CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Guess Who Designed These Rooms?

casasugar — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:00:56 -0800

A four-time Grammy-winning musician with a love for the South designed these rooms and actually has his own interior design firm. Can you name him? (Hint: He once dated a famous Aussie actress.)

Designer Spotlight: Ondine Karady

casasugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:30:32 -0800

Today's Designer Spotlight goes by the name of Ondine Karady. Ring a bell? That's probably because you've watched her facing challenges and wowing us with her design skills on season two of Top Design. As you may know, Ondine was part of a small team of designers on the set of Sex and the City. Unfortunately for all of us (tear) Sex and the City's television pulse stopped beating, but Ondine moved forward, starting her own eponymous SoHo-based boutique design firm. She's since carried an impressive list of clients, including celebs, Hollywood directors, and Washington political elite. Her firm, OK, also has a collection of custom furniture, ceramics, and hand silk-screened wallpapers inspired by mid-century designs. If that weren't enough to impress, she also designed the sets of Requiem For a Dream and 25th Hour. To see some work from her portfolio,

How-To: Steal Ideas From Mimou's Catalog

casasugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:30:00 -0800

I recently showed you how to steal ideas from Anthropologie's catalog, and today I'm back with more impressive styling from Swedish design shop Mimou. A purveyor of bed and table linens, cushions, poufs, and wallpaper, I ache for Mimou's fantastic materials and gorgeous design. But since I have no plans to head to Scandinavia in the near future, and I'm too much of a cheapskate to pay international shipping fees, I figure I might as well use its catalog for a little inspiration. To see how you can steal ideas from Mimou's catalog, check out this slideshow. Source

How-To: Nine Tips For Transforming a Small Space

casasugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:43:34 -0800

In the recent LA Times TImes article "A Laguna Beach Shopkeeper Applies Decorating Strategies Borrowed From His Boutique," shopowner Trey Russell offers smart tips for keeping a small home organized, stylish, and beautiful. I already shared one tip, and now I'll share many of Russell's other ideas. Make sure to read all of his ideas here, or visit his store online. For now, check out Russell's smart tips in the slideshow. Source

Cool Idea: Home Decorating Ideas From a Book Signing

casasugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:15:48 -0800

Anna Maria Horner, author of the recently released sewing book Seams to Me, recently decorated a "book nook" for a three-day book signing event. She writes, "Not one poor soul got away from me without a serious amount of giddy chatter risking overzealousness, I am quite certain." To see some of the lovely interior design for her booth, and to see how you can adapt these ideas in your own home, check out the slideshow! Source

Top Design, Finale: "House Challenge"

casasugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:00:33 -0800

At long last, we're down to the final three contestants on Top Design: Ondine, Nathan, and Preston. I actually really like each of these contestants, and would be happy to see any of them win the grand prize of $100,000 to expand their design business, as well as a feature in Elle Decor. (Though of course I have my favorite, as I'm sure you do.) For the second half of the finale, the three contestants must finish decorating the rest of their townhouses, which they started decorating in Episode Nine.

The contestants start off the finale on a shopping spree sure to make any Casa reader green with envy, hopping from wallpaper shops to antique stores to warehouses stocked with gorgeous furniture. When the contestants meet up with India, they get a surprise: Natalie, Eddie, and Andrea are back to help the designers on their homes. Uh-oh: Eddie's matched up with Preston, and we all know from previous episodes that Eddie completely hates Preston. Poor Preston.

Ondine's concept for her home is retro glam, while Preston's back with his concept of traditional modern (which Eddie seems to hate, incidentally). Nathan's concept is a little more conceptual (at one point he describes his hall wallpaper as "Golden Girls disco"). Eddie's still up to his douchey antics; he shirks his duties and, at one point, leaves his phone on the stairs when Preston is trying to give him instructions. The designers all seem really stressed out by the time line, and the many projects which seem to be nowhere near completed.

To find out who won Top Design,

Who Do You Think Will Win Top Design?

casasugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:00:53 -0800

Photos courtesy of Bravo

Who Do You Think Will Win Top Design?

