CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Nice and New: Marie Christophe Hibou Lamp

casasugar — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:30:24 -0800

Apparently, last year's owl trend hasn't yet died down, because the Marie Christophe Hibou Lamp (inquire for price) is looking as of-the-moment as ever. I am utterly rapt by it. I was recently craving another Christophe fixture; I guess her glorious beaded creations haven't lost their appeal to me. I mean, how could they? Aside from Hibou's exquisite, playful wirework and colorful beading, I love how the heavy black shade balances miraculously on the visually light base, like a gentleman's top hat on a young girl. Refreshing. Fun. A hoot!

Cool Idea: Soda Tab Table Lamp

casasugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:00:09 -0800

Craftster member Tashaduckman recently shared a very cool upcycled project. She writes, "We had to make a lamp for class using a recycled material . . . for some crazy reason, I chose to use pop tabs. It took forever, but here it is! I call it the tree hugger:"
She used almost 500 soda tabs to make the tree light, and as you might imagine, it took her quite a while to construct it! The tree is woven together with ribbon and wire to maintain its shape. I love the way the light plays through the metallic trunk. Have you tried to make any creative upcycled projects like this?
Source

Casa Beta: Thomas O'Brien Small Crackle Glass Lamp

casasugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:45:47 -0800

Target recently sent me the Thomas O'Brien Small Crackle Glass Lamp ($29.99), which is part of O'Brien's "Vintage Modern" line for Target's 2008 Fall Home Collection. When it comes to luminaries, I don't take things lightly. I have a mild obsession with light fixtures, and I like to have an eclectic mix of lamps, sconces, pendants, chandeliers, and candles in my home. So lampies, to make it past my front door, you've got to be pretty spiffy. Did this Crackle Glass Lamp pass my test? Find out when you

How-To: Light Your Home in Style

casasugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:45:29 -0800

When it comes to decorating my own home, I've always found that I tend to focus on big furniture pieces and rugs first, and fill in the lighting and accessories almost as an afterthought. But it's important to think about how your lighting choices will affect not only the brightness of a room, but also the feel of it. House to Home has a helpful article about home lighting with a handful of style ideas that I thought I'd summarize for you.

Make a focal point out of your lamp by choosing a bold shade and simple base. Make sure to tie in the shade's color scheme with the rest of the room.
In your home office, use bright task lighting that directly spotlights your work area. Try clamp lights, which don't take up counter space and can be easily moved around.
Add drama to your dining room with a large, low-hanging chandelier. But, keep it flexible by attaching a hook to the ceiling which can adjust the height of the chandelier.
Light artwork and photographs with a picture light on the wall above them to give them direct light.

For more tips on home lighting, check out House to Home.
Source

Cool Idea: Plastic Bottle Chandelier

casasugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:00:02 -0800

I recently stopped by my friend's drawing exhibit at the California College of the Arts, and of course I couldn't help but check out the digs. Aside from the fancy schmancy Le Corbusier chairs in the lounge (seriously, I went to the wrong college), my eyes were drawn to this chandelier, made from upcycled plastic bottles, hanging from the ceiling. Obviously, it's not for all, but I loved the way it looked in this industrial space. At first glance, I didn't realize it was made from plastic bottles; it almost looks like some sort of jellyfish/sea-life creature. It also reminded me a lot of the pendant light in the West Coast Green Harbinger House. As we saw with Michelle Brand's eco designs, there's a lot one can do with a plastic bottle after the cola's gone flat. I'm glad that students are getting that message as well.

Crave Worthy: Orten'zia Large Floor Lamp

casasugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:00:51 -0800

Bruno Rainaldi must have taken a note from the Talking Heads' catchphrase "This ain't no disco" when designing the Orten'zia Large Floor Lamp ($4,628). The luminary certainly has a disco ball aura to it, but its nickel-plated petals give it a unique flair that's light years away from the glowing dance floor of the Saturday Night Fever set. Unfortunately, with that price tag, it's also astronomically distant from my living room. Perhaps someone like Jade Jagger could set it on the glossy floors of her swank London pad, though.

