CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

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 10

10 of 10

What is a demilune?

The Correct Answer:

a table shaped like a half moon

A demi-lune is a table that has a half-moon (half-round) shaped surface.

Source

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!
Source

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?
Source

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.

Love It or Hate It? Button Bench

casasugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:15:46 -0700

The Jellio Button Bench ($1,400) is made to resemble a classic candy store treat with its colorful rubber dots. It certainly gives me a retro flashback of accidentally swallowing paper — not to mention a good laugh. What do you think?

Love It or Hate It? Button Bench

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Less or More: Extending Desks

casasugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:00:43 -0700

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

Nice and New: Lou Lou Ghost Chair

casasugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:15:39 -0700

Building on the success of the now famous Louis Ghost chair, released in 2002, Philippe Starck has come up with a child-size version of the chair for Kartell. A worthy heir, Lou Lou Ghost incorporates the features of its big sister, with a Louis XVI silhouette that is resolutely modern and features a polycarbonate body, a resistance to scratches, and perfect ergonomics. All you design-fiend parents out there can turn your kids on to good design from an early age with the Lou Lou. Available in a variety of candy-colored transparent pastel colors (fluorescent orange and green, sugar pink, blue, sky blue, purple, lilac, and pale green) and three opaque colors (red, white, black), you're bound to find one that suits your little darling. And for those of you without kids' rooms to furnish, I honestly think it'd be pretty cute used to stack books beside your favorite reading chair. It should be available in Kartell shops for about $116 in Europe this Summer, and hopefully in the US soon there after.

Crave Worthy: Kokoon Free Standing Hammock

casasugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:30:44 -0700

If you're too lazy to DIY a hammock and have got money to burn, the Kokoon Free Standing Hammock ($10,620) might be right up your alley. The luxe outdoor furnishing will bring Summer Style to your terrace or lawn, and serve as a private escape from whatever ails you this month, especially if you add its optional set of curtains. You might want to have someone check in on you every once in a while: I don't know that I'd ever want to leave it. And, when it's not in use it'll just look good in your yard; I love its x-shaped base . . . as much, if not more than those x-base tables and stools I've written about.

Weird Furniture: The Worker Chair

casasugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:00:48 -0700

You know that I love Hella Jongerius. But, sometimes her designs can be a little kooky. Take, for example, the Worker Chair made by Vitra. The design combines some crafty elements (stocky compact seat cushion and half-timbered structure) and other more technologically sophisticated elements (polished aluminum arc stand, wooden armrests); overall, the contrast is a bit unsettling. Beyond that, the back seat pillow fittingly, though unattractively, looks like a briefcase. I'm sure all the design fiends have kissed Jongerius's feet for this piece, but I don't see the appeal. Do you?

Crave Worthy: Vitra Kast Tall Storage

casasugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:07:02 -0700

When you've got storage like the Vitra Kast Tall Storage ($10,695), even your Encyclopedia Brittanica collection can look sexy — all the way from aardvark to zygote. The modular unit has a shelf and wall cupboard combination with colorful sliding doors. Although there's a lot going on with the color palette (pink, dark green, bronze grey, dark blue, sulphur yellow, and bright white), the clean lines and perfect proportions of the unit give it a restrained look that's elegant and distinguished. This is the type of piece that you could build a room around . . . starting with an accent rug with a small pattern, a sofa in a complementary color, bold-printed accent pillows with a happy dose of yellow, a Danish-modern armchair with similar lines, a glass-top coffee table that doesn't compete, and perhaps some silk window panels to add sheen. What do you think?

Weird Furniture: Mommy's Chairs

casasugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:00:23 -0700

You'd better sit down for this. What you're looking at is not a child's drawing of a dinner table. On the contrary, Lucy Merchant's Mommy's Chairs are in fact real chairs, made of powder-coated recycled steel. According to Merchant, the sculpture-like seating is meant to "represent the spontaneity of a rough sketch." It's interesting to see that a design inspired by a doodle, a type of drawing that's inherently unpolished, can be so flawless; the visually trickery of this furniture is astounding. And, if the spindly shape of the chairs wasn't enough to confound expectations, the Crayola-box colors of the designs further demonstrate their inspiration. In this case the cliché couldn't be more true: things are not always as they seem.

