CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Casa Quickie: Wallpaper a Nook

casasugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:00:41 -0700

One small change you can make that will cost only the cost of a roll of wallpaper (if that) is simply to wallpaper a nook, rather than an entire room or even a whole accent wall in your home. Christiana Coop of Ferm Living shared images on her blog of a San Francisco apartment styled by Eden & Eden's Rachel Eden. Rachel chose to wallpaper one wall in a small nook of the otherwise predominantly white-walled apartment with Ferm Old News Wallpaper ($94) behind an industrial, stainless steel cabinet. The busy paper used throughout the apartment would be overwhelming, to say the least, but the small dose of pattern is intriguing and subtle.

Cool Idea: A Damask Makeover

casasugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 08:30:18 -0700

Melissa from Sugar City Journal recently made a small change to her staircase that carries a huge visual impact. She scanned a damask fabric into the computer, then digitally enhanced it in PhotoShop. After printing the pattern on paper, she glued the sheets together, laminated them, and then used Modgepodge to glue them to her stairs.

To see a surprise in the pattern,

Before and After: From Awkward Corners to Splendid Shelves

casasugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 07:00:09 -0700

DIYer Paul Smith spent several weekends constructing shelves for the odd, recessed space on either side of his fireplace. He cut wood to size, drilled, glued, clamped, and painted, and came up with something amazing. Here's what it looked like about halfway through the project.

To see what the shelves looked like afterwards, as well as a gallery of in-the-process photos,

Casa Quickie: A Low-Budge Rug

casasugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 05:30:49 -0700

If you're dismayed by the prices of accent rugs these days, or just looking for an inexpensive solution to pull a room together while you look for the perfect one, I have the answer to your problem-o. Stop by a cheap home furnishing store (Ikea, Bed Bath & Beyond, a local outlet) and pick up two or three small cotton rugs, which you can find for $2 to $10. Then, tape or stitch them together to create a larger accent rug, which would normally cost you upwards of $100.

I once took this project into my own hands with some household duct tape and two $7 rugs from a local linen outlet. No, it doesn't make for the most crave worthy rug, but it's a quick, small change that can make a room look a bit more composed.

How-To: Make Changes That Don't Cost a Thing

casasugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:00:14 -0700

I've offered you some inspirational small changes that involve switching out hardware or painting an accent wall, but you don't have to spend money to see some big results! Take a look at my list of ways you can improve your home without spending a dime.

Start a collection. Choose a favorite color or theme, and then scour your home for items that fit. For instance, group white objects such as vases, small trinkets, statues, and bowls together for a surprisingly pretty collection.
Start with your closet, and organize!
Make your lingerie drawer smell lovely by assembling some no-sew sachets out of an old t-shirt or skirt.
Try grouping objects in 3s and 5s.
Take extra glasses or mugs out of your kitchen and use them as stash pots for your makeup, q-tips, and other bathroom necessities.

For other suggestions,

Su Casa: Show Me Your Casa! Show Me Your Garden!

casasugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:00:37 -0700

Do you have some small changes to show off? Or maybe they're big changes, like Jessamae22's first (very successful!) season as a gardener.

Show off all of your home updates in my group on TeamSugar called Su Casa, where readers can share snapshots and stories related to home decorating, crafts, organizing, and gardening.

A Su Casa post could be anything from a photo of a loved one's home to a tiny nook you're tickled by. Think of it as a Look Book for home style. If I see something I like in Su Casa, I might feature it on CasaSugar, so don't be surprised if you get an email from me!

To learn how to join and post in the group,

Cool Idea: Fabric Panels Frame a Bed

casasugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:45:33 -0700

Natalie of Technology Drive hung fabric panels adjacent to her bedside table "to enclose the bed area so it didn't feel like it was floating between the living room door and the open closet/hall." This small change successfully delineated bed, giving it a cozy, canopy-bed-like feeling, but is actually a really simple project. It's also a really attractive update; the cherry-blossom pattern of her fabric panel brings an interesting visual element to an otherwise simple room. This would be a great solution for those of you working on decorating a studio. To see the fabric panels from another perspective,

Su Casa: A Coveted Closet Renovation

casasugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:00:03 -0700

What girl doesn't long for a big walk-in closet? Well, Haze decided to make that longing a reality when she and her husband remodeled the child's room, located directly off of their master bedroom, and turned it into a walk-in closet. This is definitely much more than a small change, and I admire Haze's hard work and impressive results!