DIY: Recycled Glass Chandelier

casasugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:00:19 -0800

This holiday season, many of us may be throwing dinner parties, and expecting more guests than usual on a typical Saturday night. Maybe we'll pull spare seating out of the basement, or rent chairs, fold-out tablecloths, and white linens for the evening, but the last time I checked party rental shops didn't rent light fixtures. So, the next best thing is to fashion one of our own. With a few recycled materials and some tea lights, you can make a gorgeous, energy-efficient, glass chandelier that you may just end up hanging year-round. Make one to hang about each table, and your guests will be well-lit. Just add good food, wine, and conversation! To learn the steps,

How-To: Make a Pinecone Lamp Finial

casasugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:45:26 -0700

I tend to gravitate toward more modern pieces that are a departure from nature and the outdoors; you won't find any taxidermy in my house. So, I wondered if there was a way to balance the two without sacrificing my aesthetic. There is, and Martha Stewart has found it. You can bring a dash of wintry outdoorsy-ness into your home by topping off a modern lamp with a pinecone as a finial. To learn how,

Nice and New: Bubble Lamp Shade

casasugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:00:34 -0700

In 1947, George Nelson decided to create his own collection of lamps, when the silk-covered Swedish hanging lamp he coveted was out of reach financially. The resulting collection, known as the "bubble lamps," became an iconic one, still used prolifically by interior designers today (in fact, Vern Yip is using them in his reno of a community center). The lamps, made by coating a steel-wire skeleton with a plastic coating, were first produced by the Howard Miller Company in 1950. The collection includes a range of pendants in various shapes and sizes, as well as several sconces. Unfortunately, the most demanded type of shade — a table lamp shade — was never produced by Nelson. Thankfully, though, Modernica, the official manufacturer and distributor of the collection for the last 12 years, has recently released a table and floor lamp shade based on Nelson's original designs. The Bubble Lamp Shade ($225 and up) is available in three sizes, and will fit most traditional bases. At long last!

Crave Worthy: Lotus Bleu Lacquered Table Lamp

casasugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:00:34 -0700

I love lacquer. Trays. Tables. Anything, really. A layer of lacquer can really transform a humdrum design into something glamorous. If you pair a great design with a lacquered finish, you must be after my own heart.
Lotus Bleu can consider me swept off my feet, as I can't resist its Lacquered Table Lamp ($280). The luminary combines the the turned-wood trend with nine cheerful colors of your choice, a white silk shade, a three-way switch, and of course that glossy shine that weakens my knees. I love how its circular ledge will hold a pair of earrings, or a small personal knickknack; it's the ideal bedside table lamp.

DIY: Water Balloon Candle Holders

casasugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:00:21 -0700

I've been totally in love with Glassybaby candle holders for months now, but I can't bring myself to spend $40 on a small votive. So when I came across CandleTech's DIY for making water balloon luminaries with very much the same shape simply out of paraffin wax, I knew I'd found an affordable alternative. All you'll need for this project is high-melt paraffin wax, water balloons, a piece of paper, a double boiler, a cookie sheet, and perhaps a candy thermometer. To learn the steps,

Steal of the Day: PBteen Swoop Lamp

casasugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:30:32 -0700

If you're on the hunt for a classic, arched floor lamp, PBteen has you covered with its Swoop Lamp ($199, reduced from $269), a sweeping arc, height-adjustable floor lamp that'll bring overhead lighting to any space. This design is clearly inspired by the Arco Floor Lamp ($2,696), which is part of MoMA's permanent collection, but its linen/cotton shade and simple base makes it appropriate for more traditional homes. CB2 also sells an Arco-inspired floor lamp, but its glossy shade makes it more suited for a modernist.