Preston! I love his chic boutique hotel style.

Nathan! His style is so singular and intriguing.

Ondine! Her modern, feminine style really speaks to me.

Does Interior Design Take Priority at Your Coffee Shop?

casasugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:01:55 -0800

According to the Herald Tribune, in addition to its new/old logo, Starbucks is undergoing a design overhaul of its interiors. The java monopolist has brought back designer/architect Arthur Rubinfeld to his old post to change things up. Rubinfeld has presented a new design, which may include, "energy-efficient lighting, new furniture using reclaimed materials, and modular merchandising racks, [as well as] new paintings that evoke the company's coffee heritage." I'm sure Starbucks knows what it's doing, so I don't doubt the changes will be beneficial. I'm curious, though, whether a coffee shop's design influences whether or not you'll order a latte. Does design influence your preferences out of the home? Source

Does Interior Design Take Priority at Your Coffee Shop?

Yes, interior design is important to me wherever I go.

If I'm on the go, I couldn't care less. But, if I want to drink my coffee and stay a while, design matters.

No, so long as the food, drinks, and service meet my standards, design doesn't have an influence.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Cool Idea: The Dressler's Decadent Details

casasugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 07:00:44 -0700

I don't make it a habit to feature restaurants on CasaSugar, but when the interior design of one blows me away, I feel compelled to share. Take the Dressler, a neighborhood restaurant in Brooklyn, NY. While the Dressler serves a restrained, palette-tempting menu, diners are often equally taken with the eatery's décor. Capable of seating 60 diners, the Dressler's main room is an absolute visual treat. A pretty barstool reveals itself, upon closer examination, to be adorned with fairytale characters; a Baroque chandelier is alive with roosting birds.

Owner Colin Devlin showed great foresight when overseeing the interior design of his restaurant, which was completed by Joseph Foglia Designs. And the real charm is in the details: furniture, lighting fixtures, and accents were all made by Brooklyn Navy Yard artisan sculptors.

To take the full tour,

Top Design, Episode Nine, "House Challenge"

casasugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:15:18 -0700

For last night's Top Design, which is the first of a two-part finale, the remaining contestants face a daunting challenge. Instead of a single room, Eddie (who celebrated his birthday on this episode), Ondine, Nathan, and Preston are responsible for styling an entire house in two days. For the first half of this finale episode, each designer is given one room for improvement in each house. The designers also have $20,000 per room to work with; the twist is that only three of the four designers will be coming back for the second half of the finale to finish their homes.

Nathan and Eddie both chose to work in the master bedrooms, while Preston chose a dining room, and Ondine one of the tiny bedrooms as an office space. I loved the backstory we got about each contestant, as well as the photos of their homes, in this episode. (Though, did anyone else notice that we didn't get to see any photos of Eddie's home?)

To see who won this challenge and who's out,

How-To: Live Green Like Jessica Alba

casasugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:15:36 -0700

InStyle currently has a great feature on celebrity interior designer Kari Whitman and her eco-friendly ideas for Jessica Alba's home. Whitman is known for her creative use of salvaged artifacts (like the vintage chandeliers shown here) that she finds by scouring antique shops, flea markets, and her clients' homes. For example, she says, "For Jessica Alba's house we bought almost every piece used." Snatching up second-hand pieces isn't the only way she has greenified Alba's home, though. To hear some of her other tips and tricks,

Midday Muse: Subtle Touch of Pattern

casasugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:00:11 -0700

Depending on your style, you may love to mix patterns, or you may prefer a more quiet palette for your home. There is, of course, room for compromise on this point. Take the subtle peek of pattern in this photo. Small doses of pattern in a home are an easy way to satisfy your desire for eclecticism, while still keeping the mood muted.

How do you use patterns in your home?
Source

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

casasugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:00:01 -0700

. . . would you hire Kelly Wearstler as your interior designer? Source

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

Yes! Yes! I can't think of anything I'd like more!

I'd love for her to decorate some rooms in my home, but not all.