She writes,

I don't have the "before" photos but you'll have to trust me when I tell you that it was a mess. There was a vintage 1970s drop ceiling, paneling, and a cheap-o brass light fixture hanging from the ceiling. Sometime, before my husband and I moved in together, he had decided to "redo" the room on his own and started ripping the paneling off of the walls. The original plaster underneath was all but completely destroyed and it was down to the lathe in many places. We also needed to replace and rerun the the vintage 1930s wires to the outlets in the room.

To find out how she built it,

Casa Quickie: Switch Out Your Hardware

casasugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:00:05 -0700

Since it's Small Changes month, I'm a huge proponent of any simple fix-ups that make a huge visual impact on a room. One of these is switching out your hardware, be it finials on your curtain rods and lamps, knobs or handles on your cabinets and drawers, shower curtain loops, switchplates, coat rack hooks, or the numbers on the front of your house. Particularly if you're renting, and have little flexibility in terms of adding color to your
walls or updating old appliances, reassessing your hardware situation can really help you personalize your home. This might mean restraining everything a bit and going for minimal, understated silver knobs, or painting what's already there in a bright, fun color. The great thing about getting new hardware, though, is that you can take it with you when you leave! Check out my prior posts on hardware, and these few pieces that have awesome personality.

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Cool Idea: Ever-Open Laundry Bag

casasugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:00:44 -0700

I spotted this neat trick on Martha Stewart and was once again impressed with all the clever things you can do with an embroidery hoop! Here, Martha has transformed a traditional, hanging, drawstring laundry bag into an ever-open one by tightening a large embroidery hoop at least 14" in diameter around it. This keeps the bag open so you don't have to wrangle with it, but still allows you to hang it, keeping it off of the floor and at eye level. This small change will make a tedious household task a bit more efficient. Personally, I use the Umbra Crunch Can as a hamper, which is inherently
always open, crunches for storage, and has handles to be hung or transported; but the key is to work with what you've got!
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How-To: Rearranging a Room

casasugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:15:53 -0700

If, like me, you were inspired by the Real Simple article on rearranging rooms, then read ahead for some advice on how to get the most from your rearrangement!

Some Things to Think About When Rearranging

Don't be afraid to switch things up. Steal a bedside lamp and use it for a side table in your living room. Put beloved photos hidden away in a spare bedroom on display in the foyer.
Take a look at your space as if you were a guest coming in for the first time. What seems out of place? What doesn't flow? What makes you feel uncomfortable? With that in mind, brainstorm ways to fix it.

For more ideas,

Before and After: A Kitchen Revision

casasugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 07:45:29 -0700

This kitchen, which I spotted on This Old House, was cramped, uninspired, and outdated. The overhead shelving units proved to be more of a liability than a spacesaver, given the way they crowded the room.

To see what it looked like after a reno,

Before and After: HarmonyFrance's Dining Room

casasugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:30:05 -0700

Remember HarmonyFrance's amazing landing strip re-do? Well, she didn't stop there. She is, in fact, cleaning, organizing, and redecorating every room in her house. Here's what her dining room looked like beforehand:

To see the amazing results, just

Etsy Find: Floral Floor Cloth

casasugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:00:42 -0700

If you're looking to make one small change that will make an instant difference, how about laying down this exquisitely painted Simplicity on Canvas Floor Cloth ($110)? Handpainted with an abstract flower, its cornflower blue color will bring a little Spring cheer to your front door. The floor cloth measures 2 by 3 feet, and has a non-slip backing. Its surface has been treated so you can wipe it down easily with a damp cloth. In case you love the pattern but aren't feeling the floor cloth, this design is also available as a pillow.

Making Small Changes Real Simple

casasugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:00:18 -0700

In the latest issue of Real Simple, I spotted an article that was absolutely perfect for this month's theme of Small Changes. "Ready, Set, Redecorate" shows how several families, with the help of redecorators, were able to reimagine their homes by simply rearranging their furnishings. That's right — not a vase, lamp, or frame was added from outside sources. All of the fabulous changes were made by simply rethinking and rearranging. How's that for a cheap thrill?