Before and After: A Trashy Table

casasugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:00:57 -0700

Ruth Alves, the associate art director of Wish, found this table discarded behind her old office, and decided it was worth taking home. A can of semigloss white paint on its butcher block-esque top transformed it into a Saarinen look-alike perfect next to a chaise as a coffee table. To see the results,

Etsy Find: Mecedora Low Rocking Chair

casasugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 05:30:08 -0700

I never think to look for furniture on Etsy, so I was delighted to come across this awesome chair in my search for an Etsy Find. The Mecedora Low Rocking Chair ($875) is handmade from 1,000 feet of woven cotton rope and a stainless steel frame. It may not have plush cushions but looks pretty darn relaxing (and fun!) to me; it sits low to the floor and has a wide stance so you can rock very far back without tipping over. I like how the rope has a natural tone to it; anything bright might overpower the random pattern of the seat and backrest weaving. What do you think? I'm sure many of you will pass on this one, but for those of you with perhaps a midcentury-modern home or a minimalist loft, it could work wonders.

Crave Worthy: Beach House by Mary Bloch

casasugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:30:08 -0700

You may not be the owner of an actual beach house, but you can still getaway from it all with the Beach House by Mary Bloch ($2,097- $4,474), designed in 1962. That is, if you've got nearly seven grand to drop on this little, woven cabin and its stool. The petite lounge-chair-like hut will give you a bit of privacy from the neighbors, and its waterproof canvas roof will keep you dry. I love its gingerbread house-like cutout, roll-up windows and its guillemet-esque shape. But, we all know I'm a dreamer (and a sucker for Summer style) . . . what do you think?

Ask Casa: A Peculiar Armchair Question

casasugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 06:15:38 -0700

Hey Casa,
I'm wondering if you can help me with a peculiar armchair question. I've been looking for a picture or the name of a certain French/ Parisian upholstered armchair that is quite iconic. It is quite similar in design to this chair shown here (at least, the arm rests are). I've always seen the chair upholstered in white with black detailing. It's very elegant, and I'm pretty sure it's originally French. I hope my description isn't too obscure! Thank you!
SundayGreen

To see my response,

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.
Source

Cool Idea: Stacked Books Table Leg

casasugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:00:29 -0700

I recently attended a charity event at the Ted Baker store here in San Francisco. Given that Ted Baker is a purveyor of quirky British design, I wasn't surprised to find that the store itself was chock full of inspiration and original interior design ideas. One of these was a neon-green table with one leg built from a stack of books. Genius! Not only does the table just look cool, but it offers a fresh way to repurpose dusty old books. To add another dimension of authenticity to the store, the books used were British in nature, such as Britain's Offshore Islands, Great Britain, and Old English Customs. The weight of the metal table on the books and the fact that it had a sliver of metal leg at the top kept the leg from wobbling, but this might not be the case if you used other materials or a different table design. I did a little research and found a DIY for making table legs out of books, which involves drilling a hole through the books to fit a rod through; it's cool too but not as successful visually. The orange table beside it, which I did not get a photo of, had one leg that only went three-fourths of the way and sat on a slightly deflated basketball, which had been filled with cement or sand or something equally weighty for stability. Bloody marvelous.

Love It or Hate It? Calculator Stools

casasugar — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 05:30:30 -0700

These Calculator Stools (inquire for price) are quite possibly the geekiest furniture I've ever seen — or at least equally as geeky as the Mac II Couch. They look like something Napoleon Dynamite might own. Do you like them?

Love It or Hate It? Calculator Stools

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Crave Worthy: Wilhelm Coffee and Alexander Dining Tables

casasugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:00:14 -0700

I'm in love all over again. The Justin Couch Wilhelm Coffee and Alexander Dining Tables (inquire for price) have the clean lines of classical furniture, like the Brocade Home Silhouette Table, but their Rorschach-esque walnut veneer gives them a contemporary aesthetic that's sophisticated and overwhelmingly captivating. The table involved an exhausting process of cutting and clamping baltic birch, and since its walnut veneer was so fragile, it had to be cut with an X-acto knife. If that's not fine art, I don't know what is. I'd give anything to have one in my home; I think they've topped my list of favorites this year.