I love her style, but I'd rather decorate my own home.

No way. She and I are so not on the same page.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Top Design, Episode Five: "Triathlon of Decorating"

casasugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:30:25 -0700

Finally! After four episodes of group projects, in this latest episode of Top Design, the designers get to decorate individually. In this challenge, the designers must show off their creative vision, styling ability, and versatility as a decorator. Their first challenge was to transform chairs, in two hours, into something unique and design forward, using paint, stain, and textiles. I loved the over-the-top, Betsey-Johnson-inspired chair that Ondine styled. And Wisit's subdued, batik-look fabric on his chair (which he painted by hand!) was impressive as well. Nathan won the first leg of the triathlon (guess his smokelete training paid off) for his iconic, gessoed, glamorous chair.

To find out who was the overall winner, and who went home,

This Just In: Trina Turk Makes Her Foray Into Interiors

casasugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:00:29 -0700

After 13 years as a fashion designer, Trina Turk is making her foray into the world of interiors, according to WWD. Armed with new investment capital, she has taken her "vivid signature prints from her classic sportswear to plush pillows, sleek Lucite chairs and other home furnishings." In Spring 2009, Turk will also collaborate with F. Schumacher & Co. "to produce outdoor upholstery fabrics that are resistant to fading, water and stains," bringing her signature style to your outdoor furnishings. Turk is also seeing growth in other areas, venturing heavily into retail rather than primarily wholesale.
Turk's Palm Springs and Los Angeles outposts were designed by none other than Kelly Wearstler, and I couldn't think of a better match. Wearstler really did a fantastic job of emulating that beach and resort style with the casual glamour that is so distinct to Turk's designs. But, I always hoped to see Turk venture into interiors herself, so I'm thrilled that time has now come. Another tidbit of information: Turk's New York City camp was designed by Jonathan Adler. I'm so eager to see these designs: you know how I love my sleek Lucite chairs! Of course, I'll share images with you as soon as heavenly possible.
Source

Casa Verde: A Handmade Home Gets Some TLC

casasugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:15:18 -0700

Last year, I told you about my brother's handmade home, which he built in an eco fashion for a surprisingly small amount of money. However, nothing much had been done with the home's interior. This year, he and his wife made a lot of interior changes in the home to spruce it up. To see what this previously unfinished home looks like now, check out the slideshow.

Top Design, Episode Three: "Window Display"

casasugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:00:38 -0700

In the third episode of Top Design, the designers switched from outfitting bunkers to backdropping high fashion. Working in teams of two, the designers were challenged to create window displays for gorgeous fashions designed by Jeffrey, Sweet P, Daniel, Andrae, and Santino, contestants from prior seasons of Project Runway.

It was definitely fun to see each of the fashion designers' looks, from Santino's macabre, black-swathed mannequin to Sweet P's bright, color-drunk mannequin. But beyond the fashion, there was also the complication of egos. There are bossy, opinionated egos (Jeffrey, though I love him), diva-esque egos (Andrae), and then there's Daniel. While his dress was beyond fabulous (it's shown here), Daniel is beyond hilarious. To express his vision for the window display, Daniel read the designers a poem he'd written. I always felt as if he was a blowhard on the two seasons of Project Runway, and this high-school-journal-worthy poem only confirmed this feeling. He's the kind of guy who, on a first date, would try to feed you strawberries in front of a roaring fire while playing Mariah Carey records and find nothing off about it. Or maybe I'm just the anti-romantic.

To find out who won and who got kicked off,

Midday Muse: Sumptuous Ceiling

casasugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:00:59 -0700

Supper, a restaurant in NYC's East Village, was given an updated look by Site Specific Design. However, the updated look took it back in time, with its burnished, antique-look ceiling and dark interiors. I'm particularly fond of those jellyfish-like pendant lamps seen above the bar. Are you a fan of dark, cozy interiors, like this one? Source

Do You Have Musical Instruments in Your House?

casasugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:00:14 -0700

Growing up, I diligently practiced Mozart on a spinet piano, which was compact enough to fit snugly in a corner in the living room. My mother-in-law practices Rachmaninoff on a gorgeous grand piano by a picture window that overlooks downtown Seattle. While we don't have a piano in our home, I'd love to get one. I settle for playing Tchaikovsky on an open-holed flute instead. Do you have musical instruments in your home? If so, are they a part of your interior design scheme? Source

Do You Have Musical Instruments in Your House?

