5 Unexpected Armchair and Ottoman Pairs

CasaSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:00:44 -0800

Anyone with cash to spend can walk into Design Within Reach, Room and Board, or some other fabulous store and buy a matching armchair and ottoman. But where's the fun in that? Like mix-and-match fashion, you can create far more surprises when you pair unlikely pieces. Even more daring: matching modern design with traditional styles.

For instance, rather than buy the footstool that goes with this Room and Board Astoria Chair ($500), why not put your feet up on the Anthropology Noctua Ottoman ($600) instead? Or, pair a Crate and Barrel lounger with a flea market ottoman. I've got plenty of modern/traditional chair and ottoman pairings, so to see them, read more.

Ask Casa: How to Decorate a Studio (Part 2)

CasaSugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:00:20 -0800

Yesterday I answered the first half of LorenAshley's question about living in a studio. To see the second half of my advice for her, just read more.

Living Area:
You'll want to go for a coffee table that moonlights as storage. Crate & Barrel has a great selection of storage ottomans which will do the trick, including the Stow Leather Storage Ottoman which flips to reveal a traytop. Pair that with a super comfortable loveseat or small couch, perhaps a sleeper for guests, and throw in an armchair or some poufs and you'll be good to go on seating. If you can afford it, mount a flat screen TV on the wall. If not, and you do want one prop your regular TV on a small dresser that can store your belongings. Or, put it onto a sideboard with wheels that you can roll into your closet when not in use.

Dining Table:
Then, think about getting a simple table, like the West Elm Parsons Desk which can be used as a dining table, a desk, a craft table, and even a side table. Add some Bamboo Folding Chairs, which can be slid under the bed if necessary. Or you might even consider a dining table that folds into a briefcase!

Resources:
Check out Angel's post on Multipurpose Furniture for a Studio, and my post on small, 74" or less sofas. APT and Tiny Living are also great resources for modern small space furnishings.

I hope that helps! Feel free to ask more questions, if need be. And anyone else who has lived in a studio, please chime in with advice.

Cheers,
Casa

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