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Crave Worthy: Double Alexander Table

casasugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:00:18 -0700

Life isn't fair. Really, and truly. You know how I love Lucite. And, you know how I love Moroccan design. So, what if the two could become one? The White Webb Double Alexander Table ($2295) is both of those things, with its clean, crisp Lucite material and its exotic Moroccan pointed arches. But sadly it's a little beyond my reach — especially in these turbulent economic times. Okay, technically the table is based on historic Indian designs, but a quick Google image search (and a look back at this Moorish table) will prove me right. And my love for the exotic arches is all the same regardless of their origins.

Steal of the Day: Morocco Throw Pillow

casasugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:00:00 -0700

In case you haven't noticed, I've had Morocco on my mind all year long. I've never met a Moroccan-style furnishing I didn't like, and the Wrapables Morocco Throw Pillow ($39, reduced from $52) is no exception. I love its vibrant medallion-patterned embroidery, and how the bright colors contrast boldly with the cream-colored background. $40 is also a pretty fab deal for a crewel embroidery. Although I'm not an orange person, I am digging how the three colors look together: would it be crazy to buy all three? Oh Casa, stop yourself. Put the credit card away . . . you can't buy everything you see.

Ask Casa: Madeline Weinrib Rug

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

Hi Casa,
I have fallen deeply in love with a beautiful Madeline Weinrib rug, The Brooke Chenille in Watermelon. The Tibetan pattern, the bright pink color . . . sigh. Unfortunately, fate is cruel and we cannot be together. It's about $2,000 for the 6-x-9 size. Eek! Do you have any suggestions for similar rugs with a more Ikea-type price?
Thank you so much!!!
Hayworthgilda
To see my response and some suggestions,

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.

Midday Muse: Moroccan Lattice Rugs

casasugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Browsing through Kelly Wearstler's portfolio, I came across this image of a living room in a Santa Monica residence that she designed. While the traditional/Hollywood Regency style of the space is certainly elegant that's not the reason the photo caught my eye. The grayish-blue, lattice-patterned rug was glaring back at me; it looked oddly familiar. To hear where I'd seen a similar piece,

Cool Idea: a Tablecloth Sans a Skirt

casasugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:00:07 -0700

I recently introduced you to one of my favorite blogs, My Marrakesh, about a family's quest to build an eco chic boutique hotel, called Peacock Pavilions, in Marrakesh. As part of this quest, Maryam, the blogging girl, wanted her hotel's tables, Saarinen tables I might add, "to be, well, pretty." Instead of purchasing traditional round tablecloths or leaving the tables undressed, she designed her own tablecloths, edged with handmade passementarie buttons, because she didn't want "to cover the graceful stems of the Saarinen tables." If that's not sheer brilliance, I don't know what is. One look at the table settings, and I'm already booking my flight, waiting to hear the words, "dinner is served."

Morocco on My Mind

casasugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:30:00 -0700

Just as we're gearing up for Summer, Life & Style is packing their bags for a trip to Morocco.
I love some of their picks, especially the gorgeous silverware and colorful tea glasses. You may have noticed that I've been peddling Moroccan items for months now, but I figure I might as well chime in once again with some more Moroccan items that I'm loving these days. If you're feeling the theme, be sure to check out My Marrakesh, the tales of an American family's quest to build a guest house in Marrakesh.

Crave Worthy: Rian Rae Moorish Table

casasugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 06:15:47 -0700

I think I need to quit my job and move to Morocco, or Spain, because if the gorgeous horseshoe-shaped arches on this Rian Rae Moorish Table ($780) are any indication of the architecture there, I can guarantee I'll be happy. Until then, I'll settle for drooling over this intricately hand-chased aluminum table in the comfort of my own home. Don't blame me if I fib and tell friends I picked it up during "my travels." It's items like this one that prove that handmade is oh so much better. Do you love it? Do you want to move with me?

Love It or Hate It? XL Hangbol Pendant

casasugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:15:16 -0700

The XL Hangbol Pendant ($595) is handcrafted from aluminum with a delicate patterning. I like how it blends industrial materials with a more Morocccan sensibility. How about you?

Love It or Hate It? XL Hangbol Pendant

Love It

Hate it

Undecided

Casa Craving Recap: Moroccan Mix

casasugar — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:00:24 -0800

Source

Crave Worthy: Horchow Hand-Painted Cabinet

casasugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:15:25 -0800

The Horchow Hand-Painted Cabinet ($1,299) is painted with swirls and florals of gold, teal, and antiqued cream for a colorful, Moroccan look. As shown, it makes a beautiful bar for the love shack, but I'd also love to see it holding bath towels in a tranquil, spa-like bathroom. Unfortunately, it's a tad bit out of my price range, so I'll have to throw in the towel and settle for my linen closet. To see a close-up of the cabinet,

Casa Craving Challenge: A Moroccan Mix

casasugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 05:03:11 -0800

For some reason lately, I've been on a Moroccan kick. I love the unique conical shape of Moroccan tagines, the antique patina and interesting shadows of the country's chandeliers, the one-of-a-kind quality of their kilims, and of course their graphic embroidered poufs. So, for this week's Casa Craving Challenge, I figured I'd ask you to hunt down and bookmark the best looking Moroccan home accents and furniture you can find. Ceramics, lamps, lanterns, mosaic tables, poufs, rugs, textiles — whatever takes your fancy! Show me all of your fab finds by creating Casa Cravings and tagging them with the phrase Moroccan mix. I'll feature the results next Wednesday, Feb. 13. Please let me know if you have any questions. For a list of online home stores to try,

Crave Worthy: Cottage and Bungalow Moroccan Side Table

casasugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:00:45 -0800

I love the gold nail heads and baby-blue color of this Cottage and Bungalow Moroccan Side Table ($689). It would be a perfect little cocktail table between two arm chairs, and it might even work as a stool. It's certainly fit for a beach bungalow, but I don't see why it wouldn't work in the city, too. It also really resembles the West Elm Parsons Cube Side Table ($159). I'm dismayed though, that it's made with MDF. You'd think for nearly 700 smackers, they could scrounge up some authentic wood. What do you think? Do you crave it?

Good, Better, Best: Moroccan Poufs

casasugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:36:53 -0800

Morocco is home to some of the most beautiful hand-crafted items and colorful graphic textiles. One of these items that is a great choice for any interior is the Moroccan pouf, a round leather embroidered ottoman. It comes in a full range of color options, and in metallic or non-metallic leathers, and can be as ornate or as simple as you'd like. Poufs often come filled, or you can order them unfilled and then just buy polystyrene balls or cotton filling locally. They're also really versatile and can be used for seating, as a foot stool, as a small table, or just to look pretty! Just one pouf is a lovely touch for your living room or bedroom or you can go with multiples; "the more the merrier" definitely applies here. To see my picks for Good, Better, and Best,