of the wheels, all of the materials used to build the chair were recycled, including scrap metal and books from the discard bins at the local library. To keep the books in place, Karoff drilled holes through them, and slipped them onto the chair's (hidden) metal frame. I kind of love it, especially for a bookstore, but don't think it would work in my home. Would it work in yours?
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Do You Have a Slipcover?

casasugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:00:56 -0700

Slipcovers are a pretty great invention for klutzes like myself, who often eat, and frequently spill, on the sofa. They can be balled up and machine washed like a coffee-stained white blouse. But they don't look as polished as an upholstered sofa, and unless you have one specially made, the fabric selection is minimal. Do you have one?Source

Do You Have a Slipcover?

Yep, call me slipcovered.

I used to, but no longer.

I don't, but I'd like one.

Nope, I'm slipcover-less.

Less or More: Fainting Sofas

casasugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:00:00 -0700

I've actually taken a look at tufted velvet fainting sofas before, but I'm back for more to truly stump you. For the next installment of this game, take a look at each of these apple green fainting sofas and see if you can answer my questions about them.

Crave Worthy: Jayson Vintage Chair and Ottoman

casasugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:00:00 -0700

I've never met a French furnishing I didn't like. The French are relentless purveyors of style, and they win me over again and again, be it with a Chanel frock or a Philippe Starck chair. The Jayson Home & Garden Vintage Chair and Ottoman ($2,995), seating from mid-20th century France reupholstered in dark gray linen, is no exception either. I love how this glamorous gilded Louis XV is juxtaposed with the masculine tone of the fabric. No, it's probably not the most comfortable chair and ottoman
on the block, but it would look darn good in my living room.