CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

And the Winner Is . . .

casasugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:30:43 -0700

Want to know which lucky lady is the second of two winners in my Summer Style Contest? Then

And the Winner Is . . .

casasugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 06:15:41 -0700

Want to know which lucky lady is the first of two winners in my Summer Style contest? Then

Win a $500 Gift Card From Crate and Barrel!

casasugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:30:32 -0700

You and one other lucky CasaSugar reader could be the recipients of a $500 gift card from Crate and Barrel. The catch? Well, there's no catch, actually. All you have to do is send in a photo showing off your home's Summer style.

To find out how to enter to win,

Summer Style Contest Entry: Visual Vamp's NOLA Living Room

casasugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:30:54 -0700

We've seen some beautiful outdoor spaces that have been entered as part of the CasaSugar Summer Style contest. Today, though, I have a great entry that shows a warm weather-friendly interior space. TeamSugar member Visual Vamp writes, "I live in New Orleans, and part of Summer style here is to take up all the rugs and live with bare floors, and cover the furniture in Summer white slipcovers. It's a fast and easy way to get an instant Summer look. Here's my version in my living room."

I love the crisp look of Visual Vamp's living room, as well as the antique-look fan. I have to admit that I'm also already a bit in love with her pup. What a cutie!

Have you entered the contest yet? It's simple: just send a photo illustrating your Summer style at home to my TeamSugar inbox, or post it to the Su Casa group for a chance to win one of two $500 gift cards to Crate & Barrel.

Summer Style: Don't Forget the Lanterns

casasugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:00:14 -0700

One of the most economical and pretty ways that you can decorate your outside space is with colorful paper lanterns. Not only are they inexpensive, they also look great during every hour of your party. If you choose brightly colored lanterns, like the ones shown here, they'll create a huge color splash during the day. At night, once the lanterns are lit, they'll provide a more muted, yet still colorful, addition to the party decorations. I love the festive look of hanging lanterns at garden parties, and just a few strings of paper lanterns can take a party's look from boring to brilliant. Do you decorate with paper lanterns at your parties?

Summer Style Contest Entry: CocoAngel's Home Office

casasugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:15:38 -0700

The CasaSugar Summer Style Contest entries continue to roll in, so I thought I'd share another inspiring entry with you. It's TeamSugar member Cocoangel's first Summer working at home, so she decided it was time to make her space "more like a place where [she] could think good thoughts." She painted her walls "this dreamy shade of blue, called Provence," and she says, "I just feel like I could dive in." On her desk, she keeps a starfish from a cousin who went to Florida, and photos from beach vacations that "make [her] smile when [she] takes a brain break from work." To see more photos and hear more about her Summer style, read her post. Have you entered the contest yet? It's simple: just send a photo illustrating your Summer style at home to my TeamSugar inbox or post it to the Su Casa group for a chance to win one of two $500 gift cards to Crate & Barrel.

Summer Style: Sea Urchins Vase and Votive Holder

casasugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:30:33 -0700

For many of us, what comes to mind when we think of summery décor is beach themes — shells, nautical elements, fish — the kind of Summer style that's been done before a million times, and not well. But your home needn't be a souvenir of your last vacation to Pensacola; there are sea-life accents out there that didn't actually wash up on the shore. I just came across the Global Table Urchin Votives ($12-$22), and was really won over by their life-like shapes and delicate, white, bone china. Then, I remembered the Roost Glass Sea Urchin Vases ($8-$12). I think the two would go particularly well together; I'd love to see a small arrangement of them on a side table. I also don't think they need be reserved solely for your Summer interiors; they're discreet enough to leave around the whole year through.

Where's Your Summer Style?

casasugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:18:23 -0700

It seems as if a few readers are confused as to what they need to do to enter my Summer Style Contest. Since I know you'd all love to win one of the two $500 Crate and Barrel gift certificates I'm giving away, I thought I'd remind you that you need to send in photos of your home's Summer style to qualify to win. You only need to send in one photo, and it can be sent to my TeamSugar inbox, or to the Su Casa group. And you only need one photo to enter!

For instance, here's a photo that would work as an entry. This photo is from the fantastic bridal shower that my sister threw for me this past weekend. She pimped out my backyard with cute tables, brightly striped throw rugs, and cool retro wooden chairs.

To find out more about the contest,

What You're Wanting, Revealed: A Summer Porch

casasugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:00:40 -0700

For this latest What You're Wanting, I wanted to know how you'd create a stylish Summer porch.