Yes, and they're an essential part of the look of my home.

Yes, but they aren't used as part of a decorating scheme.

No, I don't have any need for them.

No, but I'd like to.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Open House: Your Parents' Style

casasugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:30:36 -0700

This is a snapshot of my mother's living room, filled with antiques and plenty of outdated '80s/'90s textiles. Were she to redecorate today, I can guarantee she'd opt for a loose, more livable space. But, her taste remains colorful, traditional, and sophisticated. While I wouldn't mind winding up with a few of the pieces in this room (Louis XV chairs, secretary desk, mirror, maybe the coffee table), my style is certainly a departure from hers, and I might even consider painting some of the furniture. I prefer cleaner lines and fewer colors — more modern in general.How about you? How does your style compare to that of your parents? Has their décor style changed through the years? Do they adapt to trends? Would you like to inherit any of their furniture? Tell me by commenting below!

Coveted Crib: Haute Helsinki

casasugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:00:12 -0700

In this Helsinki home, a mélange of various design styles (Hollywood Regency, mid-century, French, traditional) and eccentric pieces come together seamlessly, creating an interior that is calm, inviting, and unique. To take the full tour, check out this slideshow. Source

Open House: How Do You Define Masculine Style?

casasugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:15:41 -0700

Not all dudes decorate with high school sports trophies and rock posters. In fact, there are some absolutely design-savvy guys in my circle of friends.

How do you define masculine interior design? Does it involve darker colors? Earth tones? Leather? Are antlers involved? Furthermore, have you been influenced or impressed by any of your male friends' design savvy? Tell me by commenting below!
Source

Midday Muse: Monochrome Living

casasugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

I'm not one to steer away from color or pattern, but I think there is something to be said for monochrome interiors. In a vibrant, busy space, shapes can become lost and ignored, but a more pared down design can accentuate your furnishings, reminding you each day of why you fell for them in the first place. Take the chandeliers in the photograph, for example. They're remarkable and the white walls make note of that, whereas a wallpaper might be a distraction from their unique, drippy form. I myself love white furniture but black has never been for me. In most cases I find black and white interiors a bit too modern for my taste. But here, the vintage trunk, traditional sofa, and painted hardwood floors prevent that. No, it's not the most conservative space, but it doesn't scream bachelor pad, either. What do you say? Yea or nay for monochrome living?
Source

Designer Spotlight: Suzy Hoodless

casasugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

After five years as an interiors editor at Wallpaper*, Suzy Hoodless decided to ditch the written page and try her hand at designing interiors herself. She set up a design consultancy in 2000, specializing in interior design (both residential and commercial), and since then has racked up clients all over the globe. Be it a hunting lodge in Scotland, a beach house in Barbados, or a members only club in London, Hoodless brings a unique, timeless aesthetic to each interior. What impresses me most about her style is that it doesn't adhere to any design trends which, as we all know, can fade fast. Yes, you may find a Louis Ghost Chair or a mid-century credenza in her portfolio, which are ubiquitous these days. But you'll barely notice they're there . . . the entire composition of her rooms themselves is really what grabs me. There's also a quirky British element to her work that I adore; why not hang a chair on the wall like artwork or use a simple log as a bench? Check out the gallery below to see what I mean.

There's more where these came from, so

Designer Spotlight: Tom Scheerer

casasugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:45:10 -0700

Architectural and interior designer Tom Scheerer combines an architectural sensibility with a comfortable, refined aesthetic in a look he calls "relaxed modernism." His interiors favor well-planned rooms, spatial arrangements, color, and texture over purely decorative elements, and he uses antiques sparingly and artwork decidedly. Having practiced design since 1985, his work can be found in New York, East Hampton, Nantucket, and the Bahamas as well as the pages of Elle Décor, House & Garden, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, and he is often named one of House Beautiful's "Top 100" designers. Check out the gallery below to see some of his work.