Crave Worthy: Marie Christophe Lustre Cygnes Chandelier

casasugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:00:55 -0700

I try to be sensible about where I spend my money . . . invest in durable, timeless pieces that I use every day, cut back on trends and accessories, etc. And then, something comes along like a bolt of lightning on a clear day that's so unique and heart-wrenchingly beautiful, it makes me want to throw caution to the wind. A piece like the Marie Christophe Lustre Cygnes Chandelier (inquire for price) might not be the most sensible place to spend my hard-earned dinero, but it would certainly put a smile on my face each day. I simply adore its delicate, whimsical wirework and vibrant turquoise and amber beading. What I really love, though, is its regal swan heads graciously carrying baubled lamp shades in their beaks. What could be more charming?

Steal of the Day: Pottery Barn Kids Rattan Chandelier

casasugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 05:30:13 -0700

I can't help but see the similarities between the Pottery Barn Kids Rattan Chandelier ($69.99) and the Moooi Random Light ($610), and notably, the vast difference between their prices. The PB version looks a little less polished, but also has a more natural vibe, made of rattan twisted around an iron frame. I think it's a really versatile piece that needn't be reserved for kids, and could work in a variety of settings. I'd love to see a pair framing a bed, or even a single chandelier hanging above a reading nook. What do you think?

Cool Idea: Ceiling Medallion Light

casasugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:00:48 -0700

Switzerland-based product design consultancy Life Goods designed the Ceiling Light, which mimics the shape of a traditional ceiling medallion. I've always loved ornate ceiling medallions, so it's refreshing to see the design take on a different function. The design doesn't seem to be in production, but I'll be the first to get my hands on the clever luminary if it ever is. There aren't too many good-looking ceiling lights out there, and there are thousands of rental apartments ridden with eyesore ceiling lights, so I'd love to see this sold at an affordable price point. It's also just a great alternative to a chandelier; it may not dangle down from the ceiling with crystal stones but it's still a glamorous piece. What do you think?

Cool Idea: Light Bulb Candle Holders

casasugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:00:14 -0700

The New York Times article "Thinking Like a Student" takes a look at the thrifty, creative home-design moves college students, particularly architecture students, are making during these difficult economic times to make their homes a better place, aesthetically and functionally.

Along with the article is a wonderful slideshow showcasing many of these "on the cheap" tricks. One of my favorites was a set of candle holders fashioned from recycled light bulbs by Lauren Chapman, a student at Yale School of Architecture. By now we've hopefully all made the switch to CFLs, but that doesn't mean we should just toss those standard old bulbs in the trash.

To find out more about this project,

How-To: Make Quick and Easy Apple Votives

casasugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:00:49 -0700

One of my favorite Fall traditions growing up was picking apples on Columbus Day weekend. After piling into the car, my cousins and I would head up to an orchard nearby and pick more bushels of the fruit than we knew what to do with. Of course, apple pies were the obvious choice, but sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. So, we had to get creative with our bushels.

One simple way we'd use up our inventory was by transforming the apples into votive holders. Just trace the circumference of a votive onto an apple, and cut out the shape with a utility knife to the votive's height. You can actually buy a little gadget called a Candle Carver ($11.99) to simplify the process, if you want. I love the way these votives bring a seasonal warmth to the house. If you like, you can even float them in a galvanized bucket of water as shown here. Pretty cute, huh?
Source

Less or More: Rectangular Floor Lamps

casasugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:00:56 -0700

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

Steal of the Day: PBteen Petite Lamp Base and Shade

casasugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:00:30 -0700

If only it were sensible to swap out lamps like throw pillows, I could rationalize buying myself the PBteen Petite Lamp Base and Shade ($49). Actually, I'd snatch up all three. I simply adore their bulbous little ceramic bases, and I love the mix of all three together even more. I might have to change the shades though; I'm not sure the PBteen palette is my style. Oh wait, I don't have one more inch of space (or need) for another lamp in my house. Perhaps I can upgrade to a bigger pad to make room?

Found It! Nicky Hilton's Pendant Lights

casasugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 07:00:36 -0700

Flipping through my vast magazine collection, I recently reread the March issue of InStyle. This issue featured the home of celeb socialite Nicky Hilton, and while I did find it quite chic (though fussy at times) for a 20-something, it wasn't the sophisticated interior design style that struck me. In the master bedroom, which she calls, "classic but naughty [ . . . with] a cabaret feel" (note: patent leather upholstered headboard), the pendant lights framing her bed glared at me. Where had I seen them? To find out,

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.

