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.

"Couples who ski together stay together." This Ski Love Card ($3.50) is woefully cute and full of good intentions and seasonal enthusiasm: it's a must have for any ski bunny couple. Its retro pink and brown diagonal stripes remind me of the ski suits my parents wore in the '70s — good thing? — and the genuine wood ski cutouts also add a charming touch of authenticity. Hoping to make a trip to the slopes this Winter? Maybe this card is just the thing to push your honey over the edge.

Hi Casa,
So I did something really dumb and ordered a big piece of furniture online before I saw it. I love the idea of this Contemporary Swivel Mirror, but unfortunately it's made out of incredibly cheap particleboard.

Even more unfortunate, the return policy is draconian, and I'm feeling too lazy to return it. I'm trying to think of a way to make the mirror look at least a little more interesting. One thing I'm thinking of is spray-painting it gold. Do you have any other ideas?
Thanks and Happy New Year!
Zulkey

To hear my suggestions for Zulkey, read more

Since we're in the middle of Winter, I thought it would be the perfect time to indulge in a little home-decorating cheerfulness. And given the great response I got from readers last month for my holiday decorating challenge, I thought that I'd take advantage of your enthusiasm by asking you to send even more photos of your beautiful homes.

So what makes you happy and cheerful in a Winter home? For me, some pink martini glasses definitely do the trick. But what's your go-to accent for cheerful Winter living?

For this month's Su Casa challenge, I'd like you to share photos of your own bright and cheerful decorating with the rest of us in the Su Casa Group. You have all month to get your photos in, and feel free to add a caption. I'd love to hear why you decorated a particular corner in your home the way you did and what about it makes you happy. Two lucky participants will win the CasaSugar swag of their choice, so it's definitely worth taking a snapshot or two of your home! I'm looking forward to seeing all of your inspired decor!