As usual, your creativity and thoughtful choices left me impressed. Now I wish our house had a porch! Thanks for the inspiration!

I loved the look that Tdamji put together. She writes that, "Hot Summer evenings can be spent relaxing here on this porch. The cool blues and greens juxtapose the deep browns and crisp whites in this fun, Summer porch decor." I love the muted colors in her look, as well as the relaxing, comfortable furniture she's chosen.

Tdamji wins the CasaSugar schwag of her choice for the look she put together. Congratulations!

To see another lovely look,

Midday Muse: Parasol and Plums

casasugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:00:57 -0700

Paper parasols aren't just for keeping the sun out of your eyes. They'll also add some instant Summer Style to your garden party. Just stick a few in larger shrubs or low-hanging tree branches, and let the fun begin!

Summer Style Contest Entry: Rbid's Breezy Backyard

casasugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 07:00:38 -0700

I wanted to show you another inspiring entry for the CasaSugar Summer Style Contest. TeamSugar member Rbid said that she wanted to share her beautiful backyard, but cheekily added, "Notice how it could use some Crate & Barrel outdoor furniture?"

I definitely advise you to check out the gallery, because Rbid's fountain is too cute — and believe it or not, she captured a robin bathing in it!

Summer Style Contest Entry: CocoChic's Patio

casasugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:00:29 -0700

The CasaSugar Summer Style Contest continues, and I've got handfuls of wonderful submissions from you readers, revealing what your Summer style at home is. Of her Summer style, TeamSugar member CocoChic said that her apartment is very modern and her patio is gray stucco with a gray-painted cement floor, so her focus was "to bring the patio lots of color and make it feel warmer." She called upon her catch-as-catch-can attitude to do so, using an old bath towel as a rug, covering her Ikea table with a fringed vintage wrap, and setting a bouquet of hot-pink hydrangeas in an orange basket as tabletop décor. I'm getting a serious Selina Lake vibe from this table setting; it's very Bazaar Style. I love how CocoChic has managed to pull together a very sophisticated, yet colorful and Summery table setting, at no cost; that carefree attitude is what Summer is all about.

Have you entered the contest yet? It's simple: just send a photo illustrating your Summer style at home to my TeamSugar inbox or post it to the Su Casa group for a chance to win one of two $500 gift cards to Crate & Barrel.

Summer Style Contest Entry: Haze's Slate Garden Gallery

casasugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:30:00 -0700

We're in the thick of the Summer Style Contest, and I've received some wonderful submissions revealing your personal Summer styles at home. One creative reader, Haze, launched a major overhaul of her garden and patio in her 1930s Cape Cod-style home in May. In what she calls the "patio reclamation" and "garden refreshment," her husband was "responsible for acquiring the eclectic mix of midcentury pieces that are featured in the space," and she took it upon herself to "refurbish, reclaim, reuse, and repurpose many of these items in order to create a warm and welcoming space with a unique personality." After installing seven pieces of her original modern, surrealist pop artwork, the space took on a gallery feel. The image above shows the lattice she installed along the length of her neighbor's "privacy fence," as well as her refreshed vintage lawn chairs in the garden. To see her patio up close,

Summer Style: Hibiscus History Placemats and Napkins

casasugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:00:07 -0700

You can always incorporate Summer Style into your home with color, flowers, and beach gear. But honestly, the only time I ever really enjoy the season is when I'm outdoors. And, what better way to do so than to have a picnic or an outdoor barbecue? Setting a colorful outdoor table is the simplest way to achieve Summer Style, so the Anthropologie Hibiscus History Placemats ($64) and Napkins ($24) are just the thing. Pair them with some barbecue-sauced burgers and simple sparkling lemonade and your July barbecue will be good to grill.

Roundup: Glass Lighting in the Garden

casasugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:00:22 -0700

Recently, I showed you some great options in metal lanterns to help enhance your home's Summer Style. Well, after seeing this lovely patio photo, I was inspired to find some pretty choices for you in glass as well. Who knows, maybe with a few more glass lanterns or hurricanes, your home's photos will win my Summer Style contest.

To see some pretty glass lanterns for your home's outdoor space,

Summer Style: Decorating For Kerry Washington's Crib

casasugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:15:28 -0700

One of my favorite eco designers, Danny Seo, is redesigning actress Kerry Washington's LA apartment. Recently, he shared some of his inspirations for the planned redesign of the narrow outdoor spaces at her home. Where did he find these inspirations? On the 15th floor terrace of the Hudson Hotel in New York, where the high-rise outdoor space seems surprisingly private. Source

What You're Wanting: A Porch With Summer Style

casasugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:15:30 -0700

When I used to live in Austin, I had a gorgeous wraparound porch on my house. There was a painted green porch swing, a few antique lawn chairs, and a wicker chest full of games. It was definitely the best space to hang out with friends. While I have a great deck on my house, I don't have a porch and I definitely miss this architectural feature.