Casa Quickie: Taper Treatment

casasugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:00:41 -0700

I think most would agree that Martha Stewart seems a little OCD about organization . . . if there's anyone who can make a home a picture of perfection, it's her. Personally, I like to have a little mess in my digs: it calms me. But, where guests are concerned, I look to Martha as a guide. My mother has always had an elegant dining room with a sideboard that neatly stores her fine silverware, table linens, tapers, and matches — the perfect arrangement for entertaining. But, it has always vexed me that her candles get scratched up as they roll around in her drawers. I know, it's irrational to be irritated by such a trivial matter.
Again, Martha saves the day. To keep your tapers in tip-top form, she suggests wrapping them in tissue paper and slipping them into a recycled paper towel roll. Genius!

Less or More: Conical Leaning Floor Lamps

casasugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:00:18 -0700

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

Steal of the Day: West Elm Octagonal Table Lamp

casasugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:00:43 -0700

I guess my thing for gray is still going strong, because I'm seriously jonesing for the West Elm Octagonal Table Lamp ($49.99). I adore its charcoal poly resin base, and subtle light gray shade. Color aside (it's available in white too, fyi), it has a killer shape that's almost like looking at turned wood through a kaleidoscope; quite seductive, I must say. I think it would look fab atop the CB2 Smart Marble Top Side Table ($179), with some chrome Dupioni Silk Pole Pocket Drapes ($69 and up). What do you think?

Nice and New: Anthropologie Plumage Shade

casasugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 04:30:01 -0700

For those of you who decided to splurge on the Peacock Chair, I have found the perfect lamp shade to go with it! And for those who restrained themselves, I've got a more affordable ostentatious bird for you. The Anthropologie Plumage Shade ($108) is embroidered in silk with peacocks strutting about a navy cotton background. It may be overly embellished for some, but if you've taken a liking to the peacock trend, I'm sure you can handle a little fuss. What do you think?

Sale Alert: Lighting Sale at Design Within Reach

casasugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 05:30:29 -0700

Design Within Reach is currently holding a pretty fabulous lighting sale, offering 15 percent off your purchase of two or more lighting items, in addition to free shipping. The sale runs through Sept. 30, so you have until the end of the month to pick out your luminaries. I've hand-picked a few for you in case you need some guidance. And you know I wouldn't mind if you sent one my way; one for you, one for me?
Source

Steal of the Day: Mixko Delight Belle Light

casasugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:00:53 -0700

I don't know what it is about butterflies lately, but they've had my heart all aflutter. The cutout butterflies on the Mixko Delight Belle Light ($49, reduced from $83) are quite dainty and appeal to the side of me that secretly loves pink, unicorns, and party dresses. And I love how the light just seems to peek through its skirted edge. I also don't think I've ever seen a felt lamp shade before . . . people seem to use whatever they can get their hands on these days (kitchen canisters, Tupperware, vellum). No, I don't think my husband would be a fan of this Lepidopteran light, but it would be quite cute in a girl's bedroom or a feminine powder room.

DIY: Mason Jar Garden Lights

casasugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:00:52 -0700

Considering the prices of garden lights these days, I've been looking for a low-cost alternative. Lucky me, I found a DIY for temporary garden lights you can make from only LEDs, lithium coin cells, mason jars, and a little bit of tape. The lights will be temporary, until the battery runs out, but you can always refresh your battery supply just for about 30 cents each.
Supplies:

One ultrabright LED with a diffused lens per light
One CR2032 lithium coin cell per light
One mason jar per light
Tape, masking is fine

To learn the steps,

Steal of the Day: Crate & Barrel Dash Lamp

casasugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 05:30:00 -0700

I guess I must have monochrome living on my mind, but I'm really digging the Crate & Barrel Dash Lamp ($27.95). It's not shaped like a light bulb, covered in mirrors, or even ruby red. It's just simple, masculine, and understated. I love the way the ceramic base mimics the shape of the traditional shade, and it has a subtle embellishment almost like café barware. What do you think? For under $30, you've got to admit it's an unbelievable steal.