To see my favorite rearrangement,

Before and After: A Little Paint Transforms These Lawn Chairs

casasugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 07:45:39 -0700

Su Casa member NdChristine sanded, primed, and painted her three 1950s-era lawn chairs. Here's what she started out with:

To see the chairs after she worked her magic,

Casa Quickie: Junk Drawer Diaries

casasugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:00:33 -0700

Since it's Small Changes month, I'm all about giving attention to the tiniest nooks and crannies in your home, which may have been overlooked. One of these zones that's infamous for clutter and things without a designated storage space of their own is the junk drawer. You've told me before what's in your junk drawer, so I know you've got one! Here are my few steps that'll help you organize that mess.

Pour it out, onto a table or the floor.
Toss the trash. If you don't use it, lose it.
Anything out of place? Store it where it belongs.
Fill your drawer small containers (tins, boxes) to separate your things.
Sort your junk into the separate containers by function (paperclips in one box, batteries in another).
Repeat as necessary!

Source

Before and After: From Jumbled to Wonderful

casasugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 09:15:37 -0700

TeamSugar member HarmonyFrance set out a few months ago to make a complete change to her living space. She was tired of her disorganized, messy, and jumbled home. Well, it's been a long journey, but she's made some incredible progress. Take, for example her "landing strip," which used to be covered with mail, keys, and assorted detritus in a big messy pile.

Here's what it used to look like:

To see what it looks like after some diligent work, just

How-To: Organize Your Hangers

casasugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 07:45:43 -0700

Organizing your closet is not an easy feat, but one small change that'll rock your world visually and functionally is organizing your hangers. It also doesn't have to be a particularly expensive change, but it can be if you get picky and fancy. Since squeezing into your skinny jeans is already enough of a hassle, here are a few tips that'll expedite your daily-dressing ritual.

The Cardinal Rule: match your hangers. Matched hangers don't only create a closet that is aesthetically pleasing, but things will be equally spaced and therefore easier to find, and less likely to tangle, meaning fewer wrinkled clothes.
Use the appropriate hangers for your clothes. Use skirt hangers for skirts, pant hangers for pants, etc. Don't try to find a way around it like pinning your skirts to a pant hanger! Make sure your hangers are appropriately sized for your clothes; otherwise, they'll fall off and leave stretch/poke marks on your clothes. If you sport strappy tank tops, camisoles, or dresses, buy hangers that will actually hold them up (i.e. ones with hooks or slots). For silk tops that tend to slip off the hanger, buy fabric hangers or those with a rubber grip, so they stay hung up and not in a ball on your floor.

To hear more of these tips,

What Room Needs a Small Change?

casasugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 07:00:02 -0700

Sure, some of us would be happy making small changes to every room in our homes, but is there a certain room in your house that's just calling out for a rearrangement? Maybe a thorough cleaning? Perhaps some paint on an accent wall? Tell me what room in your house needs the most help, and then tell me all about it in the comments.

In the News: An Inspiring Outdoor Space

casasugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 06:15:28 -0700

Since Summer is soon on its way, it's natural to think about creating functional, beautiful outdoor spaces where you can entertain and relax. In a recent LA Times article by Debra Prinzing, a family does just this, using repurposed, recycled, and found objects. Greta and Mike Jarvis, along with their daughter Annika, were tired of the awkward, unused backyard at their Manhattan Beach home, so Greta, an adept flea marketer, decided to transform their 30-x-40-foot backyard into something more family friendly. They started by getting rid of a small, underused grassy area, as well as their unused hot tub. By expanding the doors that led to the backyard, they also made the space more accessible.

