design

Sail Away With a Summer House Boat Rental

If you're looking for a more adventurous approach to Summer travel, consider swapping out a hotel stay for a house boat experience.

If you're looking for a more adventurous approach to Summer travel, consider swapping out a hotel stay for a house boat experience. Cozy quarters, morning swims, and epic sunsets are just some of the perks. Whether it's metropolitan action you crave or a serene retreat, we've uncovered five house boat gems you're sure to love. Keep reading for a peek inside these floating homes that span from the San Francisco Bay to Stockholm's Lake Malaren.

design

FleaPop: A New Virtual Flea Market Just in Time For Summer

Think of FleaPop as Etsy and Craiglist's lovechild — a cool new way to buy from, sell to, and connect with people.

Think of FleaPop as Etsy and Craiglist's lovechild — a cool new way to buy from, sell to, and connect with people. The just-launched shopping site lets you peruse well-curated virtual shops by style or seller, blending the communal vibe of Etsy with the diversity of Craigslist. Products range from high-end (the most expensive item runs $10,000) to quirky, less expensive finds and everything in between. With over 80 shops selling more than 1,000 finds, we dare you to click away from the site without making a purchase.

interior design

Rainbow Bright: Decor to Celebrate LGBT Pride Month

Celebrate LGBT Pride Month by incorporating rainbow accents with a universal appeal.

Celebrate LGBT Pride Month by incorporating rainbow accents with a universal appeal. If you're looking for pieces to perk up a dull room, then rainbow is the way to go. Whether your aesthetic is whimsical or slightly more sophisticated, we have just the thing!

interior design

Steal the Style: Viceroy Hotel, Santa Monica

Leave it to the Viceroy hotel to define Southern California sophistication.

Leave it to the Viceroy hotel to define Southern California sophistication. This beachside hotel merges classic and contemporary pieces into an upscale bohemian resort that captures the beachy style we've been seeking. But, if a trip to Santa Monica isn't in the books, steal the style. Between the pops of color and sleek accents, California chic can easily make its way into your home this Summer.

  • Maze Pillow ($295): A graphic pillow can become the focal point of the bed when placed against all-white bedding.
  • Black and Brass Rider Bench ($695): Place this bench at the end of a bed for a glamorous touch.
  • Perch Table Lamp ($69): Use this mid-century lamp to add a pop of color to a side table or desk.
  • Delphine Chair ($1,795): This chair is classic yet bold thanks to its bright Kelly green color.
  • Metropolitan Black Candlesticks ($60, originally $86): Give your tabletop a luxe touch with these deco candlesticks.
  • Monofiori Balloton Vase ($301): Styled with or without flowers, this green vase is an eye-catching piece.
  • Pagoda-Shaped Mirror ($495): Because of its cutout frame, use this mirror to open up a small space.
  • Jungle Tray ($36): Serve up a breezy Southern California vibe using this tray.
house tour

Sneak Peek: Dwell on Design's West Side House Tour

As the country's largest modern design show, Dwell on Design unsurprisingly offers up some of the most anticipated, jaw-dropping house tours.

As the country's largest modern design show, Dwell on Design unsurprisingly offers up some of the most anticipated, jaw-dropping house tours. Each year, architecture buffs sign up to explore some of the most notable, modern residences for a self-driven tour in Los Angeles. If you're an Angeleno toying with the idea of checking out this year's offerings or are considering traveling for the occasion, then you might want to decide quickly — tickets sell like hot cakes! Keep reading to catch a glimpse of the Bohemian haunts featured in this Saturday's West Side Tour, and use the code SUGAR13 for a $5 discount on general admission for Dwell on Design!

summer

Cool Idea: Self-Watering Living Wall Planter

We love the look of a living wall but have always been the tiniest bit intimidated by them.

We love the look of a living wall but have always been the tiniest bit intimidated by them. Perhaps we weren't the only ones because the people behind the beloved Woolly Pocket planters have come out with a new version that appears to be almost idiotproof.

Unlike the original soft-sided design, the new wall planter ($27) has hard sides (making it as easy to use as a regular pot) and comes equipped with a built-in self-watering tank, vents to encourage evaporation, and a very straightforward installation method that doesn't even require measuring tools or a level. Plus, it comes in six colors!

Since it is made from plastic, the planter can be used indoors or out-, making it the perfect option for, well, almost everybody. It would be perfect for homeowners, renters, apartment dwellers, and everyone in between. Wouldn't they be wonderful for a restaurant patio?

Although they look great on their own, we love them best in multiples, be it on a backyard fence, in the living room, or in the kitchen. What will you be doing with them? Plant your own, take a photo, and tag it #casasnap so that we can see your living wall masterpiece!

summer

Poll: Would You Take a Bath on Your Deck?

We loved this urban oasis at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House this year but couldn't help but ask: would someone really bathe on his or her deck in the middle of Manhattan?

We loved this urban oasis at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House this year but couldn't help but ask: would someone really bathe on his or her deck in the middle of Manhattan?

What do you think? If you lived here, would you use the outdoor bathtub?

design

Spark Inbox Envy With These Paperless Invites

Celebrating Summer just got more groovy, thanks to Jonathan Adler's new line for Paperless Post.

Celebrating Summer just got more groovy, thanks to Jonathan Adler's new line for Paperless Post. With 50 original designs announcing everything from beach parties to baby births, choosing a favorite may take a while. Still, you'll save time and trees by foregoing the snail-mail route — a lifesaver when it comes to spontaneous shindigs. Tip: your loved ones will appreciate the humorous selections (think die-cut invitation in the shape of men's bikini briefs) that are perfect for stirring up a mundane Monday.