Midday Muse: Storage That Shines

casasugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:37 -0700

Recently, I showed you lights made from Tupperware, and apparently great minds think alike, because AT:SF also posted photos of these kitchen lights, made from vintage canisters. I love the diffused light from the punched holes, and the silvery sheen of these storage containers. What other kitchen objects would make great lampshades or pendants? Source

Love It or Hate It? Tupp-a-lamps

casasugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:00:55 -0700

Tupp-a-lamps ($75) are pendant lights upcycled from vintage Tupperware products. I love the eco-friendly aspect and think it's a clever idea, but I can't see them working well anywhere but a retro kitchen. What do you think?

Love It or Hate It? Tupp-a-lamps

Love It

Hate it

Undecided

Steal of the Day: Gump's Iron Candle Chandelier

casasugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:00:37 -0700

I can't think of a more delightful way to spend my endless Summer evenings than under the warm glow of candlelight. There are plenty of trendy ornate chandeliers out there, but I love the sophisticated simplicity of Gump's Iron Candle Chandelier ($99, reduced from $250). Who needs crystals and birds birds birds when you've got timeless, hand-forged iron and classic tapers to light up the night? I certainly don't, and I wouldn't mind lightening my electricity bill, either . . .

Crave Worthy: Lum A Little Bubbly Anyone? Lamp

casasugar — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 08:00:36 -0700

OK, OK. My attention to monochrome design may have gotten a little out of hand lately, but I promise you it will eventually fade. And, even if you don't subscribe to monochrome living, you should still appreciate the beauty of a black and white lamp like the Lum A Little Bubbly Anyone? Lamp ($1,700). The vintage ceramic lamps have little bubbles with matching finials that remind me of candy buttons; who can argue with that? They also seem really adaptable. You can use them in a stiff, sophisticated interior, perhaps set on matching nightstands. Or, you can play them up a bit in a room full of circles. What do you think?

Love It or Hate It? Smoon Ombrella

casasugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

The Beau & Bien Smoon Ombrella ($1854) is a wireless and rechargable "light sculpture" for your indoor or outdoor space that acts a parasol in the day, and a lantern at night. But, to be honest, it looks more to me like an alien starship from It Came From Outer Space . . . kinda creepy! What do you think?

Love It or Hate It? Smoon Ombrella

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Crave Worthy: Ingo Maurer Birds Birds Birds Chandelier

casasugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Ever since I spotted the Ingo Maurer Birds Birds Birds Chandelier ($5,928) in Christiana Coop of Ferm Living's dining room (shown here), I've been preying for one of my own. Made of aluminum wires that can be turned, bent, or stretched, and are attached to goose-feather wings, the chandelier resembles a flock of birds fleeing the coop, taking on a life of its own and allowing for a bit of personalization. I'm a huge fan of the German artist and lighting designer; I love the eccentricity that he brings to his pieces. Of course, there are countless crave worthy chandeliers out there, but Birds Birds Birds is a statement piece that speaks wonders in an uncomplicated interior, such as Coop's.
Source

Ask Casa: Milk Glass Chandelier

casasugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:15:00 -0700

Hi Casa,
I am loving this chandelier! It's the Martha Stewart Veneto Collection Five-Light Chandelier ($699). It would be perfect for our dining room, which is currently undergoing a major renovation, but the hefty price tag totally breaks our budget. Any suggestions? Thanks!
tmws1y

To hear my thoughts and suggestions,

Cool Idea: Fluorescent Fixer

casasugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:00:59 -0700

I've urged you to switch over to CFLs enough, so I'm not gonna go there. But I will admit that I agree the soft-serve-like shape of CFL bulbs is less than desirable — unless you have an ice cream cone pendant light to go with. But, what if CFLs looked like the standard bulbs you've come to know and love? Would that make you switch? I hope so. The Fluorescent Fixer does just that, attaching to CFLs to conceal their unsightly shape, and diffusing the light, which reduces glare at the same time. The light cover sells in sets of three for $9.99 at Ace Hardware, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Walgreens, among others, or directly from the manufacturer, Adaptive Lighting Solutions.