So, for this week's What You're Wanting, I want to know how you'd create the ultimate Summer style porch. What kind of chair(s), table, throws, accessories, or plants would you put in this space? Would you add some romantic lanterns to light up the evening? How about a hammock or glider? Add all the finds to your ShopStyle Living stylebook, and create a look tagged with the phrase My Summer Style Porch. Private message me if you have any questions. Oh, and as extra incentive, I'll give some Sugar schwag away to my favorite look!
Source

Summer Style: Wagon Wheel Glider

casasugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:15:00 -0700

If you're trying to add some country charm to your home's Summer Style then this Wagon Wheel Glider ($998, on sale for $599) is the perfect piece of furniture for the job. Made from antique wagon wheel rims and reclaimed teak barwood, the entire swing is made from reclaimed materials, which have all been treated to withstand the elements. While it might not be a favorite with the modernists out there, this glider would look amazing on a ranch porch, or on a vineyard patio.
By the way, have you entered my Summer Style Contest?

Casa Quickie: Decorate with Beach Towels

casasugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:45:53 -0700

If your bank account is suffering, your Summer Style needn't suffer too. One cheap way to decorate your home this month is with beach towels. A Domino reader did so in her '70s Venice, CA home, and you'd never guess that it cost her under $20 for the project. She bought two bold striped beach towels from Target for under $10, and wrapped an ugly cushion of an $8 yard sale bamboo chair with one, and staple-gunned the other to a blank 5' x 2' stretched canvas. The towels are not the same, but their orange color schemes and wide stripes tie them together. Using one vertically and the other horizontally brings an interesting visual element to the room, and the retro colors go nicely with her wood-paneled walls.
Source

Enter CasaSugar's Summer Style Contest!

casasugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:58:16 -0700

Is your home turning up the heat with its Summer style? Well, don't keep it to yourself! Instead, enter the CasaSugar Summer Style contest. By showing off your cool Summer home, you'll be eligible to win one of two $500 gift certificates to Crate & Barrel, which you could use on any of their cute Summer furniture and accessories, or whatever else your heart and home desire.

If you have some serious Summer style, send me photos of your garden, back yard, beach house, bedroom, patio, or deck — the possibilities are endless! Just show me photos that illustrate your pad's Summer style, along with a few words about what defines your personal Summer style. Feel free to mention projects that are represented in the photos, as well as sources for home furniture items and accessories, or ways that you've "summerized" your home or outdoor space.

To find out how to enter,

Nice and New: Picnic Trunk with Table

casasugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:15:00 -0700

One of my favorite ways to enjoy the Summer weather is picnic-ing with friends and good grub. But, sometimes picnics can be so orchestrated — "Meet at the north west corner of the park. Bring X,Y, and Z drinks. Oh! And don't forget your frisbee. I don't have a blanket, do you? Should we invite so and so?" — that it gets me down. I always envision the perfect picnic in my mind, and coordinating all the ideal details complicates things and stresses me out. So, it's crucial to have a picnic basket ready to go, so I can have a hassle-free picnic on the fly. The Design Within Reach Picnic Trunk with Table ($200) qualifies as that key ingredient and more; it has all the fixin's (two wine glasses, two melamine plates, cutlery, a corkscrew, two cotton napkins and salt and pepper shakers) and it has an extendable table on which I can serve up my feast. And, its durable canvas fabric and hefty strap will stand the test of time, making it perfect for habitual picnic-ers like me.