There's plenty more where these came from, so

This Just In: Versace to Design NYC Clock Tower Interiors

casasugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:00:46 -0700

Donatella Versace has been contracted to redesign the interiors of Manhattan's Clock Tower Building on 5th Avenue, according to the New York Observer. Once the MetLife building, the Clock Tower is being transformed into a 55-unit condo building by international holding and investment company, Africa Israel. Rotem Rosen, the company's CEO, told the Observer that the building is shaping up to be "the highest-end residential building in New York." He said, "the whole interior design of [the Clock Tower will be] Versace, from the lobby to the spa to the restaurant designed specifically by Donatella herself. Everything inside will be 100-percent Versace design." The building's restaurant club will be the world's first designed specifically by Donatella, and the rest of the building will be designed by the Versace Group.There's more to learn about this luxe megaplex, so

This Just In: CB2 Opens in San Francisco

casasugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:15:00 -0700

If you missed my bulletin, I'm here to tell you that as of today, CB2's latest store has opened in San Francisco. The wonderful CB2 folks let me take a tour of the store prior to its grand opening. Take a look at the slideshow for a sneak peek of the great finds at the new Union Square, San Francisco store. Oh, and don't be surprised if you pick up a few great design ideas along the way!

Who Should Win Design Star?

casasugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:00:25 -0700

Did you catch last night's episode of Design Star? The final two designers, Matt and Jennifer, headed down to New Orleans to design new kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms for two deserving families that haven't been able to stay in their homes since Hurricane Katrina. Both of the designers did a great job, but only one can win. Who do you think should be the next Design Star? Source

Who Should Win Design Star?

Matt — I thought his minimalist design was great, and that dining room was to die for!

Jennifer — those red cabinets were great, and the striped walls were gorgeous.

Designer Spotlight: Angie Hranowsky

casasugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:00:05 -0700

Graphic designer and Parsons grad, Angie Hranowsky applies her knowledge of design, color theory, and textiles to interiors as well as the printed page with an eclectic and modern aesthetic. Her mix of vintage and new furnishings, bold color, and perfect composition, which can be found through the Southeast and Midwest and on the pages of Metropolitan Home, Domino, and House Beautiful, has an unmistakable Hollywood Regency influence that's comfortably chic. Check out the gallery below to see some of her work.

There's more where these came from, so

This Just In: More Interiors from Project Runway

casasugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:00:33 -0700

Did you catch the first episode of Project Runway season 5 on Wednesday? While I was initially afraid that I couldn't put season 4 behind me, luckily, I was hooked on the new cast of designers within the first 10 minutes. (I was definitely lured in by Blayne and his insane tanning obsession, as well as his leotard creation).

I recently found even more photos of the contestants' living quarters. You were split about the first photo, which many of you found too Ikea-heavy.

To hear my thoughts on the other interiors,

This Just In: Sneak Peek the Project Runway Digs

casasugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 07:00:12 -0700

I'm sure that many of you, like myself, will be tuning in to the first episode of season five of Project Runway tonight. I only hope that there are as many great designers this season as there were in season four!

While I can't predict the talent level of this season's contestant pool (though I suspect it's high), I can tell you that contestants, who had previously been housed at New Gotham for the last season, are back to the original digs at Atlas New York.

To find out more about Atlas New York, and to see a photo of the contestants' bedroom,

Cool Idea: Metal Interiors

casasugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 06:15:43 -0700

Are you into adding some heavy metal to your house? I'm not suggesting you start listening to Black Sabbath, of course, but that you experiment with some unusual materials. Take this ribbed metal wall, which I found in Australian architect Cathy Spratt's portfolio. She used metal walls for this beach house bathroom, which lends a vacation-oriented feel to the room. This is such an unexpected and interesting design element, which I think would work perfectly in a beach house or summer home. I'd love to experiment with metal walls. If you're interested you can find some metal wall and ceiling products here. Do you love this look as well?