Nice and New: Wisteria Call to Dinner Chandelier

casasugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 05:30:04 -0700

I'm always on the lookout for interesting lighting, and while I do go gaga for hip, modern pieces, my traditional upbringing has left me with a soft spot for antiques and reproductions likely to be coveted by mother. The Wisteria Call to Dinner Chandelier ($349) is no exception. Its reproduction old hotel silverware and hemispheric iron frame give it the look of an antique, without the price. And, it has a quirky, creative quality that's characteristic of my wacky family. In fact, now that I think of it, my grandmother used to hang antique silverware on ribbons from the rafters in her kitchen — maybe that's why I'm fond of this piece.

Crave Worthy: Sergio Silva Oyule Lamp Set

casasugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:00:37 -0700

Using reclaimed light bulbs to build the Oyule Lamp Set ($650), Sergio Silva transformed "a modern object into the very thing it was meant to replace." Beyond its symbolic shrewdness, it's just plain beautiful. Thanks to the strong spherical magnet Silva put inside the bulb, which attracts to a steel component in Oyule's acrylic base, the bulbs balance uncannily at an angle. The limited-edition (only 66 sets) design is available exclusively through 66degrees, and is made handmade by Silva in his Brooklyn studio. Can't pony up for your own? Consider making recycled light-bulb vases.

Etsy Find: Massey and Rogers Lampshades

casasugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:15:34 -0700

Etsy is an abyss of handmade items, selling hundreds of wonderful things from all over the world (as evidenced here). But I must admit, there's a lot of detritus to siphon through. So, when I came across Massey and Rogers lampshades, it was a breath of fresh air. Designed by two textile designers, Barbara Massey and Helen Rogers, the shades are hand screen-printed with charming fabrics inspired by vintage buttons, garden birds, and urban landscapes in a well-curated palette. Suitable for pendants or lamps, these lampshades will add a touch of vintage charm to your home, and maybe a bit of bird love. Prices range from $110 to $150.

Crave Worthy: Juliska Globe Pendant Lamp

casasugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:30:36 -0700

To my eyes, this stunning Juliska "Harriet" Globe Pendant Lamp ($750) looks like it's taken its inspiration straight from the sea. With its spiny protrusions and round body, it could be a cross between a beach-washed shell and a sea anemone. Though now, instead of hiding under the current, the shape has been reimagined for your home, to hang above a table or elegant foyer space.

Made by Juliska, this pendant has been mouthblown by Prague-area artisans using the same technique that's been passed down for generations, allowing the glass to be extremely thin. Each comes with a six-foot chrome chain and takes a 120-watt bulb (though I, of course, would suggest switching it out for a CFL).

Casa Quickie: Cleaning Votive Holders

casasugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:00:27 -0700

One of the most effortless ways to bring Summer style to your home is to set basic votives at your outdoor dining table or around any outdoor space. But melted wax gets messy, and trying to scrape your candle from your votive holder is never a fun task. So I was delighted to learn a helpful trick from Martha Stewart for cleaning votive holders. Just put your votive holder into the freezer for a couple hours, and then the votive will shrink and pop right out. No mess. No fuss.

Source

Casa Quickie: Flower Votive Display

casasugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:00:39 -0700

I love this idea from Martha Stewart for making a floral display out of your votives. Rather than simply using your votives as lighting, you can use them as tabletop decorations by tying the stem of your favorite flower to each votive with a bit of raffia, some ribbon, or even a rubber band.
By placing the votive holder on top of a small, water-filled saucer, you'll keep the flowers fresh as long your party lasts. If you're having a dinner party, you can take this tabletop décor idea a step further by using a fabric marker to write the name of each guest onto the ribbon you use to tie each flower, using each votive holder as a place card as well. Or, if you use a thick rubber band, you can simply write each name with ballpoint pen. Talk about Summer style.