Crave Worthy: Kokoon Free Standing Hammock

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

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

Casa Quickie: Let's Take This Outside

casasugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Attractive outdoor furniture is often expensive, and affordable outdoor furniture is tacky more often than not. But, if you're a country dweller with a beautiful backyard, you shouldn't let it sit unused this Summer. Considering bringing your indoor furniture outdoors when you're entertaining. Obviously, you don't want to lug your heavy dining table outdoors whenever you want to eat, so pick up a Folding Melamine Banquet Table ($42) from Staples and a Summery table cloth that you love. Then, have each of your guests bring their dining chair outdoors from your dining room. Instant chic dinner party!
Source

Summer Style: An English Cottage Garden

casasugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:15:18 -0700

Do you need some inspiration for remaking your home's garden or outdoor space? Susi has developed a beautiful English cottage garden across the pond from us, and the results are rather awe inspiring. From a kitchen garden to a pond to an outdoor dining area, I am absolutely in love with her beautiful outdoor space in Hampshire, England. Source

Etsy Find: Ice Cream Lollies Tea Towel

casasugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:00:22 -0700

I'm far from an Adam Sandler groupie, but there are a few of his movie scenes that always get me. One of these is in Mr. Deeds, when his character tries to sell an ice cream glove to investors — such a dumb idea but I still kind of understand the need for one. Since the fictional product was never produced, we'll have to make do by wiping down our sticky fingers with the MrPS Ice Cream Lollies Tea Towel ($16). The 100 percent cotton tea towel is hand-printed in retro turquoise with hand-drawn and photographic images of ice cream cones and popsicles, images synonymous with Summer Style. Sorry, fudgsicles not included.

Summer Style: Garnet Hill Beach Break Percale Bedding

casasugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:00:29 -0700

If you've got a beach house to furnish, a colorful, Chace Crawford-style lawn chair by your pool or in the sand will give your home an instant taste of the season. But, if you're a city mouse, you can still capture the Summer style of a day at the beach with colorful lounge chairs printed on your bedding. The Garnet Hill Beach Break Percale Bedding ($25-$125) is printed with original watercolor artwork on 200 thread count. The printed lounge chairs have fun seasonal motifs like sailboats, watermelons, and seashells in cheery reds, pinks, blues, and greens. Now if you could only get Chace Crawford to take a siesta, too . . .

Steal of the Day: Pottery Barn Chesapeake Changing Cabana

casasugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:00:52 -0700

Ever since I snuck up to the rooftop pool at W Hotel in New Orleans for a late-night swim, I've been convinced that a cabana is the key to the ultimate poolside haven. Not only can you use it to slip into your teeny weeny yellow polka-dot bikini, but it's also a great escape from the sun and other poolside dwellers. In other words, it's the quintessence of Summer style. Those of you with a pool might want to open your ears now: the Pottery Barn Chesapeake Changing Cabana ($299, reduced from $429) is on sale and ready to make its debut in your backyard. And, it has a FSC-certified solid eucalyptus frame finished with a protective oil-based wood stain, so it may actually outlast your bikini years.

Summer Style: CB2's Decorating Advice

casasugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:30:25 -0700

I recently asked Marta Calle, the product director at CB2, about some of her favorite outdoor furniture. She raved about the CB2 Resort Outdoor Sectional ($249-$1346). She says, “I personally own this collection and created a sectional pit for entertaining and relaxing with friends and family. In neutral grey and a warm white — and at value prices — these modular pieces can go anywhere and can be configured to fit any space, however small or large. As many are staying close to home this summer, the resort outdoor sectional creates a relaxing destination to entertain and enjoy the outdoors.”

What summer patio furniture do you use? And, speaking of which, have you entered my Summer Style Contest?

Summer Style: Design Tips From Kyle Schuneman

casasugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:15:48 -0700

If you're a fan of Kyle Schuneman's livable, stylish designs, you'll probably also be interested in hearing his words of advice on creating Summer style in your home (especially if you're entering the Summer style contest).

To hear his advice,

Crave Worthy: Beach House by Mary Bloch

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

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

Summer Style: Ketchup Bottle Candle

casasugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:30:00 -0700

For some reason, I think of Summer as the most casual of all the seasons. Maybe it's the memories of running around barefoot in the grass, the low-key attitude given off by shorts and T-shirt ensembles, or that Summer vacations inherently equate ditching your suit and tie, but whatever it is, it certainly allows for a little kitsch. That's why I'm so enamored with this Ketchup Bottle Candle ($13.95): it's the ultimate kitschy lighting for your leisurely Summer barbecue. And actually, empty bottles of actual ketchup may be just the right size to hold a tapered candle: a condiment candlestick — but even that might be too formal for a hot dogs and hamburgers crowd.

Summer Style: Flower Arranging Tips From Paul Lowe

casasugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:45:18 -0700

It seems like I'm not the only one who thinks that one rule of Summer style should be keeping things simple. Interior and food stylist Paul Lowe, whose gorgeous floral arrangements I featured earlier this week, agrees that simple presentations can make a huge visual impact when it comes to flowers. I asked him if he could provide CasaSugar readers with some simple Summer styling techniques when it came to flowers, and he happily agreed.

