CasaSugar

Steal of the Day: Nate Berkus Linen Chain Pillow

CasaSugar — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:00:38 -0700

One look at this sophisticated linen hand-stitched chain pillow, and I bet you'd never guess it's from HSN. Well, it is. And better yet, this Nate Berkus Linen Chain Pillow ($14.95, reduced from $39.95) is unbelievably affordable. Judging the quality of online products is difficult, but considering that this one is made of 100 percent linen, I feel reassured. Moreover, I just love its chain detailing. The zig-zag patterned chain has a great graphic quality and juxtaposes in a fresh way with the natural quality of the linen.

Roundup: Chain Reaction

CasaSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:00:48 -0800

I just stumbled across this porcelain Jonathan Adler Chain Frame ($125) and was reminded of how much I cherish the equestrian-chic look of a classic chain link. As much as I love the frame (white porcelain, yum), I don't know if I'd throw down over 100 smackers for it, unless perhaps it displayed a photo of me and say . . . Matthew Fox, sigh. So, I decided I'd seek out some other chain link patterns and motifs and see what comes up. The winner, I think, is Iomoi's Bamboo Chain Link Pattern Lucite Tray ($100), but there's still more goodies that may chain-ge my mind.

To see them, read more.

Casa Quickie: A Softening Rain Chain

CasaSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:00:35 -0700

Danny Seo recently shared a wonderful tip on his blog to keep water from rushing out of your gutters too quickly, and I had to share. "Just connect a chain to the downspout of your gutters and let the rain slowly and gently trickle all the way down the chain," he says. The softening rain chain creates a beautiful sound when the rain dances down the chain, adding a sweet musical element to your home. Much nicer than the harsh pounding of gutter water hitting the ground. If you've got plants to water though, you may want to just set a barrel beneath the downspout of your gutter to collect rain for watering.
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Your Favorite Home Décor Chain Store of 2008

CasaSugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:00:27 -0800

As part of our Best of 2008 polls, you named Target as your favorite home décor chain store this year. It's no wonder: this year the Bullseye introduced some fabulous designer pieces by DwellStudio, Cynthia Rowley, Sami Hayek, Graham & Brown, and John Derian, and as always, charmed us with affordable prices. I must agree to disagree with you on this one, though. This year, I fell hard for CB2, which, perhaps not coincidentally, opened a new store in my 'hood (San Francisco).
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What's Your Favorite Home Décor Chain Store of 2008?

CasaSugar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:00:31 -0800

As much as I love to fill my digs with antiques and unique treasures from far-off lands, it's hard not to shop at home décor chain stores. Their prices, sales, customer service, websites, and expansive inventory simply can't be beat. It's all a balancing act, and of course no one wants their home to look like a department store showroom. But for the basics, a big box retailer is tried and true. So, for our Best of 2008 polls, let me know which one is your favorite this year.

Your Favorite Home Décor Chain Store

CasaSugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:00:52 -0800

In our Best of 2007 polls, you chose Ikea as your favorite home décor chain store this year. I definitely agree that Ikea's showrooms and design ideas are inspiring, and their prices can't be beat. I have to go with Anthropologie as my favorite home décor chain store, though. Aside from being conveniently located, Anthropologie's window and displays never cease to be breath-taking, their textiles are delightful, and their vast selection of home accents is always unique.

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What's Your Favorite Home Décor Chain Store of 2007?

CasaSugar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:00:44 -0800

I don't want to imply that I don't love boutique shops, but there's something reassuring about knowing that you can always get the basics at home-décor chain stores, wherever you are. It's kind of like eating at fast-food restaurants. Yes, you may always crave the croque monsieur at the French café on your corner, but a Double Whopper is a tried-and-true solution if you're far from home. So, for our Best of 2007 polls let me know which one is your favorite this year.

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Sale Alert: Midsummer Markdowns at Jonathan Adler

CasaSugar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:30:00 -0700

Everybody loves a good scandal. Especially when it's the "scandalously priced markdowns" at Jonathan Adler. The always happy-chic shop has reduced a selection of accessories including dinnerware, bathware, porcelain frames, table linens, and rugs by 20 to 50 percent. I'm loving this equestrian prepster Chain Rug ($1,000 for the six-by-nine-foot size, reduced from $1,250). But it's more likely that I'll pony up for this cheerful blue melamine Acapulco Tray ($19.60, reduced from $28), which I featured back in April. Need any gifts? There are plenty of goodies on sale.

Design Ideas From My Tour of the Ace Hotel New York! Part II: The Lobby

CasaSugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:00:00 -0700

If you saw Part I of this slideshow (The Loft Suite), you know I was recently invited to tour the new Ace Hotel in New York. I've always been a fan of the boutique hotel chain's vintage industrial aesthetic, but I particularly loved the prep school/university library feel of Ace NY's lobby. Tall ceilings, original floor tiling, old wooden tables, giant columns, cozy, quiet seating, and a well-bound collection of dusty books made me feel like I'd stepped into a scene from School Ties - although Matt Damon was nowhere to be found. There are plenty of clever design ideas for you take from this lobby, even if a trip to the Big Apple isn't in your plans.

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Cool Idea: Isabel Quiroga's StoryTeller Book Rack

CasaSugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0700

I imagine some furniture lovers might find Isabel Quiroga's Storyteller Book Rack to be sacrilegious. Considering how many tables and desks sit abandoned on sidewalks and in thrift stores, many with dated or worn finishes, I think it's brilliant. Not only is this book rack made of old tables a great way to repurpose something that's no longer needed, but it proves that there's strength in numbers. While one coffee table may have held a couple art books and a set of coasters, the sum of them can house a whole library. Storyteller is the sort of the thing that'll make your friends say, "Wow. I wish I'd thought of that." Get out your chain saws.

Chain Link Border Indoor/Outdoor Rug - $189.00	Horn Curtain Chain Tieback - $19.00
Chain-Link Embroidered Linen Pillows - $78.00	L'Objet 5 X 7 Equestrian Frame - $165.00
Esque Design - gold chain hand-made vase by esque design - $300.00	notNeutral - Links Dinner Plate Set - $72.00
Link Embroidery Sheet Set - $40.00	Avanti Ultima Circle Chain Wash Towel - $20.00
Waterford "Dorado" Covered Sugar Bowl - $120.00	Chain Link Quilt by Roxy, 100% Cotton - $16.99