The French word crochet literally means hook and refers to the instrument used to create the intricate knots of yarn or rope used in a crochet pattern. I'm sure many of you have memories of a grandmother crocheting, and while many patterns were definitely granny-style, as we've seen before, crochet is constantly being updated and modernized.We've rounded up some incredible crochet art, as well as pieces that you can add to your home, that take crochet to a thoroughly modern level.
Reclaimed wooden benches are a beautiful yet functional investment you could easily make work for your foyer, mudroom, outdoor patio, or even dining room table. These 10 Etsy finds showcase the raw and rustic beauty of oak, pine, cedar, and Douglas fir. The best part is — no trees were harmed in the making of these benches. Each bench has a unique story of where the maker reclaimed the wood, and locations include old train cars, historical buildings, and home remodels. Click through to see if it's time to fill that bare space in your home with one of these reclaimed wooden benches.
These days we have a wide range of lightbulbs to choose from: halogen, compact fluorescent, LED, filament, and incandescent. While traditional designs attempt to diffuse and hide the lightbulb with lamp shades, now is the time to celebrate the bare bulb. These 10 inspired lighting designs emphasize the beauty of the bulb without the harsh, blinding light.
Since most of us won't be using our fireplaces this Summer, why not take advantage of them and use them for decorating instead of fire-building? From collections of glassware to shells and beachy souvenirs, I've got plenty ideas for giving your fireplace a facelift this Summer.
Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member stephaniepoli from the Su Casa group:
The living room was feeling kind of bland. Don't get me wrong, I love a neutral palette, but sometimes you just find yourself craving something bold. I find the easiest way to change the feel of a room is with throw pillows. I also added these matching black and white lamps over the couch for added symmetry. For additional photos and information about this room visit my blog Love&Lace.
Have you finished any redecorating projects lately? Be sure to share your photos with the Su Casa group!
Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon play star-crossed lovers Jacob and Marlene in Water For Elephants, out April 22. The movie, which is set in the 1930s, features gorgeous costuming and exotic circus sets. Check out photos from the film and ideas for integrating this vintage '30s-circus look into your home.
Last night, Taylor Swift won the Entertainer of the Year Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Swift gave a heartfelt thank-you speech upon receiving the award, and also performed her song "Mean" to an enthusiastic crowd. My tween-age sister is a huge Taylor Swift fan, and she recently sent me the link to the video "Back to December." The video, directed by Yoann Lemoine, was shot in upstate New York, and has a completely covetable look. See how this look can translate to your home, and then watch the whole video on Taylor Swift's site.
The New York Times recently ran an article and slideshow called "American Rustic," describing several different East Coast households that identified with this style. And while I will admit to appreciating and identifying with a few elements inherent in American rustic styling, some of it is a bit over the top (collections of antique dog identification tags, anyone?). So, is your household American rustic? If you answer yes to more than six out of these 10 elements identified in the article, then I'd venture to guess that you, too, have a bit of American rusticity in your home, too. 
You may be an American rustic if you . . .
Does this sound like your style? Keep reading to see if you're really an American rustic.
I'm having tropical getaway dreams thanks to Anthropologie's March catalog. The catalog's gorgeous new dresses in flouncy cotton and silk blends are the perfect match for a balmy beachfront vacation. Whether or not you're hitting a tropical island anytime soon, you can match the look of the beach-friendly Anthro dresses with a few decor finds in your casa.
In Episode 2 of Secrets From a Stylist, Emily Henderson helped the Ravals, an artistic family living in Culver City, integrate function into their bohemian, free-spirited style. Check out three of her great tips from this past episode! 
Tip 1: Pay Attention to Bulk and Scale in a Space "The Ravals' living room was a big lesson in scale. That sofa was enormous, yet didn't actually fit that many people on it. Super contradictory I know, but sometimes the arms are so bulky and the backs are so bulky that you end up wasting so much space. Those huge bulky chunky sofas are great in theory but only if you have a huge space that can handle it. So when I was shopping for a sofa for them I kept scale in mind first and foremost. I needed one that was low and cuddly and didn't block off the open space plan too much, but also had slim arms and a slim back. The proportions of the one I bought was perfect for their house, and actually seats four to five people if needed. And don't get me started on that bookcase. It was two feet deep! You never ever need a casegood to be two feet deep, bookshelves should be maximum 18 inches but often 16 inches is enough. No book or media accessory is actually that deep. It's all about choosing the scale that fits the space and maximizes the function.