Here's one of Paul's flower tips:

"When I work with flowers I always try to keep it simple. I don't like mixing too many types of flowers in a vase. I believe that one kind of flower in a vase makes a bigger statement then a mix of flowers. If you want to use a mix, put them in separate vases.

Want to hear another of Paul's tips? Then

How-To: Decorate With Summer Flowers

casasugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:15:42 -0700

Interior stylist Paul Lowe makes beautiful vignettes with food, flowers, and home interiors. These outdoor entertaining shots provide inspiration for simple decorating ideas, many of which you can do with little or no cash output, especially if you have a small flower garden. You can also steal these tips for decorating with flowers at a summer wedding. To see some lovely decorating ideas, which would be perfect for an outdoor garden party or destination summer wedding, check out the slideshow. Photos by Frances Janisch

Midday Muse: A World-Class Backyard

casasugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:00:27 -0700

Designer Selina Lake created this world style-influenced backyard vignette using a vintage suzani, feminine-hued throw pillows, and a jaunty crystal-accented parasol. While you might not have all of these elements in your garage or attic, I bet you could round up a few to create a similar cozy outdoor space at your own home. I'm currently contemplating taking our old coffee table out of the garage and setting it on a back deck platform in our yard, adorning it with lanterns and throw pillows, and inviting friends over for a midnight Scrabble marathon. How could you create some Summer style using elements you already own?

Source

Casa Quickie: Improve Your Timing

casasugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:15:38 -0700

Is your house too hot? Maybe you need to improve your timing. Adjust the hours you spend in certain rooms according to how much sunlight is streaming through the windows. At our house, it's sometimes unbearably hot in the afternoon and early evening in our living room, so instead of fighting it, we migrate to the office, bedroom, or backyard. By avoiding the worst hours in your hottest rooms, you can keep cool without spending a penny. That's a win-win, don't you think? Source

Would You Put a Hammock Inside Your Home?

casasugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:15:56 -0700

When it comes to Summer style, comfort is key. Would you get comfy by outfitting your home with a hammock? Source

Would You Put a Hammock Inside Your Home?

Definitely! I think it would look fresh and boho.

Yes, if you consider my porch or patio "inside" my home.

Maybe, but it would have to look perfect!

No way.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Summer Style: Pool Photography

casasugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 05:30:04 -0700

If you can't pop out your back door and jump into a nice, wet watering hole on those dog days this month, you can still feel the warmth of Summer in your home by purchasing some pool photography. And, if you do have a pool, hanging a photograph of one on your walls will coordinate nicely. New York-based photographer Samantha West's moody and romantic "Saint James" print (2007) is available for purchase in 22" x 22" (inquire for price) — a perfect square to soak your house in Summer style. To get your feet wet with some other pool photography,

Summer Style: Outdoor Rugs at Overstock.com

casasugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:00:49 -0700

Overstock.com can be a wonderful shopping treasure — kind of like a low-rent ShopStyle. But, unless you have the patience to dig through its wealth of tacky inventory, it is a pain in the bottom. Since I noticed that they have a vast selection of outdoor rugs, and I told you that outdoor rugs were a must-have this month, I decided to be a good friend and weed through them for you. Overstock actually has several rugs that I'm really drawn to, like this Manchester Propylene Area Rug ($114), more so than those from traditionally more stylish retailers like West Elm. Check out the widget below to see if there's one for you.

Summer Style: Dermond Peterson Design

casasugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:30:29 -0700

Want to integrate some Summer style into your home without going overboard? Then pick up one of these pillows from Dermond Peterson Design.
These pillows' prints are sophisticated, toned-down versions of the cliché Summer motifs that abound, and won't need to be switched out once the leaves turn color. To find out more about these designs, as well as the sisters who formed the company,

Midday Muse: Seasonal Decorating

casasugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:00:25 -0700

One way to cultivate Summer Style in your home is by decorating with finds from your Summer excursions. It could be a smooth, round stone from a beach day trip, or some dahlias from your garden. However you choose to decorate, keep it simple. After all, it's Summer, and we want to keep the living easy!

Source

July Must Haves

casasugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:55 -0700

Welcome to the dog days of Summer. This month CasaSugar is all about Summer Style. We're going to run a month-long contest that will encourage you to show off your Summer home looks, whether it's a plant-filled patio or a lakeside cabin. Meanwhile, take a look at some of my July Must Haves to get some easy decorating ideas for all of your lazy Summer evenings at home and in the backyard. Source