Source

Open House: Your Inspiration

casasugar — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 08:30:37 -0700

Interior design inspiration abounds lately; I've found it everywhere from a runway dress to a young celeb's scarf to a designer window display. Traditionally, though, I've found a lot of inspiration in shelter magazines, design books, museums, and architecture. How about you? Where do you find inspiration for designing your own interiors? Tell me by commenting below!
Source

Designer Spotlight: David Netto

casasugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:30:59 -0700

Interior designer David Netto founded his small residential decoration and architectural design shop, David Netto Design, in 2000 and has since become a force to reckon with in the interior design world. Wanting to transition from the service industry to manufacturing around the time he was shopping for a crib for his daughter, Netto developed a line of stylish modern baby furniture, NettoCollection, which has been snatched up by high design boutiques all over the US and opened its own storefront in 2005.
To find out more, as well as to see some of David Netto's gorgeous designs,

Midday Muse: Blending the Urban and the Rural

casasugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:00:32 -0700

This photo, from the portfolio of Martyn Thompson, exemplifies an urban-meets-rural aesthetic that is often attempted, but rarely successfully implemented. Not so with the owner of this masculine (and luxurious) bathroom. The tufted chair, industrial fixtures, and salvaged sign are a surprising complement to the rough-hewn wide-wood floors and elk antlers. I wouldn't doubt that the owner of this abode is someone whom I might have a little something in common, given our shared taste in décor.

Coveted Crib: Lovely in Long Island

casasugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:15:08 -0700

This beautifully decorated home was designed by the firm of Nickey Kehoe. Check out the slideshow for the inspirational and surprising furniture and décor choices. Source

Coveted Crib: A SoHo Loft

casasugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Tori Golub is a Manhattan-based interior designer whose firm specializes in residential design. Tori is known for her clean modern aesthetic. Check out the slideshow to see how she brought this aesthetic to a SoHo loft. Source

Guess Who's Got a Decorator?

casasugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:30:52 -0700

A certain "white-trash" rock star, who's actually a neat freak from a good Midwestern family, hired a top-notch interior designer for his $11.6 million Malibu home, who dressed it with "a Basquiat painting, a Rothko, John Lennon's old organ, and Elton John's grand piano," according to Real Estalker. Do you know who it is?

Home Library: Charlotte Moss's A Flair for Living

casasugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 07:30:28 -0700

Designer Spotlight Charlotte Moss's sixth book, A Flair for Living will be published by Assouline this May. The full color, large format volume shares her ideas on gracious style, exuberant entertaining, refined glamor, and home couture. Chock full of images of her elegant interiors, it is likely to inspire traditionalists. While my sneak peek at the book did open my eyes to several overlooked truths of decorating, such as, "A good mirror is a great investment. Every room can handle one," I was admittedly disappointed by the mass of editorial "fluff" (and uninspired graphic design).

Speaking of centerpieces, Moss writes, "Decorating a table is one of life's basic pleasures. Three meals a day means a lot of decorating practice. Begin with a beautiful set of white china, . . ." I find it hard to believe that a woman who runs a successful interior design company, a home boutique, and designs her own furnishings has the time to decorate her dining table everyday. But, much like the interiors she designs, Moss's new book is evidence that she places importance in the simple details of life and home, a skill we should all attempt to cultivate.
Source

Guess Who Designed This Bar?

casasugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:15:55 -0700

The walls of this bar are covered in large-scale images of Versailles's interiors, table lamps hang upside down from the ceiling as pendants, and mismatched tables and chairs make up the cozy bohemian lounge setting. It was designed by a well-known Frenchman who designs interiors as well as mass-produced consumer goods. Do you know who it is?