Source

Steal of the Day: Chiasso Glam Table Lamp

casasugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:00:35 -0700

My man wouldn't allow the Chiasso Glam Table Lamp ($88, reduced from $198) within 100 yards of our home, so I'm hoping one of you can take it home instead. Cohabitation sometimes requires sacrificing the super-femme furnishings that I love, but knowing that I can decorate vicariously through you makes it all OK. This sparkling, disco-chic mirror has a playful shine that makes me glad I wound up with a pair of X chromosomes. It's not understated in any way, shape, or form, but I think we all need a little extravagance in our lives. And it helps when we can get that extravagance on sale! I know this lamp is not everyone's style, but you know how I love anything covered in mirrors . . .

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

casasugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:01:34 -0700

. . . would you put this Bracelli floor lamp ($8,846) designed by surrealist artist Salvador Dali in your living room?

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

Absolutely — that's a gorgeous piece of artwork, and I love Dali!

Wow, it's beautiful. But it wouldn't work in my home.

Maybe, but I might have to redecorate.

No way! It's so odd looking.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Nice and New: Crate & Barrel Bing Table Lamp

casasugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:00:09 -0700

Maybe I'm still seeing rouge, but I've really been seduced by the new Crate and Barrel Bing Table Lamp ($59). Its petite size and bubble shape of its hand-blown red glass base is certainly charming, but what I really love is how its over-sized fabric shade matches the base in color. It's rare to see matching shades and bases, and while it could look a bit overwhelming, in this case I think it's refreshingly delightful. To be bold, you could put it in an all white kitchen, or it would be subtle in a room with lots of patterns and texture in similar hues. What you think? Do you love it?

Casa Verde: Graypants Scrap Lights

casasugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:30:31 -0700

Seattle-based design collaborative Graypants designed Scrap Lights (inquire for price), a series of pendant lights made from salvaged pieces of corrugated cardboard. I love how the reused cardboard's grooves and folds reflect dreamy, cloud-like patterns on the wall. The truth is, these days it's not hard to find beautiful furnishings made of reused or sustainable materials; however, Scrap Lights' design makes use of corrugated cardboard's unique structure, which is really appealing to me. I'd love to see a few of these pendants used above a kitchen island or a bar. Where would you hang them?

Love It or Hate It? BettyLou Cordless Lamp

casasugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:30:24 -0700

The Mmckenna BettyLou Cordless Lamp ($275) is a cordless rechargeable lamp that sits on a wine glass and shines for over seven hours, until it needs to be recharged on its base. If you're a wino, this is probably right up your alley. But then again, you might be tempted to use the included glass to serve yourself some Sauvignon Blanc . . .

Love It or Hate It? BettyLou Cordless Lamp

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Roundup: Pretty Candlesticks

casasugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:00:57 -0700

I'm so sick of those trendy, rustic antler candlesticks that I just want to go back to the roots. Remember pretty candlesticks? The ones you'd set your table with if your grandmother came over or you were hosting a dinner date at home? The kind you'll hold on to until you're wrinkly and gray? The kind you'd wrap up for a friend getting married? I love them. I want you to lay down an elegant tablecloth, dust off your fancy silverware, and slide a taper into a pretty candlestick for dinner tonight — even if you're eating Stouffer's lasagna. Here's a few to get you going.

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Steal of the Day: Crate & Barrel Dane Pendant Lamp

casasugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:00:40 -0700

Faux bois may be a fading trend, but vrai bois (real wood) is not likely to ever lose its edge. That's especially true when it comes to handsome designs like the Crate & Barrel Dane Pendant Lamp ($64.95, reduced from $129). Made of a beautifully grained Brazilian sandalwood veneer shade, it will make a dapper focal point above your kitchen island or dining table. There's obviously something rustic about it that would assimilate easy into a Wisconsin lodge, but its drum shape gives it modern lines that would look just as at home in a SoHo loft.