Geek Out: Do You Trust Online Reviews? A Su Casa member recently ordered a mirror online and was quite disappointed when it arrived at her home. In this case, an online product review could have been helpful. At other times, I'm not sure whether to trust them. What's your opinion?
In the past few years, many companies have been making the transition to greener products. West Elm has definitely been a part of this movement, and its catalog now contains products that are organic, recycled, or reclaimed. I'm partial to this natural tree-stump side table ($199), which is crafted from fallen cypress trees. While the line isn't perfect yet, I think it's definitely a step in the right direction.
To see some of my other favorites from West Elm's green line, read more
Celine Charley Harper Pumps: Love It or Hate It? Much like interior designer Todd Oldham, I'm a huge fan of the work of American Modernist artist Charley Harper. So, when I spotted these fabulous Charley Harper print pumps over at FabSugar, I couldn't help but share the love!
The Artifort Chaise Lounge ($5,287) was designed in 1970 by Geoffrey Harcourt, which goes some way toward explaining its groovy lines. Its shape comes courtesy of a tubular steel frame and molded foam, and if you're not thrilled with the yellow wool upholstery, it's available in a number of other colors. Would you want to chill out on this chaise?
Cheers With Gin and Tonic Cupcakes I'm always looking for festive desserts to serve at my cocktail parties, for those times when my guests have already eaten din din. When I came across YumSugar's recipe for this cocktail-inspired cupcake, which looks as good as it sounds, my search was finally complete!
I wanted to find an appropriate way to celebrate inauguration day here on CasaSugar without pushing red, white, and blue items at you or suggesting you buy Obama-inspired artwork. I know you don't want your homes looking like a Fourth of July parade, and you may not be interested in political figure art, or President-elect Barack Obama, for that matter. So, I thought I'd round up some work by a few of my favorite American designers. It might surprise you how many classic, iconic designs were born and raised right here in the US of A. For instance, the Cherner Arm Chair ($959), which was a recent Crave Worthy of mine, has "Danish modern" written all over it. But in fact, Norman Cherner was an American who studied and taught at Columbia University, was an instructor at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and designed for a Massachusetts-based manufacturing company! Check out the rest of my American-bred design finds when you read more
Last week, I told you that Michael S. Smith had been chosen as the Obamas' White House designer. I can't tell you how thrilled I am by their choice. Smith blends modern comfort with a timeless elegance, and I'm excited that a Californian will be decorating the capital residence. Smith, who divides his time between Los Angeles and New York, honed his designing chops at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles and The Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Although just 44 years old, Smith has already received many prestigious awards, including Architectural Digest’s The AD 100 in 2002 and 2004 and 2003 Designer of the Year from Elle Decor. Smith's work has also graced the pages of Elle Decor Magazine, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Town and Country, Domino, Metropolitan Home, Interior Design, and W. Smith's new book, Houses, offers advice on decorating your own home through the example of 20 projects, including Smith's own Bel Air residence.
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