Architect Stories: John C. Williams Architects

casasugar — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 08:18:00 -0800

Williams Architects, located in both New Orleans, La., and Mobile, Ala., offers architectural, interior design, and planning services. The firm has won design awards for historic renovation and new construction from the American Institute of Architects, the Vieux Carre Commission, the Historic District Landmarks Commission and the City of New Orleans. Check out the slideshow for some of their residential projects. Source

Home Library: Creative Interiors Coloring Book

casasugar — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:59:33 -0800

Whoever said coloring books were just for kids was a liar! The Rock Scissor Paper Interiors Creative Idea Journal and Coloring Book includes 12 coloring book pages of modern, mid-century interior scenes, plus furniture and design elements, along with 25 grid pages, and 25 blank sketch pages. It's a risk- and hassle-free way to decide what color Overlapping Squares Chair to buy, or what wallpaper hue will match your Louis XVI chair. It's definitely built for just grown-ups . . . unless any of you know a six year old who owns a Tulip chair. I personally just wish there were more coloring book pages; if I wanted a sketch book, I'd buy one.

Designer Spotlight: RJ Thornburg

casasugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 05:02:42 -0800

After 25 years of designing hotel, corporate, and residential interiors, RJ Thornburg, a self-declared “antidecorator,” continues to create distinctive spaces with a refreshingly innovative approach to style, color, and scale, bringing attention to art rather than using it merely for decorative purposes. RJ hopes that the eclectic environments he creates "help people have fun with their interiors and take the design process a little less serious." His recent work includes a midcentury modern home renovation, the Stonewall Country Club in Lancaster, Penn., and the Uwishunu Guest Room at Philadelphia’s Westin Hotel. After opening a home-design store showcasing his own designs as well as those of local Philadelphia artists and craftsmen, he partnered with Warren Muller, a self-proclaimed luminary who creates fantastic lighting sculptures from found, recycled, and salvaged objects, to open Bahdeebahdu, a lighting and design studio. To see a gallery of his work,

Designer Spotlight: Todhunter Earle Interiors

casasugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:30:18 -0800

Todhunter Earle Interiors is a duet between Emily Todhunter and Kate Earle backed by two architectural designers, four interior designers, two accountants, and three product designers. Emily Todhunter began her career as a specialist painter, but launched her interior design career after being commissioned to design the New York nightclub Au Bar in 1988. After that, she became well known for designing hip London clubs and restaurants. She was joined by Kate Earle in 1998, who became partner, adding a new dimension to the company, and elevating it to more broadly-based design. Their client list includes Emilio Pucci, Moet and Chandon Bar, Sissinghurst Castle, Mansion Bel Air, a 37-m. sailing yacht, and a laundry list of London hotels and restaurants. They also have a collection of lighting, wallpaper, rugs, furniture, carpets, and fabrics. They tend to lean towards traditional designs with a muted palette. Not exactly what I would call inventive, but beautiful and tranquil nonetheless.

What's Your Favorite Design Style This Year?

casasugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:00:05 -0800

My preferred design style seems to change every few years, and sometimes I think even seasonally. That's clearly evidence that I'm being influenced by current trends and the home stores that I frequent, along with many other factors. As part of our Best of 2007 polls, I want to know what interior design style you fancy this year. Source

Designer Profile: Kelly LaPlante and Organic Interior Design

casasugar — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 07:58:07 -0800

Los Angeles eco-designer Kelly LaPlante and her firm, Organic Interior Design, try to impress upon clients that good style and organic and sustainable furnishings can be synonymous. LaPlante has designed her own line of elegant, eco-friendly furnishings, including soy candles and organic sofas, which are available through her showroom in Venice Beach.

Kelly's work has recently been seen at the Sundance Style Lounge, the Global Green Oscar Party and the Ultimate Emmy Green Room. Her book, Eco-Luxe: Sustainable Spaces of Extraordinary Individuals is forthcoming.

To see a gallery of Kelly's design work, just

Ask Casa: A Table for These Chairs

casasugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 07:34:15 -0800

Dear Casa,

I have two amazing chairs that need a coffee table to sit in front of them and I am absolutely stumped as to what would work with them. I've just had the chairs reupholstered in a silver-grey velvet. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Ava Gardner

To hear my suggestion and see my coffee table suggestions, just