To see what materials they used,

Casa Quickie: Group in 3s and 5s

casasugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:00:38 -0700

One simple (and free) small change that you can make in your home in minutes is to regroup. As we accumulate "stuff" — things we love, things we inherited, things we can't seem to get rid of — we build up clutter. In extreme cases, this requires a full Spring cleaning, but most of the time, a little regrouping will take things from chaotic to composed. Unless there's a theme that runs through disparate pieces in one place (i.e. a mantle full of green glass), my general rule is to group similar items in 3s or 5s to keep them from looking cluttered. Three white vases. Three wheatgrass planters. Five pillar candles. This small change will make your decorating look intentional, like your possessions belong where they sit rather than like they are in motion.
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DIY: Ribbon Trimmed Lampshade

casasugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:00:17 -0700

A painless way to personalize a plain, big-box retailer lampshade is to trim it with a bit of grosgrain ribbon. The small change will not only make an otherwise boring shade distinctly you, but it can help bring together the mix of colors in your room. You can choose to run your ribbon across the top of your shade, top and bottom, layer ribbons to cover the entire shade . . . the possibilities are endless!
Supplies

Grosgrain ribbon
Plain lampshade
Fabric glue
Clear nail polish

To learn the steps,

Before and After: What a Difference a Rearrangement Makes!

casasugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 08:30:25 -0700

I was inspired by this month's theme of Small Changes, and decided to try out a new furniture arrangement in my office. Before I switched things up, the space in the office seemed cramped, cluttered, and awkward. Here's a look at what it looked like before I rearranged.

To see what it looked like afterwards,

How-To: Opening Up a Room With Mirrors

casasugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 06:15:53 -0700

If, like me, you live in a home that has fairly small rooms, you're always looking for ways to make the space seem more expansive. An easy way to affect a small but significant change is by decorating with wall mirrors. Wall mirrors are often quite inexpensive, and their careful placement can definitely open up a room.

Here are a few hints for decorating with wall mirrors:

Try hanging a series of smaller mirrors in a narrow foyer to make it seem less cramped.
If your living room lacks a focal point, an antique mirror in a central location will bring a sense of balance to the room.
If you have a problem room in your house that's deficient in natural light, mirrors can brighten up the room.
Instead of a headboard, try placing a mirror above your bed.
Several vintage beveled-edge mirrors would look stunning over a vanity, and would also expand the space around this piece of furniture.

How have you opened up a room with wall mirrors?

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Su Casa: Making any Small Changes?

casasugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:00:27 -0700

Since it's Small Changes month, I'd love to see some photos of any updates you're making in your home. Rearranging a room? Painting a wall? Changing out a light fixture? Have you organized your kitchen cabinet? Maybe, like Divagwendolyn did, you found a trash can to smile about? Show off all of your home updates in my group on TeamSugar called Su Casa, where readers can share snapshots and stories related to home decorating, crafts, organizing, and gardening.

DIY: Rub-On Vase

casasugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 06:45:29 -0700

If your kitchen cabinets can be mistaken for a 1-800-Flowers inventory shelf full of plain glass vases, it may be time to spice them up a bit and put them to work. This project will help you transform the run of the mill to something that's distinctly you (and a bit Tord Boontje, too). Or, if you're just looking for a bulk of inexpensive yet elegant vases for your wedding, perhaps, this is the DIY for you. You can pick up the supplies (vases included) at your local crafts store, and get your rub on!

Supplies:

Clear, glass vase
Glass cleaner and paper towels
Rub-on transfers (online sources: Two Peas in a Bucket and Lifetime Moments)
Scissors
Burnisher tool (popsicle stick will do)

To learn the steps,

Before and After: Bedroom Beautiful

casasugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 05:30:37 -0700

Day-Lab DIY, whose chair transformation I featured a while ago, recently posted pictures of her newly rearranged and spiffied bedroom. Here's what it looked like beforehand.

To see how she transformed this room,

May Is Small Changes Month!

casasugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:00:43 -0700

April flowers bring small changes! That's right: May is Small Changes Month! All throughout the month, I'll be bringing you products, tips, and projects to help you make a difference in your home with minimal effort and cost. Minimal effort and cost, you say? What a lovely combination of words!? Expect to be reading about small ways you can incorporate color into your digs, how a little rearranging of your furniture can make a vast transformation, about accessories and furnishings that'll give your pad an entirely new look or function, or lighting solutions that will take a room from stage-ready to seduction-ready! Expect to be seeing a lot of Before and Afters, and prepare to submit your own as well. I'm not going to give any of my industry secrets away just yet, so you'll have to stay tuned if you want to make small changes in your home!
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